Between September 14 and September 17, the International Baking Industry Exposition hosted a massive event at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Close to 20,000 professionals from over 100+ countries registered for the successful event. These events are typically held to help those in the food industry have a platform to showcase the latest baking technology, equipment, ingredients, supplies, and business solutions.
2025’s show was funded by several sponsors, including the Retail Baker of America, the Baking Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds, and the American Bakers Association.
One of the highlights of the event was hearing from the owner of Ahmani’s Cookies, Ahmani Peets. Peets is the first person with autism to host an exhibit at the Baking Industry Exposition and be highlighted as a main speaker.
23-year-old Ahmani Peets is a native of Bermuda who has grown his business from the ground up. About a year ago, he decided to apply to become a speaker to share his success story. According to Peets, he started his cookie business as a vendor about six years ago. Now, he has 19 different locations scattered across the island. He offers about 161 different cookie flavors and sells pies, cupcakes, and select other baked goods.
Peets plans on sharing how he won first place in the 2019 Bermuda Economic Development Corporation Rocket Pitch competition in the youth category. He also plans on discussing his business’s struggles. Over the past six years of making cookies, Peets says that there are price changes almost every month, and nothing goes down. Some of the ingredients he uses in his main cookie recipes have increased by over 100 percent since his business was founded. Peets has had to navigate price changes, excessive sugar taxes, and the global pandemic during his short time as a business owner, and he’s thrived through it.
Right now, Ahmani’s Cookies has created a partnership with BermudAir. The flight offers 21 varieties of Ahmani’s Cookies for purchase, and passengers have consistently given great feedback on the products. According to Peets, pouring into his business has made him proud of himself. He says he’s no longer as anxious as he used to be, and he also appreciates people when they let him know he’s doing a great job.
Thriving in Spite of an Autism Diagnosis
One of the most powerful aspects of Peets story is that it shows how an autistic adult can not only survive but actually thrive with the right help and support. Here at Nevada Autism Center, our staff believes that every autistic youth has the potential to become a successful adult with the right guidance, tools, and training.
We strive to help your child become as autonomous, independent, and successful as possible by providing ABA therapy, family guidance, summer camps, model classrooms, and more! We accept Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Health Plan of Nevada, and other forms of insurance.
If you have more questions about how we can help, then feel free to reach out to our office directly at (702) 660-2005. You can also get started on the enrollment process online.
