By Heather Lusk
Terry Rake, owner of Lebanon-based Titus Bakery, was determined not to go into her father’s baking business. When he was ready to retire she even found another buyer until she had a change of heart.
“He’d made the business what it is today,” she said. “I thought, we can take it and expand.”
Since purchasing Titus Bakery at the end of 2012, the business has more than tripled and is being recognized as one of the 2015 Indiana Companies to Watch, an awards program presented by the State of Indiana and the Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
“It just kind of reaffirms that we are doing something right,” she said. “We try and run our business the way we think it should be run and we’re glad to know that other people think we’re doing a good job.”
While Rake and her husband Tom are longtime residents of Zionsville, they have no plans to expand beyond Westfield in the short term.
“I definitely want to be in other communities,” she said, “but I don’t want to jump into something and not get it right.”
Rake credits her loyal customers and hardworking employees for keeping their business strong.
Also on the list of companies to watch is Zionsville business DK Pierce & Associates. Denise K. Pierce was the sole employee 15 years ago when she started her medical reimbursement solutions company. Now with 20 employees, her business has expanded to serve five states.
Pierce’s business helps patients gain access to medications through their insurance company, in particular medications for cancer and rare diseases.
The Indiana Companies to Watch recognizes privately held Indiana business that have experienced exceptional growth and are well positioned for even greater growth in the future. The 20 companies on this year’s list are from 11 different Indiana counties.
