What does it take to build a successful business, know when to let go, and create a legacy that goes beyond business success?
In this episode of Untold, host Jon sits down with Mary Crafts, entrepreneur, business leader, and founder of Culinary Crafts, to discuss her 35-year journey of building a successful catering business and eventually passing it on to her two sons.
Mary shares valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, succession planning, and the importance of trusting your team. From managing 19 events a day during the 2002 Winter Olympics to growing her business from $1 million in retail sales to tens of millions, she explains how learning to delegate and empower others helped her business grow.
The conversation explores how business owners can prepare for retirement, plan a successful business exit, and transition leadership to the next generation without losing the values that made their company successful.
Mary also reflects on life after retirement, the importance of family, and why a true legacy is not about what you build for yourself, but about the people you help along the way.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How Mary Crafts built Culinary Crafts over 35 years
- Why learning to trust your team is essential for business growth
- How to overcome micromanagement and become a better leader
- Practical lessons on business succession planning and selling a family business
- Why preparing the next generation of leaders takes time and intention
- How integrity, service, and employee appreciation create lasting business success
- What entrepreneurs should consider when planning their retirement
- Why family, personal growth, and giving back matter beyond business
- How to build a meaningful legacy by helping others succeed
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, CEO, or aspiring leader, Mary's story offers valuable insights into growing a business, preparing for succession, and making a positive impact that lasts beyond your career.
The biggest takeaway? Your legacy isn't just about the company you build. It's about the people you develop, empower, and inspire along the way.
Subscribe to Untold for more conversations with business leaders about entrepreneurship, leadership, personal growth, and the decisions that shape their lives and businesses.
#Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #BusinessSuccession #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MaryCrafts #CulinaryCrafts #Untold
Connect with Jon on LinkedIn where he shares leadership insights regularly:
https://linkedin.com/in/jonspiesman
Book a free exploration call with Jon here: https://calendly.com/d/ytw-khm-4r5?utm_source=LI&utm_campaign=Bio
Listen to Untold on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bshg8B2x1kX665eeYkk52
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/untold/id1805797903
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa845f62-543e-44b2-a6f1-7704bccfc099/untold
Untold is the podcast hosted by Jon Spiesman where we uncover the best-kept business secrets of Utah.
Each week, we sit down with local entrepreneurs and business owners to explore their unique journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're building your own business or just love a good underdog story, you'll find hidden gems of advice and inspiration in every episode.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Untold.
Jon and the Untold podcast team
#UntoldPodcastWithJon #UtahBusiness #EntrepreneurPodcast #JonSpiesman #SmallBusinessStories #LocalBusinessUtah #StartupJourney #PodcastForEntrepreneurs
What is Untold?
Welcome to the Untold podcast!
Here, we're speaking with local businesses that are the best kept secrets of Utah.
Find out their journey, their business challenges and tips, and hidden advice brought to light to help you with your own journey!
We hope you enjoy! Please like, subscribe, and rate to never miss an episode!
Jon