2019 Artisan Bakery Expo

Tom Gumpel
CEO and Founder
MDJ Baking, Inc.


Tom Gumpel most recently (2004-2018) served as Vice President of Bakery Research and Development for Panera Bread, LLC. In this role, he directed the development and execution of all baked goods and breads for the 2,300 unit bakery chain. Previous to joining Panera Bread, Tom served as Associate Dean of the Culinary Institute of America's (CIA) Baking and Pastry School. During the decade in which Tom worked for the college, he served as Captain of the Team USA represented at Coupe Du Monde de la Boulangerie in Paris, France 1999. The team garnered the country's championship win at the event in which 12 countries from around the globe competed. During his 30 plus years in the baking industry, Tom has worked in Norway, Japan, Mexico City and cities throughout the US. In 2010, Tom was named one of the "Top 10 Baker's in the United States." He lives in Southwest Florida and is CEO and Founder of MDJ Baking, Inc. and Cocoa-Va Spice Company.

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