Ignite Donuts honors workers for promotional efforts, growth
The efforts of Ignite Donuts employees is recognized as the business continues to grow.
Ignite Donuts is a donut business that was originally created by Casey Croad, with the help of some of his friends, while they were studying at Central Michigan University. The business originally sold donut holes with a variety of glazes and toppings but, since an Ignite Donuts shop was opened in October 2021, they have branched out to other options like coffee, lemonade, and sandwiches among other cafe food and beverage options. The shop has also catered for various events around the Mt. Pleasant community.
As Ignite Donuts has continued to grow, they’ve brought in staff from CMU who have been able to help further promote the business while they learn skills that may be useful in their respective study fields.
Caroline Kramer, one of the notable Ignite Donut staff members, is a CMU senior who is study
ing Communications, Marketing, and Advertising. Kramer is the social media manager for the business and her duties include planning and creating content for Ignite’s Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok.
“When I moved into my apartment last year Ignite was handing donuts out to new residents,” Kramer said. “I looked up their social media shortly after I tried the delicious donuts and saw that they worked with students so I applied.”
Kramer is currently taking 15 credits and has an internship on campus on top of her duties with Ignite. Despite her many responsibilities, Kramer feels Croad has created a work environment that helps her manage her different obligations well.
“Casey strives to create a work environment where everyone feels comfortable with their responsibilities and hours,” Kramer said. “He makes sure that if you are feeling overwhelmed that you are supported.”
Another employee with Ignite Donuts who has been able to learn as they help the business grow is Allison Biss. Biss is a CMU senior who is studying Broadcast and Cinematic Arts.
“Some of my duties for Ignite Donuts include: creating content for social media, posting content and running social media accounts, overseeing the media team, capturing content at events Ignite is at, reaching out to community members for partnerships, and helping out wherever I’m needed,” Biss said.
She heard about the business through Croad who was her RA during her Freshman year.
“I began working with Ignite because I was looking for experience in my field and the position was also easy for me to do remotely, since I was out of state during that time,” Biss said. “Working for Ignite has been a great learning experience.
I’ve been able to make new connections, grow in my social media skills, and help a start-up venture come to life. I’m so grateful for the experience I’ve had so far, and I love being able to work for a business that is so passionate about helping and loving on others.”
Biss is also the Social Media and Web Director for WMHW (CMU’S radio stations), the Public Relations Representative for CMU’S chapter of NBS-AERHO, and she is working on a podcast with a professor for the School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts at CMU.
“In terms of juggling things while working for Ignite, I’ve been taught that each day brings something new, so I’m prepared for new ventures and ideas every day I work for Ignite,” Biss said.
Wynton Kirkpatrick, another Ignite Donuts employee and CMU student who is graduating this semester, is the Brand Developer for the business. His duties include designing the graphics for marketing, ads, promotional material, packaging, website content, and pretty much anything else that pertains to the overall image of Ignite Donuts. He also will help out with major donut orders when needed.
“I helped Casey start the company that would eventually become Ignite donuts back in 2017, but stepped down before it really became a business,” Kirkpatrick said. “But in the following couple of years I did a lot of piecemeal graphic design for Ignite, and eventually joined as a graphic designer in 2019. Since then I have taken on the role of developing the
brand design and aesthetics of the company.”
Kirkpatrick said that working with Ignite Donuts has helped his professional development, largely due to the amount of practice he’s gotten from different mediums like food photography and 3-D animation.
“Graphic design at Ignite Donuts has been the most fulfilling and enjoyable job I’ve ever had,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’ll likely never have the chance to work on projects that shape an entire company the way I have at Ignite. I think back to the first time we packaged up and shipped wholesale orders to a grocery store; the kind of reward that comes with being involved in the development and completion of a product is different from any other experience I’ve had.”
All three employees have been very optimistic about Ignite Donut’s continued growth since they’ve opened their shop 2208 S. Mission Street.
“I feel that Ignite is making an even bigger impact on the community now that the storefront has opened,” Kramer said. “We are working with on and off-campus organizations as well as local businesses in the community to build relationships in Mt. Pleasant. We have also been able to connect with more of our fellow donut lovers than ever before. It’s great seeing people come in, enjoy the menu, and talk with our amazing team.”