Company Name: Beck Flavors
Location: Maryland Heights, Missouri
Year Founded: 1904
Website: beckflavors.com
Beck Flavors has been named a 2024 CO—100 Community Champion, recognized for its leadership in supporting the St. Louis area through innovative partnerships and community initiatives.
This family-owned company, headquartered in Maryland Heights, Missouri, has provided customized flavor solutions for beverages, confectionaries, dairy products, and more since 1904. Through its innovative business model and company culture, Beck Flavors exemplifies its commitment to customer satisfaction and community impact.
Making a long-term impact through innovation and resilience
Beck Flavors has crafted a sustainable business model centered on diversification, operational efficiency, and customer-centricity, allowing the company to thrive amid external challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Beck Flavors quickly pivoted by offering virtual consultations and enhancing its online platform. During this time, the company focused on refining supply chain operations and negotiating favorable supplier terms to maintain profitability despite inflation and rising costs.
“By prioritizing diversification, customer-centricity, and operational efficiency, we are well-prepared for future uncertainties while continuing to meet the needs of our customers,” said Matt Carr, President of Beck Flavors.
The company also leverages technological innovation to improve its operation and increase customer satisfaction. AI-powered tools help automate processes like inventory management and procurement, while the website’s AI chatbot offers real-time responses and gathers valuable information about customer preferences. This allows employees to prioritize personalized customer interactions, ensuring that every flavor is tailored to the client’s unique needs.
Giving back to the St. Louis community
In addition to delicious bespoke flavoring, Beck Flavors has also become synonymous with community involvement in the St. Louis area.
“At Beck Flavors, our commitment to leadership and community engagement is integral to our business,” Carr emphasized. “Each year, Beck Flavors participates in numerous events that bolster our local community, showcasing our deep-rooted dedication to making a difference.”
One of the company’s core charitable initiatives is the annual Children’s Hospital Toy Drive, bringing comfort and cheer to children undergoing medical treatment during the holiday season. Beck Flavors also supports the Kids Smart Push for Pencils initiative, having donated over 2,000 essential supplies to underprivileged local youth. The company also supports St. Louis’s Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital by sponsoring three of their annual fundraising initiatives.
By prioritizing diversification, customer-centricity, and operational efficiency, we are well-prepared for future uncertainties while continuing to meet the needs of our customers.
Matt Carr, President of Beck Flavors
Beck Flavors’ outreach extends to addressing food insecurity, having contributed over 315 meals to families in need in partnership with the St. Louis Area Foodbank. The company also participates in the Adopt-A-Road program, with employees volunteering each quarter to beautify local roads, demonstrating pride and responsibility toward their community.
The company’s ongoing commitment to giving back has not only positively impacted the lives of community members, but has also garnered public acclaim. This year, the St. Louis Business Journal recognized Beck Flavors as one of the top 20 largest corporate philanthropists in the small business category.
Increasing employee engagement through company culture
In addition to supporting the greater St. Louis community, Beck Flavors also supports its employees through a “rich and rewarding” workplace culture, Carr explained.
This culture includes an emphasis on core values to help employees feel connected to the greater mission, as well as prioritizing diversity in hiring and investing in professional development. Flexible schedules, remote work options, and wellness perks promote work-life balance, while employee recognition programs create a culture of appreciation.
Supporting employees also means supporting their families — a cornerstone of Beck’s community engagement efforts, Carr added.
This support includes the Beck Family BBQ, an annual event for employees and their families that promotes camaraderie and a sense of belonging. The company also celebrates life’s milestones with baby showers for expecting employees, reinforcing its commitment to supporting its workforce both personally and professionally.
“These initiatives create an enriching workplace culture that not only attracts talent but also fosters loyalty and commitment,” Carr said. “As a result, we have seen significant improvements in recruitment, engagement, productivity, and retention, ensuring our ongoing success as a company.”
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