Meet Alexander Baker | Father & Veteran

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my business is family. Without my family I would not have started or kept going!

What should our readers know about your business?
The best popcorn shop in the world started nine months after my honorable discharge in the US ARMY after thirteen years of service. We use kosher, gluten-free and NON-GMO ingredients to give our customers a healthy snack option. Our customer service is second to none. We make accommodations to customers by inquiring what they look for in a snack(to make the perfect popcorn). This improves our overall quality of product we provide to the world. We support our community with donations to local youth organizations.

Getting to the point where I am now required me to have support that is the number one requirement however, you first have to have a solid idea. My business idea came from a person wanting me to invest in their popcorn operation and they showed me the basic of how to operate popcorn machinery. I choose not to go that route because I was still in the army and I just made it the the pay grade E-7 (SFC) and I wasn’t thinking bout getting out so I told him no. When I transitioned out of the army, I decided to put my ideas of owning a popcorn shop on paper while working my civilian job, and started purchasing equipment. Running a business isn’t easy and never will be from my experience because there is always a way to improve your product and brand, this requires a lot of time and effort. I overcame my challenges by support from my family and other local business owners and getting into business classes from SCORE AND SBA. The main lesson I learned is to start your accounting process early, as soon as you open your business bank account. This will help you understand and help you make better decisions on the financial side. I want the world to know if you have an idea to see it through even if it doesn’t start out the way you intended. Perseverance

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start off my Saturday morning at the River Street Market in Petersburg, VA where I can get a bag of Baker’s Popped Delights. Then head to brunch at the Shaved Duck in Midlothian. You gotta try the bread plate. After brunch, I would head to Uptown Alley for bowling and arcade games, then go to Bennys Tavern in Colonial Heights, VA for drinks and karaoke.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to specifically thank my investors Alexander Baker Jr(son), Janatha Pettis(wife), Ashley Cone(wife). They have given me direct, financial mental and spiritual support. Without them I would not be in business.

Website: w.bakerspoppeddelights.org

Instagram: Instagram.com/bakerspoppeddelights

Facebook: Facebook.com/apoppeddelight