Denise Pallesen , Director

Denise Pallesen was driven by her desire to own her own business. So, ten years ago when the opportunity arose to take over Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Foods in Cranbrook, she knew it was the right business for her.

With only two weeks to research the business and to find financing, Pallesen was under pressure. A natural entrepreneur, she took to action, got the paperwork done and became the new owner of Nutters. Then she faced her next challenge, operating a business. 

Determination is a word that describes Denise. She recognized that she needed to know more about sales, so she educated herself with books and seminars. Product knowledge was absorbed for half an hour every morning before breakfast.  When she arrived at the store she had the information needed to answer customer’s questions. 

Denise's determination paid off and in 2005 she was named Business Person of Year with Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Foods being awarded Business of the Year by the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce. In 2007 Denise received the Customer Service Award of the Year.

“I have grown my business by having the ability to offer superior customer service, by having excellent staff who continue to make a difference in our customer’s lives and by having the ability to change with the market,” says Pallesen.

Purchasing a business when you have very little knowledge of the product you are selling and even less understanding of how to run a business could be considered a very risky move. But for Pallesen it was a move that lead her to success. Looking back now she attributes her success to her mother.

“If I had to pick one person who has influenced me, it would my mom. She was a mentor to me and showed me that everyone needs to work towards a goal, whether that be learning to run a business or learning to ride a bike,” says Pallesen.

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