Bucket of Bread: From Veteran Roots to Culinary Innovation

Chris Wysong, founder of Bucket of Bread, is the perfect example of how life experiences and a passion for creativity can shape a unique entrepreneurial journey. As a Veteran and a visionary, Chris is carving a niche in the baking industry with his simple yet innovative product: baking kits that blend convenience with high-quality, organic ingredients.

From Army Missions to Doughy Ambitions

Chris’s path to entrepreneurship began with his career in the military. A proud Army Veteran with multiple combat tours, Chris served in various roles, from logistical operations to broadcast journalism, gaining invaluable life lessons and leadership skills. While stationed in Germany, he fell in love with artisan breads and the rich culinary culture. Those experiences stayed with him, ultimately inspiring his post-military venture.

The idea for Bucket of Bread came to him in the early hours of a summer night in 2020. “I woke up at 3 a.m. with this thought,” Chris recalls. “I wanted to create something that not only brought people joy but also gave back to communities.” By the next day, he had launched an LLC and started working on his first prototype.

 

What Is Bucket of Bread?

Bucket of Bread is more than just a baking kit. Each bucket includes certified organic, non-GMO flour blends and a packet of yeast, providing everything customers need to create versatile dough that can be used for bread, cinnamon rolls, pizza crusts, pretzels, and more. It’s designed for convenience—just add water, mix, and refrigerate—and it’s free from preservatives, oils, dairy, and added sugars. This makes it perfect for families, home bakers, and even those with dietary restrictions.

What truly sets Bucket of Bread apart, beyond selecting clean high quality ingredients without the use of preservatives, fats, and added sugars, is a commitment to giving back. Chris dedicates at least 10% of profits to fighting hunger through charitable organizations. “It’s a huge problem in this country that shouldn’t exist,” he says. His dedication to creating a socially responsible business resonates deeply with his customers.

 

Building a Business from Scratch

Launching a business during the pandemic was no small feat, but Chris embraced the challenge. By May 2021, he had secured a licensed facility and started selling his kits at farmers markets. Through feedback from customers, he refined his products and developed scalable options, including a retail-friendly boxed version under a newly formed sub-brand, Farm Style Classics, which is set to be available in February.

Chris’s entrepreneurial efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s been recognized as a nominee for Wisconsin’s Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin, a statewide manufacturing competition, and has won prizes in pitch contests, such as Wisconsin’s Project Pitch It, Pentagon Federal Foundation’s  Veteran Entrepreneurial Investment Program, and the Warrior Rising Motor City Mission Veteran Venture in Detroit, Michigan. Chris was even selected as 1 of 5 US Veteran owned companies to appear at the Greater Philadelphia Veteran Network’s annual Veteran Shark Tank. Most recently, he appeared on a reality TV styled entrepreneurial bootcamp called The Blox, only to further amplify his brand’s reach.

A Brand with Heart and Vision

Despite being a one-man operation, Chris wears many hats with enthusiasm. From marketing to manufacturing, he does it all while staying focused on his mission: to create a high-quality product that fosters connections and supports communities. “This isn’t just about bread,” Chris explains. “It’s about making life better for others, one bucket at a time.”

As the company continues to grow, Chris has big plans. He proudly has his products listed in a unique program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, called Something Special from Wisconsin™ (SSfW), which promotes Wisconsin made products. He’s developing partnerships with co-packing facilities to scale production and pursuing retail opportunities with local grocers and national chains like Walmart. But, most notably, he enjoys giving back as the bigger Bucket of Bread becomes, so does its impact.

 

Looking Ahead

Chris’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and purpose. With a growing customer base and exciting developments on the horizon, Bucket of Bread is poised to become a household name.

When asked about his ultimate goal, Chris smiles and says, “I just want people to feel like they’re getting a little piece of home when they use my product—and to know they’re supporting something bigger than themselves.”

Get Your Bucket of Bread

To learn more about Bucket of Bread, place an order, or explore Chris’s mission to fight hunger, visit BucketofBread.com. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this product is sure to bring joy—and delicious easy-to-make high quality baked goods right from your own home oven.

Bucket of Bread LLC, 1100 Kane Street, Suite 121, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603

Website: www.bucketofbread.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BucketofBread