Sugar Shane's - The Award Winning Decadent Cookies and Sweet Treats Brand

Episode Summary

Shane Quillin, founder of Sugar Shane's, shared his journey from corporate America to launching a gourmet cookie business. Initially inspired by New York-style cookies, he started baking from home in January 2020 and officially launched Sugar Shane's on March 1, 2020. Despite initial challenges, including a COVID-19-induced pivot to shipping and pickup services, the brand saw significant growth, with over 500 orders in June 2020. Sugar Shane's now offers various cookie flavors, including Chocolate Chip, Banana Pudding, and Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownie, and has partnerships with major corporations like Delta. Quillin emphasized the importance of customer service, creativity, and community in his success.

Sugar Shane's Origin Story

• Brad introduces Shane Quillin and his award-winning dessert company, Sugar Shane's.
• Shane shares his background, mentioning his decade-long stint in corporate America and his initial skepticism about corporate skills in his business.
• Shane describes his extensive travel experiences, which included visiting over 40 states and 19 countries, and his frequent trips to New York City.
• During a trip to New York in December 2019, Shane discovered New York-style cookies and decided to start a gourmet cookie company.

The Birth of Sugar Shane's

• Shane recounts his initial attempts at baking cookies, starting with handmade batches and using his mother's mixer.
• He describes the challenges of starting a baking business without any prior experience, including the purchase of his first mixer in January 2020.
• Shane aimed to launch a gourmet cookie catering company by March 1, 2020, and secured his first major order for a St. Patrick's Day party.
• The onset of COVID-19 in March 2020 forced Shane to pivot from catering to shipping and pickup services, leading to the creation of Sugar Shane's.

Adapting to COVID-19 and Building the Brand

• Shane explains how he faked sellouts to generate interest and build a customer base from April to June 2020.
• By June 1, Sugar Shane's received over 500 orders and expanded its services to include shipping, pickup, and delivery.
• Shane highlights the inclusivity of his product, noting that anyone can afford a $5 cookie, regardless of their financial status.
• The brand's success during COVID-19 allowed Shane to see the full spectrum of society, from low-income to high-net-worth individuals, all enjoying his cookies.

Corporate Partnerships and Customization

• Shane discusses Sugar Shane's partnerships with major corporations like Delta and NCR, emphasizing the flexibility of their services.
• He shares his passion for packaging and how custom designs have helped the brand stand out, including the ability to create custom bags in three weeks.
• Shane reflects on his creative process and how he discovered his talent for creating unique cookie flavors and designs.
• The brand's ability to offer customized products has been a key factor in its success and growth.

Entrepreneurial Advice and Personal Journey

• Shane advises aspiring entrepreneurs not to quit their day jobs and to keep their minds open to unexpected opportunities.
• He emphasizes the importance of learning the foundations of running a business and building a strong network of like-minded individuals.
• Shane shares his experience of providing value to others in the industry, which has helped him gain support and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.
• He highlights the importance of leadership by example and the value of hands-on experience in building a successful business.

Community and Collaboration

• Shane and Brad discuss the importance of building a community around their brands and the potential for future collaborations.
• They mention the success of previous partnerships, such as with Georgia Hemp, and the potential for new collaborations with other brands.
• Shane shares his vision for expanding Sugar Shane's into a community hub, including hosting DJ parties and live music events.
• The conversation underscores the value of collaboration and the mutual support within the entrepreneurial community.

Future Plans and Final Thoughts

• Shane talks about his plans to expand Sugar Shane's into new locations and continue experimenting with unique cookie flavors and designs.
• He expresses his excitement for future partnerships and collaborations, including potential co-branded products and events.
• Shane reflects on the journey of building Sugar Shane's from scratch and the lessons learned along the way.
• The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of passion, creativity, and community in achieving entrepreneurial success.