After 20 years in Lake Highlands, Jan and Jerry Wilbanks felt something was missing from the community – a full-service bakery. So in 1996, Jan and Jerry established The Lake Highlands Bakery & Coffee Bar. The bakery offers everything from muffins to wedding cakes, serves lunch daily, and caters.

“We truly felt it was the Lord’s will,” Jan says. “We wanted to give something back to the community that was greatly needed.”

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Jan, a gourmet cook, says the food business is in her blood – her father owned his own company in wholesale groceries for more than 40 years. She hopes more neighborhood residents will give the bakery a try.

“We are still greatly surprised that the majority of people in the Lake Highlands area have not discovered we are here,” Jan says.

“That is why small businesses do not survive, due to the lack of neighborhood and community support.”

Q: Someday, I’m determined to:

A: Be completely debt free.

Q: My favorite quote is:

A: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13

Q: If I could change one thing about myself, I would:

A: Be more patient.

Q: I’ve never understood why everyone is so crazy about:

A: Beanie Babies.

Q: My definition of “success” is:

A: When I die, my Lord will be able to say “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Q: Most people don’t know I:

A: Sing professionally.

Q: I wish President Clinton would:

A: Help along with Congress to abolish the IRS and have a flat tax.

Q: I never have enough time to:

A: Stay in touch with all of our family, church members, and friends.

Q: My perfect day alone would include:

A: Cooking, reading, and antique shopping in Waxahachie.

Q: If I won the lottery, I would:

A: Tithe the majority, pay off all debt, give a portion to friends, and invest the rest.

Q: The best advice I ever received was:

A: Many things from my mother, who passed away in June 1997.

Q: People I admire are:

A: O.S. Hawkins, our former pastor at First Baptist Dallas, John Hagee, Joyce Meyer, Bill Graham, and of course my husband.

Q: I love what I do because:

A: I love people.

Q: Life is too short to:

A: Fight and argue.

Q: My advice to anyone trying to start as business is:

A: Make sure you have as much information as possible about your endeavor and have investigated everything thoroughly. Also, that you have three times more money than you have calculated for startup and emergencies.

Q: By the end of the year, I hope to:

A: Have increased the bakery profits five times over 1997.

Q: I’m not afraid to:

A: Speak my mind about issues.

Q: If I could meet any famous person, it would be:

A: Billy Graham.

Q: I don’t believe in:

A: Ignoring people in need.

Q: Businesses succeed when:

A: Every one of your employees are committed to the same goals for a quality product and service. Location, location, location, is so important, as well as public support.