We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Fry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.
Alright, Heather thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career
As an educator, I could identify a plethora of items to change in the education system in the US. However, educating our communities about what our educators do for our children, providing the support educators need, both of time and financial contributions, in addition to recognizing their efforts and showing educators the respect and appreciation they deserve would top my list. Next on the list would be providing required basic life skills classes for all students, enabling them to problem solve, learn public speaking, and manage tasks in a controlled environment will better prepare them for their futures.
At The Shack, I have been able to address both of these needs for change.
First, we offer modest discounts to all school employees: teachers, aides, administrators, custodial personnel, coaches, grounds crew – everyone who contributes to making schools run smoothly. It’s important to us at The Shack that our community knows, as well as all school personnel know, how invaluable school service is as they educate and care for our children.
Second, I spend a great deal of time educating my employees on the life skills they need to develop as they work at The Shack. All of my “Shackies” daily interact with members of the community of varying ages. As part of Shack training, I address how to confidently and patiently talk to customers, both young and old, show respect to our customers by looking them in the eye and asking how their day is going, and getting to know those they serve. While working with me as their employer, open communication is key. My “Shackies” are taught to disclose their availability to work, communicate personally with me when they are taking days off, and make sure their shifts are covered when life unexpectedly throws them a curve ball. Learning how to communicate, paying attention to detail, and taking pride in one’s work are just a few of the life skills I strive to teach at The Shack.
Heather, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I graduated from Brigham Young University with my degree in English Secondary Education. Being married and blessed with the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, I worked at my motherhood craft for 22 years before starting The Shack. While raising my three children, I studied a variety of different mediums: Writing, photography, teaching and curriculum creation, gluten-free and allergy-sensitive baking, at-home medical caregiver, concert pianist supporter, licensed soccer and basketball coach, PTO treasurer.
Everything I involved myself with, leading up to owning and managing The Shack, involved study, research, and teaching. Each one of these developed skills prepared me to open my business.
Originally, to offset rising medical costs with our children, we purchased a shave ice company. We fell in love with authentic Hawaiian shave ice when we lived on the island of O’ahu while our children were young. Purchasing a shave ice company felt like a natural step. From there, we purchased a soda company and combined the two. We added fresh-baked goods, grab-and-go lunches, muffins, hot drinks, and The Shack was born.
The Shack Facebook page states: The Shack, located in the beautiful Kamas Valley, is sharing its warmth and aloha year-round, serving: mixed sodas, fruit-infused waters, Hawaiian shave ice (May-Sept.), sandwiches, desserts, and gourmet hot cocoa. Gluten-free available. Our Shack motto is: Saving the World One Soda and Shave Ice at a Time!
We offer a small service in our community, but this service is important. A smile, a kind word, a cup of joy – this is the mission of The Shack. We want to make the world a better place. We want our customers to know we are happy to see them and we are grateful for their patronage. We want our “Shackies” to know we value them and look forward to them growing and moving on in life. We support family, faith, education, and community.
Running The Shack has its challenges as we have dealt with Covid-19, supply shortages, employee shortages, rising costs, and increased product demand. But, as we continue to greet customers with a smile and a kind word, providing them with their cups of joy, it feels easier to manage the obstacles we face.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele: get to know your customers and your community!
Occasional sales bring in clients in some areas, discounts work in others, a savvy online presence works yet in others. None of these approaches worked in my community which proved a bit contrary to my business studies. Customers in my area didn’t care about getting a free cookie with a promotional drink. Customers liked what was posted on social media, but didn’t share it.
I learned my customers care more about the service they received at The Shack along with a quality, and tasty, product. Additionally, my customers are interested in our involvement in the community. We’ve answered with: giving away free taste-test bites of new baked items to customers and asking for customer feedback, continually formulating new drink creations, fundraising for the local high school and community members in need, donating funds for local high school scholarships, and providing culinary service at local town events.
As our personal involvement and investment grow within the community, our clientele grows abundantly each year.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As a wife and mother, everyday seems to create new pivot opportunities. Adding The Shack into my mix created even more. Being flexible, assuming positive intent, and recognizing tomorrow is a new day enables me to stay positive, welcome new influences, consider looking at my business from a different angle, and enjoy what I do each day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: theshack.kamas
- Facebook: theshack.kamas