Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Wysong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Chris thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

The idea for Bucket of Bread started as a spark—one of those moments where I thought, this could really be something. But turning an idea into a real, functioning business? That was an entirely different challenge.

From the beginning, I knew I wanted to do it right. I wasn’t going to mix and sell out of my home kitchen—I needed a licensed, commercial space. So, I secured a location, put in the work to renovate it, and made sure it met all the necessary food safety regulations. That meant navigating licensing, inspections, insurance, and everything else that comes with running a legitimate food business. It was a big upfront commitment, but I knew that laying the right foundation was key to long-term success.

Once the facility was set up, I focused on refining the product. I sourced high-quality, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. I designed packaging that was food-safe, resealable, and 100% recyclable. I made sure the labeling was compliant with FDA guidelines. Every little detail mattered.

Then, I put Bucket of Bread out into the world. I took my minimum viable product—the first version of the kits—and started selling. But I didn’t just sell; I listened. I paid close attention to what customers said, what questions they asked, and what feedback they gave me. I used their insights to refine the product, just like the lessons we learned in 6th-grade science class—the scientific method: build, measure, learn. This mindset has been crucial.

Being open to feedback and adapting has helped me fine-tune the balance between my vision for Bucket of Bread and what my customers actually want. Whether it’s adjusting the product, the pricing, or even how I market it, I continue to iterate and improve. That willingness to listen and evolve has been one of the biggest factors in keeping the business moving forward—one bucket at a time.

Chris, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Christopher J. Wysong, and I’m the founder of Bucket of Bread, a veteran-owned business that provides high-quality, organic, non-GMO baking kits in a convenient, resealable bucket. My journey into this industry wasn’t exactly traditional—I didn’t grow up in a bakery or train as a professional chef. Instead, I took a leap of faith, fueled by a passion for good food, creativity, and the desire to make baking accessible to everyone.

The idea for Bucket of Bread came from a simple realization: people love fresh, homemade bread and baked goods, but many don’t have the time, experience, or confidence to make them from scratch. I wanted to create something that eliminated the hassle without sacrificing quality or versatility. That’s how my baking kits were born—just add water, mix, and you have fresh dough ready to turn into all kinds of delicious creations, from bread and pizza dough to pretzels, cinnamon rolls, and more.

Unlike mass-produced baking mixes, my products are free from preservatives, bromates, bromides, added sugars, and unnecessary fillers. Everything is made with real, wholesome ingredients, and the buckets themselves are 100% recyclable. But Bucket of Bread isn’t just about great baking—it’s also about giving back. A portion of every sale goes toward fighting food insecurity, either through direct donations to food banks or partnerships with organizations working to end hunger. This social mission is deeply important to me, and it’s something that truly sets my business apart.

What I’m most proud of is the community that has grown around Bucket of Bread. I’ve had the chance to connect with so many amazing people—DIY enthusiasts, foodies, families looking for a fun baking experience, and even professional chefs experimenting with my kits. Listening to customer feedback and continuously improving my product has been a key part of my journey. I believe in the build, measure, learn philosophy—constantly refining and adapting to ensure that Bucket of Bread meets the needs of new and returning customers alike.

If there’s one thing I’d want potential customers and followers to know, it’s that Bucket of Bread is more than just a baking kit—it’s an invitation to get creative in the kitchen, to share something delicious with loved ones, and to be part of a business that’s making a difference. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who’s never made bread before, I’ve designed my products to make baking fun, easy, and rewarding.

So, if you’re looking for a simple way to enjoy homemade baked goods while supporting a meaningful cause, I’d love for you to give Bucket of Bread a try. It’s baking made easy—one bucket at a time!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Transitioning out of the military was one of the biggest pivots of my life. When you serve, you have structure, clear expectations, and a mission. But when you step into civilian life, that structure disappears, and suddenly, you’re responsible for building your own path. It’s a shift that can be both exciting and daunting.

After leaving the military, I had to figure out what’s next? I knew I wanted to do something meaningful, something where I could apply my skills while also making a difference. That’s when the idea for Bucket of Bread started to take shape. I saw an opportunity to create a product that not only made baking easier but also gave back to the community by helping combat food insecurity.

But this wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about completely changing my mindset. In the military, you follow orders and execute missions. As an entrepreneur, you have to create the mission yourself. There’s no set playbook, no one telling you what to do next. I had to learn how to navigate everything—from securing a licensed production facility to understanding food regulations, branding, marketing, and customer engagement. Every step required adaptability, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from both my military experience and my business journey is that pivots are inevitable. You have to be ready to adjust, whether it’s changing a strategy that isn’t working, responding to customer feedback, or even rethinking your entire approach. The ability to adapt and push forward—that’s what makes the difference.

Starting Bucket of Bread was my pivot. It wasn’t always easy, but it gave me a new mission, a new sense of purpose, and the opportunity to build something from the ground up. And just like in the military, it’s about commitment, adaptability, and making an impact—through every loaf baked, every customer served, and every effort to give back.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding Bucket of Bread was a challenge, like it is for most entrepreneurs starting from scratch. I didn’t have a huge investor backing me or a massive savings account to pull from—I had to be resourceful.

I started by using my own personal savings to cover the initial expenses. I knew I needed to do things the right way, which meant securing a licensed facility, renovating it, and getting all the proper approvals before I could even start selling. That took careful budgeting and prioritizing every dollar.

Beyond my own funds, I also tapped into grants and small business resources available to veterans. Being a veteran-owned business opened up opportunities for support, whether it was mentorship, networking, or financial assistance. I applied for programs designed to help small businesses get off the ground and took advantage of any resources I could find.

One of the most impactful ways I secured funding was by participating in pitch competitions. These competitions gave me a platform to share my vision for Bucket of Bread while also giving me access to valuable funding that helped cover critical costs. Winning funds through these competitions wasn’t just about the money—it was also about gaining exposure, refining my pitch, and connecting with people who believed in my mission.

Of course, bootstrapping was a big part of it, too. I had to be strategic—reinvesting revenue back into the business, minimizing unnecessary expenses, and making sure every decision moved Bucket of Bread forward. There were no extravagant purchases or shortcuts; it was all about making the most of what I had.

Looking back, securing the initial capital wasn’t just about finding money—it was about being determined, resourceful, and willing to put in the work to make Bucket of Bread a reality. And that mindset continues to drive the business today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bucketofbread.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bucketofbreadllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BucketofBread
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bucketofbread
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BucketLlc
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/@bucketofbread
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bucketobread