The First Generation of Berlin Natural Bakery: John

These are our grandparents, John & Marie. They are the first generation owners of Berlin Natural Bakery located in our hometown of Berlin, Ohio. More specifically though, it was our Grandpa who would primarily be our first generation representative so let us tell you a little about him.

This man was a powerhouse. He was born and raised old order Amish and he did some incredible things with his life. He was a musician, a debater, a mentor, a leader and more. He was the calm in the face of adversity and he always had a corny joke or two up his sleeve that came with his signature grin. He was a visionary in business - a creator, a dreamer. He saw potential and opportunity wherever he looked. 

Our Mom and my Grandpa acquired Berlin Natural Bakery in 1997 from the original owners/dreamers, Howard & Irene Graves who's main priority was for us to keep our standards high in all aspects of the bakery and to do our best to make our products available to people nationwide who need them. 

The 2nd Generation of Berlin Natural Bakery: Joy 

This is our Mom, Joy. She has been a part of Berlin Natural Bakery since our family acquired it and let us tell you something, she has waged war for it in a way we can barely even put into words but let us start by telling you a bit about who she is. 

Our Mom is a fighter. She has fought and conquered all her life and although it's been hard she has seen major victory and breakthrough and understanding that we are sure she would agree, was well worth the fight. 

She is a also a visionary like our Grandpa but in a different way. She looks at people, at situations, at conflicts and at critical opportunities not as they are - but as what they could be. We believe this is one of her greatest strengths and the reason there are countless people out there that credit her with changing the course of their lives. 

Our Mom has told us more than once that her driving force is to find the truth of a matter because in that - there is freedom. And honestly, between us, she couldn't stop herself from speaking or seeking out the truth if she tried!

She us that when our family took over the bakery that she felt this intense calling to earn the right to run/own it. She has fought for it and she has sacrificed for it. She has spent an enormous amount of energy to educate people on it. She has never compromised or cut corners with it. She has upheld her commitment to Howard and Irene and she has run, grown and nurtured Berlin Natural Bakery with a deep rooted love. She is our role model. 

The 3rd Generation of Berlin Natural Bakery: Nicole & Nick

So that smile-y girl there is me, sitting next to my twin brother Nicholas. Yes, we are Nick and Nicole and although we get along, I wouldn't say we have that intense mental connection that is supposedly common with twins but I will say that as we've grown up, we've become very good friends, for which I am very grateful. 

My brother and I grew up with Berlin Natural Bakery. In fact, we spent most of my childhood right up the street from it. We both remember working here in the summers when we were in high school and competing with the characters who worked here on the bread slicers while listening to throwback 80s hits and just having fun while working hard. 

Nick and I both vividly remember the wars my Mom fought including the FDA labeling our Spelt products as "wheat" even though our German Spelt isn't crossbred like domestic Spelt. She actually is responsible for the blurb on each bread bag that explains that our breads are not a mixed wheat and Spelt product. And in all of that confusion, she brought clarity, education and strength to everyone who was worried. 

Nicole
Actually, beyond anything I remember watching my Mom. I studied my Mom endlessly. I watched as she navigated the business world - a mostly male business world, especially in our corner of the woods - with a finesse and flair that was captivating. I wanted to be just like her. I still do even though she's been telling me to raise my standards! 

I have been working closely with Berlin Natural Bakery for the last few years and when I first started, my Mom told me that before I can make any decisions that I need to get to know everything there is to know about who we are. So I set out to do exactly that - learn who we are, our processes, why we do what we do, why we don't do things other people do and where we've been. 

I started down that path (and I continue down it to this day) but what I truly got to know better than anything else - is you. I heard your stories firsthand. I read your reviews and your emails and your comments on Facebook. And honestly? I have enjoyed it so much I didn't even realize that I was studying you! This part has truly been an honor and I continue to learn more about what is on your hearts every single day. It is a privilege. 

Nick
Nick returned to Berlin, Ohio after many years in the natural health food industry as a broker representing and supporting brands in stores - Berlin Natural Bakery being one of them! He is FULL of knowledge because he spent so many years educating stores on us, on Spelt, on small batch baking and on the power of limited ingredient breads! 

When he returned to us, he patiently learned every single position at Berlin Natural Bakery. He began Supervising our packaging department and quickly became an example of consistency, commitment and excellence for everyone on that team. 

When Karl and Cindy retired, he bravely stepped up and held everything together in production. He excels at any given position from bake side to pack side. He can step in anywhere at a moments notice and he is absolutely a pillar of strength and safety for everyone here. We all breathe a little easier when his eyes are watching everything carefully. 

I couldn't have asked for a better partner than my dear twin brother, Nick! 

We clearly come from a heritage that is strong and powerful and rooted in the truth and with that as our foundation - we truly want to help take Berlin Natural Bakery to the next level by serving you. It is our desire to continue this legacy of honor and excellence that Berlin Natural Bakery has forged and to do everything in our power to uphold our traditions and practices even as we continue to grow. 

On behalf of my Grandpa, my Mother, myself and my brother, I want to thank you for journeying with us, partnering with us, sharing your stories with us and for helping us grow. 

 We think we're pretty awesome but we're nothing compared to you! 

All of our love and gratitude always, 

Nicole & Nick
The 3rd Generation of Berlin Natural Bakery 
The little bakery that could! 🙂