I am excited to formally introduce the 3rd generation of Berlin Natural Bakery, my brother and I, Nick and Nicole! 

Yes, we actually are twins and no we did coordinate our outfits for this photo shoot! 

Yes, we are twins and no we are clearly not identical! You'd be surprise how often we are asked that! 

Yes we are twins and yes... sometimes in the extreme, we do seem to have "that twin thing." It typically looks like calling each other at exactly the same time these days but when we were growing up, it did sometimes feel like we could tell when the other was upset or hurt. 

But let's pivot from the twin thing and talk about each of us! 

NICOLE: 

Now, I understand that many of you are familiar with me as I have actually been entrusted with the task of communicating with you, the design and launch of our newest website and all of our social media sites for many years now.

I began working with our General Manager Cindy and my Mom (the owner) almost 9 years ago which is wild to me! 

To simplify my story, I graduated high school and proudly jumped into college, collected my Bachelor’s degree and then circumstances reignited our discussion of the bakery. College was important to me because my Grandpa (our first generation of Berlin Natural Bakery) grew up Old Order Amish and only received an 8th grade education. I didn't exactly have a direction but I enjoyed learning and am proud to have completed that path! 

I had worked at the bakery with my brother during middle school summers but I wasn’t sure it was where my heart was. What I did know is that making my Mom proud has always been a huge priority for me and I truly wanted to better understand the bakery’s journey and its legacy. Particularly since I had a front row seat to the many battles my Mom fought to defend it and keep it alive. 

The more I learned, the more I grasped the enormity of the calling Berlin Natural Bakery has - its responsibility. The more my Mom taught me about our food system and what has befallen “bread” here in the United States, I couldn’t help but be absolutely appalled. And the more communication I had with you - our customers - the more I understood the honor of what it is to provide your daily bread. Wow - it’s still so incredibly humbling and I honestly tear up when I stop and reflect on your many testimonials, comments and stories. 

All that to say, I fell in love and you couldn’t pry this bakery out of my hands if you tried! It’s enough to be sharing it with my twin! Actually, it's an honor to do that. And I am excited to keep learning and growing with him. 

NICHOLAS (NICK)

At this point, it probably feels like my brother Nick is an enigma as I haven’t talked much about him but rest assured he’s as much of an open book as I am! 

Nick worked at Berlin Natural Bakery during our middle school summers too but he also worked at the bakery after we graduated from high school for a handful of years. He ended up moving and (not surprisingly) getting into the natural health food industry as a broker! He helped champion a TON of brands including Berlin Natural Bakery and not only did he learn an endless amount about the food industry, he had the opportunity to truly meet himself. 

His years away from Berlin Natural Bakery were far from easy but they were blessed with incomparable mentors, an unbelievable amount of food education and experiences that are invaluable now! He has always had a determination that I truly admire. 

Nick ended up moving back to Berlin, Ohio right before the pandemic. And I cannot thank God enough for that because Nick truly helped us survive the hardest hiring/staffing years I have ever experienced. His work ethic was and is out of this world amazing. His commitment and reliability still has me amazed. And let me tell you, when I say that man has worked every single position at the bakery, I mean that. There is not an inch of the bakery that he does not know. 

 And Now Onto Us...

There are clearly many details of our stories untold here but I am excited because both my brother and I are committed to learning and growing together with this bakery and with time, perhaps we'll share more.

My brother, my Mom and I meet every week to discuss all the things and we truly couldn't be more grateful to have her guidance and wisdom as we continue to get used to our new roles. 

Thankfully, our retired management is still very graciously supporting us and answering any and all of our questions fully and swiftly! And our bake staff, packing staff and office staff have been so instrumental in this transition. Honestly, I could not ask for better people during this time. 

We are truly blessed. Everywhere we look we find something to be grateful for. Even in the most frantic of times, we have so much support and so many resources that we remain humble. 

Our heart for Berlin Natural Bakery is for it to remain solidly standing. For our customers to have favor and be blessed. For our staff to have a safe and enjoyable place under our roof. For our Mom to be at peace and remain proud of both of us. For our retailers to grow and have favor in their areas. And for us to be able to develop new items as we get more confident in our new roles! 

Thank you again for taking this journey with us! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to comment below! 

Until next time, 

Nicole & Nick
The 3rd Generation of Berlin Natural Bakery 
the little bakery that could! 🙂