Newsroom and Mentions Archive
Welcome to the Bucket of Bread Newsroom. This is the list of all things public and mentions and where you can see all the ‘stuff’ that made the airwaves or papers. This is the timeline of events as they happened.
September 2024:
From Combat Boots to Combating Hunger
In this exclusive interview, Christopher Wysong, CEO of Bucket of Bread LLC and a top 10 veteran entrepreneur competing in Detroit this September, shares his journey from military service to business success.
Discover how Warrior Rising’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Program helped him build a mission-driven company while giving back to his community. Don’t miss his powerful insights for veterans looking to launch their own ventures! We look forward to seeing each veteran and our incredible community of supporters in Detroit this month, September 21st for an EPIC Business Shower and Gala!
Link to the YouTube interview is here:
“https://youtu.be/D1omWQ4e9m8?si=OE1Nv0Z6ikV_rUSh”
Link to the LinkedIn article:
“https://www.linkedin.com/posts/warrior-rising_vetrepreneur-warriorrising-entrepreneurship-activity-7237429265116340224-fxtB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios”
August 2024:
Radio Interview…
Join Mike Hayes each Thursday morning on WIZM for Coulee Region Cooks, the area’s only live radio cooking show. Mike is joined by the best chefs and home cooks throughout the La Crosse area as they share their favorite recipes. If you miss that delicious hour, find all those must try dishes here on the Coulee Region Cooks podcast.
Here’s where: “https://omny.fm/shows/coulee-region-cooks/breaking-bread-from-military-missions-to-baking-tr”
August 2024:
Warrior Rising BIG EVENT!
Bucket of Bread has been selected as 1 of 10 Veteran owned businesses to present at the Warrior Rising Motor City Mission Veteran Venture in Detroit in September. Stay tuned as more press is to come on this incredible honor.
August 2024:
Disrupt Magazine Features Veteran, Owner, Founder, and CEO, Chris Wysong.
Learn more about the Bucket of Bread Business Adventures at: https://disruptmagazine.com/from-bucket-to-oven/
July 2024:
The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is hosting a regional Military Entrepreneurship Forum:
Milwaukee, sponsored by Fiserv, that will focus on providing veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses the opportunity to learn from, and network with, subject matter experts, entrepreneurship resources, representatives from Fortune 500 companies, fellow entrepreneurs and more!
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
May 2024:
Local entrepreneur creates a tasty and easy way to enjoy baking and giving back
WKBT Anchor, Emily Brown, May 9, 2024.
April 2024:
Breaking Bread with Innovation: On Think Big Podcast from ZING
Join me as he pulls back the curtain on the thrilling world of manufacturing my innovative baking kits. From the light bulb moment to the ongoing quest for growth and expansion, I’ll share some personal anecdotes, hopes, and dreams that help shape my entrepreneurial journey.
Tune in for an authentic conversation about the adventures, challenges, and triumphs of building a veteran-owned business. Hear about the why Bucket of Bread LLC was created and its mission to helping fight food insecurity while also aiding those who want to create great food using quality, clean ingredients without the hassle.
March 2024:
La Crosse Tribune
Take a peek at this La Crosse Tribune article about Bucket of Bread LLC appearing on Wisconsin’s own Project Pitch It!
March 2024 UPDATED:
Project Pitch It!
This is a really amazing announcement! Bucket of Bread LLC will be featured on Wisconsin’s own, Project Pitch It! More info to follow but mark your calendars and catch Episode 7 of Season 8 when it air on:
WISN 12 NEWS (ABC) in Milwaukee on May 4, Saturday at 10:35pm with a replay on June 22, Saturday 11:00am. WKOW 27-TV 27 (ABC) in Madison on May 19, Sunday at 12:00pm with a replay on June 29, Saturday at 6:30pm. WBAY TV-2 (ABC) in Green Bay on April 28, Sunday at 10:45pm with a replay June 23, Sunday at 10:45pm. WSAW NewsChannel 7 (CBS, Channel 7.1) in Wausau should air on April 27th at 10:35pm. WYOW (CW, Channel 34.1/ 7.4) also in Wausau should air on April 28th at 10:30am. News 8 Now / News 8000 WKBT-TV 27 CBS in La Crosse should air on May 25th at 11:00am. 
March 2024:
Talking about “Something Special From Wisconsin” (3-14-24)
Thank you Alice in Dairyland for bringing a Bucket of Bread and highlighting it in your chat with NBC Newswatch 12 WJFW-TV
Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time public relations professional employed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
She highlighted the Something Special from Wisconsin program of which Bucket of Bread is now proud to be a part. SSfW members are local producers of all shapes and sizes, certifying at least 50% of a product’s ingredients, production, or processing is from or completed in Wisconsin.
