Susie Robison of Maker’s Hand goes to D.C.
(OMAHA, NE.) - Master's Hand has been honored among a select group of national retailers that are industry leaders in promoting retail and the communities they serve.
The National Retail Federation has presented the Small Business Savior Awards since 1987 to small company businesses that have distinguished themselves for their retail and community contributions.
There were a total of 34 stores mentioned in the country this year, with two excellent retailers coming from Nebraska. Lincoln's HobbyTown is the other.
Master's Hand is located in a sleepy town of 1,700 people in northeast Nebraska. Susie Robison, the owner, is no stranger to national recognition and has quickly amassed a long list of awards, accolades, and television appearances on QVC.
In 2020, Robison and Master's Hand were named the World's Best Cinnamon Rolls by the online website World's Best Cinnamon Rolls.
The cinnamon rolls at Master's Hand are as big as the personality of Susie Robison, the owner. One look at her company's Facebook page, and you'll quickly understand.
Susie Robison launched her company in her home in 2003 and moved to her current location in 2008.
Robison is no stranger to success or awards, but she remains humble through it all.
"It's an incredible feeling to be recognized as a retail champion," she said of the distinction. "I'm both humbled and astonished."
On July 27-28, 2012, the National Retail Federation's Retail Advocacy Summit will be held in Washington, D.C., where the finalists will compete for the title of America's Retail Champion.
Robinson, who's never been to Washington, said she's both "excited and terrified..and hopes she doesn't get lost"
The Retail Summit is retailers’ opportunity to show Capitol Hill who retailers are as an industry. As the saying goes, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
America needs retailers of all shapes and sizes to be in the room with policymakers who have the power to affect your business. Although Robison is a self-described country girl, she's ready for the challenge.
"I'm just a country girl going to the big city to make some changes, maybe I'll bring the policymakers some of the world's best cinnamon rolls," she chuckled.
Robison is well respected throughout Nebraska and beyond. Her retail shop is now a destination for tour busses traveling across America. Her store includes a fudge factory, a cafe', an ice cream shop, a clothing boutique, an orchard, fresh sweet-corn, and even a florist! It really is every woman's dream shop.
Stacy Winters, the founder of the Facebook Group Omaha Food Lovers, says, "Susie and her welcoming staff offer such a memorable experience to their customers. Even though they are located 40 miles north of Omaha, that hasn't stopped them from winning the Omaha Food Lovers poll for BEST cinnamon rolls two years running!"
"We are honored to be recognized among some of the best retailers in the world," said Robison. "Our cinnamon rolls are made with love and we take pride in providing an amazing product that our customers can enjoy."
The National Retail Federation annually honors small retailers who are exceptional champions for retail and the communities they serve.
One deserving small retailer will be named the 2022 America’s Retail Champion on July 28 at an industry celebration dinner during the Retail Advocates Summit. Nebraska is fortunate to have two retailers nominated for this incredible honor.
"Robison epitomizes the ingenuity, creativity, and sheer hard work of locally owned and independent small businesses in Nebraska," says, Bobby Johnson, co-founder of Yocal. Johnson's tech startup advocates for local business owners like Robison. "She's the "Why" in Yocal," Johnson laughed.
Although Robison may get lost while in D.C., we know she'll make a lasting impact on policymakers...especially if she brings her world-famous cinnamon rolls.
