62,500 Reasons to Stay Focused

WOW!  62,500 reasons to stay focused?  Maybe that seems like overkill, or maybe even contrary to the definition of “focused."  Or maybe with the additional time nowadays we can sit back and start counting 62,500 reasons. 

Before telling you the significance of the number 62,500, let me start with just three reasons—the major reasons—we're staying focused at Rockin' Baker. Even in the face of a global pandemic. 

 
1. Staying true to our Why

Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue "baking a difference" in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges.   

Startup challenges, and Rockin' Baker had her fair share, now seem minor compared to what a pandemic throws at you.  Yet, not even COVID-19 has derailed Rockin’ Baker from developing the skills of neurodiverse individuals, an overlooked segment of our population that is afforded fewer opportunities to demonstrate their talents.  In this brave, new world of COVID-19, our mission is more important than ever.

So, we're staying focused. 

 
2. Staying true to our values

Market pressures force difficult business decisions, and can even cause a business to cut corners.  Despite the challenges we're facing, there's at least one thing I will never compromise: adding preservatives to our products. 

This position may limit our growth, but I’m willing to live with that.  As we donate more of our bread to the community, we could simply make a cheaper version for distribution.  However, this would also mean not walking the talk. 

We watch costs like any business, pinching pennies where we can. But we'll never sacrifice quality to improve our expense reports. 

Promise. 

 
3. Staying true to our Community

The effects of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable segment of our community are unmeasurable, devastating and heartbreaking.  We wouldn’t be staying true to our values if we didn’t do our part to help. 

As part of our Rise Up Together campaign, this little bakery has churned out thousands of artisan buns every week to nourish families in our community struggling to put food on their tables. 

62,500 servings of bread to be exact. Now you see why we have 62,500 reasons to stay focused.   

And we’re not stopping because the need is greater than anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes. We understand the effects of this pandemic will linger for years.  We also understand the struggles will continue for our industry if consumer spending slows to even lower levels.
 
Living in unchartered times has become our new normal, and learning, adapting and exercising our courage muscle is part of it.