600 lb gorilla’s history of success, dynamic business strategy, and commitment to their customers and community is nearly as impressive as the innovative and incredibly delicious treats they provide to countless happy customers. From their kitchen table in Duxbury to Puerto Rico, Hawaii and everywhere in between, Paula White and her and her husband Chris took their ingenuity and passion for premium food and created a thriving business.
600 lb gorillas develops and sells all natural frozen desserts in supermarkets and club stores across the country. Their products include premium all natural ready to bake cookie dough and ice cream sandwiches.
In 1999 Paula and Chris saw an opportunity in their hands – a crummy cookie they had just heated for a late night snack using refrigerated cookie dough. While other brands were cutting corners and seeking the most affordable ingredients, Paula did the opposite and has never looked back. The proof is in the batter and on their balance sheet.
Since 1999, 600 lb gorilla’s success has exploded. They started selling their treats to businesses along the east coast and have since landed promotions with Costco and BJ’s. While the company only employs two people directly, their contract relationship with their co-packer has resulted in increased shifts and additional work for more than 20 people.
600 lb gorilla’s late night dream became a reality with the help of four SBA loans totaling $578,700.
Along with most other businesses, Paula and Chris’s acumen was tested during the past three years. When the recent recession forced consumers to cut back, and in some cases eliminate unnecessary purchases, 600lb Gorilla stuck with what worked – quality and innovation.
Giving back to the community is important to Paula and Chris. Both are active members of their community and spend their time at PTA meetings, coaching youth basketball and a host of other important efforts. They’ve also contributed to Go Red for Women, the local Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts and several other local organizations proving that their passion for quality food is matched only by their commitment to their community.
Going above and beyond, sticking to principles and seeing it through is never an easy task, but these innovative, hardworking, and passionate founders were able to take an idea shared over the kitchen table to stores across the country. After 12 years in business, Paula and Chris have proven that just like their namesake, the 600 lb gorillas, they cannot be ignored.