Sourdough, Struggles, and Second Chances | Matthew Jones Journey to Bread Ahead
Description
Matthew Jones is the founder of Bread Ahead bakery. On this episode, Matthew shares his remarkable journey from sleeping on bakery floors to building a global brand that's reshaping how people experience and understand artisan baking.
• Growing up in 1970s Britain surrounded by makers and creators despite the "dire" food scene
• Leaving school at 15 to pursue chef training through a Youth Training Scheme
• Working under Sir Terence Conran and learning from his visionary approach to restaurants
• Transitioning from chef to baker with the founding of Flower Power City Bakery in 1999
• Losing his first bakery business and hitting personal rock bottom due to alcohol addiction
• Finding sobriety and rebuilding his life through baking in 2010
• Starting Bread Ahead with just a market stall at Borough Market
• Creating a revolutionary bakery concept that combines retail with baking education
• Expanding internationally with 11 bakeries across the Middle East
• Evolving as a leader and finding joy in seeing young professionals succeed
• Maintaining focus through exercise, creative pursuits, and staying busy with varied activities
United States
