SIBLING TEAM KEEPS THE DOUGHNUTS COMING, 24/7
Brother-sister duo has run Bill’s Donut Shop in Centerville since 1995.
Operating a doughnut shop — especially one open 24 hours a day, seven days a week — can be an all-consuming career.
Bill and Faye Elam, founders and former owners of Bill’s Donut Shop 268 N. Main St. in Centerville, were keenly aware of that, so they insisted their children try out jobs and careers outside of the doughnut shop before they
even thought of taking over the family business.
The brother-and-sister owners of Bill’s Donut Shop, Lisa Tucker and Jim Elam, worked several jobs, but when their parents finally made the offer in 1995 to take over the shop, they both said yes.
Bill’s is busier than ever, boosted by multiple national shout-outs. But the siblings are carving out time this week to help victims of Hurricane Michael by collecting donated items and packing a semi-truck load of supplies destined for the Florida Panhandle.
We caught up with Lisa on Tuesday afternoon as she was thanking customers who were coming into Bill’s to drop off supplies for the donation drive. Here’s what she told us:
Tell me the story behind your brother and you taking over the shop from your parents in 1995.
Both Jimmy and I worked in other fields before we took over
the shop. I worked as a court reporter, and I also worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Our mom and dad wanted us to try other things, because running this shop is a 24-hour-a-day job. When they were satisfied, and we were sure, we made our decision. We grew up in this busi- ness, and a lot of our customers are like family. This is what we
like to do.
What’s a typical work day for you now?
One of us is here every day.
I usually come in at 6:30 every morning. We coordinate our vacations and other events. I usually go home at a decent time, although right now, since we are in the middle of accepting donated items for Hurricane Michael victims, I’ve been putting in12- and 14-hour days.
What’s been your most recent professional challenge, and how did you push through it?
Trying to find employees! Everyone is struggling to find employees right now. We are open 24 hours, so