Small Business Spotlight
Muddy Boots Maple:
The Sweet Spot of a Family Business
With the White Mountains as a backdrop, the small family-owned business Muddy Boots Maple has earned its spot in the local maple syrup production scene.
Tapping into Entrepreneurship: From hobby to business
Founded by the dynamic husband and wife duo, Sara and Gary Peters, Muddy Boots Maple has become a staple of the Berlin community when it comes to maple goods. It all started as a hobby about 10 years ago, when Sara and Gary began making sweets using syrup from the maple trees on their property. Both still juggling full-time jobs – a firefighter and a banker – they embarked on this entrepreneurial journey as demand for their homemade products surged.
“We started this a hobby in our garage with a turkey fryer and propane. We would make candy, taffy, popcorn. When we started getting so many sales, we decided to create a business out of it.” - Sara Peters, Co-Owner, Muddy Boots Maple
With this pivotal step, the couple decided to formalize their passion and create Muddy Boots Maple. Nestled in the backyard, their sugarhouse now boasts an impressive 863 taps and a capacity for 120 gallons, standing as a testament to the love for their craft. In the early stages, Sara and Gary leveraged their community and social media to promote their small-scale business.
“We did most of our marketing via Facebook and word of mouth. We typically only do business by appointment or with advance call and we do have regular hours during sugar season.” - Sara Peters, Co-Owner, Muddy Boots Maple
Seeking Support to Grow is a Strength
The turning point for Muddy Boots Maple came when, in a quest for business guidance, the family discovered CEDC through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They recommended exploring the CEDC's business grant program, which proved instrumental in developing the business's online presence. The grant facilitated the creation of a website, a vital step in expanding their reach beyond the local community.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Sara shares valuable lessons she learned from her experiences as a new business owner. She encourages reaching out to supporting resources, such as CEDC and other business development centers and emphasizes the importance of asking questions without hesitation.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, nothing is silly. You’re not expected to know the answers.” - Sara Peters, Co-Owner, Muddy Boots Maple
A Successful Year and A Promising Future
What sets Muddy Boots Maple apart is not just its high-quality products but also its commitment to family values and community engagement. With only two maple producers in town, Muddy Boots Maple found its niche. The business radiates a family-friendly atmosphere, with the whole Peters family actively participating in the operations. Beyond syrup, they offer a diverse range of maple products, catering to different tastes and preferences.
In another big milestone, Muddy Boots Maple has recently expanded its operations by taking over the Bisson Sugarhouse taps, thanks to receiving farm financing. This expansion has added a staggering 3,000 taps, equivalent to approximately 800 additional gallons of maple. With an ongoing website, increased production capabilities, a wide array of seasonal offers, and dreams of expanding the sugarhouse itself, the future looks promising for Muddy Boots Maple.
About CEDC
Created to promote economic opportunity and business development, CEDC provides continuing support for existing and new businesses within Coös County. It facilitates Community Development Block Grants, maintains a revolving loan fund, administers the Coös County Economic Development Funds, and provides technical assistance for businesses throughout the North Country.