On the topic of corporatization and the alternatives -
Life, Inc.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Benton's
Benton's is a small family-owned business in Tennessee, near Solenne's US distribution site for Combray.
The first interesting thing is that they make really good bacon, prosciutto, country ham, etc., that's been written up in Saveur, Gourmet, and other high-end food publications.
The next interesting thing, and revolutionary, is how they have evolved as a local 60-year old business. For most of their history, they were a pork butcher/smokehouse that served the local community. The communities in this area of Tennessee are not really that healthy anymore, small farmers have gone out of business, local manufacturers have pulled out, etc. So, Benton's began to serve the rest of the country through internet sales.
They are still the same - a simple block-house that will leave your clothes smelling of smoke for a
day, it's just that now they have a way to serve people farther than a car's drive away. And, like most successful local business, they are approachable, nice people who you can talk to and get to know and learn more about their product, the history, and feel a personal connection.
They not only survived, they are prospering, and I think they could be a great example for small business-owners in local rural communities to consider, especially farmers, who could specialize and market a high-quality product nationwide through the internet. They are also an example of how a good national brand can be, approachable, and with a local, personal approach.
The first interesting thing is that they make really good bacon, prosciutto, country ham, etc., that's been written up in Saveur, Gourmet, and other high-end food publications.
The next interesting thing, and revolutionary, is how they have evolved as a local 60-year old business. For most of their history, they were a pork butcher/smokehouse that served the local community. The communities in this area of Tennessee are not really that healthy anymore, small farmers have gone out of business, local manufacturers have pulled out, etc. So, Benton's began to serve the rest of the country through internet sales.
They are still the same - a simple block-house that will leave your clothes smelling of smoke for a
day, it's just that now they have a way to serve people farther than a car's drive away. And, like most successful local business, they are approachable, nice people who you can talk to and get to know and learn more about their product, the history, and feel a personal connection.
They not only survived, they are prospering, and I think they could be a great example for small business-owners in local rural communities to consider, especially farmers, who could specialize and market a high-quality product nationwide through the internet. They are also an example of how a good national brand can be, approachable, and with a local, personal approach.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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