seasons

SPOTLIGHT
THINGS
TO
KNOW
ABOUT
KIMBERLY BEIERSDOEFER
How did your Samford degree/experience prepare you for
your current role?
In my various business classes at Samford, I created business plans,
learned real-world business skills in a business simulation class and
even got to consult a local business as part of a marketing class. My
marketing classes at Samford helped to foster a love for marketing
that has been extremely important in the success of The Heavenly
Donut Company.
Which Samford employee had the
most influence on you and why?
The late Dr. Mary Ann Hocutt helped to
foster my love for marketing. In one of her
classes, we were required to work on a
marketing and business plan for a local
small business. This was the first time, for
me, that the coursework really came alive. I
knew that at some point in my life, I
would want to have my own business.
What would you say is the key to
success in today’s world?
Relationships are the key to success. From
the relationship we’ve formed with our
mentors and business partners to the relationships we’ve enjoyed
with our customers, I think building new relationships and
strengthening the ones we have is the key to success. We began our
business as a way to be a part of our community and to minister to
the local area. We always want to put our customers first. We have
become a part of our customers’ lives.
Degree/Year
B.S, business administration, 2002
Hometown
Birmingham
Current
Founder/owner of The Heavenly Donut Co. in
the Cahaba Heights area of Birmingham
What is a favorite Samford memory?
I have so many wonderful memories from Samford. The first would
be receiving my bid on bid day and running from the West Campus
parking deck to the Phi Mu house. Also, one of my favorite
memories is attending Hanging of the Green and Lighting of the
Way.
What was your motivation for starting The Heavenly Donut
Co., and how has it evolved?
My husband and I wanted to be a part of
our community and be able to minister to
those who live in or drive through our
neighborhood. Our goal each day is to be a
bright spot for those who visit our store,
even if we do nothing more than smile and
sincerely ask about their day. Over the past
18 months, we have enjoyed becoming a
part of our customers’ daily routines,
Saturday traditions and special celebrations.
My marketing and event planning background
has helped tremendously with our
business. Our business allows us to sell a
product that is very inviting and invites
people into our store, and our faith gives us
the opportunity to love our customers and encourage them
throughout their day.
Beiersdoefer’s and Stokes' responses have been edited for length. The
complete profiles on Beiersdoefer, Stokes and other featured faculty and
alumni can be found at samford.edu/spotlight.
32 • Seasons • Winter 2015
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