It’s Crunch Time!
Posted June 13, 2014 at 5:44 am by Tim Dustrude
Mike Martin assists Duncan Wilson while Rebecca Parks (hidden) and Cynthia Burke stand by at the ribbon cutting launch of Whale Tale Cookies at the San Juan Island Whale Museum – Contributed photo
A new island company launched with a splash in Friday Harbor at the Whale Museum on Tuesday. Whale Tale Cookies makes treats for kids with an educational twist. Each package of whale tail shaped cookies contains a trading card with a fun photo by a local photographer of an orca whale engaged in one of many sometimes-mysterious behaviors, along with some child-friendly words about the importance of our whales and ocean stewardship.
The company’s motto, “It’s Crunch Time” is an example of the kind of play on words for which its founder, Mike Martin is well known. A man with a passion, Martin knew the whales were becoming more and more endangered due to environmental impact by human beings, and he wanted to do something about it. “It’s crunch time for the whales,” he said.
Martin’s background as a coach of children’s sports teams is evident in the way he has pulled together an impassioned team of whale lovers with the varied skills he needed to start the company of his dreams.
“Do something you enjoy and it’s not work. Do something you’re passionate about and you’ll succeed beyond you’re wildest dreams. I wanted team-members who were not only passionate about their jobs, but about passionate about making a difference in our world.”
Label designed by Alaina Scheffer. Whale photos by Jim Maya and John Cise – Click to enlarge
Rebecca Parks is Whale Tales’ creative director and designer. Jason Leff and Cynthia Burke bring a combination of professional baking skills, Margie Patrick keeps everyone on task, and Martin handles the marketing. Success isn’t optional to Martin. Before the first batch of cookies was cool, Martin had orders from many local businesses.
As the ribbon was cut by Friday Harbor Administrator Duncan Wilson, the crowd, despite mouths full of cookies, sang out the company’s motto: “It’s Crunch Time!”
Watch for Whale Tale Cookies in the aisles of your favorite shops. 10% of profits will go to whale-related causes.
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