Candy Bouquet - Scott Rondeau

Have you ever been at a point in your life where your job was just dragging you down? Perhaps it was an intolerable boss or a change in culture after a merger. Maybe you were being overworked or under appreciated. Whatever the situation, you just wished for a "sweeter life". Unfortunately, wishing isn't a productive strategy. Our entrepreneur this month was in a similar situation. He wanted a "sweeter life" and he took the steps to make that happen. Now, every day is a "sweet" day. Congratulations Scott and welcome to the world of entrepreneurship!

Scott Rondeau

Scott Rondeau is a member of the local Franchise Owners' Group which I facilitate once a month. Scott is an off-the-wall friendly guy. You can't help but like him. He's shared some of his business challenges with the group and has offered assistance to others. But since I didn't assist Scott in getting into his current business, I didn't know the story behind that big smile. So, I asked and learned and now I'd like to share it with you. Scott had been working for 14 years at a large data center that specialized in servicing banks. He was a customer service rep dedicated to helping clients solve their various issues. Customer satisfaction was his mantra. But the company he worked for was in a growth mode. It was well known that the parent company wanted to sell this division or spin it off with an IPO. So the culture and environment was changing. The company was becoming more money focused than customer focused. Scott's calls with customers were being timed. The company was more concerned with how many calls a day he handled rather than customer satisfaction. He was told by a supervisor that he was trying too hard. Scott was feeling overworked and under appreciated. He couldn't give his customers the time and customer service he felt they deserved. He was so stressed that he quit, thinking it wouldn't be that hard to find another job. This was back in 2006, the beginning of the recession, and Scott was 40 years old. As he applied for various customer service positions, he was often told he was over-qualified. They were looking for someone more entry level. It was discouraging. One day, Scott's mom called him and mentioned that she saw a candy business for sale in the paper and perhaps he should investigate it. Scott wasn't thinking about business ownership at this point in his life. He wanted a job, a paycheck. But the opportunity appeared interesting so he made an appointment to talk to the owner. It turns out that the business was a franchise that specialized in making bouquets out of candy and was appropriated called, Candy Bouquet. Scott and the owner hit it off immediately. He thought her arrangements were awesome. What a "sweet" business. His biggest concern was that he didn't have an artistic gene in his body. Could he be taught to replicate the various bouquets and arrangements? Scott discussed his interest and concern with his family. They were very supportive and offered some financial and physical support should Scott decide to move forward. But how could Scott determine if he was creative enough to put together attractive bouquets. The present owner of the store was very gracious and allowed Scott to work in the store until he was confident that he was up to the task. It took a couple of months, but eventually Scott's skills developed and he knew he could do this. He was becoming an accomplished candy bouquet designer. In January of 2008, Scott signed the papers and officially took over as franchise owner of the local Candy Bouquet store. His mom agreed to be his assistant, and for the larger orders his whole family pitched in. For lasting impressions Send a Candy Bouquet. Candy Bouquets are the delicious alternative to flowers that never fade, wilt, or die, and are sure to surprise and delight. It's a unique, one-of-a-kind gift that will make a lasting impression. Each Candy Bouquet comes in its own designer container filled with delicious candies and gourmet chocolates from around the world. They offer arrangements for any occasion such as Valentine's Day, Promotion, Get Well Soon, Mother's Day or "Just Because." You can even request your own custom Candy Bouquet for occasions such as weddings or corporate events. Use your imagination and Scott will help you create it. They also offer unique candy layered cakes. Yummy!  So is Scott happy he chose the route of business ownership rather than holding out for a job? Here's what he had to say; "I love my new life. I love being a business owner and controlling my day and giving my customers the service they desire. I've enjoyed building this business over the past 4 years and tackling the various challengers. But most of all, I've enjoyed the wonderful people and customers that I've met. I cherish those relationships"   Scott's Candy Bouquet business is in a western suburb of Milwaukee. He will deliver locally and ship anywhere. So the next time you have a special occasion and you're thinking of the traditional flowers, STOP yourself and think Candy Bouquet. Flowers are pretty, last a week or so and then end up in the garbage. But a beautifully designed Candy Bouquet will not only brighten up the life of the recipient, but will provide tasteful decadent treats that will warm their heart and they will think of you with each mouth watering bite.   Candy Bouquet of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin is located at 8722 W. North Avenue. Phone 414-267-0800 or check out their website at www.Sweettoeatgifts.com. Stop in and meet Scott. It will be a "sweet treat".

Scott was in a situation where he couldn't tolerate the environment of his employer. They no longer had the same customer service values. Perhaps it was fate that led him to buy the local Candy Bouquet franchise, but he did find his calling. He is enjoying his business, his life and is providing his own special brand of customer service. He is truly living a "sweet life" in more ways than one.