Zingerman's Secrets: Amy Emberling's Artisan Baking Journey

In this episode of 'Bread for the People,' host Jim Serpico features an in-depth interview with Amy Emberling, managing partner at Zingerman's Bakehouse in Ann Arbor, MI. Amy discusses the origins, ethos, and community-focused business model of Zingerman's, which includes 11 different businesses within the Ann Arbor area. She elaborates on Zingerman's commitment to service excellence, open-book management, and community giving. They delve into various baking topics, including the complexities of working with spelt and rye, product development, and sourcing local ingredients. Amy also shares her personal journey from Harvard graduate to leading Zingerman's Bakehouse, offering insights into organizational design and work culture. The episode wraps up with practical advice for young people on career and life choices, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's job with their personal lifestyle and preferences.SHOW NOTES:00:00 Introduction and New Sponsor Announcement00:07 Meet Farmer Ground Flour01:09 Welcome to Bread for the People01:35 Interview with Amy Emberling from Zingerman's Bakehouse04:09 The Zingerman's Community of Businesses09:55 Amy's Journey and Influences20:48 Jim's Baking Journey and Future Plans22:54 Envisioning a Playful Future23:35 Harvard Experience and Perceptions26:58 Role in Organizational Design29:00 Challenges and Success in Baking31:29 Local Sourcing and Community Impact32:30 Inspiration from France35:49 Diving into Rye Bread43:57 Technology and Innovation at Zingerman'sBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jim-serpico-bread-for-the-people-sourdough-pizza-life--5704379/support.