In this episode of The Perfect Rise, we sit down with Chad Ecklof, third-generation owner of Ecklof Bakery, to talk about legacy, leadership, and why profit literacy—not just passion—is the difference between survival and sustainability.

Chad shares how nine years in the U.S. Navy shaped his leadership style, what it’s like working side by side with his father in a legacy bakery, and how outdated pricing systems led him to build The Baker’s Bench—a tool designed by a baker, for bakers.

This conversation is a must-listen for bakery owners, educators, and anyone serious about the business of baking.

In this episode, we cover:

• What legacy bakeries get right about leadership and longevity
• Why most bakeries don’t fail from poor product—but poor pricing visibility
• How ingredient cost changes quietly erode profit if you’re not watching
• The difference between pricing by instinct and pricing with intention
• What bakers actually need to understand about gross profit
• Why education must bridge the gap between the recipe and reality
• How systems support craftsmanship instead of replacing it

Who this episode is for:

• Retail bakery owners and operators
• Bakers thinking about opening a brick-and-mortar shop
• Culinary educators and students
• Anyone navigating rising ingredient costs and shrinking margins

Exclusive RBA Member Benefit: Baker’s Bench Access

RBA members receive special access to The Baker’s Bench, a bakery-focused pricing and profitability tool created by fourth-generation baker Chad Eckolf.

When you sign up for Baker’s Bench, you’ll be asked during onboarding if you’re a Retail Bakers of America member. During your 14-day trial, RBA memberships are verified internally. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a unique code directly from the Baker’s Bench team to apply when upgrading to a paid account.

No public code required—just sign up, complete onboarding, and we’ll take care of the rest.

👉 Get started here: https://bakersbenchapp.com

At Retail Bakers of America, we believe great baking deserves great businesses. This episode is about building both.

🎧 Listen now and learn how clarity, systems, and stewardship create bakeries that stand the test of time.

Become a Member