Jean Thompson is the owner and CEO for Seattle Chocolate Company. The company manufactures and brings to market quality and beloved brands such as Frangos, Choxie, Chick Chocolates, and — of course — Seattle Chocolates truffle bars, which are now available in more than 8,000 grocery stores across the country. Her intention is to create an extraordinary company that makes it convenient for lovers of delicious, quality chocolate to get their daily fix wherever they live and shop. Since taking the helm at the company in late 2002, sales have more than tripled, the team has expanded to 75 employees, and the company has expanded its facilities to include a 65,000 square foot production and warehouse facility where everyone works collaboratively to create high quality, delicious chocolates that customers across the U.S. are proud to buy and share. Jean spoke before the members and guests of the Women Business Owners organization last Thursday and offered a number of valuable lessons learned while growing her company. Here are some of them:
Take chances and make changes. Remember, problems you inherit at launch will linger and fester if you don’t own them and act on them within 30 days. Don’t delay making tough decisions. Hire will and fire fast. Be straight with people.Keep focus on your core business, and leave the rest to the experts. Forget perfect. Done is better than perfect every time. Managing growth is demanding and revealing. For women, business is personal. Be authentic. Be clear about what you value. Stay focused on what matters. Keep learning from your mistakes. “I don’t mind making mistakes, but shoot me when I stop learning from them.” Enjoy yourself and enjoy good chocolate.
These are powerful lessons for anyone. Take heed and proceed, chocolates in hand.
