Hi, I’m Mary Gauntt. I founded Kite because I wanted to use my experience to help other business owners thrive. Hospitality has always been at the heart of my life. I know the joy it brings, but I also know the grind. The chaos can take over in an instant, and the margins are often razor thin. Through my years building Emporium Pies, I discovered that what I love most is bringing order to that chaos, designing systems that work, and supporting people so they can focus on what they do best.

For me, operations and organization are an extension of hospitality itself. Just as a warm welcome makes a guest feel cared for, strong systems create an environment where owners and staff can thrive. I find it deeply rewarding to identify the trouble spots that make running a business overwhelming, and then turn them into opportunities for efficiency, clarity, and relief.

I’ve worked in big chains, mom-and-pop shops, and started and operated my own bakery. I also hold a BS in Hospitality Management from the University of North Texas. That experience taught me how to take the best of each environment and shape it into solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re just getting started or preparing to scale your operations, I’d love to help build a plan that gives you the tools and confidence to grow.