Business and Industry | Lion VoicesDecember 20, 2024

That's the way the Cookie 'Crumbl's

While many UAFS students engage in work, volunteering, or internships at local businesses, a few, like Jackson Kindy, manage to juggle both full-time jobs and full course loads. 

For Jackson, the challenge is even greater. Not only does he work full-time, but he also serves as the general manager of Crumbl Fort Smith. He isn’t just enrolled in 15 credits; this semester, he's tackling 18 hours, and he plans to take 21 in the spring. 

In his second year on campus, Jackson is already taking advanced classes. He aims to graduate in spring 2026 with a degree in business administration, focusing on human resource management and small enterprise management. Afterward, he intends to pursue a master's degree in business. 

His role at Crumbl involves a variety of tasks. “Every day at Crumbl brings something new. My main responsibilities include overseeing operations, creating work schedules for bakers, managing payroll, ordering ingredients and supplies, and forecasting cookie sales, among other duties. It’s tough to define a typical day because we’re always busy; I find myself doing something different every time,” he explains. 

Even his brief time at school has provided him with valuable lessons he applies at work. He’s pleasantly surprised by how much he utilizes what he learned in his information technology applications class, particularly with Excel. “It taught me how to create spreadsheets for scheduling and inventory management,” he notes. “Without this class, I wouldn’t navigate Excel as effectively. My accounting and management courses have also taught me the importance of financial responsibility.” 

Currently, Jackson aspires to advance to the role of operator at Crumbl Fort Smith, with a long-term goal of owning and running multiple franchises in the River Valley. “It will take time, but I'm committed and will wait for the right opportunity!” 

Jackson attributes his success to his parents and family. “It’s all about believing in yourself and reminding yourself that you can do it, even when doubts arise.” He emphasizes, “Success isn’t just about your own achievements; it’s about inspiring others.” “My parents inspire me, and I owe them all the credit for pushing me forward.”

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