This is Rob Brough, Zions Bank, speaking on business.

In 1978, Don Smith was a food developer and chemist for Safeway stores in California. During his tenure with the company, he developed many products including a patented dough conditioner for making bread. He started selling the product through BYU Today magazine, and it was so successful, he retired early from Safeway and moved to Salt Lake City to start his own business developing such products. He named his new company after his wife — Shirley J.

One of the first products Don developed was a universal sauce mix that could be used for a wide variety of recipes. It became the company's best-selling product. For the next 24 years, Don continued to build his highly-successful business.

After Don passed away several years ago, his family sold the company to an employee. In Dec. 2008, the employee sold Shirley J to a group of entrepreneurs looking for an opportunity to bring a truly unique product to the national market — brothers Mike and Kelly Olsen and Shawn Whitney. All had extensive marketing experience and saw an opportunity to introduce Shirley J products to institutional and home users worldwide.

Building on the legacy of the original founder, Don Smith, the new owners have transformed Shirley J into a modern, dynamic food products company. Don's original formulas were updated to make them more attractive to home consumers. Shirley J products are known for their versatility, simplicity, never-fail delicious results, heart-healthy formulas and, of course, their ability to help families save money.

Today, Shirley J products are the building blocks for thousands of tasty recipes, making them an invaluable addition to every kitchen pantry. Kelly says it's rare to find such a unique and compelling product that is destined to become a new kitchen staple. Shirley J Universal Sauce is just such a product. When people see it and taste it, they are sold. Kelly anticipates Shirley J will continue growing in various markets, especially as more people discover the benefits of the tasty and easy-to-use products.

For Zions Bank, I'm Rob Brough. I'm speaking on business.

Shirley J
15 E. 400 South
Orem, UT 84058
801-225-5073
www.shirleyj.com

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