COTTAGE GROVE – Twelve-year-old Caliandra “Cali” Hoffman may be Cottage Grove’s Cookie Tycoon.
As a Girl Scout with Cottage Grove Troop No. 2007, Cali’s sales record is in the neighborhood of 1,300 boxes … for the past five years.
If that sounds like a lot of cookies, that’s because it is.
We’re talking about 6,500 units sold in her young career. It’s no wonder her customers ask if she would be interested in working for them when she gets older.
“Selling cookies has provided Cali many things,” said mom Carissa Hoffman. “She has developed customer service, business, and financial literacy skills. She has also learned that she can set big goals and persevere through challenges and obstacles.”
Big goals, indeed. And this year is no different … with the exception that she’s upped the ante.
Between Cali and her sister, a Daisy this year, the Hoffmans look to sell 3,000 boxes this season — a significant goal that requires careful planning and execution.
“Girl Scouts learn so much every cookie season. The money they earn allows them to continue to learn invaluable skills for their future,” said Amber Mongan, trooper leader.
The troop’s cookie sales are managed collectively. Each girl sets a personal sales goal, and the troop aims for a total goal. Mongan coordinates the pickup of cookies from a central warehouse, and the cookies are stored and distributed as needed.
“It’s definitely really fun when you’re selling cookies,” Cali said, offering some sales tips. “Make sure you have all of your cookies on display. Know them, know the price, and make sure you have good examples for each cookie, like the Thin Mints are really good in the freezer, or you can put certain ones in a milkshake,” she said.
“The fact that she’s really into baking doesn’t hurt because then she goes into full-on Gordon Ramsay description of all of her cookies,” said dad, Wes.
Hard work leads to big rewards— sales from cookies fund field trips, such as a visit to the Newport Aquarium. Reaching Cali’s goal this year would earn her a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Washington.
“My goal is to get to Great Wolf Lodge,” Cali said. “I’ve got a little sister, and it’s their first year. I want to make sure she gets to go there for her first year.” She also hopes to one day visit the Redwoods National Forest with her troop, a goal she has set for herself.
The saying goes that success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
Wes said extended hours are typical during cookie season, with the girls and parents sometimes “working” 8-10 hours a day at multiple booth locations.
“I call it ‘work’ because it is,” Wes said, recognizing his daughter’s hustle and parents’ commitment.
Cali has learned to navigate challenging conversations and negative comments, whether increased costs or smaller cookie sizes.
“You have to make sure you’re happy and don’t act grumpy, or you’re not going to sell a lot of cookies,” Cali said.
“She keeps a big smile on her face, and even when people don’t acknowledge her, she still says, “Thank you. Have a nice day,” and just keeps chugging along,” Wes said. “Even if she weren’t my kid, I would buy cookies from her because of that. She’s had people literally come up to her and buy because of her attitude.”
It is hard work, but Cali shines bright both behind the booth and in other areas.
Cali can recite the Girl Scout Promise on the spot and explain the different Girl Scout groups succinctly and without hesitation: Daisies (kindergarten to 1st grade), Brownies (2nd to 3rd grade), Juniors (3rd to 6th grade), Cadets (7th to 9th grade), and Seniors (10th to 12th grade).
She said some of her favorite badges include those for learning how to take care of pets, babysit, and camp outdoors safely, but selling cookies is unequivocally her favorite part of being a Scout.
Aside from slinging cookies, where can you see the Girl Scouts at work? With about 25 scouts, Troop 2007 participates in community service projects, such as planting trees in neighborhoods and building food boxes for Community Sharing.
With the cookies set to hit the streets this weekend, Cali’s got the headlines if you’re wondering what’s new on the cookie scene this season.
Toast-Yay! is the new kid on the block with its toast shape and French toast flavor dipped in icing. Cali also advises customers to remain calm if they don’t immediately see their favorite names. Due to a baker change, Tagalongs—Cali’s favorite—are now called Peanut Butter Patties, Somas are now called Caramel Delights, and Do-si-dos are now called Peanut Butter Sandwiches.
While there is no set “schedule,” you can find your local Girl Scout tabling at stores like Safeway and Walmart during the cookie season through April, or you can visit girlscouts.org and use their Cookie Finder app.
“The girls that are out working hard. If you’ve already purchased cookies, please let them know that because those conversations are important, too,” Mongan said.
