Owner of Minnetonka’s Nothing Bundt Cakes Kim Cassens did not set out to build a cake empire seven years ago. After buying a cake for a bridal shower at the Eden Prairie location and doing some research, she seized the opportunity to buy a Nothing Bundt Cake franchise of her own. She loved the idea of a woman-owned business, owning a business in her own community, and being involved in an enterprise that celebrates life’s occasions. The process was rather fast. She made her franchise inquiry that September, was approved in January, and her store opened the following July.
Running her own food business, she clearly had the intent of selling cake. But Kim’s vision was much larger, as she also set out to nurture her surrounding community and give back to her employees. Her store has been open for six years now. She said the first four years, it was not always easy. Kim and her staff persisted as they searched for ways to improve sales, get “cake in mouths” for people to enjoy and understand. They kept adapting and kept figuring out ways to move forward. In the last two years, this tenacity has paid off and online sales in particular have flourished.
Kim and her team donate and deliver tens of thousands of cakes each year, with a goal of giving away 10,000 cakes every quarter. A delicious marketing strategy, these 10,000 bites of joy are delivered for a wide variety of events. They have been a part of teacher appreciation events, Park Nicollet staff gatherings at Methodist Hospital, Nurses’ appreciation week, Physician’s appreciation week, birthday celebrations at the YMCA, offerings at the food shelves, and Interfaith Outreach, just to name a few examples. These community partners are all very near and dear to Kim's heart.
“I want to make a difference in the community. Be a part of it. Help those who can’t help themselves.” Where there is community celebrating to be done, Kim and Nothing Bundt Cakes are there to help.
But it’s far more than just dropping off a donation. Kim says it’s also about showing gratitude to our local community. This need for recognition and gratitude has never been more important than it is now. Kim says, “How do we thank them? How do we celebrate them? How do we bring joy and light into people’s lives? We do it by giving them cake.”
This mission is present in everything Kim does, even in her hiring process. She looks for candidates who will offer exceptional customer service and make people feel welcome. Her number one qualification for potential employees? A heart for service. She says, “Having a heart for service means they will be a fit here. With me and my manager who feels the same way and shares the same goals for the business that I do. This is not just a job for us.”
Life is simply sweeter when giving back to your community. To enjoy your very own Nothing Bundt Cake confection (or twelve) visit their bakery at 12987 Ridgedale Drive in Minnetonka.
