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SDM– Cake Daddy, you became famous for your exquisite cake designs, but you have expanded and scaled your business through strategic partnerships to sell your delectable cake bowls and other items at local restaurants. When did you make the shift in your business and why?
Cake Daddy– We were actually forced to make the shift due to the pandemic because the entire nation was shut down and we still needed an avenue in order to survive and function. The business is and was our (my wife and I) only source of income. We had to think quickly and started selling the cake bowls out of our home. Later, other restaurants started seeing what we were doing and wanted to partner with getting our desserts in their businesses.
SDM– The pandemic’s monumental impact certainly required the world to pivot. Cake Daddy’s™ essential and involuntary pivot strategically has proven to be successful, as you have now acquired a commendable and major strategic sponsorship with Pepsi. What does this new sponsorship entail?
Cake Daddy– Through Pepsi’s Sponsorship Program it gives us more exposure, as well as support for our business. Additionally, with the sponsorship we are able to receive their products at a discounted rate.
SDM– PepsiCo is a multinational food and beverage company operating in more than 200 countries and territories. This is a phenomenal collaborative opportunity! What advice would you give to entrepreneurs on the significance of networking and relationship building in formulating strategic partnerships?
Cake Daddy– The advice we would give to other entrepreneurs for networking and the importance of building partnerships would be giving yourself exposure and making yourself available for the possibility of mentoring. Further, it can also be a win-win for both businesses.
SDM– You also succeeded in accomplishing another milestone for Cake Daddy™. Congratulations on the success of your trademark registration! Why did you decide to trademark your name?
Cake Daddy– We decided to trademark our name because we wanted to protect our brand and brand name.
SDM– Was the trademark registration process expensive? Did you need a lawyer?
Cake Daddy– Through much research we did a DIY online trademark service, which saved on the cost. No, we did not need a lawyer because we found a reputable online service that handled everything for us.
SDM– Thank you for sharing this vital information! Branding is one of the most important aspects of a business of any size and differentiates a business from their competitors. Would you encourage other business owners to trademark their name or intellectual property?
Cake Daddy– Yes, we highly recommend trademarking their name and/or intellectual property, because it is an additional protection for their business. In short, without that protection someone can take your brand name.
SDM– Lastly, what do you believe sets successful entrepreneurs apart from unsuccessful entrepreneurs?
Cake Daddy– You are the first person to believe in your brand, therefore we believe you have to have a heart for what you do. It requires extensive planning, research and hard work.
SDM– Congratulations on your monumental achievements and we look forward to the expansion of your Cake Daddy™ brand, as we continue to savor your scrumptious cake bowls, chicken salad and more!