Friday, October 21, 2022
Blake Buchholz and Alex Ewig, 2022 graduates of Hudson High School, had talked about starting a business together many times, but talking became doing last summer when they successfully opened the St. Croix Snack Shack.
A key ingredient in their success was the preparation they received through DECA, the career and technical student organization for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, and hospitality and management.
Blake and Alex were DECA members of their Hudson chapter for four years and co-presidents for the last two. They were unequivocally enthusiastic about the organization, ably advised first by Ms. Danovsky and then Ms. Blum.
“[DECA] influenced us in a large way and pushed us to learn how to execute our ideas,” says Alex. Both recognize the confidence it gave them in several areas: public speaking, business skills, and soft skills. The pair even worked together in a “Start-Up Business Plan” competition.
“We already knew how to work together and whose strengths to apply in certain areas,” says Blake. Blake was the marketing/promotion guy while Alex took on more of the business functions.
So when it came time to present to the Hudson Parks Board, they were ready. Their plan called for a shop in the Hudson Dog Park that would capitalize on foot traffic.
But the board had a better idea: They suggested setting up shop in the beach house facing the St. Croix River at the Lakefront Park beach. It was a winning proposal, and the young entrepreneurs jumped at the chance.
When the St. Croix Snack Shack opened, its menu included a tasty array of concessions. But Alex and Blake’s specialty item is a waffle on a stick. Their DECA training came into play as Blake explains, “you want at least one product that’s unique and memorable to encourage repeat traffic.”
While DECA gave them a head start, there’s nothing like real life. Despite months of planning, the season started a bit later than anticipated on July 25 and ended on August 25 for the two college-bound owners: Alex to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Blake to the University of Southern California.
Will the St. Croix Snack Shack be back? They enthusiastically say yes! In the month the Shack was open, they learned a lot. Alex explains that they analyzed their product mix, keeping track of what sold well and what didn’t. And they made note of customer suggestions (most suggested item: hot dogs). So the Shack will be back next year even better than before!
And remember, if you’re near the Twin Cities next summer, stop by the St. Croix Snack Shack in Hudson and try a waffle stick!