Founder and CEO Bob Schafer created a highly successful bakery supply business from scratch all from operating cash flow; no debt.  Mixing and/or distributing 150 million pounds a year of ingredients to food manufacturers, this Minnesota Family Business Award-winning company has weathered three recessions since its founding in 1991. Thus far it is handing the Covid-19 recession well by adapting to the times, while also protecting its values. This includes how it pivoted to handle new business without hiring more people.

Schafer discusses this and more in this interview, shot on location at Northland Ingredients in Arden Hills, MN. He talks about how to attract and retain talent beyond wage increases (which the competition can simply match) and provides tips for struggling business on how to survive this recession. These  include working out creative terms with vendors and taking an honest look at parts of your business that could be eliminated, allowing you to focus on those most valuable.  

About One Take CEO Interviews CEOs and chairs openly share how they’re leading during 2020’s pandemic, recession and other challenges during candid, ‘one take’ unedited discussions. The series is produced by Dale Kurschner, who for 30 years served as one of the most trustworthy, timely business journalists in Minnesota. Dale most recently led Twin Cities Business magazine as its Editor in Chief (2010-2018) and today serves as a strategic communication consultant at Platinum Group. These interviews are independently produced with no funding or other financial  affiliation with the CEOs who are interviewed.