However, "Just Bagels" is a company that is pumping out its products around the clock, at a rate of 1.5 million a week (yes, million) in a 34,000 square foot plant. That doesn't sound like a little bake shop to me. I don't know how high 1.5 million bagels would be if they were stacked one on top of another or how many cows it takes to create the milk that becomes the cream cheese - but I bet it's a lot!

We all know that 80% of new businesses fail to reach their fifth anniversary. One surefire killer of entrepreneur founded business is that their product can't be differentiated in order to be sold against established competitors. From the beginning they had the recipe for successful bagels, theirs was a great product from day one - but sales, well that is a tough one for everybody. Clifford and his partner James O'Connell, like so many companies with a great product, fell short of sales.

So much so in fact that in 1994 they decided to throw in the towel and put the business up for sale. Instead of selling the place, they found a partner. This should be a "take away" pint for everyone. Before you give up and sell the business for ten cents on the dollar - see if you can find a partner who has what you lack.

Charles Contreras was a former banker and mortgage company owner. Instead of just buying their business he offered them his management experience plus a cash infusion, in exchange for a stake in the company.

The best of all worlds. Clifford and James experiences included sales and baking. Now here was Charles, with his background in finance and management, who was willing to add much needed capital to the pot. A match made in bagel heaven!

"Charlie brought a business plan and taught us how to sell through distributors," says Mr.Nordguist. He also brought a bigger appetite for risk.

They quickly set up a much larger production facility and then began soliciting wholesale accounts. Within three years they had signed up Dean & DeLuca and American Airlines.

As with any business things have not always been smooth sailing. In 2001 their expansion plans resulted in some belt tightening when a subtennant of the newest facility backed out. But they, like all successful business owners, sucked it up - focused on the mission and continued to execute their strategy.

As of 2005 they had rebounded enough to double their plant capacity to the current 34,000 square feet and expanded to 90 staffers. They expect revenues to hit more than $10 million (yes, million) this year (2006).

There are millions of companies like "Just Bagels" that have found the recipe for a winning product, a winning strategy, and a winning team.

We are telling their stories.

Wayne Messick is looking for success stories from Main Street. Tell us your story so we can add it to the profiles of Main St. companies who are positioned for exceptional success in the 21st.Century.

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