MEET THE CLIENT: Brandon, Brandini Toffee

I sat down with our client, Brandon, to learn more about growing up as a local in a resort town, starting his business in high school, and his insider advice about life in the desert.

CK: What is it like growing up in the Coachella Valley?

BW: Starting a business at 15 was a big part of growing up in the Coachella Valley for me. This is a close-knit community that has allowed me to turn a lemonade stand into a career. 

CK: I really feel the same! I moved here when I was 27, so in a way, I feel like I became an actual adult here. I started my business not long after I moved in Palm Springs. The community has been so supportive.

BW: I couldn't agree more.

CK: What's your favorite hike?

BW: I don’t hike as much as I’d like to but Tahquitz Canyon when the sun is bright and the water is flowing. 

CK: I get it. It's not easy to make the time when running a business, especially one with retail shops that are always open. What's your favorite restaurant?

BW: Taqueria Tlaquepaque

CK: Now that's the local talking! So good. But it's never going to make a list of "hot spots" in some press roundup, and I love that. So tell me -- why toffee?

BW: A family friend taught me how to make toffee when I was 12 and I fell in love with making the recipe my own.  In 2006 a childhood friend and I started selling it to fund a high school class trip to Italy.  We quickly discovered that more than just friends and family wanted to buy some!

CK: That's so cool. Tell me something that only locals understand.

BW: A 2o-minute drive is out of range, unless it's a special occasion.

CK: Ooooh that's a good one. It's so true! And when people move here, that adjustment happens FAST.

BW: It sure does.

CK: I know that the desert and the people here have been good to you, and that you have given back in many different ways. What non-profit is close to your heart right now?

BW: As of lately, it's the Caravanserai Project.  I am honored to be recognized as their Entrepreneur of the Year at their upcoming pitch competition on April 25th.  

CK: Congrats! What's your favorite sweet treat other than toffee?

BW: Hot tamales and ice cream.

CK: At the same time?!?

BW: No! Different indulgences and different times.

CK: You had me worried. Now for the important question: tell me about the dogs.

BW: Toby and Winston are my English Bulldogs and unofficial Brandini mascots.  They come everywhere with me and can usually be found hanging out of my car or wandering the Brandini lobby.

CK: Harley goes everywhere with me, too. Our pups are the best of us, aren't they?

BW: They sure are. And since you redid our Palm Springs store, they are now the stars of their own wallpaper! But they haven't let it go to their heads.