Seek out most vice presidents of award-winning, multi-million dollar companies and you’ll find them behind closed doors, locked in meetings or glued to their computer screens. Look for Denise Clemens, senior vice president of human resources at Corner Bakery Cafe, and you’ll often find her onsite chatting with one of the company’s more than 3,500 team members. For Clemens, Corner Bakery Cafe is all about one thing: family. Clemens joined Corner Bakery Cafe as recruiting manager in 1994 after holding the position of director of operations for Darden Restaurants’ Red Lobster and China Coast. The executive team quickly grew to appreciate Clemens’ personal touch and granted her a larger role in setting the corporate culture for a growing brand. In 1998 she was appointed director, and in 2004 was welcomed onto the executive team as vice president of human resources. Her perseverance to remain a constant source of support as Corner Bakery experienced national growth has helped Clemens build an environment that fosters loyal and passionate employees; an environment that has been recognized not only internally, but externally as well. Under Clemens’ leadership, Corner Bakery Cafe is a three-time recipient of People Report’s “Best People Practices Award,” which recognizes superior efforts and results in such key areas as employee retention and diversity among top industry performers. FAVORITE CORNER BAKERY CAFE MENU ITEM: Baby Bundt Cakes. They’re moist, delicious and come in three tantalizing flavors. What’s not to like?
