November 1, 2001

Sometimes a community business operates for 60 years, as Courtland Bakery has, but has had to adapt and change in order to survive.  “An FBDB consultant told me we were losing money- 24 years later, we’re still here,” smiles John Peazel.  Courtland Bakery is a full line bakery with a delicatessen serving light lunches, assorted specialty foods, and is open seven days a week.  This is long hard work:  “my work starts at 3:30 in the morning,” says Peazel.  His wife Mary works seven days a week overseeing the retail service and the books.  “When the work is this hard, it’s difficult to get good workers and we really appreciate the ones that we have,” says John.  With 15 employees, the bakery and storefront is a beehive of activity.

The business has survived a fire in 1987, equipment upgrades and fierce competition.  “When we first met up with Gord Potts and Norfolk District Business Development Corporation, we were having difficulties.  When there was a problem, all the other bankers could do was reschedule principal payments.  NDBDC was the only one that would hold meetings with us and the people we were having trouble with to solve the problem.  They even advised us on suppliers who were taking advantage of our trust.  They helped us in setting up cash flows and now I meet with Larry Voegtle, their Business Adviser, at least quarterly to go over our results, and you know, they are almost spot on,” said Peazel with satisfaction.

If NDBDC was going to have a slogan, it could well be “more than just money.”  The success of Courtland Bakery in business and as a client is a combination of their willingness to take good advice, as well as work hard.  From the NDBDC’s position , they have been willing to adjust payment terms and loan conditions to the client’s situation.  The community, the client and the Corporation have benefited from this positive approach.