We like to speak with clients about their businesses, what are the ingredients to success, and hopefully inspire more entrepreneurs to take the next step.

CEDC: We’re very excited today to be speaking with a CEDC business grant recipient Sarah Peters co-founder of Muddy Boots Maple in Berlin. Thanks for joining us. Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?

Sarah: Originally from Berlin, we are a husband-wife team and family of four. We met in high school and we both have full-time jobs on top of this business, firefighter and banker. The kids even help out in the business.

CEDC: How did you get started? What made you want to open your own business?

Sarah: About 10 years ago 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.

CEDC: What is your setup like?

Sarah: Our sugarhouse is in our backyard with 863 taps. We built ourselves to about 120 gallons and 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.

CEDC: How did you hear about CEDC?

Sarah: When I was googling business help, I had first been introduced to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and worked with Rita Toth. Rita had recommended I reach out to CEDC due to your business grant program support. I was successful in receiving a grant to help build our website.

CEDC: Tell me more about your what makes your business unique or fill a niche.

Sarah: We saw a niche in the area as there are only 2 maple producers in town. We are fairly-oriented, welcoming and have a number of maple products to offer besides syrup.

CEDC: What advice can you offer other small businesses just starting?

Sarah: I would recommend that if you are looking to get your business off the ground definitely reach out and look for supporting resources. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, nothing is silly. Your not expected to know the answers.

CEDC: What are you thinking about doing next? Any future plans or expansion?

Sarah: We have actually just expanded our business by taking over the Bisson Sugarhouse taps thanks to the support of Farm Credit East. We have now added 3,000 more taps which is about 800 additional gallons of maple. We are excited for the build out of our website, and we hope to be able to expand our sugarhouse itself in the future.

CEDC: This has been great! And as a grant recipient and frequent client myself to your shop, all of us at CEDC are very proud of all you’ve done. Any last thoughts to pass on to other business folks?

Sarah: We also have holiday specialty baskets for Easter, Christmas and more.

CEDC: Thanks again for your time today!

If you are in the Berlin area and are looking for amazing maple products, it is a must to stop into the Muddy Boots Maple to see Sarah if you make an appointment in advance or follow their upcoming sugaring hours.

To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/Muddybootsmaple or check out their YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@muddybootsmaple369 or call 603-723-6511.

If you would like to have your business featured in our Small Business Spotlight, email us at execdirector@coosedc.org