From overseas experience to corporate life, Dean formed the foundations of his business prowess and entrepreneurial flair in the 1990’s.
1991
Ernest Adams
On his return to New Zealand, fresh from overseas work experience, Dean secured a position as Test Baker at Ernest Adams – a 60 year old industrial bakery that produced ready-made traditional cakes, breads and cookies.
Dean spent 7 years developing new products, managing the test bakery, training customer service teams and sales teams and managing VIP accounts at Goodman Fielder Milling & Baking.
Goodman Fielder Milling & Baking
In 1996 Dean joined Goodman Fielder as National Technical Support Manager. He helped boost them from number two to the top spot for bakery ingredient supplies in Asia Pacific.
1992
The Pastry King
Dean travelled during the early 1990’s and taught baking at a number of prestigious cooking schools, like that of good friend and chef, Rick Stein.
1993
Windsor Cakes – the first bakery that Dean purchased and his maiden voyage into running a small business.
Working at Windsor Cakes
Taking over and running a business was a lesson for Dean on considering customer insights while looking at the bigger picture. Dean learned to manage staff and mellow in his high expectations.
Cakes That Leave You Wanting for More
Windsor Cakes was a traditional old school Kiwi bakery that specialised in take away product and was trusted and well respected in the Dunedin community.
1994
Becoming Chief Judge
From keen participant to head judge, Dean values the honing of skill a competition can bring.
1995
In 1995 Dean proudly published his very first baking book, The New Zealand Baker.
The NZ Baker Published
Dean’s vision was to publish a book showcasing the best of Kiwi Baking. With the partnership of Lauraine Jacobs, High Priestess of New Zealand food publishing, they went on to win a prestigious Golden Ladle Award at the World Food Media Awards.