North Bay Woman

30 NORTH BAY WOMAN | S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 normal cookie that tasted great so everybody could enjoy it, whether they had to follow a gluten-free diet or not. She launched her own business in 1988 with four cookies and a pancake mix, and the next year, she went to a big natural foods show in Anaheim, where owners were selling their own products. "It was a really great time to be in natural foods," she said, and the retailers wanted what she was offering. "You didn't hear about glu- ten-free very much. The products got on the shelves, because people liked the taste," she said, stressing the importance of great flavor. The first chain to carry Pamela's Products was Mrs. Gooch's Natural Foods Market, which was eventually purchased by Whole Foods Markets, and then it all fell into place. Other retailers found out about her products and started to carry them, and gradually the company grew. "The business wasn't an overnight success; it was a process," Gius- to-Sorrells explained. Today, she has more than 90 employees, a new production facility in Ukiah and sells Pamela's Products internationally. She attributes much of her success to good instincts and being an honest and conscientious businessperson. She gives a great deal of credit to the people around her. "I love the personalities who work for me," she said, adding that the members of her team are all enthusiastic about what they do. They enjoy traveling together and discuss current trends and develop new products. "We talk a lot about what's coming out in the market and how it applies to us," she said. "I think there's always a need to have products that taste better than what is on the market." Giusto-Sorrells takes pride in the quality of her products. "I wanted a really great food company that happened to be glu- ten-free. … People need to be emotionally and physically satisfied. For me that's the key to success." It's been hard work and long hours, but a great journey nonetheless. "You have to wear a lot of hats. You have to be able to do more than just make a cookie," she said. "If you love it and have passion, it's worth getting up in the morning." ■ Chunky Chocolate Chip is one of Pamela's most popular offerings. – Photo by Stuart Lirette Pamela's business is making gluten-free cookies and other baked goods appeal to all. – Photo provided by Pamela's Products >> from pg. 28 The Award Winning Team at MARIN ACURA invites you to visit and experience the luxury, style and performance of our 2016 line up of vehicles. A locally owned, Family Business where the priority is YOU! • Locally Owned • 5860 Paradise Drive, Corte Madera • 415-924-5100 • www.marinacura.com 2016 MARIN ACURA MAjoR LeAGUe TeAM

• Cover