NextUp’s success is rooted in the strength of our community—members, regions, and partner organizations—spanning diverse industries, seniority levels, and business models. With over 87% of American businesses being family-owned, we spoke with Brian LeComte of the LeComte family, fourth-generation owners of Gold Medal Bakery and a valued NextUp partner. He shared valuable insights on building a successful family business by fostering a culture of inclusivity, developing future leaders, and maintaining the bakery’s long-standing commitment to excellence and community.
What key principles have guided the LeComte family in maintaining Gold Medal Bakery’s success over the past century?
Business ownership has been passed down through generations of the LeComte family, operating with our founders’ principles of excellence at our foundation. We maintain a clear vision and follow three core values in every aspect of our business: integrity, commitment, and care, while making sure to emphasize hiring and retaining high-quality people that showcase these core values in their work every single day. Our well-defined purpose and direction have guided our success over the past century, and we continuously reinvest profits back into the business which has led to growth, innovation and set us up for long term success.
87% of American businesses are family-owned. What unique qualities do family-owned businesses bring to the industry compared to other business models?
As a family-owned and operated company, we bring tradition, culture and heritage. With a commitment to core family values and innovation, Gold Medal Bakery has become one of the most successful family-owned bakeries in the country. Gold Medal Bakery is actively expanding its manufacturing facility and is committed to further growth and excellence using whatever measures available to carry our company into the future.
How has the Gold Medal Bakery’s mission or vision changed over the years, if at all?
Our purpose has not changed, nor do we plan on changing it in the future. Our vision for where the company is headed evolves over time based on the industry, our customers, and the competitive landscape. We are very optimistic about the future of our company as it continues to grow and meet the needs of the market that our founder originally capitalized on.
At NextUp, we have a strong focus on nurturing and advancing the next generation of leaders. What is Gold Medal Bakery doing to prepare and develop future generations to take over the family-owned business?
We lead by example and focus on exposure to the business starting at a young age for our next generation of leaders. Our management team has worked at the bakery from early in their career, and we have a history of promoting from within. We have a unique company culture, family or not, where our team starts from the bottom and gains experience across different functional areas. We look forward to passing on this tradition for generations to come.
Can you discuss the company’s initiatives to promote gender equity within the organization?
We have a culture that values equity and inclusion. Women’s leadership programs and initiatives, such as our partnership with NextUp, have provided our employees with valuable coaching and networking opportunities. We regularly assess and refine initiatives to ensure effectiveness while continuously striving to improve.
How does Gold Medal Bakery support women in leadership roles?
First, we make sure to foster a culture of equality and respect. We provide opportunities for growth, development, and networking including our participation with NextUp New England. For us, inclusion is not just bringing people into what already exists, it’s about making a better space for everyone on our team. Mentor programs, both defined and undefined, have also played a vital role in personal and professional growth for women in leadership roles.
What is the most rewarding aspect of running a family-owned business?
We have relationships that date back to the birth of our founder. Strengthening family relationships through shared goals, shared experiences, and building a lasting legacy for future generations is what’s most rewarding.
Can you share one piece of advice that you’d like to share with other family-owned businesses?
Running a family-owned business is not always easy but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It is critical to engage in open communication and consider the goals of all stakeholders, including those not actively involved in the business. Our advice is to invest in making a positive impact on your customers, employees, and the community.
How does the bakery engage with the local community?
Gold Medal was founded on honesty, integrity, and good will. We are committed to giving back to the community and helping neighbors in need. Fall River, MA is home to our corporate offices and baking facilities and has provided economic growth and employment opportunities to many local families. We have a passion for helping the fight against hunger by partnering with the Greater Boston Food Bank and several local soup kitchens and churches throughout the Northeast, donating over 250,000 pounds of bread annually.
Can you share a memorable moment or milestone in the company’s history?
Hitting 100 years as a family-owned business was special. I’m sure that our great-grandfather who founded the Company in his basement with a small oven didn’t foresee what this would eventually become. It is very rare that a business makes it to the 4th generation, but we’ve made it happen thanks to our team and their commitment to our purpose and vision.
Thank you for tuning into Bread Winners with Gold Medal Bakery! Be sure to stay tuned to the NextUp Content Hub and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
