bake - March 2015 - 31

SOMETIMES IT'S
WHO YOU KNOW

PHOTO CREDIT: CARLY DIAZ

"In order to succeed, you
need to fall in love with the
process. You don't look at
the reasons it won't work.
You ask yourself, how can
I make it work?"
Marius Pop, owner of Nuvrei

After three years in New York City, Pop returned to Portland
where he opened Nuvrei to immediate success among a
rapidly growing clientele. He admits to being blessed with
a good palate, so that putting together great ﬂavors comes
naturally. What did not come as naturally was the business
side of running a bakery.
"A lot of time and money was spent on mistakes," he says,
"but you don't give up. You keep going. You learn from
your mistakes and you understand how to manage your
vision with the requirements of running a business. Now I'm
equally passionate. I view the business and the product as
connected. In order to succeed, you need to fall in love with
the process. You don't look at the reasons it won't work. You
ask yourself, how can I make it work? I think if you can make
it here in Portland, you can make it anywhere.
"A lot of what a business becomes has a lot to do with its
surroundings," Pop adds with emphasis.

hile planning to earn both a master of science and
doctorate degree in biology, Norman Fox wanted
something to do "on the side." His "something on the side,"
was the Donut Den which turned into a 33-year success.
When Norman decided to open a doughnut shop, a friend,
Herb Stewart, introduced him to Oliver Harlow, founder of
Honey Flush Donuts, a 40-store chain. Stewart and Harlow
helped Norman open the Donut Den, in July, 1973, in
Nashville, Tennessee. "Oliver Harlow not only inspired, but
gave me valuable practical advice," said Norman.
Harlow started using International® Bakers Services (IBS)
flavorings in the 1960s, and suggested that Norman do the
same. He highly recommended Cinnamon-Butter Blend.
Today, that flavor is the secret ingredient in the Donut Den's
Apple Fritters-their most popular product. "There is no other
type of cinnamon flavoring that makes the product taste this
good," stated Norman.
Consistency is the key to success in any business.
Maintaining a core product line and keeping up with new
trends keeps regular customers coming back and attracts new
customers as well. "Another secret to help ensure consistent
quality is our own Harold Graves, the cook for the Donut Den
for over 30 years," Norman stated. But he attributes his 33
years of success to following Harlow's recommendation-relying on the flavors from International® Bakers Services. "Their
flavors are consistently the best," according to Norman.
Norman was a graduate student during the first four years
of the Donut Den. After earning his doctorate degree, he
taught in university classrooms. But it was a friend of a friend
who taught him his most valuable business lessons. Sometimes
it's who you know that helps the most.
If you value consistent quality, you should get to know
International® Bakers Services. Contact us toll-free at
(800) 345-7175, by fax at (574) 287-7161, or in writing at
1902 North Sheridan Ave., South Bend, Indiana 46628.
We have the flavors your customers deserve.

bakemag.com | MAR 2015 > 31

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bake - March 2015

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