Deb Tuggle, President of Bite Me Inc., has been spreading cookie love since 1995. After acquiring the business in 2004, her dedication and business skills have turned Bite Me Cookies into a powerhouse, producing an impressive 14,000 to 17,000 cookies every hour.

Deb’s journey started in college as a single parent studying court stenography. In 1999, she launched Friday’s Cookies, baking and selling cookies to classmates to make ends meet. A few years later, she connected with Bite Me Inc., eventually acquiring the company and growing it into what it is today.

For Deb, success is about more than just business—it's about people. She’s built a strong team and takes pride in creating opportunities for others. Bite Me Cookies is known for hiring refugees, helping them learn English and gain valuable skills. “Part of our business model is, how do we impact the community just one person at a time? And our focus is refugees,” Deb explains.

Like many businesses, Bite Me Cookies has faced challenges. Rising costs and unexpected equipment failures, like an oven breaking during a busy season, tested Deb’s resilience. Thanks to a grant from the Economic Security for All Initiative, funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce, Deb was able to purchase a new oven, keeping her business running smoothly.

Deb’s passion for baking and her commitment to uplifting others shines in every cookie. She looks forward to seeing Bite Me Cookies continue to grow and hopes to one day pass the torch to someone who can take the business even further—all while spreading the sweetest joy, one cookie at a time.