Building an Inclusive Corporate Culture - A Small Business Approach

Transcript:

Building an Inclusive Corporate Culture – A Small Business Approach: Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

Lisa Beecroft, Founder & Owner, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

Gabi & Jules we’re a bakery in Port Moody. We specialize in handmade pies and ‘baked goodness’ we like to say.

Our motivation behind creating an accessible workplace was born out of the idea that for our
daughter, who has autism, we wanted her to have a place. Having autism can be so isolating
and here I just don’t think that piece exists the same way, because you’re part of a team.

Sarah Breitenbach, Sales Manager, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

When guests come in and maybe didn’t even know that that was part of what Gabi & Jules
is all about and they find that out, the way their face lights up you know they came in for a beautiful baked good and they left doing so much more.

So it just trickles down in so many ways and to so many degrees that you don’t even really realize it at first glance.

Danielle Morneau, Sous Chef, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

These people are able to do things that surpass others. We have a guy that came in here
and he would stamp out cookies faster than anybody else. When we have our people with
diverse-ability in, it creates an environment that you want to be here. So it makes my staff more
efficient because they’re happier. So they work better too.

Lisa Beecroft, Founder & Owner, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

With all the people that we have on the team, not only do they bring value, they bring unique value. You are a valued part of a team.

Conrad Tyrkin, Delivery Driver, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

When I had the job interview with Lisa, I told her that I have high functioning autism. I have a class 5 driver’s license and it’s not very common for a person with a diverse-ability that can drive. And I’m probably one of very few.

And that’s where this company became a perfect match for me.

Lisa Beecroft, Founder & Owner, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

It’s been kind of amazing to see Conrad’s journey so far with us because people really have rallied behind him. They’re challenged by it, and sometimes they’re frustrated by it but they truly are invested in his success.

Conrad Tyrkin, Delivery Driver, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

It has changed my life because I’m able to be more of a role model to people with disabilities and work for a successful company. I feel proud of myself. I’ve earned this.

Danielle Morneau, Sous Chef, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

This job has changed me more than I had ever expected. And I want to stay here to be
a part of what this company could be.

Sarah Breitenbach, Sales Manager, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

I love being a part of a company that is, I don’t want to say pioneering, but really leading by example.

Lisa Beecroft, Founder & Owner, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies

If you are a small business owner in BC, you know that it’s incredibly challenging to find
quality, engaged, loyal staff. It’s one of the biggest challenges that we certainly have.

We’re very lucky that we’ve found some amazing people over the years that have worked for
us and that is something that’s hard to find.