Pottstown is a large community in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The town was established by John Potts in 1714, and quickly became one of the country’s top iron producers. The Potts family were iron masters by trade; and brought iron and steel to the area to start their own business. They established a forge in Pottstown, and introduced the trade that would become a large part of the local economy. Today, Pottstown is known for having produced the steel used to build both the Panama Canal and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Pottstown is also known for being the hometown of Mrs. Smith’s Bakeries; one of the largest frozen pie companies in the United States. Mrs. Smith’s Bakeries, also known as Mrs. Smith’s Pies, is a company that began as small town dream, and became a nationwide success. Literally built one slice at a time, Amanda Smith’s career began when her son, Robert P. Smith started selling slices of her deep dish, fruit pies door to door. As the pies became popular around the neighborhood, Robert was even able to sell slices at the local YMCA lunch counter. Before long, he had a mobile delivery route and the family had opened a small local store. Once on the market, the pies were in such great demand that the family decided to start a company. In 1925, Amanda Smith founded, “Mrs. Smith’s Delicious Homemade Pies Inc.” By 1930, there were four Mrs. Smith’s Pies bakeries serving the Northeast United States.
After Amanda Smith passed away, the company continued to expand. In 1952, they began to produce frozen pies, which broadened their reach even further. In 1972, Robert C. Smith, Amanda’s grandson, became president of the Mrs. Smith’s Pies, and went public with the company. Just four years later, the family sold the company to Kellogg’s for fifty-six million dollars. The brand was sold several times before ending up under the ownership of the Schwan Food Company. Today, the main production of the pies has been moved to Stilwell, Oklahoma; but the original Mrs. Smith’s Pie plant, located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, is still in use as the manufacturer of all the pie tins.
Amanda Smith will always be an example of someone who took something they loved, and turned it into a successful business. While Amanda may have never dreamed that her individual slices would ever amount to more than just a small profit for her family; she was willing to put herself out there; and today millions have tasted her delicious recipes. Amanda’s example could tutor others in having the courage to go after their dreams.
Pottstown tutors want to see every student go after their dreams. If your child is struggling in school, a Pottstown tutor could be just what you need. Everyone deserves the chance to experience the sweet taste of success.