In conversation: Kelly and Kelly Grimm
Kelly and Kelly Grimm (they share the same given name) are owners and operators of A&K Grimm’s Sausage, now in its 33rd year at 667 Eckhardt Ave. W. They spoke with Herald editor James Miller on Friday about their unique shop and the secret to success.
HERALD: How did you get into the business?
MR. KELLY: My father was a journeyman, a meat cutter and sausage maker. I started with him.
MRS. KELLY: I was born and raised here in Penticton. I got into this through Kelly and his sister. We met, got married, had three boys and I started working with Kelly.
MR. KELLY: We have a real family affair here with our cousin and sister also working with us. HERALD: How many do you employ? MRS. KELLY: Seven, counting ourselves. HERALD: Do you go to school for this? MR. KELLY: You can. There’s a program in Kamloops. Our industry is scrambling for meat cutters. People often don’t think of it as a trade and it’s difficult to find qualified help.
HERALD: Has the industry changed over the years?
MR. KELLY: It’s changed quite a bit. There are fewer and fewer shops like ours and ironically, they’re becoming more popular. People will come from Kelowna to shop here because there are not a lot of shops around like ours. We like to consider ourselves more artisans than butchers or meat cutters. We make everything here. Also what’s changed is the government has gotten into it more... and that’s a good thing.
HERALD: What’s your most popular item?
MRS. KELLY: Probably sausages and pepperoni. We’ve gone from selling a lot of steaks and roasts to more sausages because they are cheaper and easier to prepare.
HERALD: What’s your busiest time of year?
MR. KELLY: Summer and a full hunting season. At Christmas we were inundated, it was sell, sell, sell.
HERALD: What’s been the secret to your success?
MR. KELLY: Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise. I’d say it’s a good product and loyal customers. When we started, a lot of our customers were older Europeans, but over the years we now have a lot of younger people who want to shop local and who want to know where their food is coming from.
MRS. KELLY: I think it’s the quality that we offer. You get what you want and need, it’s not packaged like a supermarket. Our business is centred around the customer and we are always looking to do our best. HERALD: Do you enjoy your job? MR. KELLY: Definitely. I like the work and the customers are all great.
MRS. KELLY: After you’re done preparing a day of products, there is a lot of satisfaction that goes into what we do.
HERALD: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
MRS. KELLY: We have three grandkids. I kayak, golf and ski.
MR. KELLY: I’m a curler, I’m playing in the big bonspiel this weekend. I also like to golf and fish.
HERALD: Did you ever see the original Rocky movie?
MR. KELLY: Yes. I laughed at the scene (in the meat packing plant). If you punched the side of meat like he did in the movie, it’s hard, he’d probably break his hand.
HERALD: I have to ask, how big of a problem is it with both of you having the same first name?
MRS. KELLY: When the phone rings here, they will ask for Mr. Kelly or Mrs. Kelly, big Kelly or Little Kelly, it’s a lot of confusion, but that’s OK.
MR. KELLY: And it’s a great conversation starter.