Over the years, I have enjoyed sharing my breads with family and friends. Folks have found it difficult to find bread of this quality in a supermarket or specialty store. Many have asked if I would consider starting a business so they would be able to buy my bread. My family and I have decided to do just that.
As we launch our new company, we desire that it be about more than bread. Our greater purpose is to offer our bread as a vehicle to help others, and that will remain the centerpiece of our business.
I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1943. My Dad was a minister and I learned early the Biblical principles that have directed my life. Treat people the way you would like to be treated, be honest, work hard and strive to maintain a servant's heart. Now, more than 60 years later, these ideals continue to guide me.
As I entered my senior year in high school, my father accepted a pastorate at a church in a small town in Kansas, a place called Hutchinson. This picturesque midwestern town was where I met the love of my life, Norma. Now happily married for more than 45 years, we are the proud parents of three married children and nine beautiful grandchildren.
Hutchinson's hometown grocery store is called Dillon's. I can still remember my first "real job" at Dillon's bakery, greasing cupcake pans in the middle of the night. This was not glamorous work but it provided the opportunity for me to learn the baking trade. In the 1960's most everything was done by hand, so I learned the art of bread and pastry making from some real experts. My boss, who became a dear friend, was a German immigrant. I'm still learning from Gary, who is now in his 80's, as we talk bread via email or when we have the opportunity to be together. Today I realize how fortunate I was to be mentored by a master baker, who took such pleasure in sharing his knowledge with me.
I changed careers in 1971, moving from the baking to the meat industry where I remained until 2006. Somehow, my early exposure to bread-making created an enduring love of the art. It is exciting now to translate my hobby into a significant family business endeavor!
Our Mission Is To....
Make the best bread possible
Offer it at a reasonable price
Provide superior customer service
Generously give back to the community
Wendel & Norma Strong
Luke & Jami (Strong) Johnson
