Page 8 - Allison's Magazine ~ Issue #99

Since its inception in 1989, Ann
Clark Cookie Cutters has gone
from a home-based business in
Rutland, Vermont, to one of the
largest manufacturers of cookie
cutters in the world. Ann’s son,
CEO Ben Clark, talks about how

the company became a kitchen
staple for bakers everywhere.

How did Ann Clark Cookie Cutters
begin? How has it evolved? © Ann Clark Cookie Cutters
My mother, Ann, began her journey at
the University of Maryland, where she
studied art. After years of painting and
creating small gifts for local businesses, Family seems to be an important
she had the idea to transform her part of the company. How has this
popular pig-shaped ornament into a contributed to the success of the
cookie cutter. With determination and business? Does it cause certain
perseverance, she was able to convince a challenges as well?
manufacturer that her designs had merit. The family control of the company has
The folk-art designs, combined with allowed us to stick to our principles
custom hand-painted recipe cards, were and keep our manufacturing local,
instantly a hit. From there, Ann Clark, as well as create a warm and friendly
Ltd. was formed. work environment. Of course, there are
challenges with family dynamics and
The business started out as a hobby, how they translate into a workplace, but
where the products were primarily made we do our best to navigate them.
for gift shops and designed exclusively
by my mother. Today, the company is Why did you personally get involved
ONE SMART a professional operation with a large in the business?
manufacturing facility. We employ
When I was getting my MBA, my
COOKIE CUTTER nearly fifty Vermonters and make parents were starting this business. They
millions of cookie cutters. My family’s
would tell me about it, and I would
standards for good design, quality have a ton of ideas for how they could
interview with ben clark | written by rebecca poole | photography as noted
products, and competitive American improve the business model. A few
manufacturing have been pillars of years later, my wife and I decided to
the business since the start, making it make the move back to Vermont to join
the success that it is. Our mission is to them on this endeavor. The appeal
locally and competitively make quality was being able to raise our family in
cookie cutters and to support the the splendor of the Green Mountains
community of people who want to and keep our children close to

© Ann Clark Cookie Cutters use them. their grandmother.

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