Championing Veteran Entrepreneurs | Chris Wysong's Bucket of Bread Headed to Detroit

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In September 2024, Warrior Rising will host an event in Detroit featuring ten remarkable veterans, each of whom has embarked on a unique entrepreneurial journey. One of these veterans, Christopher Wysong, the CEO of Bucket of Bread, has caught the attention of many with his innovative and charitable approach to business. His journey exemplifies the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that define veteran entrepreneurship.

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Christopher Wysong has always had a passion for baking, a love instilled in him by his mother. “I’m going to blame my mom,” Wysong said, reminiscing about his childhood. “As a little boy, she always had me in the kitchen. I think her real goal was to make sure I could take care of myself, but it gave me lots of fond memories.” These formative experiences not only helped him develop his culinary skills but also fostered a deep-seated desire to give back to his community. Over time, Wysong became known as the “bread guy,” a moniker that stuck with him and eventually inspired his business idea.

The concept for Bucket of Bread came to Wysong in 2020, during a moment of reflection. “For whatever reason, in the middle of 2020, I just woke up with this conceptual thought that all of the things you’ve been doing, you could completely put it in a bucket and use that as a platform to help people,” he explained. The idea was simple yet powerful: provide a high-quality, easy-to-use product that could also serve as a vehicle for charitable giving. Part of the company’s mission is to donate at least 10% of its profits to charities combating hunger and fighting food insecurity. “It’s the next best thing since sliced bread,” Wysong quipped, underscoring his passion for both his product and its potential impact.

Wysong’s military background also played a significant role in shaping his business philosophy. “I think that’s just part of the character that builds us as veterans,” he said when asked about the connection between his service and his drive to give back. “We are about that community. We are about giving to people we care [about].” This ethos of service and community is at the heart of Bucket of Bread, which not only seeks to provide delicious and wholesome products but also aims to be a force for good in the world.

Through his participation in Warrior Rising, Wysong has found invaluable support and inspiration. Warrior Rising is an organization dedicated to empowering veteran entrepreneurs by providing them with resources, mentorship, and a supportive community. Reflecting on his experience with the program, Wysong emphasized the importance of staying connected with a network of like-minded individuals.

“A group like Warrior Rising is just, it’s something you have to be sure to do,” he stated. “If you’re starting a business, jump in groups like this, because we’re a community.”

Warrior Rising's approach has been particularly beneficial for Wysong as he navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship. “It seems like every so often you get an email that says, ‘Hey, jump in this class, hey, jump in this class, a masterclass of ideas and concepts,’” he shared. These opportunities for continued learning and engagement have been instrumental in helping him refine his business strategy and expand his vision for Bucket of Bread.

The journey to entrepreneurship is rarely straightforward, and for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, it can be particularly daunting. Wysong’s path was no different. After serving as an active guard reservist, he took advantage of transition programs that helped him build a network and gain some initial experience in the civilian world. “I met a few people through that, that are in the local area, and I was able to secure something through a little bit of a coffee business date, if you will,” he recalled. These early steps were crucial in building the foundation that would eventually support his entrepreneurial ambitions.

For veterans looking to start their own businesses, Wysong offers some practical advice. “I think the best first step that I accidentally took... I found the local university and they had a small business development center as part of that SBA-funded group,” he explained. This initial connection led him to other valuable resources, including the Veteran Business Outreach Center, and eventually to Warrior Rising. “You find yourself slowly getting involved more and more. And that activity, I think really helps snowball you down that road towards hopeful success.”

Wysong’s approach to building Bucket of Bread is rooted in both his love of baking and his commitment to creating a sustainable and socially responsible business. The products themselves are a reflection of this philosophy. “What I have done is I have taken these certified organic flours, and I blend and I mix them together,” he described. The result is a versatile dough that comes in a 100% recyclable bucket, designed to be both easy to use and environmentally friendly. “When you get them home, you simply mix in some lukewarm water... it turns into sort of like a meal prep kit for baking, because this will last up to two weeks in your fridge.”

The simplicity and versatility of Bucket of Bread’s products are matched by Wysong’s enthusiasm for his mission. His commitment to giving back is evident in everything he does, from product development to customer engagement. “At least 10% of my profits, those are earmarked for charities combating hunger,” he reiterated, highlighting the company’s dual focus on quality and social impact.

Looking ahead to the upcoming pitch competition in Detroit, Wysong is preparing to present his business to a panel of judges, a task that he is both excited and nervous about. “You have all these slides that were like, ‘here’s our structure that we want you to operate inside of,’” he said, discussing his preparation process. “So now it’s like, okay, I’ve got my structure, what constraints am I facing inside of that to where I can use them to become innovative in how I present the information.” His goal is to convey not just the potential of Bucket of Bread as a product, but also its capacity to make a positive difference in the world.

Ultimately, Wysong hopes that his pitch will resonate with the judges and the audience, demonstrating that Bucket of Bread is more than just a business—it’s a mission. “I’m sending the message that this is a good thing. It’s got the traction that it needs to get past that, hey, I just started this thing. Let’s go to the next level and make this a nationwide brand. This should be in everybody’s cupboards,” he declared.

For those attending the event or following along, Wysong is excited to share his journey and learn from others. “I’m really looking forward to making that connection to where, you know, money is always a great motivator. But really beyond money, if you can make a connection with people that say, hey, I know what you’re doing. And I know how you’re trying to get there. I have a wing for you to sit under, I’m going to take you there,” he said, reflecting on the power of networking and mentorship.

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As Wysong continues to grow Bucket of Bread and expand its impact, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within every veteran entrepreneur. His journey is a testament to the strength of community, the importance of giving back, and the endless possibilities that come from pursuing one’s passion with purpose.

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