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In the heart of Australia’s bustling culinary landscape, nestled in Melbourne’s South East, is Kez’s Kitchen’s sweet homegrown success story.
Kez’s Kitchen is a family business that has not only stood the test of time but has thrived in an industry dominated by giants. At the helm of this inspirational enterprise are Michael Carp and his sister Kez, who have turned their love for food and family values into a flourishing legacy.
Kez’s Kitchen traces its roots back to 1991 when Kez herself was busy in her kitchen, crafting delectable chocolate chip cookies that would soon become legends.
It all started with a simple idea, a vision that Kez shared with her mother, Helen. The vision? To create something extraordinary. Their venture received a significant boost in 1994 when Michael, Kez’s brother, joined the team. Together, they invested their hearts and souls into developing delicious baked snacks.
“What sets our family business apart from the rest is that it was founded by two remarkable women, a mother and daughter duo, an unusual occurrence in the culinary world over three decades ago,” Carp proudly shared.
This early distinction laid the foundation for a company that would succeed and excel in a fiercely competitive industry.”
Keeping it in the family
One of the cornerstones of their success is their dedication to family values.
With Care, Honesty, Accountability, and Improvement as their guiding principles, the Carp family and their 100-strong team have fostered a culture where employees, suppliers, and customers are regarded as an extension of their family.
“We see our team, our suppliers, and our customers as part of our family, and we value each of them in the same way,” Carp emphasised. “Balancing family relationships and running a successful business is never easy, but we have established clear boundaries from the outset, making it evident that family always comes first.
“This approach has been instrumental in nurturing and maintaining strong family ties, which, in turn, has significantly contributed to our success,” he added.
A shared passion for great food and strong relationships unite the Carp family. Their shared values have been seamlessly integrated into the company’s culture, making it a formidable team where everyone is aligned with the principles of the brand.
“We know that when our team is living that culture of Care, Honesty, Accountability, and Improvement, it is such a powerful team, so our family business is in great hands,” Carp said with conviction.
Challenges are not unique to family businesses; however, the strength of the family bond gives Kez’s Kitchen a remarkable advantage in facing these challenges. The company’s commitment to their values is pivotal in their journey to success. Their brand values underscore their operational philosophy, ensuring that the team functions cohesively, understands their shared vision, and feels supported in their endeavours.
“A family business faces all the same challenges as all businesses, but being a family gives us great strength to face those challenges,” Carp reflected.
“We’re incredibly fortunate that our family ties are strong, and we’re all aligned in our ambitions to drive success.”
Innovation is a key ingredient
Innovation is a driving force behind Kez’s Kitchen’s growth and sustainability. They continually seek new ways to improve their processes and explore new opportunities.
“Innovation is integral to the success of our business,” Carp asserted. “We’ve been in business for almost 35 years, and we plan to be for many, many more, so the long-term sustainability of the business really relies on innovation and change to drive that growth.”
Looking towards the future, Kez’s Kitchen has invested in a stellar leadership team and a state-of-the-art bakery.
Robust systems and processes and a comprehensive growth plan have positioned the company for substantial expansion.
“We have invested in a wonderful leadership team that extends beyond our family and a world-class bakery, implemented sound systems and processes, and developed a strong plan for growth,” Carp shared.
“We will continue to place a great emphasis on our People, our Products, and our Planet.”
Australia’s Favourite Family Business
Carp said winning Australia’s Favourite Family Business Competition would not only be a feather in their cap but also a well-deserved recognition of the Carp family’s years of passion and dedication.
“We have always been so proud of our family and our family business, so to win this award would be wonderful recognition of our many years of passion and commitment,” Michael Carp expressed.
To other aspiring family businesses, Carp offers valuable advice. He emphasises the importance of focusing on the sustainability of both the business and the family.
“They are both so important,” Carp advised. “Invest in your team so they will invest in your business, so you and your family are not tied to your business. Take care of your family and business, but also make sure you take care of yourself to be the best leader you can be.”
In the ever-evolving culinary industry, Kez’s Kitchen is not just surviving; it’s thriving, proving that a family united by a shared vision, strong values, and unwavering dedication can achieve remarkable success. The sweet legacy they’ve built serves as an inspiration to all who dream of turning their passion into a flourishing family business.
Vote for your favourite in Australia’s Favourite Family Business competition here.
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