Courtney Dursteler
Chief People Officer | Crumbl
Courtney Dursteler has guided Crumbl from a small Logan, Utah, bakery with just 15 employees to a global phenomenon boasting nearly 400 team members and over 1,000 stores worldwide. Her strategic leadership in human resources has been instrumental in creating a workplace culture that authentically reflects Crumbl’s mission to “bring friends and family together over the best desserts in the world.”
Courtney’s innovative approach to employee experience is exemplified by her implementation of “Friends and Family Fridays” — giving staff Fridays off from Memorial Day through Labor Day, complemented by a $1,000 stipend to make these days memorable. This initiative has generated numerous testimonials from employees who have reconnected with loved ones and deepened personal relationships, reinforcing Courtney’s understanding that meaningful benefits connect employees to the company’s mission while enhancing their performance and engagement.
Recognizing that perks alone cannot compensate for inadequate leadership, Courtney took decisive action when early employee surveys revealed opportunities for improvement in management perception. She developed a comprehensive leadership enhancement strategy that included large-scale seminars, manager toolkit training and an individualized learning path program. This personalized development approach — involving one-on-one meetings, manager coordination and tailored educational materials — achieved an impressive 80 percent course completion rate in 2024.
The impact of these initiatives was validated in the 2024 employee survey, where satisfaction with immediate supervisors and leadership emerged as one of the highest-ranking areas — a tangible reflection of the positive cultural shift under Courtney’s guidance.
Since Crumbl’s inception, Courtney has championed a culture built on continuous innovation and adaptation. Her oversight of routine role shifts, quarterly company-wide goal adjustments and the creation of specialized teams has enhanced Crumbl’s operational agility. Her strategic reorganization of office spaces and positions has fostered increased creativity and collaboration across all departments.
Through her unwavering commitment to fair and transparent policies, proactive solicitation of employee feedback and adherence to high ethical standards, Courtney has established Crumbl not just as a beloved dessert brand but as an exemplary organization where culture and commerce harmoniously coexist.
