What does it take to grow a small-town bakery into a thriving regional business?

In this episode of The Perfect Rise Podcast, host Kimberly Houston sits down with Lynn Schurman, co-owner of Cold Spring Bakery in Minnesota and former Education Director for the Retail Bakers of America.

Cold Spring Bakery began as a small family operation in 1946, founded by Lynn’s in-laws after her father-in-law learned baking while serving in the Navy during World War II. When Lynn and her husband Dale purchased the bakery in 1986, they faced a major challenge: the business that once supported a single family now needed to support several.

Rather than shrinking back from the pressure, they made a bold decision that changed everything.

By expanding into wholesale distribution, building delivery routes, and strategically balancing retail and business-to-business sales, Cold Spring Bakery evolved into a growing operation with multiple retail locations, dozens of employees, and customers across the region.

In this conversation, Lynn shares:

• How Cold Spring Bakery grew from a small shop to a regional bakery operation
• Why wholesale distribution helped stabilize the business year-round
• The leadership lessons she learned managing more than 60 employees
• The biggest gaps she saw in bakery education during her time with RBA
• Why community bakeries remain such an important part of family traditions

With decades of experience as a bakery owner, industry leader, and educator, Lynn brings a powerful perspective on what it takes to build a bakery that lasts.

If you’ve ever wondered how bakeries grow, adapt, and stay connected to their communities over generations, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Become a Member