With over 25+ years of experience in specialty food environments, most significantly with production baking and specialty coffee, I thrive in environments that value teamwork, collaboration, creativity and not being afraid to try.
Nearly two decades ago I left the grocery world to work as a night bakery supervisor at a small Seattle doughnut chain, Top Pot Doughnuts. I loved the magical process of watching the dough transform into future nostalgia! At the end of our night, watching the barista staff come in each morning and seeing the cafe come alive was thrilling! After two years of the overnight life, I worked with my supervisors to move from production to retail and was promoted to cafe manager. Working front-of-the-house (and sleeping at night!) was a refreshing change.
12 years and millions of doughnuts later, I advanced from Director of Retail Operations to Senior Vice President, Head of Company Operations. This exciting new role expanded my skillset as I partnered with our board while successfully managing and directly overseeing: high volume bakery production, retail operations and support staff. This role offered many additional opportunities including: engagement and expansion with our wholesale partners in the Pacific Northwest and creating new money generation revenue streams including third-party retail sales, elevating our in-house beverage program, and refreshing our website to include e-commerce capabilities.
Jennifer Stats
17 year history at Top Pot Doughnuts and Coffee starting as an overnight bakery supervisor progressing professionally to Senior Vice President, Head of Company Operations.
Pandemic achievements: Creatively limited layoffs to 10% of overall staff, negotiated significant rent abatements and lease renegotiations during pandemic shut-downs; thoughtfully maintained retail operations, limiting closures and maximizing safe and compliant operation; obsessively developed and nurtured relationships with vendors to maintain quality and quantity of offerings.
Drove grant requests and supported efforts garnering awards from PPP, EIDL and the Washington Hospitality Association.
Directly oversaw annual business and D&O insurance renewals, limiting increases to 4%-7% via documentation and safe(r) practices and standards.
Reformed staff benefit packages to support the requirements of the business without sacrificing staff retention.
Oversaw design and launch of e-commerce website, updated merchandise offerings and designs, and in-person and online marketing.
Brought in new wholesale accounts and developed a non-branded wholesale stream for small and large partners.
Interim Human Resources, Bakery Operations & Production, supplementary District Manager support and Cafe Management.
Developed and implemented: New Hire Orientation, Supervisor Orientation, Coffee Training program, and updating of the Company handbook & Operational Standards.
Oversaw and supported the opening of 8 cafes in 2 states.
Created and added numerous food and beverage items for the daily and seasonal menu.
Dreamed and realized a “Swiftmas in July” promotion to tie in a staff menu item contest and week-long promotion generating a 30% increase in sales for the week.
Made custom doughnuts for a photoshoot for Nathan Myhrvold’s Photography of Modernist Cuisine book. Prints of the doughnuts “Pretty in Pink” are on display at the Modernist Cuisine Gallery in New Orleans, Seattle, and La Jolla and on sale on the Modernist Cuisine website.
"I couldn't recommend Jenn enough! Our paths have crossed professionally a few times over the years and I trust when I reach out that she will always either create a solution or point me in the right direction. Her approach to problem-solving is top-notch, finding creative solutions to any challenge that arises. Jenn's positive attitude shines through in every interaction, making collaborations not only productive but also enjoyable."
“Relaunching a website for such an iconic and beloved brand like Top Pot was a daunting task, but whether it was scheduling a photo shoot, getting content wrangled in a timely manner, or giving design feedback, Jennifer was thoughtful and intuitive. She’s the best!”
"Whether it's for herself or for a friend, there is no project that Jenn is afraid to take on, and she takes it on fearlessly, with confidence, kindness, and with a lot of humor.
WWJD? What it takes to get it done right.”
"I have had the privilege of witnessing Jenn in a variety of roles since knowing her, and have been in awe of her ability to shift gears while staying attuned to trends, the many needs of customers and staff alike, and the best interests of the organization or company she is working for. I am not overstating it by saying that Jenn is the epitome of someone who is built of grit and grace, wit and wisdom, and anyone lucky enough to have her on their team or in their life is fortunate.”
—
Wendi S. , Family Support Specialist at LifeCenter Northwest
“I’ll say whatever you want in here to get my baby girl back in the midwest.”