Whether it is locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally, the logo brings recognition and credibility to the product and builds on Wisconsin’s reputation for providing quality products.
February 2024:
Alice In Dairyland Came to the Bucket of Bread World HQ!
It was another local news day at the Bucket of Bread LLC company. Thank you Alice in Dairyland for bringing a Bucket of Bread and highlighting it in your morning chat with News 8 Now / News 8000.
Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time public relations professional employed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
She highlighted the Something Special from Wisconsin program of which Bucket of Bread is now proud to be a part. SSfW members are local producers of all shapes and sizes, certifying at least 50% of a product’s ingredients, production, or processing is from or completed in Wisconsin.
Whether it is locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally, the logo brings recognition and credibility to the product and builds on Wisconsin’s reputation for providing quality products.
#bucketofbread #news8now #news8000 #SSfW #aliceindairyland #datcp #Wisconsin
February 2024:
Alice In Dairyland Highlights Bucket of Bread in Wausau, Wisconsin! Shop local for last minute Valentine’s Day gifts
It was a local news day at the Bucket of Bread LLC company. Thank you Alice in Dairyland for bringing a Bucket of Bread and highlighting it in your morning chat with WSAW TV 7. An interview with 76th Alice in Dairyland Ashley Hagenow, By Hannah Borchert.
Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time public relations professional employed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
She highlighted the Something Special from Wisconsin program of which Bucket of Bread is now proud to be a part. SSfW members are local producers of all shapes and sizes, certifying at least 50% of a product’s ingredients, production, or processing is from or completed in Wisconsin.
Whether it is locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally, the logo brings recognition and credibility to the product and builds on Wisconsin’s reputation for providing quality products.
#bucketofbread #Wausau #WSAW #SSfW #aliceindairyland #datcp #Wisconsin
January 2024:
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities Bucket of Bread LLC has had the good fortune to have been allowed… past, present, and future.” 🫶🫶🫶 ~Chris Wysong, CEO, Founder, and Owner.
#bucketofbread #sales #business #thanksforyoursupport #veterans #veteranownedbusiness #opportunities #startingabusiness #veteranowned
December 2023:
Klimson Logistics Solutions’s, “Together Talks” #90: What a fantastic discussion with Chris to learn his upbringing with his mother teaching him to cook and bake and eventually turning into “The Bread Man”. Being a Veteran-Owned business, Chris is set out to provide help and assistance while partnering with organizations that fight hunger. Check out our conversation by clicking the link or pic. Readers can use the promo code referenced in their feature article!
#bucketofbread #article #businessnews #kls #togethertalks #interview
December 2023:
December 2023:
November 2023:
ARTICLE –
Entrepreneurial dough: Just what stagnant Wisconsin kneads to rise up,
BY PATRICK MCILHERAN
Don’t forget to be thankful for the risk-takers: Did you enjoy home-baked bread at Thanksgiving and think to yourself that you’d have it more often if only baking weren’t so involved?
The Badger Institute, formerly the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institute established in 1987 working to engage and energize Wisconsinites and others in discussions and timely action on key public policy issues critical to the state’s future, growth and prosperity. The institute’s research and public education activities are directed to identify and promote public policies in Wisconsin that are fair, accountable and cost-effective.
“https://www.badgerinstitute.org/entrepreneurial-dough-just-what-stagnant-wisconsin-kneads-to-rise-up/”
November 2023:
Bunker Labs introduces Bucket of Bread LLC to Chicago, IL, on WGN TV’s Spotlight Chicago while talking about the Holiday Gift Buying Guide.
https://wgntv.com/spotlight-chicago/bunker-labs-leading-military-veterans-to-start-successful-businesses/
November 2023:
I’m so happy to have discovered Bunker Labs and have been introduced to such a great network of Veterans and military spouse owned businesses. Bucket of Bread LLC is thrilled to announce it made the Bunker Labs 2023 Holiday Shopping Guide! Find Bucket of Bread and so many more Veteran owned businesses on the Bunker Labs 2023 Holiday Gift Buying Guide website at:
“https://bunkerlabs.org/marketplace-2023/”
August 2023:
Research on entrepreneurship has discussed extensively the role of education for the same. The literature has failed to come up with any conclusive arguments. Education can be helpful in terms of nurturing the needed skills for an entrepreneur, teaching patience and the value of failure amid other abilities. Yet, at the same time more years in school comes with the opportunity cost of getting delayed in starting one’s business. To add to this conversation, for this year’s Menard Family Initiative (MFI) Briefs, we posed the following prompt: What is the value of an undergraduate business degree when starting and running your own business? How would a business degree help you become a better entrepreneur? What must be learned through experience, and what can be learned in the classroom? Relatedly, what specific areas of entrepreneurship/business ownership would be easier if you have the knowledge gained through a business degree? In what ways could an undergraduate business education experience be improved to help entrepreneurs?
