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Check Out DeAnne Dodd’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAnne Dodd. They and their team shared their story with us below:

DeAnne Dodd

The tale of Crackerology begins with cards and crackers. Crackerology is a fast-growing brand formed by three friends over card night, with an assortment of fancy appetizers. There was a need for quick, high-end appetizers that could be paired with cocktails, beer, and wine. The ideas and concepts formed from there. When developing recipes, they found that the crackers were amazing but even better when all the flavors were incorporated. After months of tweaks, more cards, and several focus groups, the kit was developed for the savvy grab-and-go consumer. They keep the apps quick, easy, and upscale—a perfect fit. The all-in-one, shelf-stable kit has everything you need to create appetizers or desserts (think cheese, jam, nuts, and other fun toppings), so you can easily create beautiful plates within minutes to delight your guests. The product line includes crackers/cookies, snackable size all-in-one kits for 1-3 people, and full appetizer kits for 4-6 people.

These kits are perfect for:
• Wineries & Breweries
• Hotels & Boutique Markets
• Teacher & Hostess Gifts
• Gift Baskets
• Wedding Guests
• Holidays
• Fundraising

Flavors:
– Red Wine & Rosemary
– White Wine & Basil
– Jalapeño & Chipotle
– BBQ-OLOGY
– Sweet S’mores
– Ready for Confetti
– Lemon Blueberry
– Gluten-free rosemary and Sea Salt, plus new flavors coming in 2024.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Navigating the path of any startup, a smooth journey can feel like an improbable dream. Our experience has been a mix of seamless moments, hurdles, and instances where we’ve shared laughter amid challenges. When the right team is in place, obstacles become solvable puzzles. Identifying issues and developing solutions epitomizes the essence of entrepreneurship. One of the hurdles we faced involved deciding to have a bakery produce our crackers based on our recipes. Undoubtedly, there were countless amusing moments when we handled all the baking ourselves. However, as our growth demanded precise consistency and product quality, we recognized the need for a change. We found ourselves at the juncture where some bakeries deemed us too small while others considered us too large. Finding the perfect partnership is a time investment.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We have three partners at Crackerology, from three very different professional backgrounds. This diversity equips us with a broad set of skills and knowledge, allowing us to innovate and propel the advancement of our company.

  • Janine Akers: Chief Crackerologist
    Janine was the pioneer in embracing red wine crackers, crafting our inaugural recipe. She’s spearheaded the development of our sales teams and partnerships and devised wholesale strategies. Her vision knows no bounds, and her reservoir of experience is expansive.
  • DeAnne Dodd: Chief Brandologist
    Her passion lies in crafting and shaping brands. DeAnne’s expertise spans all visual aspects, encompassing packaging design, social media curation, photoshoots, website development, and beyond. She will be sharing the journey and narrative of Crackerology.
  • Shelley Reed: Partner
    Her official title may capture part of her role, but Shelley’s contributions extend beyond that. She’s the driving force behind organizing all finances of Crackerology. Additionally, she explores the realm of baking, experimenting with fresh flavor combinations and innovative creations. Plus, our incredible team brings diverse skills and knowledge from various backgrounds, making us even better.

How do you think about luck?
Luck is a tricky word. Sometimes, it’s just being in the right place at the right time. But no hard work should go unnoticed. We’ve dedicated countless hours to ensuring our presence at numerous holiday shows, both local and national, alongside wholesale events and other community gatherings to amplify awareness of our brand. It is a constant must. Undeniably, there are moments when adversity arises and bad luck happens. However, looking back, these incidents often become important chapters that lead and shape our journey and narrative. Having a growth mindset remains a top priority through the good and bad.

Pricing:

  • All-in-one Appetizer and Dessert Kits $19.50
  • Snackable Size for 1-3 people $12

Contact Info:

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