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
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