Today we’d like to introduce you to Kit Becker.
Hi Kit, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My family started this business in 1942. It began with my great-grandfather, Harry Becker, who then passed it down to his son Stan (my grandpa). My dad Todd then took over from Stan when he was about 20 years old in 1981. I have two older brothers, and we all had the privilege of calling this our first job when we were in high school. I always helped out at the bakery whenever I could throughout my childhood. My best memories were being very little and sitting on the back table, watching my dad decorate cakes (something I eventually picked up and do now as part of my taking over). Or coming home for summer and coming in to say hi to my dad and grab a cookie. I started working here full-time in 2015 after I tried out the TV industry for a bit after college. I quickly realized that wasn’t for me and decided to give the family business a shot. My dad hired me on for the morning shift, where I learned how to mix dough, fry donuts, and ice cookies. I eventually became more of a front-of-house manager/cake decorator, but I have learned every aspect of the business, from baking to accounting. I officially took over ownership from my dad at the beginning of 2023, and here we are now! I don’t plan on changing things or giving up the family name any time soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been mostly a smooth road, but running a small business is not easy or for the faint of heart. You have to learn how to not take things personally and you have to sacrifice a big part of your personal life and time. It truly does become a part of you both physically and mentally. I would say the biggest roadblock so far has been the Covid pandemic. It definitely took a toll on business, and getting over the supply shortages and staff shortages was super tough. I was just about ready to throw in the towel before I took over officially. But things are definitely bouncing back in a positive way, and I’m very grateful things are pretty much back to normal. The future is looking brighter and brighter!
We’ve been impressed with Beckers Bakery and Deli, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We specialize in sugar cookies and buttercream cakes. The sugar cookie recipe has been passed down a couple of generations, and I would say that’s what people come here for the most. We have cookies that are dipped in a firmer “water icing” and cookies that are decorated with our signature buttercream. It’s all very old-school stuff, and I like to keep it that way. Our buttercream-decorated cakes are also very popular, and I’ve adopted my dad’s decorating style for the most part. It’s a skill that is hard to come by and I feel like we’re keeping a tradition going in that way. Our cakes are bright, fun, and whimsical, and I’d say that’s what sets us apart from other birthday cake shops. We like to keep things fun and old school and never too excessive.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Yes, put in the work, and don’t take things too seriously or personally. Sometimes, it takes a lot of hard work that you have to do yourself, but it will always be worth it to see your work pay off every day. I’m just now learning 10 years later to also commit to a work-life balance. It’s always hard to juggle, but things will always get done in the end. Go home every day knowing that you did your best and things will work out.
Contact Info:
- Website: beckersbakeryanddeli.com
- Instagram: beckersbakeryanddeli
Image Credits
Sydney Belabin
