Stan Peake is the Founder of Roast Cards Inc, a Calgary-based business putting a hilariously irreverent spin on greeting cards. Tired of choosing between cards that were either painfully sappy or just plain unfunny, Stan set out to create something for couples who are past the honeymoon phase but still very much in love — the kind of people who’d rather hand their partner a sympathy card on their anniversary than another generic “I love you” message.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Roast Cards Inc. We help you lovingly roast your friends and family with our unique ‘Roast Cards’. Choose from our existing roasts, create your own unique insults, or even upload a picture of your victim and choose from several fun backgrounds like turning your sister evil, or turning your Dad into a space cadet.
What made you want to do this work?
I could never find cards that were truly funny. Traditional cards were either over-the-top sappy, or just not funny. I got my wife a sympathy card for her anniversary one year because she has to deal with me – I’m looking for that kind of tongue-in-cheek humour, and so are a lot of other people I talk to, especially couples who still love each other but are past the honeymoon stage.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Not being able to find cards that are from you – in your love language, with your sense of humour. Also, not over-the-top insulting. We filter out hate speech, transphobia, Islamophobia, etc
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our target market is couples who are past the “seven-year itch”. They’re not necessarily trying to be over-the-top romantic anymore, but they are trying to personalize.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We make a small margin on every card sold. Eventually, we will branch out to other personalized gifts, but for now, we make money through every card sold, and our plan to grow is by recruiting affiliates. Other devilishly funny people who want to personalize their own cards, share with their friends, and make a bit of money every time someone purchase through their affiliate store (including themselves!)
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We are based in Calgary, AB, but ship across North America
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Why should I choose Roast Cards?
1. All of our cards are printed on 100% recycled materials – we’re awful, but we do care about the planet!
2. We’re legit funny, not ‘you better laugh at your boss’s jokes’ funny
3. You can choose from our existing roasts, or nail it every time with inside jokes only your victim would understand
4. Select from our standard flaming background (to drive home to your friends they are getting roasted) or several other fun backgrounds, like a ruined birthday cake or champagne glasses breaking for your anniversary
5. You can even upload a picture of the person you’re about to roast and turn them into a lasting keepsake of a caricature.
6. Lastly, you can create your own store and make money while making fun of your loved ones!
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The laughs! People love the concept and can’t wait to roast their loved ones once they see our cards. The worst part is shipping – usually costs more than a card, but if you purchase more than one card, your shipping doesn’t go up, so that saves our customers money if they plan ahead and purchase several cards at once (doesn’t have to be multiples of the same card either).
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Anyone can work at Hallmark. It takes someone with some unresolved issues to work at Roast Cards!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
