Opinion: A Beautiful Chapter

BACK TO ALL NEWS

6 Oct 2025

Bill Quigg

Bill Quigg is president and CEO of Richmond, IN-based Richmond Baking and Versailles, KY-based More Than A Bakery. With deep roots in the industry, he is the fourth generation of leadership in the country’s oldest family-owned cookie/cracker bakery. Quigg also serves as the 2024-2026 board chair for the American Bakers Association.

This column is part of our The Last Word series, which invites noted professionals to provide closing thoughts at the end of each issue of Commercial Baking. See the full issue here.

KANSAS CITY, MO — Author Bob Goff once said, “Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.”

Today, the United States and the commercial baking industry are in a period of uncertainty. Our industry is navigating an environment marked by unpredictable tariffs, fast-evolving consumer expectations and continued workforce challenges … all while remaining steadfast in our commitment to deliver a variety of delicious and safe products for our fellow Americans.

This isn’t the first time our industry has weathered formidable challenges, from global conflicts to ingredient shortages and labor market uncertainties. Each of these trials has shaped us to reinforce our resilience, strengthen our industry and deepen our commitment to feeding the communities across our great nation.

This time of uncertainty and change provides a unique opportunity for our industry to collaborate for the betterment of our country and the world. By working with our associations and industry stakeholders, we can strengthen the entire industry. From the dedicated farmers growing our ingredients and the equipment manufacturers constantly innovating to improve our processes, to the nearly 800,000 Americans employed in our bakeries — including the tireless delivery drivers making sure our products are fresh for the consumers at their local stores — we all work together to provide nourishment to millions of people.

These opportunities can happen in dozens of different ways. Most notably is the largest baking industry trade show in the Western Hemisphere, IBIE in Las Vegas this September. There are myriad other association conventions and meetings, including the American Bakers Association Convention (which I’ll proudly admit holds a special place in my heart), among many others.

If we come together in the spirit of trust, communication and shared purpose, we will not only strengthen our industry but also support our country. And when that happens, I believe this chapter in our history will be remembered with a fitting title: “The baking industry united to nourish a nation and shape a better world.”