I’ve always been fascinated by how people stumble upon their “thing.” You know, that moment when something just clicks, and they decide, “Yeah, this is what I’m going to do.” For @Chris Wysong, that moment came at 3 a.m., one night in 2020. He wasn’t pondering over some grand master plan. Nope. He woke up, had this idea about buckets of bread, nudged his wife for permission (half-asleep, she probably mumbled “sure”), and the next thing you know, Bucket of Bread was born.
Chris’s story isn’t just about dough (though, yes, it involves a lot of dough). It’s about taking a leap, adapting, and figuring things out along the way. I had him on my Never Been Promoted podcast, and I couldn’t help but admire the way he’s built something that’s not just a business—it’s a passion project with a bigger purpose.
Turning an Idea Into Action
One of the things I loved about Chris’s story is how it started from a simple idea—a bucket of bread dough that anyone could mix, store, and bake fresh bread from for two weeks. But it wasn’t just about the convenience of it. It was also about making an impact. At least 10% of Chris’s profits go to fighting hunger. “You’re not just buying bread, you’re helping someone in need,” he said during our chat.
What really struck me is how Chris didn’t wait around for everything to be perfect before diving in. The military taught him a lot about taking action without hesitation, and it shows in how he runs his business. He didn’t spend months strategizing or waiting for a “right time.” He just jumped in and figured things out along the way, which is a huge lesson for anyone sitting on the sidelines with a business idea.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Start before you’re ready. Chris didn’t have all the answers, but that didn’t stop him from getting started.
- Build something that matters. His 10% donation to combat hunger gives his business a real sense of purpose.
- Trust your gut. That 3 a.m. idea became a full-fledged business because he followed his instincts.
From Army to Entrepreneur: The Reality of Transition
Chris spent years in the military—driving gasoline trucks during the Gulf War, stationed in Germany, and later transitioning into a logistician role. But when he left, he didn’t have this perfectly laid-out plan for what came next. He talked about how, when you’re exiting the military, they sit you down and walk you through civilian life basics—writing a resume, using LinkedIn, etc. But beyond that, you’re kind of left to figure out the rest.
Chris’s transition into entrepreneurship wasn’t exactly a smooth one either. He candidly admitted that he didn’t know what he was doing at first, but he found resources that helped him get on track, like his local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They helped him write a business plan, crunch numbers, and even find an incubator for his operation. But the key thing Chris did was ask for help—he didn’t try to go it alone.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- You don’t need to know everything to start, but you do need to ask for help when you need it.
- There are resources out there—whether it’s the SBDC, incubators, or veteran-focused groups like Bunker Labs. Don’t be afraid to tap into them.
- Transitioning is tough. Whether you’re leaving the military or a corporate job, the key is to keep moving forward, even when it feels uncertain.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking to Chris reminded me how important it is to stay adaptable, especially in those early stages of a business. He shared how he’s constantly evolving. For instance, at first, his dough went straight into the bucket, but the shelf life was inconsistent. Some people had no issues; others had trouble with the rising process. So, he switched to packaging the ingredients separately, which kept everything fresher and longer. It’s those kinds of small tweaks that can make a huge difference over time.
As Chris said, “You’re gonna run into hurdles, but the key is to keep going.” He’s not sitting around waiting for perfection—he’s making changes, trying new things, and pushing forward every day. That’s what separates people who talk about entrepreneurship from those who actually do it.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Don’t wait for perfection—make adjustments as you go.
- Keep asking yourself, “What’s the next small step?” You don’t have to see the entire path to move forward.
- The journey is messy, and that’s okay. Keep pushing forward.
- Your business will change as you learn more. Be ready to adapt.
- Surround yourself with the right people and resources to help you through the tough moments.
Final Thoughts
Chris’s story is one that’s grounded in action, persistence, and figuring things out as you go. There’s no magic formula for success. It’s about showing up, making adjustments, and keeping your eyes on the bigger picture. Whether you’re looking to build a business or just want to make a career move, there’s something in his story for everyone.
If you’re someone who’s been sitting on an idea and wondering if it’s the right time, take a page from Chris’s playbook. Just do it. Get out of your head and into action. You don’t need all the answers to start. You just need to start.
CONNECT WITH CHRIS WYSONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjwysong/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoBDryMix?_rdc=2&_rdr
X (Twitter): https://x.com/BucketLlc
Company Website: https://bucketofbread.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bucketofbreadllc/