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.
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