Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, business was booming for Denver-based Custom Made Meals.
But once people went into lockdown, demand skyrocketed for the company’s big, hearty meals like chicken parmesan, maple waffle chicken, stuffed chicken breasts and stuffed pork chops.
“It’s been growing like wildfire,” says Sean Saunders, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer. “Business increased by 35% from 2018 to 2019, and we are on track to climb another 35% or more this year.”
Custom Made Meals prepares fresh, oven-ready entrees and appetizers for more than 15,000 grocery stores in 48 states, including significant grocers like King Soopers, Kroger, Publix, Target and Food Lion.
The company runs a seven-day operation and is continually looking to bring on new staff.
Dale Easdon, president and chief executive officer, says to be successful, it’s crucial for Custom Made to have a high-performing team and to take care of its employees.
“We know it’s tough work,” Easdon says. “They are working in a cold environment, so we need to provide them with the right clothing and training. We celebrate the wins with them and work to keep them motivated. That’s what we do.”
The company also works to avoid a top-down management style.
“We lead from the floor, not the office,” Easdon says. “The management team spends a lot of time making sure our employees have the tools they need to do the job.”
Katie Prekel, vice president for human resources, says the company also works to reward its employees. Custom Made Meals serves employees monthly luncheons and also provides special meals for people who work on holidays.
Because the company’s employees are diverse, management works to cultivate a climate of respect and inclusivity. Since many employees speak Spanish, company leaders took Spanish classes to improve communication, Prekel says.
Despite the increased demand for its meals, Custom Made has had no issues getting the supplies it needs.
“Just like we work to communicate with our employees, we also work to communicate with our supply chain,” Easdon says. “We pride ourselves on being a partner of choice, and our suppliers know we are working together to get products on store shelves.”
Because the company already followed many health and protocols to manufacture food, such as face and head coverings, it only needed to make a few additional changes to keep employees healthy such as adding more distance between workers and adding flexible shifts.
No. 2
Custom Made Meals
Years named: 2
Founded: 2009
Headquarters: Denver
Employees: 328
Locations: 1
