The early bird gets the nomination, but the proof will be in the pudding.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Josh Crelley has been starting work at 2am for over 16 years, but has no regrets, after Bakers Delight Shoppingworld cleaned up the Quality Business Award nominations to be named a finalist in three categories.
Mr Crelley took on a traineeship at the bakery after leaving school, putting in the hard yards over a hot oven for 12 years before partnering with his mother, Lee, to buy the business four and a half years ago, and the pair have never looked back.
Good customer service and quality produce has been their bread and butter ever since.
They have been nominated in the Excellence in Customer Service Retail, and Excellence in Customer Service Hospitality categories, although the category that makes them truly proud is the Excellence in Community Involvement.
The business donates baked goods to school breakfast clubs, the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and Riding for the Disabled, just to name a few, and at the end of the day all left over bread is handed to charities, while the remainder gets given to local farmers to feed stock.
“It is a good feeling to be recognised – All of our hard work, sleepless nights and very early mornings are paying off,” Mr Crelley said.
“We are doing really well and we love it.”
The business is no stranger to the awards, previously being named a finalist in the 2015 Community Involvement Award, while this year’s customer service award nods are music to the ears of a business that employs 17 locals.
“There is so many options, and even online shopping now that we need to make that customer experience and product so good that they want to come back every time,” Mr Crelley said.
“I can’t wait for the awards, any excuse to take off my bakers clothes and suit up.”
The Quality Business Awards are on August 4.