An auspicious return to the baking business | 2021-02-10

As the scion of a multi-generational family members business and its longtime chief, it could be guessed that John Popp, president of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries, was usually destined for a profession in baking. In reality, John Popp severely explored other occupation chances, both equally in accounting and real estate. He absolutely dedicated to a vocation in baking in 1980, and it is his contributions to the business he headed and the baking market that have gained Mr. Popp a location in the Baking Corridor of Fame.

A 1954 graduate of the College of Michigan, Mr. Popp entered the US Military just after faculty and was stationed in Maryland and New Jersey, working on tank ballistics and studies. Following armed service assistance, he was presented a posture at T. Rowe Cost as an analyst for Thomas Rate.

Adhering to consultations with his moms and dads, H. Leslie and Lucille Popp, and considerable soul searching, John Popp joined the spouse and children enterprise, then identified as Perfection Biscuit Co. The organization was a third-era company set up in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Ind., by John’s maternal grandfather, John Franke.

John Popp began doing work on bakery functions and personnel, but in 1967, he still left the baking enterprise to get the job done independently as a real estate agent and serious estate developer. Around the following 13 years, John Popp played a key part in the advancement of many huge household subdivisions.

He returned to Perfection Biscuit in 1980 as president. Shortly afterward, the company obtained the Way Baking Co. Perfection ongoing to extend into the southwest Ohio and southern Indiana marketplaces. In 2005, the business adjusted the corporation name from Perfection Bakeries to Aunt Millie’s Bakeries.

The business operates five baking vegetation with distribution during the United States, principally in the Midwest. Its clean bread, buns, rolls and other bakery merchandise are equipped to grocery shops, restaurants, educational facilities and foodservice distributors. The enterprise has a lot more than 1,600 personnel in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Whilst contemporary-baked meals are the company’s mainstay now, the organization initially was named Wayne Biscuit Co., recognized in 1901, the maker of Perfection Wafers (also recognised as P.W. Crackers). In 1923, the enterprise turned the initially baker in Indiana giving wrapped bread. John Franke embraced the innovation as a way to give products that was fresher and much more sanitary.

When Mr. Franke was killed in a motor vehicle incident, administration of the small business passed to Les Popp, his son-in-law, credited with introducing sliced bread, acquiring new merchandise and expanding the company’s distribution location.

Relatives leadership of the organization these days features not only John Popp but also his sons, Bohn and Chris. The company will mark its 120th anniversary this 12 months.

John Popp has extensive been energetic in industry affairs. He worked with the Unbiased Bakers Affiliation (IBA) in 2001 to persuade the US Congress to extend an Environmental Defense Company get covering mixer bowl coolants, action credited with preserving tens of millions of pounds in opportunity fines and substitute charges for impartial bakeries throughout the place. At Aunt Millie’s Bakeries, he encourages continuing instruction for bakery staff members and provides R&D internships to university learners. In addition to IBA, Mr. Popp has participated in the pursuits of the W.E. Extended Co., Top quality Bakers of The us and the American Bakers Affiliation.