SVI True Confessions allow us to hear from inspirational leaders who share their trials, tribulations and triumphs in creating businesses that matter. These intimate “confessions” reveal the challenges and success of building businesses focuses on the triple bottom line. Joining SVI Vancouver this year as one of two True Confessions is Mary Waldner, co-founder of Mary’s Gone Crackers.
Mary and her husband Dale Rodrigues founded the company of gluten-free snacks that she developed after her long struggle with Celiac Disease. Mary is responsible for the development of all of the company’s products, and has been a Director since the company was incorporated in 2004.
For 26 years, Mary had a successful practice as a family therapist. In 1994 at the age of 43, she was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes intolerance to gluten. The diagnosis changed her life and what was a passion for health and baking turned into a creative and rewarding venture. Over the next five years, Mary and Dale would launch their journey toward building one of the most successful companies currently operating in the gluten-free food space in North America.
Inspired by her own struggles with Celiac Disease, Waldner created Mary’s Gone Crackers after finding a shortage of nutritious, gluten free options that tasted good. Her handcrafted recipe became a hit not only with Celiac sufferers, but with consumers eager for delicious snacks they could feel good about eating. Mary’s Gone Crackers Original was awarded the Sofi Gold for the most outstanding cracker at the New York Fancy Food Show in 2008. Waldner is a member of the Organic Trade Association and the Celiac Sprue Association.
Mary Walder will be featured as a True Confession Speaker at our first ever SVI Women Bay Area March 21-23, 2018.