In this inspiring episode of The Perfect Rise, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Amy Emberling, Managing Partner at the legendary Zingerman’s Bakehouse, to explore what it really takes to build a bakery business that lasts—not just in years, but in values, vision, and community impact.

Amy shares how she went from baking as a child in Nova Scotia to helping build one of the most respected bakeries in the country. You’ll hear her journey through the food industry, her surprising detour into corporate consulting, and why she ultimately returned to the world of artisan bread and purpose-driven leadership.

We dig into: ✔️ How to define your North Star as a bakery owner
✔️ The biggest shifts in baking and food safety since the ’90s
✔️ Why your dream bakery starts with knowing how you want to live
✔️ What most people get wrong about pricing and the real cost of food
✔️ Amy’s advice for aspiring bakers before they open their doors

✨ FREE BONUS ✨
 Want to design a bakery business that truly fits your life?
 Download our free visioning guide → “Design Your Ideal Bakery Life”

Whether you’re running a busy shop or dreaming of your first storefront, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the baking industry.

👇 Drop a comment and tell us what your dream bakery life looks like!

🔗 Stay Connected:
Subscribe for more episodes: The Perfect Rise Playlist
Visit RBA: Retail Bakers of America Website
 

What happens when it’s time to step away from the bakery that’s shaped your life? In this episode of The Perfect Rise, we sit down with Shellie Slove—baker’s daughter, third-generation entrepreneur, and Head of Bakery Success at Bakesmart—to explore what comes after bakery ownership.

Shellie shares her powerful journey through grief, succession planning, and ultimately selling her family’s bakery. This raw and insightful conversation offers valuable guidance for anyone thinking about their next chapter, whether that’s scaling back, stepping away, or shifting into a new role within the industry.

✔️ What if your kids don’t want the bakery? 

✔️ How do you prepare for the emotional and strategic transition? 

✔️ Can you still support the baking industry without owning a bakery?

This is the real talk bakery owners need—and don’t often get.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Join the Retail Bakers of America: https://www.retailbakersofamerica.org/
Learn more about Bakesmart: https://www.bakesmart.com/
Listen to more episodes of The Perfect Rise: Play List

—

About The Perfect Rise Podcast
Hosted by Kimberly Houston at the Retail Bakers of America, The Perfect Rise brings you the conversations that matter most to today’s bakers—from behind-the-scenes industry insights to personal stories of resilience, reinvention, and rising to the occasion.

Subscribe for more episodes that inform, inspire, and elevate the baking community.

#SellingYourBakery #BakeryBusiness #BakeryOwner #SuccessionPlanning #Bakesmart #ThePerfectRisePodcast #RetailBakersOfAmerica

Become a Member

What does it take to not just survive—but thrive—for 50 years in the baking industry?

In this episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Kirk Rossberg, owner of the award-winning Torrance Bakery and a founding member of the Retail Bakers of America (RBA), to unpack the wisdom he's gained over five decades in the business.

Kirk shares his journey from candy apprentice at 13 to leading one of California’s most recognized bakeries. This episode is packed with game-changing insights for anyone looking to build a sustainable, meaningful career in baking.

In this episode, we cover:

• The day-one mistake that almost cost Kirk his entire customer base
• Why staying relevant matters more than being trendy
• The value of humility in leadership and growth
• How to build a multi-generational team that thrives together
• Why the RBA has been a cornerstone of his journey
• And what Kirk would tell his 27-year-old self today

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reinvigorate your bakery’s mission, this episode offers the kind of hard-earned insight you can’t Google.

Listen in and learn what it really means to play the long game in baking.

Subscribe to The Perfect Rise for more real conversations with industry leaders.

Want to connect with the RBA? Learn more at
www.retailbakersofamerica.org

💬 What’s the biggest lesson YOU took away from Kirk’s journey?
Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear your reflections, especially if you’ve made a big pivot or had to earn your way back after a misstep. Let’s learn from each other, just like bakers always do.

