Gerry is one of our newer vendors this summer and he’s quickly gathered quite a loyal customer base! We overheard customers walking through market raving, “Can’t beat his caramel!” We asked Gerry to tell us about himself and his business. He gave us the scoop on all things caramel.
Tell us about yourself: I am Gerry Waite of Gerry’s Finest Confections. As a Combat Infantry Veteran, I had been searching for way to financially support Veteran and Active Duty Military causes after retiring and selling my restaurants. I now create custom, high-end caramel based recipes to sell and contribute profits from the sales to various of these charitable organizations.You’ll also see my wife Faith Cosby-Waite at my booth. She’s one of my biggest cheerleaders.
How long have you been in business? I’ve been in the confections business for 2 years.
How long have you been a vendor at PFM? I’ve been a PFM vendor for a few months.
What do you sell, generally speaking? Caramel, Pecan Sicky Buns, Toffee, Caramel Sauce, Caramels, Cheesecake, Caramel Corn
How would you describe one of your products to someone who has never tried it before? Customers tell us our Caramel Items are the best they have ever tasted!
How do your products differ from store bought products? Each product is make fresh weekly in small closely attended batches with no fillers or preservatives!
Do you have a “fun fact” about yourself, your business or product? Having survived combat in Vietnam, I have committed my life to providing service and enjoyment to others. I live by my 1st Infantry Division motto – No Mission Too Difficult – No Sacrifice Too Great – DUTY FIRST! My duty is to my customers!!!
How do you typically prepare to attend the market? I produce product throughout the week. On Fridays I preload my vehicle with the equipment I use on market day. At 4:00 AM on Saturday morning I load my food product and depart for the market from my home in Prescott.
Do you vend at other markets? Which one(s)? No, I don’t vend at at other markets. My products are only available at the Prescott Farmers Market.
What is special about your business? What sets you apart? I make each product personally. As a Combat Veteran myself, I contribute a portion of my profits to Veteran and First Responder related organizations.
What is your top selling product? Toffee and Caramel Sauce are the best sellers at the moment, and new products are really taking off. We sold out of caramel/pecan cheesecake at last week’s market!
What are your business plans for the future? Continue providing my existing products on a weekly basis at PFM.
Why is supporting local agriculture and business important to you? As a local small business owner, supporting other local small businesses provides economic opportunity in our community. We provide job opportunities and a positive impact on our local community economy.
What is your favorite product to buy from another PFM vendor? I love to buy bread, meat and vegetables from other vendors at PFM.
What else would you like customers to know about you and your business? I and my wife are committed to providing the highest quality, personally produced caramel related products. Each product is produced in small batches and made fresh weekly. We love what we do and work diligently to insure our products are made from high quality local and Arizona produced ingredients.
How can customers stay in touch? Visit my website if you like, and of course, visit me in person every Saturday at PFM.