As a baking company that crafts exquisite, French-inspired indulgences, Galaxy Desserts’ ability to keep up with demand for its handcrafted croissants was no light matter. In 2005, the Richmond-based company was outgrowing its 36,000 square foot facility and needed more room to fulfill the vision of its talented chef Jean-Yves Charon. Pacific Community Ventures’s equity investment arm saw the tremendous potential of Galaxy’s
expansion into a new 52,000 square foot manufacturing plant—and with its equity investment made that expansion possible.
With the addition of 46 employees in 2009, Galaxy Desserts’ team of 265 bucked the downsizing trend of the Great Recession and sees continued sales growth in the upcoming decade. In the year after PCV’s investment, Galaxy’s median wage jumped over 15% and nearly 90% of the company’s workers are residents of lower income communities. Along with PCV’s equity investment, Galaxy Desserts receives support from PCV through direct interaction with business advisors as well as participation at CEO Forums and networking events.
The company’s President and CEO Paul Levitan values the partnership with Pacific Community Ventures. “The PCV team helps us ask strategic questions and provides perspective from 30,000 feet above.” Levitan also sees the PCV relationship as a reflection of Galaxy Desserts’ strong set of core values, which are written into the company’s very name: Delightful, Entrepreneurial, Successful, Service-oriented, Exceptional, Respect, Trust and Sustainable. With a company culture that fosters growth and entrepreneurialism, Galaxy Desserts’ commitment to its employees is demonstrated by the success of workers like Tony Lee.
Originally from Vietnam, Tony joined the company as a dishwasher who spoke no English. Galaxy Desserts provided Tony with on-the-job training, English lessons and the opportunity to advance in his career. Having successfully worked in all departments, from manufacturing to packaging, distribution and R&D, Tony is now Senior Production Manager, supervising a team of over 100 workers.
Levitan says Tony and all the dedicated employees at Galaxy Desserts “are the glue that keep us together.”
Galaxy continued to grow apace, and in 2012 merged with French artisinal bakers Pasquier Brioche.