https://www.uwlax.edu/center/menard-family-initiative/mfi-briefs/
August 2023:
Watch a Bucket of Bread episode that talks about the Bunker Labs 2023 Holiday Gift Buying Guide!
Bunker Labs Office Hours is a weekly live show that airs on Tuesdays at 11 AM EST. The show is hosted by “Iron” Mike Steadman and features interviews with veterans, military spouse entrepreneurs, and small business owners in the Bunker Labs community. The show’s goal is to provide education and resources to veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. Bunker Labs is a national network of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs who help members start their own businesses. You can contact Bunker Labs by calling (312) 218-9622 or visiting their website.
August 2023:
Published in a Startup Veteran article, Christopher Wysong, an Army veteran who successfully transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, is building a socially conscious baking business, Bucket of Bread LLC. From his military background to founding his own venture, Chris’s story sheds light on the valuable lessons that veteran entrepreneurs can learn from his experiences. Here are 3 major tactical takeaways you can learn from Chris’s experience:
- Strategic Adaptation: Chris’s seamless transition from various military roles to entrepreneurship underscores the importance of strategic adaptation. The ability to pivot, switch specialties, and learn new skills, honed during his military career, proved essential for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.
- Team Cohesion: Drawing parallels between military units and business teams, Chris emphasizes the significance of team cohesion. His insights showcase that just as a cohesive platoon accomplishes missions, a strong business team is fundamental for success.
- Community Engagement: Chris’s engagement with community resources highlights the importance of community involvement for veteran entrepreneurs. His story also underscores the value of continuous learning and improvement through education and networking, ensuring growth and success in the business world.
Read more about Chris, Bucket of Bread, and other Veteran Owned and Founder stories at
https://www.startupveteran.com/p/rising-ranks-army-veterans-path-baking-business-beyond
July 2023:
✍️The staff at WWBIC Southwest Office and VBOC at WWBIC are there to help you achieve your business dreams… and they want to see you succeed.
The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) is a leading innovative economic development corporation “Putting Dreams to Work” since 1987 by assisting microenterprise and small businesses throughout our 72 counties in Wisconsin.
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans, service members, and military spouses who are interested in starting or growing a small business.
Follow the link to a little bit of a write up on Bucket of Bread recently published:
https://www.wwbic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bucket-of-Bread-SW-V2.pdf
#bucketofbread #wwbic #vboc #wisconsin #veteranowned
June 2023:
Ramon Vela from The Story of a Brand believes people want to buy great products from brands they align with. So each week they interview the founder of a consumer brand, unpack their story, mission, values and learn about the brand from their eyes. Get to know Chris a little better and the story of Bucket of Bread:
- What he’s grateful for
- How he got started with baking
- Baking bread with Iraqis and being a veteran-owned business
- Why it’s like a meal prep kit
- A breakdown of ingredients, including no dairy, preservatives, fat, or egg
- The charitable side of the business or why he does what he does
- His goals as a business: 500 online sales per month
- Why he has more than the bottom dollar in mind
Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player.
June 2023:
Bucket of Bread LLC extends its heartfelt gratitude to customers who choose their brand of baking mixes, as each purchase contributes to combating hunger and uplifting communities. Their recent generous donation to the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse reflects their commitment to making a positive impact. By prioritizing social change through baking, Bucket of Bread empowers individuals to join the movement in fighting food insecurity. Together, we can create lasting positive change and nourish the lives of those in need.
Hunger Relief Efforts with Donation to the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse
May 2023:
La Crosse Local is an arts, food, and entertainment podcast and publication for La Crosse County and its surrounding communities. Join us in supporting local arts and the dining scene, highlighting the many talented individuals, and committed organizations that make La Crosse an exciting place to live.
