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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
With tighter budgets and limited income, many people have been forced to make lifestyle changes through the economic flexes of the last two years. One such trend that experts predict will stick is cooking at home. Americans have traditionally spent 44 percent of their food dollars outside the home, but this has dropped sharply as people have searched for ways to be more economical and have rediscovered the joy of cooking at home. This is good news for Sue Hess Fenton.
Her Holladay company, The Finishing School, is designed to teach students of all ages, especially children, homemaking skills. This includes sewing, cooking and life skills like nutrition and safety in the kitchen. Classes are intended to reach any level, from beginner to advanced. Adult cooking demonstration classes are held once a month and teach participants to make a full three-course meal.
For example, in a recent class students learned to make an Italian tomato basil tart in a puff pastry with authentic tiramisu for dessert. Sue also believes in offering tips on how to entertain guests like creating beautiful matched place settings because she believes in the importance of presentation.
A best practice for The Finishing School is to bring the best talent on board to teach the classes. This includes Sara Voortmeyer (vohrt-my-er), a former pastry chef at Tuscany, Elizabeth Peterson, who has years of experience in teaching and sewing and Sophie St. Claire whose extensive sewing and design experience have taken her all over the world. Sue makes it a priority to take care of her teachers because she values the experience and expertise they bring to the table.
Another important business practice for Sue is to shop and use local as much as possible. This is a smart move since every dollar spent locally has the effect of adding up to $6 back into the local economy.
Sue says business at The Finishing School remains strong. No matter the economic situation people are interested in what she has to teach. Her newest business move is to look at franchising this 30-year-old operation.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
The Finishing School 4880 S. Highland Circle Holladay, UT 801-277-9244 www.thefinishingschoolslc.com