In this episode of The Perfect Rise Podcast, Chef Jesse Jackson III, CMB, shares his incredible journey from pastry chef to educator at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Certified Master Baker. Jesse takes us through the challenges and triumphs of his career, offering invaluable advice for aspiring culinary professionals and educators.

Key Takeaways:

• How patience and foundational skills shaped Jesse's career in baking and pastry.
• The importance of embracing mistakes and learning through repetition.
• Insight into the future of culinary education and creativity in the food industry.
• Advice for students thinking about culinary school or transitioning into teaching.
• Why mastering the basics sets you up for success in baking and pastry.

🌟 Whether you’re a culinary student, aspiring baker, or seasoned professional, Jesse’s wisdom will inspire you to take your baking skills to the next level. He also shares personal anecdotes about working in Michelin-level kitchens and how to build a career that aligns with your values.

Listen now to learn how to build a solid foundation for your pastry career and how to transition into becoming a teacher!

About Chef Jesse Jackson III:
Chef Jesse Jackson III is a Baking & Pastry Chef Instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. After years of experience as a pastry chef and entrepreneur, Jesse became one of the youngest CIA instructors and one of only two African American Certified Master Bakers. He continues to share his passion for pastry arts while guiding the next generation of culinary professionals.

👉 Don’t miss out! Subscribe for more episodes that empower you to level up in your baking and culinary career.

Grab the Show Notes: Chef Jesse Jackson on the Perfect Rise

#Baking #PastryChef #CulinarySchool #CertifiedMasterBaker #ChefLife #CIAInstructor #CulinaryArts #BakingJourney #CulinaryEducation #FoodEntrepreneurship #ThePerfectRisePodcast

Become a Member

In this episode of The Perfect Rise, host Kimberly Houston chats with Marc Anderson, President of Linda's Bakery, to uncover the secrets behind his decades-long journey in the baking industry. Marc shares how his small-town roots, family bakery beginnings, and passion for nighttime baking sparked a lifelong career in the culinary world.

Together, Kimberly and Marc dive into the biggest lessons he's learned, the importance of loving your work, and how aligning passion with purpose is critical for success in the bakery business. Marc also shares advice for aspiring bakers, insights on industry changes over the years, and his vision for the future of family-owned bakeries.

If you're looking for inspiration, wisdom, and actionable advice for thriving in a competitive industry, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Takeaways:

• Why loving your work is essential for building a thriving career.
• The challenges and rewards of running a family bakery in a small town.
• How to stand out in the baking industry with unique, high-quality offerings.

Stay sweet, friends, and don’t forget to share, follow, and subscribe to The Perfect Rise!

**Grab the Show Notes!!

Visit Linda's Bakery: https://www.lindasbakery.com/

Follow Linda's Bakery

Become a Member

In this inaugural episode, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Marissa Velie to dive deep into the heart of the Retail Bakers of America (RBA)—a community dedicated to supporting bakers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're a seasoned bakery owner, a student just starting out, or an independent baker looking for guidance, the RBA is here to help you rise to your fullest potential.

In this episode, we cover:

• The mission of the RBA and how it serves the baking community
• Who can benefit from RBA membership
• Exclusive benefits, from networking to certification programs
• How the RBA has evolved over the past 100+ years to meet modern baking challenges
• Inspiring success stories and why community is key in the baking industry

Want to get involved? Join the RBA today and become part of a thriving network of passionate bakers. Visit retailbakersofamerica.org to learn more.

Follow the RBA on social media for updates and industry insights:
Instagram: @retailbakersofamerica
Facebook: Retail Bakers of America

If you enjoyed this episode, like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring bakery conversations.

#RetailBakers #BakingCommunity #BakersOfAmerica #RBA #PerfectRiseConversations #BakerySuccess #BakingBusiness #SmallBusinessOwners #BakingTips

Become a Member

Discover how to elevate your baking skills, grow your business, and stay ahead of industry trends.  On "The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA," you’ll get a sneak peek of the expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories our guests will share. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ll show you exactly how to raise your craft—and your career—to the next level. Tune in to learn, connect, and rise with the Retail Bakers of America.