With nearly 20 years of experience in the baking and specialty coffee space, I have had the privilege of supporting a brand to grow from four retail locations with a 2,500 sqft bakery to 23 locations and a 15,000 sq ft production space. I am as comfortable developing and leading trainings as I am receiving guidance and feedback. I have successfully managed and overseen bakery production, retail operations, and administrative staff, and thrive in environments that value teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect. I look forward to meeting you and learning more about what your business needs!
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 sweet little treats! 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.
During this time, I learned a lot about the brand and developed a stronger understanding of our operations by overseeing customer interactions and managing staff. The business was expanding quickly and having extensive knowledge of production, delivery, and sales, I was promoted rapidly over the years to oversee cafes including the Flagship location and then to the first District Manager role in the company. At that time, I was the District Manager to oversee 23 locations in two states! In this role, while maintaining relationships with and oversight of our existing cafes, I was orchestrating the opening out-of-state cafes. This included managing components of the build outs, hiring and training FOH and BOH staff, sourcing ingredients, and ensuring our signature recipes, authentic hospitality, and quality was duplicatable from over 2,000 miles away.
In July of 2019, I was promoted from Director of Retail Operations to Senior Vice President, Head of Company Operations. This exciting new role reported directly to the Executive Chairman and expanded my skillset as I partnered with our board members to assess and envision the future of the company. This new role allowed me to return to oversight of a 15,000 sq ft production facility, engage with our wholesale partners in the Pacific Northwest, and create 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. I worked directly with and oversaw our Human Resources Manager ensuring our staff—from part-time baristas to full time bakers—were insured and protected throughout the pandemic and beyond.
I’m very proud of 16 years at Top Pot Doughnuts and am eager to learn, grow, and apply my loyalty and tenacity to a new company.
Jennifer Stats
16 year history at Top Pot Doughnuts and Coffee starting as an overnight bakery supervisor working up the ladder 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.
Stepped in at different times for Human Resources, Bakery Production, and Management, Cafe Management, supplementary District Manager support.
Developed, implemented and/or directly oversaw: New Hire Orientation, Supervisor Orientation, Coffee Training program, and updating of the Company handbook.
Oversaw and supported the opening of 8 cafes in 2 states.
Created and added numerous food and beverage, regular menu, and seasonal items.
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 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.”
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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.”