We connect once again with Chris Wysong of Bucket of Bread, he refreshes us on the unique baking bucket, new products, what he is excited for and where to pick up or donate a Bucket of Bread.
https://lacrosselocal.com/e-396-bucket-of-bread/
March 2023:
Check it out! Bucket of Bread LLC made it on the truck! Go have a look what else our friends over at Chow are doing. One of the unique aspects of Let’s Chow is they are a nonprofit organization that gives veterans the opportunity to own and operate food trucks. They help bridge the gap between a veteran leaving the service and entering the culinary industry through their Food Truck Training Program.
https://letschow.org
From a Let’s Chow Social Post: What a treat to be back in NJ for the 40th annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala @harrahsresort Since its inception in 1984, the Restaurant Gala has raised well over $3.8 million for scholarships for students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts. We are proud to partner with Atlantic Cape Community College on our NJ truck! Shout out to the #veteranowned brands we had on the Let’s Chow truck at the event @kindcookie_company @_daxsnax_ @killercoffeebeans @americanforcecoffee @bucketofbreadllc
February 2023:
Looking for marketing insights from the pros? Tune in to The Obsessed Marketer podcast, where industry experts share their secrets to success. In one episode, Chris Wysong, founder of Bucket of Bread, shares his journey as a veteran entrepreneur and how he built his dream business. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation and valuable marketing tips!
#TheObsessedMarketer #MarketingPodcast #BucketOfBread #Entrepreneurship #VeteranOwned #SmallBusiness #MarketingTips
February 2023:
Hellman’s Kitchen Veteran Food YouTube Interview or the Podcast Version: This episode US Coast Guard Veteran, Chef, and host, Steven Hellman, talks to Chris Wysong, Army Veteran and Founder of Bucket of Bread, to showcase a little bit about his organic gourmet dough mixes ready to go for you in a bucket! Tune in to hear about Chris’s story as a Vetrepreneur, his service, and other stories. Chris and Steven are both Bunker Labs cohort classmates, Bunker Labs is a premiere not for profit Veteran entrepreneur program.
January 2023:
Always nice to get a shout out from Matt Robinson and Jordan Rich over at Connoisseur’s Corner on WBZ1030 Radio in Boston!
January 2023:
The Veterans Referring Veterans Group asked me to join their podcast to just have a light and friendly chat about my service in the Army, my story, how Bucket of Bread was created. This is a clip from that conversation. Find the full episode through their podcast highlighting Veteran businesses and Non-profits! Their website is at VeteransReferringVeterans.com
December 2022 | Philadelphia, PA:
“This veteran entrepreneur created his small business with the purpose of fighting food insecurity. 2022 #VeteranSharkTank alum Christopher Wysong, owner of Bucket of Bread LLC, created his products with certified organic ingredients and sustainable materials. His bucket(s) of bread make homemade bread easy for any level of home cook AND provide fresh bread options to kitchens and food pantries in his home state of Wisconsin.”
https://veteransharktank.com/alumni/
October 2022: Unboxing with Abe’s Raves: Bucket of Bread. The ingredients are organic and milled in Wisconsin. The owner Chris is a huge believer in his products and also humanity. He donates a percentage of profits to charity…
Abram Dyke
Eater of Food, Drinker of Drinks
November 2022: Bunker Labs Office Hours is LIVE every Tuesday at 11 am EST with host “Iron” Mike Steadman. On the show we talk with veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Bunker Labs community. Bunker Labs Office Hours is brought to you by MetLife Foundation.
IRON” Mike Steadman and Bunker Labs spoke with me about Bucket of Bread LLC, and my affiliation with so many resources to launch this business ad-venture.
November 2022: The holidays are back, and we’re thrilled to share our 2022 Bunker Labs Holiday Gift Guide with you! We have carefully selected 60+ products from the Bunker Labs community, providing a stage for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs to showcase their products best suited for the holiday shopping season. Each product comes from a business launched and run by an entrepreneur that has gone through our Ambassador, Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship, CEOcircle or Veterans in Residence programs.
No matter if you’re looking for the perfect gift for that special someone, an office Secret Santa program, or want to indulge in a little self-care over the holidays, our guide has just what you need. Even better, you can feel good knowing you’re supporting our nation’s heroes with each purchase!
November 2022: Bucket of Bread: Anyone can be a good cook and baker! When Chris started the business, he came to the Small Business Development (SBDC) at UW-La Crosse for help. He said, “The SBDC is an incredible resource. They offer so much to the community of regional entrepreneurs. My SBDC was able to help me with financial projections, operating agreements, sales tax compliance, a business plan and marketing strategies.”
https://wisconsinsbdc.org/client-successes/bucket-of-bread/
October 12, 2022: La Crosse entrepreneurs Clara Gelatt and Chris Wysong, along with MFI guest speakers, engaged in an open discussion on entrepreneurship and regulations. See Bucket of Bread’s involvement at the Facebook page: Menard Family Initiative Event with Bucket of Bread or at UWL’s Fall 2022 Entrepreneurship Series.
