Presenting a New Shortbread Friend: Phenomenal Fudge

I knew I would hit it off with Steve Jackson, owner of Phenomenal Fudge, as soon as I saw his van parked in a strategic spot (where incoming traffic would be sure to notice the lovely Phenomenal Fudge graphics on its side) at the business expo on Wednesday.  So before I even met Steve inside the expo, his company logo was imprinted on my brain and the promise of chocolate fudge at the expo made me want to seek him out.  That's creative, intelligent, inexpensive marketing...a sure sign before I even met Steve that he was my kind of food marketer and proof that we small businesses don't have to spend an arm and a leg to make a lasting impression on our potential customers. 

There weren't many food people at the business expo, so I'm curious to see how it panned out for Steve.  What I love about the Phenomenal Fudge site is that Steve is using it to collaborate with assorted Vermont specialty food producers to sell gift packs of his fantastic fudge AND other Vermont specialty food products.  I am a huge fan of multiple streams of income and supporting other colleagues in the food industry and Steve's marketing recipe is a winner.  He sells to individuals, businesses, and to organizations wishing to raise funds selling fudge.

Oh yeah, and the fudge was pretty darn good too.  Although I'm a bit of a fudge purist (only chocolate and nuts when I buy for myself), I sampled Steve's chocolate amaretto, orange sherbet, and key lime fudge at the show on Wednesday and Thursday.   Alas, there was no shortbread fudge, but Steve shared some great tips on making mocha fudge that I think could translate nicely into a mocha filled shortbread.  I'm going to play with the tips he gave me. 

I'm all about collaborating rather than competing with my specialty food peers.  We are a creative, quirky, funny bunch with amazing stories of dreams, long hours, passion, and persistence.  Steve's today's honorary shortbreadhead.  I hope he's enjoying a well deserved holiday weekend after a busy couple of days at the expo.   

Comments

[Michael at Eddiesenergy.com]

You couldn't have hit the nail on the head harder, than with that last statement. It is so true in many ways. PF is very good fudge, I must agree. I forgot to grab a sample last week, but tried it at another show.

Talk Soon,

Michael

[Jacky]

Oh my God! I am so hungary after reading your blog. This post about fudge has made my cravings all the more so! (I'm trying to lose my 'pregnancy weight...this was so not the blog to venture on to today)!