How one Oakland patisserie whipped up a thriving business with Homebase.
In the heart of Oakland, California, Crumble & Whisk Patisserie has been delighting customers with their mouthwatering cheesecakes and pastries for over a decade. Founded by Charles Farriér, a skilled chef with an eye for detail and a passion for his craft, this small patisserie has become a local favorite. But Charles isn’t just a whiz in the kitchen- he’s also a tech-savvy entrepreneur who uses Homebase to make work radically easier and superpower his team – crafting a recipe for success that other small businesses can learn from.
The challenge:
Like most small business owners, Charles was no stranger to the struggles of managing a team and keeping labor costs in check. He found himself drowning in a sea of schedules, time cards, and endless paperwork with no time to focus on his true calling – crafting the most mind-blowing cheesecake in town. But how could he do that when he was constantly stuck in the back office, crunching numbers and juggling shifts?
The solution:
Enter Homebase. After discovering the everything app for hourly workers, Charles quickly realized that it was the secret ingredient he needed to streamline his operations and get back to doing what he loved.
“The reason why I like Homebase is because the platform is just easy to use. It’s very streamlined-very user-friendly. And there’s no fuss. Your grandma can use it,” he laughs.
With Homebase, Charles ditched the headaches of juggling all of his daily tasks. Scheduling, time tracking and payroll all came together in one user-friendly package, taking away tons of manual data entry and extra steps. No more juggling multiple platforms or wasting time on inputting hours or calculating costs.
But it’s not just about streamlining operations – Homebase has also been a game changer for team communication and transparency. “I’m allowed to go in there and post notes and be able to send things to the team without me having to be here and let them know and give updates on work performance, scheduling, the tasks they need to do every day, while also allowing them to see everything they need at their fingertips,” Charles explains.
This newfound transparency has been a win-win for everyone. Charles can easily keep his team in the loop, even when he’s not physically present, while his employees have access to all the information they need to succeed in their roles. From daily task lists to performance updates, Homebase keeps everyone on the same page and working towards the same goals.
When it comes to payroll, Charles no longer has to worry about crunching numbers or manually inputting data. With Homebase, his employees’ hours seamlessly sync from the time clock to Payroll, ensuring accurate and effortless payments every time. It’s like having a magical assistant who does all the heavy lifting for you, allowing Charles to focus on what he does best – crafting irresistible treats and growing his business. “I don’t have to think about it. I love it,” he gushes.
The impact:
Since embracing Homebase, Crumble & Whisk has been on a roll. Charles has seen his labor costs melt away, thanks to the platform’s real-time insights and alerts.
”I was able to cut down a lot of my labor costs,” he reveals.
Staying on top of overtime hours and making informed decisions to keep expenses in check. No more surprises at the end of the month – just sweet, sweet savings.
But it’s not just about the bottom line. Charles has made a conscious choice to prioritize creating a warm and inviting work environment that rivals the cozy atmosphere of his patisserie. By leveraging Homebase for scheduling and time-off requests, he’s given his team the flexibility and transparency they need to achieve a better work-life balance. Happy employees, happy customers, happy Charles.
Best practices:
So, what’s the cherry on top of Crumble & Whisk’s success? For Charles, it’s all about embracing technology and putting his people first. By using Homebase, he’s been able to cut through the clutter and focus on what matters.
His advice to fellow small business owners? “Don’t rush into it. Look at all obstacles and understand that everything takes time.” With the right tools and a people-first approach, you too can whip up a business that’s as unstoppable as Charles and his team. Charles’ enthusiasm for Homebase is as sweet as his signature cheesecake. “Homebase has done a superb job in making sure that small businesses have the essential tools that they need to make sure their business runs effectively,” he shares.
Hungry for your own success story?
Crumble & Whisk’s journey is a testament to the power of combining passion, hard work, and the right technology. By embracing Homebase’s everything app, Charles has been able to craft a recipe for success that’s equal parts efficiency, flexibility, and good old-fashioned TLC for his people. As Crumble & Whisk continues to delight customers with their sweet treats, their story serves as an inspiration to small businesses everywhere – a reminder that with the right tools and a focus on your team, anything is possible.
Don’t let the daily grind of managing your business get in the way of your passion. Sign up for Homebase today and start whipping up your own unstoppable team. Your success story is just a few clicks away – and trust us, it’s going to be sweet!
Remember: This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.