September 2022: Our Real Business Stories Blog interviews small businesses and shares their stories with the world.
Small businesses have so many incredible stories that we can all learn from and find inspiration in. Bucket of Bread is at:
https://www.cyntergi.com/fresh-dough-with-veteran-owned-bucket-of-bread/
We connect with Chris Wysong of Bucket of Bread, we chat dough mix, using certified organic ingredients, we chat origins of the business, versatile baked goods, best sellers, and what’s coming down the road for this Veteran owned business.
https://lacrosselocal.com/e-328-chris-wysong-bucket-of-bread/
La Crosse Local is an arts, food, and entertainment podcast and publication for La Crosse County and its surrounding communities.
July 12th, 2022: The Connect Show welcomed two Veteran Owned Business guests and a live studio audience! Great connections, good fun, and a wonderful experience!
The Connect Show with Jon and Tracy is a weekly show with small business owners in mind. They showcase entrepreneurial skills of the small business owner to other small business owners.
Networking with Bread on The Connect Show with Jon and Tracy!
June 1, 2022: News 8000 is featuring local businesses, along with the support of the Coulee Region Business Center (CRBC) and the La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO).
We are proud to live in a region that produces some of the finest goods and we are showing them off to our diverse and vast audiences. 52 weeks a year a story describes a product that is produced in our region. These stories will be based on tenants in the CRBC that live and breathe the entrepreneurial dream. The goal is to focus on tenants’ needs along with everything that the CRBC has to offer.
https://www.news8000.com/mrh-bucketofbread/
May 2022: Thank you for saying such kind words about Bucket of Bread on TV, Alexandra Veglahn and Dan Veglahn from Birdy’s Book Store https://www.birdysbookstore.com/ .
Here’s a 30-second clip from Michael Beiermeister’s WXOW interview with the original full article and full video at: WXOW.com
https://www.wxow.com/news/daybreak/popular-summer-market-returns-to-holmen-this-june/article_9f647c98-db31-11ec-8940-cf39b68c4bfc.html
#bucketofbread #veteranowned #wxow #holmenwi #birdysbookstore #excited #makingbuckets #wisconsin #events #June #summer2022 #SummerMarket #SouthwestWisconsin #local #localbusiness #localmusic #news #oldtowncenter #thankful
@SenatorBaldwin (X/Twitter)
It was such a pleasure meeting at the Coulee Region Business Center in La Crosse, WI. Thank you for taking time out of your day to let me tell you about my new business!
#bucketofbread #veteranownedbusiness #entrepreneur #vetrepreneur #wisconsin
A nice way to follow up on National Small Business Week from earlier in May 2022. It was a great opportunity to have spoken about what Bucket of Bread is and does, along with other business neighbors at the Coulee Region Business Center, with special visits from US Senator Tammy Baldwin and Wisconsin State Senator Brad Pfaff.
Made Right Here – Wisconsin
Updated: April 26, 2022 9:59 AM by Ashley Gebhart
https://www.news8000.com/mrh-bucketofbread/
30-Seconds
120-Seconds
Welcome to Our Chaos – We’re Just That Crafty
Cindy in Western Wisconsin – March 22, 2022
https://www.ourchaos.net/post/we-re-just-that-crafty
Bucket of Bread on WBZ 1030 Boston CBS iHeart Radio
Jordan Rich and Matt Robinson – February 8, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJxmXcHKB4Y
Vetrepreneurs© – Chris Wysong – Bucket of Bread
Matt Robinson – November 30, 2021
https://veteransbusinessnetwork.com/article/matt-robinsons-vetrepreneurs-chris-wysong-of-bucket-of-bread.html
$9,000 Raised for LOCAL Pantries!
Chris Wysong, Google Listing Update – November 15, 2021
https://local.google.com/place?id=4971428665732680692&use=posts&lpsid=CIHM0ogKEICAgICa1rWI-QE
Food Drive Helping Stock Local Pantry Shelves
Leah Rivard – July 27, 2021
https://www.news8000.com/food-drive-helping-stock-local-pantry-shelves/
Business and Entrepreneurship Clinic Offers a Lifeline to Early Stage Entrepreneurs
JP Bertinet – January 26, 2021
https://business.wisc.edu/centers/weinert/blog/business-and-entrepreneurship-clinic-offers-a-lifeline-to-early-stage-entrepreneurs/
