Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Calvo-Bacci.
In 2003, Erin took over the retail store The Chocolate Truffle and in 2007 launched a manufacturing division Bacci Chocolate Design to support the business. The company started selling into other specialty stores and chains including The Paper Store. In 2015 The Chocolate Truffle was sold off and the company re-branded as CB Stuffer. Today their products are sold online and nationally to other specialty stores.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are many challenges to owning and operating a small business and we have lived through many of those challenges and unfortunately, every day seems to present a new challenge from the supply of cocoa and peanuts to managing the weather. Cocoa is not grown in the United States so we’ve become familiar with navigating supply and demand, but life would be easier if we could invest in ways of having chocolate grown on US soil.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about CB Stuffer – what should we know?
CB Stuffer is popular for its chocolate with….stuff brand. We’ve taken a popular flavor such as peanut butter and chocolate and made it into the largest peanut butter cup in the industry available in a multitude of flavors such as Maple Walnut, S’mores, and Cookie Monstah! We are a family business, our three daughters ages 10, 15 and 17 also work in the company assisting in production and packaging. We believe sustainable communities are successful communities so we give back to the community through volunteering at local schools, mentoring, startups and other small business owners and community sponsorship.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
It takes a village. Along the way, we have met many wonderful people who have connected to us and our family business and have supported us mentally and financially. The biggest credit goes to The Savings Bank of Wakefield who is a corporate client of ours. They offered us a lifeline by giving us a business loan for our Main Street building which was home to our retail store and became our family home above the store when we made the difficult decision to sell our home after the market crash in 2008. Because people have given us a chance we will continue to pay it forward.
Contact Info:
- Address: 17 Columbia Street
- Website: www.cbstuffer.com
- Phone: 7815951511
- Email: sales@cbstuffer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbstuffer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CbStuffer/
- Twitter: @cbstuffer
Image Credit:
Jason Pietroski
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