KANSAS CITY, MO — In the upcoming season of Troubleshooting Innovation, Rebecca Abel, owner of Taylor, MI-based D’Vine Cookies, joins Commercial Baking editor-in-chief Joanie Spencer to look at cookie production through the lens of an entrepreneur.
To kick off the new season, the first episode will cover how Abel decided to begin manufacturing cookies as a young entrepreneur. She’ll touch on her background and how expertise in certain areas helped her achieve the successful business she has today. Abel will also speak on choosing between manufacturing vs. retail and what ultimately led her to manufacturing.
The rest of the season will cover topics including product development, stepping into manufacturing, people development and strategic growth.
“What makes this season of Troubleshooting Innovation so special is Rebecca’s fresh approach to cookie production,” Spencer said. “She’s a true entrepreneur who will inspire the most seasoned cookie producers to not only refresh their manufacturing practices but also remember why they fell in love with this craft in the first place.”
“She’s a true entrepreneur who will inspire the most seasoned cookie producers to not only refresh their manufacturing practices but also remember why they fell in love with this craft in the first place.” — Joanie Spencer | editor-in-chief | Commercial Baking
Abel founded D’Vine in Ferndale, MI in 2017 during a time of personal struggle. Though she had no previous experience in baking or cooking, she decided to take the leap and start a luxury cookie brand. Abel’s vision for the company was clear with a goal to go beyond tasting delicious but also looking beautiful. She is accomplishing her goals while growing the bakery with a plan to become a national manufacturer and employer of choice.
With an explosion of growth, Abel is adding lines to the current facility and working on the next five-year plan for continued automation. She worked closely with cookie and cracker manufacturing expert Dave Van Laar, who was also featured on the first season of Troubleshooting Innovation.
Troubleshooting Innovation will be available on the Commercial Baking website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and Stitcher.
Listen back to previous podcast seasons here.
