Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Hobbs.
Hi Erin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was approached from a friend to go into business together and after researching local businesses for sale, came upon the Breadsmith of Fort Mill. After purchasing the store in early October of 2023, I realized that the store had suffered greatly from the second owner who let it go downhill badly. The original owners started BSFM in 2008, and had the store until March of 2020, selling to the second owner at that time. Shortly after the sale to the second owner, most of the wholesale accounts and regular customers had stopped coming due to poor service and quality unfortunately. The staff were not trained properly, and were not good candidates to keep on our team. In order to do things properly, I had to scale the team down and also the menu. It was very tough. Money was tight and we were working 18+ hour days. I wanted to do a few things well, and then build upon that once we had a good team. Unfortunately, after having the store with all the trials and turbulations that come with acquiring a failing business, the business partner decided to bow out about 9 months after being here because he couldn’t handle it. I took the challenge and continue to build my team and our reputation in the community. I’ve owned the store now for just over two years and we are continuing to grow, not only our wholesale customers that have come back, but new ones, repeat and new retail customers, and growing our menu each month. We have monthly specials that are featured, new recipes, and an a amazing team that work so hard. We were finally able to plan a Christmas charity event for the first time, something I’ve wanted to do since purchasing the store. I’m so thankful that we have such a supportive team and were able to make the event memorable, and will continue this event for years to come. To say we’ve come a long way since October of 2023 is an understatement. I had all the odds against me with this business, but with determination and care, we’ve once again become a staple in the community and surrounding cities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Purchasing a store from and owner with false pretenses. She greatly hid the issues, profit and loss, and was cut off from the distributor for non payment. The store was in disarray, dirty and mishandled. Things that I didn’t know until I got into the business and saw things for myself. She was also being evicted just the month prior to me buying the business, something that was not divulged to me when purchasing.
A business partner who wasn’t committed to what all it takes to be a business owner.
Acquiring a terrible staff that were not trained, or held to a standard. Basically had to start over with a new staff.
Rebuilding the reputation in the community and with customers and wholesale clients. I had to work so much harder to build their trust back and let them know that I’m not like the previous owner.
There are so many more challenges, but these are the greatest.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Artisan breads and sweets. We pride ourselves on using whole ingredients, baking fresh products, and offering healthy options to our community.
Sourdough and Country butter top are our top sellers! Our second best sellers are our delicious pie breads (also made from our country butter top)! Made fresh daily 🙂
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My team now is my biggest supporter and they are so protective of me. I am so thankful for the staff that I have now. They work so hard, come in early, stay late, and work amongst themselves if there ever comes a schedule conflict or anything like that. We have all become like family and enjoy coming to work. I could not have this business in the place that I do without them.
The customers are also amazing! We truly do have the best customers. Even through all the ups and downs of reworking this business and making it good in the community, they gave me so much grace. Again, so thankful for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breadsmith.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breadsmithoffortmill
