By: Jerry Crawford
Business Consultant
(Guam SBDC)
Who says Guam can’t be an export nation? Coco-Jo’s cookies have taken the lead to demonstrate faith in our island culture and the things we can offer the world. “Our cookies have captured the heart and taste buds of the Japanese tourist,” stated Charles and Denise Selk owners of Coco-Jo’s. The years of hard work as a family business have begun to pay off for this “Jungle Based Business”. Located in the lovely village of Inarajan just steps from the clear blue ocean waters, the Selks have proven that you can maintain your family values, work close to home and enjoy island life. Coco-Jo’s has become a local success selling delicious cookies in many island stores from Payless to Duty Free Stores. The term “accidental exporter” applies to the Selk’s business growth into Asia. They were contacted by a Japanese company and asked to send cookie samples for taste tests. After several months of effort on the part of both, the Exporter, Coco-Jo’s and the Japanese importer, a pallet of cookies left Guam headed for Japan. The Selks explain that at this point they found out they were not alone in the business of exporting. The cookie shipment ran into an immigration problem and was turned back at the border. The Selks contacted their SBDC counselor Jerry Crawford and explained the problem. “Jerry was an amazing help and support to us during this challenging time in our business expansion” stated Charles Selk.
“He contacted the US Embassy in Japan and US Commercial services in Hawaii and in a few short hours we had the answers we needed and saved the relationship with the Japanese importer”. The needed recipe revisions were made and before long another pallet of Guam cookies left the port bound for Japan. The business has seen steady growth month after month in the number of pallets shipped to Japan. Before long the Japanese distributor made a trip to Guam and said, “we need more Guam products like yours for export to our company in Japan”. The Selks have worked introducing other island business people to the opportunity to sell in Japan. Next time you’re at the store, buy a box of Coco-Jo’s cookies and take them home and ask yourself, “why not expand our business”, “why not starts a business with export potential”?
Remember, you are not alone. The SBDC is here to help you. Research help, business and financial planning, export assistance, and much more. Our services are free. Let us help you succeed like the Selks and then we can write your story for the world to read.
