LAS VEGAS — The retail baking industry is an ever-evolving landscape of creating, connecting and broadening horizons. A catalyst for that growth? Interconnected mentoring.
In an IBIEducate session, Chad Larson, COO and VP of Mel-O-Cream Donuts, explored the data behind professional mentoring and dove into the qualities that make mentorship impactful and, specifically, how the younger generations benefit from it.
“Mentoring has a very strong return on investment in the industry,” he said. “Younger generations want to be part of something bigger and have someone to connect with and receive feedback from.”
Larson highlighted success stories from the American Society of Baking (ASB)’s Mentoring Program, which bridges the gap between emerging and established baking industry professionals, creating space for individual learning and growth at any career stage. It focuses on leadership development, corporate strategy and industry insight.
According to Larson, 25% of mentees experienced salary grade increases, were promoted five times more often than non-mentees, and reported higher job satisfaction, confidence and career readiness.
“That’s what ASB brings to the table,” he said. “The focus is career development in the baking industry, and it’s a very personalized experience. The development and advancement of our industry is critical today. We have to bring younger folks in and help them work toward leadership roles and grow within the industry.”
Whether a seasoned mentor, a potential mentee or an industry leader seeking to invest in their people, mentorship is one avenue industry members can take to enhance their experience in today’s professional landscape.
“As a mentor, we learn things through this process we may not have been exposed to in our careers,” Larson said. “When we get to the point in our career where we can give back to the industry, it’s so important and it’s so powerful.”
