Board President Thad Nowak Steps Down
How do you summarize someone’s dedication to a volunteer position for close to 30 years? As most of you have probably heard, Sugar Plum Bakery’s Board President, Thad Nowak, is stepping down. It’s an emotional departure, as Thad is as much a part of the bakery as our signature Mozart cake. Most of us can’t recall when he wasn’t involved with the bakery. Back in 1997, when Thad joined the board, he played an integral part in spearheading the plan for a new bakery facility. Taking the bakery from its original building, a converted 60-year-old house, to the current modernized bakery with enough room to house the staff, client training, ovens, walk-ins, freezers, prep areas and storage. “I remember going into the building one day during a rainstorm and the water was gushing through the wall where an old dishwasher had been removed. We tried to figure out how to fix it, but we finally realized, it was unfixable,” Thad recalled.
During the initial stages of development, Thad worked closely with Keith Curtis and his firm, The Curtis Group, to develop a campaign study for the new building. In 2001, with the hire of Patricia Rakes-Clark, the new executive director, the campaign was launched with a goal to raise $900,000 for the new bakery. It was a tremendous success, and with Thad at the helm of the campaign, the board raised $1.2 million, ensuring enough monies to expand the new facility to include a second floor with an elevator.
That year also saw Thad work closely with board member Chuck Ferrer to create the first of what would become an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the bakery. The golf tournament is still being held every year and is looked forward to by many members of the community who gladly support their favorite hometown bakery with a mission!
It wasn’t long after the golf tournament was born, that Thad began gathering local community and business leaders to serve on the new Board of the Sugar Plum Bakery. He wanted an active board comprised of people, like him, who wanted the bakery to thrive for decades to come and be a place where individuals with disabilities could find gainful employment, education and training all while providing delicious treats. The Vision Statement of the bakery – striving to serve, promote, educate and integrate independence and self-worth serves as a testament to Thad’s hard work over the years. Today the bakery employs 33 people and enjoys a local following of sweet-treat loving customers who come to the bakery for its seasonal treats and desserts.
Not only has Thad been a grateful ambassador of the Sugar Plum Bakery, but he and his wife Connie have annually hosted Christmas parties at their home always making everyone feel welcome. Thad has always LOVED to decorate at Christmas, and Clark Griswold has got nothing on his holiday décor skills! And just like with his guests at his annual holiday parties, so too has Thad Nowak ALWAYS been warm, engaging and dedicated to everyone at the Sugar Plum Bakery! Join us in thanking him for his dedication – without Thad, we are not sure the bakery would be at the caliber it is today.
Board President Thad Nowak Steps Down
Tim Rivas
President
Sugar Plum Board of Directors
After 28 years at the helm, Thad Nowak has stepped down as President of the Board of Directors. Thad has worked tirelessly to bring the bakery from a small workshop inside an old house to a first-class program inside the beautiful facility we have today. Our mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities has never been stronger because of his involvement.
Thad’s reach into our community helped raise the donations to build the building as well as fund an endowment that will keep the bakery running for many years to come. His smile and infectious positivity have been an important contribution to our success.
On a personal note, I want to thank Thad for bringing me onto the board many years ago. You have been a great leader, a true mentor to our staff members, but most of all for me, a great friend. Thank you for all your contributions to the bakery and we look forward to having you continue as President Emeritus!
Hear What Our Board Members Have To Say About Working With Thad Nowak:
I will always remember being so warmly welcomed onto the Board by Thad, as well as all the other board members. Thad was always so generous of his time to myself, my wife Gwen, and our son Taylor. He welcomed us into his beautiful home at Christmas. I was mesmerized by his sports memorabilia room. And I will always be appreciative of the time he gave me tickets to the preseason football game between the Steelers and the Redskins. When I think of Thad, I always think of his warm personality, his generous spirit, and his great desire to help those less fortunate. Job Well Done, Thad!
– Tom Gustafson
I started working with Thad almost 30 years ago through Hall Automotive. One day back in 2004, Thad came into my office and asked me if I would be interested in helping with the bakery’s golf tournament. Even though I knew nothing about golf, I said yes. In 2007, Thad asked me to join the Sugar Plum Board of Directors. Today I have Thad to thank for my continued involvement with Sugar Plum, and the rewarding experiences I have had since that fateful day in 2004. Sugar Plum Bakery wouldn’t be what it is today without Thad. His leadership will be greatly missed.
– Colleen Craig
Thad, thank you for your decades long commitment to the mission of our beloved bakery. Your vision, enthusiasm, guidance and direction has been the key to our hometown success. We would not be where we are today without your leadership, and for that, thank you!
– Chuck Ferrer
I met Thad many years ago at Wareing’s Gym. I was fairly new on the Sugar Plum Board and asked him to come on board and assist us with the bakery’s financials. He immediately accepted. I became President and he was my number 2 man. He replaced me as president. The Board realized the Bakery building was in bad shape and needed to be replaced. Thad and I, with the Board’s assistance, raised 1.2 million for the new building. And the rest is history. Under Thad’s leadership the Bakery has become a City Landmark. On behalf of the Board, staff, former employees, clients, and customers, thank you for your dedication and commitment
– Charlie Malbon
I’ve worked with Thad in one capacity or another for well over 30 years and have always admired and respected him. When he is called upon to make difficult decisions, he always takes the high road and does the “ right thing.”
– Linda Laibstain
Thad has meant the world to Sugar Plum and to me personally. Thad was first to welcome me onto the Board and it’s been an incredible honor to be part of an organization that means so much to so many. And that’s in no small part to Thad’s leadership and vision. Beyond the Board, I am especially grateful for the lifelong memories Thad helped create. From hosting my engagement party, speaking at my wedding, and even joining me in Turks and Caicos for my 40th birthday – Thad’s presence has meant the world to me. Thank you Thad, for your remarkable service and the lasting impact you’ve made on Sugar Plum. Your vision and heart have profoundly shaped its mission and this community.
– Scott Miller
I have fond memories of Thad coaching my basketball team during my high school years and I single handedly credit Thad for getting me started professionally and for opening doors for me as I moved into adulthood. I will forever be indebted to his kindness and mentorship.
– Ricky Anderson
Take It From Thad, Sugar Plum Pies Are The Best!
It comes as no surprise to everyone at Sugar Plum Bakery that Thad Nowak’s first love is PIE! Take a look at the summer pies we are featuring, and be sure to keep an eye out for when our Fall and Holiday pies make an appearance in coming months.
BLUEBERRY PIE
PEACH PIE
STRAWBERRY PIE
STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
Consider a Donation in Thad Nowak’s honor!
Like most retail food businesses, Sugar Plum Bakery continues to be affected by supply and staffing shortages. Gifts from generous people like you help us bridge the gap between bakery revenue and the cost of operating our program for individuals with disabilities.
