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community we support,” Ellingsen says. “Having their products in our store is a great way to directly support vendors from within our community, not just by having their product, but by allowing more exposure to their businesses. Working with local small businesses has allowed Scheels to create genuine partnerships. We enjoy being able to have the owners of their businesses hand deliver products that they are incredibly passionate about.” Jamie Sundsbak, Executive Director with Collider, an organization that empowers Rochester’s early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses with one-on-one entrepreneurial ecosystem navigation
“Over the past five years, I have observed an increase in more food-based businesses starting to emerge that have the potential to be built into national brands,” Sundsbak says. “This is exciting for me, as I have always been a big proponent of economic diversity here in Rochester. I think food could be the next big growth area for our community.” So, how can businesses like Carroll’s Corn and Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria continue to find success as they bring their products to market within the retail environment? Sundsbak says it’s vital that small businesses continue to focus on their customers. “That’s what will ultimately determine success or failure,” Sundsbak says. “The channels that they use to deliver their products and services will always continue to grow and change. They must stay on top of these changes and decide when a new retail channel works for them. “Ultimately, we have some fantastic products in our region. We have to work as a community to champion these companies, help them in any way we can and encourage them to ‘think bigger.’” Pasquale Presa, Owner of Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria, began selling his pizzas in Hy-vee stores during the pandemic.
and education, says the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we have to think broader about what has traditionally been defined as “retail.” “Seeking out and identifying large retailers for your products can also be an avenue to increase sales and widen your geographic location,” Sundsbak says. “This is not easy, however, and takes a lot of time and entrepreneurial grit. Nevertheless, this might be the key to building a national or international brand for a select few companies.” This is indeed the case for Pasquale Presa, Owner of Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria in Rochester, who has brought authentic New York-style pizza along with traditional Italian food from his home in Bari, Italy to Rochester. A favorite within the Rochester community, Presa also experienced the stress of a pandemic bearing down on his successful restaurant. To make sure his business survived, Presa reached a deal with Hy-Vee to sell Pasquale’s frozen pizzas for $10 in seven Hy-Vee stores in the Rochester area. “The support for our product in the grocery stores has been wonderful,” Pasquale says. While his revenue did dip in 2020, its reduction was offset by his entrance into the grocery store environment. “I’m excited to see what the future holds,” Pasquale says. He recently returned to Italy to visit his parents in his hometown and explore potentially bringing other Italian products to the U.S. market, including his family’s olive oil.
Advantage Magazine | 7
August 2021
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