"The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA" is your all-access pass to the heart of the retail baking industry. Each episode brings you inside the kitchen with leading bakers, educators, and innovators who share their stories, tips, and insights. From the secrets of achieving the perfect loaf to navigating business growth, we explore what it takes to elevate your baking craft and career. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an aspiring baker, or simply hungry for inspiration, tune in and discover h ...
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E7: From Corporate to Crumb: How Amie Smith Built a Beloved Scratch Bakery After 50
33:27
33:27
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33:27What 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. …
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E6: From Passion to Partnership — Amy Emberling of Zingerman’s Bakehouse
25:16
25:16
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25:16In 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 Scoti…
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Ep5: Selling Your Bakery: What Comes Next? | Shellie Slove on Life After Ownership
44:02
44:02
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44:02What 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 pla…
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E4: Wisdom, Work, and the Long Game in Baking — A Conversation with Kirk Rossberg
23:14
23:14
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23:14What 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 sha…
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E3: Want to Be a Pastry Chef? CIA Instructor Jesse Jackson III Shares the Truth
47:56
47:56
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47:56In 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. Ke…
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E2: Baking with Passion: Marc Anderson on Building a Legacy at Linda's Bakery
9:56
9:56
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9:56In 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, K…
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E1: Welcome to the Perfect Rise Conversations with the RBA!
15:18
15:18
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15:18In 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…
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Welcome to The Perfect Rise: Conversations with RBA,
1:06
1:06
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1:06Discover 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 cr…
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