Carolyn Cresswell
Hall of Fame Alumni
Carman's Fine Foods
- Founder and Managing Director
About Me - My Biography
Carolyn Creswell is the founder and Managing Director of Carman’s Fine Foods, a Melbourne company started by Carolyn with $1,000 when she was just 18 years old. Two years later she bought out her partner and began putting her muesli and muesli bars into supermarkets and delis. Now the company has revenue of more than $10 million and exports to 15 countries. In 2007 Carolyn won the Ernst & Young 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year award (Southern Region Youth Category).
Her Story
Carolyn Cresswell is the Founder and Managing Director of Carman’s Fine Foods, a leading Australian gourmet food company. Over 19 years, the company has gone from strength to strength, supplying major supermarket chains and airlines in Australia. It has also broken into the global market with exports to 32 countries worldwide.
As a mother to four young children, Carolyn is passionate about wholesome, real food, prompting her to establish what has become a highly successful enterprise.
Based in Cheltenham, Carman’s Fine Foods is a strong supporter of Australian farmers, using homegrown produce to develop its range of healthy snacks. The company continues to grow its product range, which currently includes muesli bars, biscuits and porridge.
Carolyn holds a number of influential roles as a popular public speaker and is currently a board member of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation. She is also a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2012, she was awarded the Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year Award as well as the 2012 Telstra Commonwealth Bank Business Owner award.
For Carolyn, one of the key lessons of her 19-year journey lies in recognising the team surrounding her, as well as her clients and customers.
“We are all in the people game; you need to remember the people you work with as much as the people you supply. Never forget that and your business will flourish.”
Strategies for Success
- Think of the people you work with as another family, delight your customers constantly and your business will quickly thrive.
- Have a crystal clear vision of where your business is heading and refer to it every day when decision-making.
- Write lists, prioritise and clear your inbox every day. Learn to say ‘no’ to things that are not important, so you can ‘work smarter’ rather than ‘harder’.
- ’Drive it like you stole it’ – sometimes you just have to trust your instincts, dive into the deep end and go for it!
- Love what you do! Your passion, drive and enthusiasm will determine your business’ success.
