6D AGO

E9: How Heather Ugorowski Baked Through Grief and Built a Community—One Pastry at a Time

From decorating cakes at age 12 to launching a bakery in memory of her son, Heather Ugorowski’s baking journey is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance. In this heartfelt episode of The Perfect Rise, the RBA podcast, Heather shares the incredible highs and lows of her career—from a 10,000-mile bakery road trip to rebuilding after floods, accidents, and personal loss. Discover how she built the Bleu Moose Bakery café, why she believes in “one pastry at a time,” and how the baking community helped her find her way back to the kitchen again and again. Inside this episode: • Heather’s pivot from cake decorating to artisan bread • How a cross-country road trip helped shape her bakery vision • The powerful role baking plays in grief, healing, and connection • What it means to create a bakery rooted in community first 🌐 Learn more about the Retail Bakers of America: https://www.retailbakersofamerica.org/ 📍 Visit Bleu Moose Bakery: https://www.bleumoosebakery.com/ Become a Member

41 min

JUN 3

E8: How CMB Derek Corsino Built a Career from Cakes, Classrooms, and Bold Yeses

What do you get when you combine a lifelong artist, a pastry chef, and an award-winning educator? You get Certified Master Baker Derek Corsino. In this inspiring episode of The Perfect Rise, we sit down with Derek to explore his journey from eight-year-old cake decorator to Food Network competitor, high school culinary instructor, and published author. Known for pushing creative boundaries in cake design and pushing students to greatness in SkillsUSA competitions, Derek shares the real talk behind building a career in baking—and how he’s stayed relevant every step of the way. 🧁 Inside this episode, we discuss: • How early art classes led to culinary school and a cake business • The truth about cake mix, consistency, and customer expectations • Why Derek tells bakers to hire artists, not decorators • The behind-the-scenes of writing and self-publishing his cookbook • The value of spreadsheets, knife skills, and saying YES to new opportunities • What it means to evolve as an educator and stay connected to the next generation of culinary pros Whether you’re a bakery owner, culinary student, or passionate home baker, Derek’s story will challenge and inspire you to rethink what success can look like in this industry. 🎧 Want more episodes? Subscribe to The Perfect Rise podcast for more conversations with bakers shaping the future of the industry. 📕 Learn more about Derek’s cookbook and work: www.derekcorsino.com 🌐 Explore RBA membership and resources: https://www.retailbakersofamerica.org Become a Member

37 min

MAY 16

E7: From Corporate to Crumb: How Amie Smith Built a Beloved Scratch Bakery After 50

What happens when a high-powered marketing consultant trades her corporate corner office for a 30-quart mixer and a dream? In this powerful episode of The Perfect Rise, Kimberly Houston sits down with Amie Smith, pastry chef and owner of a thriving scratch bakery on Cape Cod, to talk about building a second-act career from the ground up—literally. Amie shares her unexpected journey from Manhattan tech to pastry school, the reality of launching a bakery in her 50s, and the rollercoaster of growing from a tiny café to a custom-built 3,500 sq ft bakery. You'll hear: Why she left a six-figure marketing business to follow a baking dreamHow she navigated major setbacks—including COVID, staff turnover, and scaling painsHer honest take on what it really takes to run a food businessThe reason she’ll never open a second location (and why that’s okay)Why every culinary entrepreneur needs a “squirrel account”This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering if it’s too late to follow their passion—or what’s really possible when you stop asking for permission. 🔗 Learn more about the Retail Bakers of America: https://www.retailbakersofamerica.org 📢 Subscribe for more inspiring interviews with bakers, owners, and culinary pros across the country. #BakeryBusiness #ScratchBaking #WomenInBusiness #CareerPivot #BakingAfter50 #RetailBakersOfAmerica #ThePerfectRisePodcast #BakeryOwnerStory #Entrepreneurship #FoodBusinessTips #CulinaryCareerChange Become a Member

34 min

MAY 2

E6: Zingerman’s Secrets: How Amy Emberling Turned Passion into a Lasting Baking Legacy

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 Become a Member

26 min

APR 18

Ep5: Selling Your Bakery: What Comes Next? | Shellie Slove on Life After Ownership

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

43 min

APR 4

E4: Building a Bakery That Lasts: Kirk Rossberg on 40 Years of Growth at Torrance Bakery

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 baseWhy staying relevant matters more than being trendyThe value of humility in leadership and growthHow to build a multi-generational team that thrives togetherWhy the RBA has been a cornerstone of his journeyAnd what Kirk would tell his 27-year-old self todayWhether 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. Become a Member

24 min

MAR 21

E3: Want to Be a Pastry Chef? CIA Instructor Jesse Jackson III Shares the Truth

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

47 min

MAR 7

E2: Legacy Baking: How Marc Anderson Grew Linda’s Bakery into a Local Institution

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

9 min

FEB 21

E1: Welcome to The Perfect Rise: Real Talk for Bakers, By Bakers

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 communityWho can benefit from RBA membershipExclusive benefits, from networking to certification programsHow the RBA has evolved over the past 100+ years to meet modern baking challengesInspiring success stories and why community is key in the baking industryWant 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

15 min

JAN 5

Welcome to The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA,

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.

1 min

The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA

Episodes

E9: How Heather Ugorowski Baked Through Grief and Built a Community—One Pastry at a Time

E8: How CMB Derek Corsino Built a Career from Cakes, Classrooms, and Bold Yeses

E7: From Corporate to Crumb: How Amie Smith Built a Beloved Scratch Bakery After 50

E6: Zingerman’s Secrets: How Amy Emberling Turned Passion into a Lasting Baking Legacy

Ep5: Selling Your Bakery: What Comes Next? | Shellie Slove on Life After Ownership

E4: Building a Bakery That Lasts: Kirk Rossberg on 40 Years of Growth at Torrance Bakery

E3: Want to Be a Pastry Chef? CIA Instructor Jesse Jackson III Shares the Truth

E2: Legacy Baking: How Marc Anderson Grew Linda’s Bakery into a Local Institution

E1: Welcome to The Perfect Rise: Real Talk for Bakers, By Bakers

Welcome to The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA,

Trailer

Welcome to The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA,

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