2014 Business Mavericks Panelist
Kirk Rossberg is the founder of the Torrance Bakery, a local landmark, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. A Torrance local, Kirk went to St. Lawrence and Bishop Montgomery High School.
Kirk was destined to be an entrepreneur and business owner. At 14 years old he worked in a candy shop, and thought then that he would open a chain of stores. But he found his calling when he later started working at a bakery.
In 1984 the local panaderia went up for sale, and Kirk saw a great opportunity to finally start his own business.
Kirk owes his business longevity to maintaining the highest standards in quality, being one-hundred percent customer focused, keeping a positive attitude, surrounding himself with a strong, competent in-house team, and always re-inventing the wheel. His goal is to strive to do better and he’s not afraid to change a recipe to make it better.
Having deep roots in the community, giving back is also a key motivator. Kirk has taught baking classes at El Camino College, is active in the local chambers, and has partnered with the local hospitals, the Salvation Army, Sandpipers, Honda’s Ride for Kids, and much much more.
When asked about giving back, Kirk says, “Being an active part of the community is our way of showing appreciation for our customers. There’s a saying that, ‘The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose,’ so we do a lot of service through the bakery and as individuals.”