Profit Forward, Product Mastery, Dynamic Teams.
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OUR FOUNDER: JIMMY MACMILLAN
Learn more about Jimmy MacMillanIn the dynamic world of artisan baking, standing out isn't just an option—it's a strategic imperative. Successful Bakery, led by Principal Bakery Consultant Jimmy MacMillan, is your premier sucess partner dedicated to transforming bakery businesses from good to extraordinary.
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OUR MISSION
Read more about our successful bakery case studiesOur mission is singular: to empower visionary bakery owners like you to build resilient, profitable enterprises that consistently outperform the marketplace. With decades of specialized expertise, we don't just offer advice—we help construct a scaffolding of comprehensive growth strategies tailored precisely to your bakery vision.
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MORE THAN CONSULTING
Transform and elevate your bakerySuccessful Bakery delivers more than consulting. We provide a holistic blueprint for:
- SYSTEMS Operational optimization that drives unprecedented efficiency.
- CULTURE Cultural transformation that energizes your team.
- INNOVATION designs that differentiate your product offerings.
- PROFIT proven models designed for sustainable, predictable growth.
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FOR BAKERY OWNERS
Connect with Chef JimmySuccessful Bakery is for bakery business owners that have tasted success but understand that as the marketplace shifts, what got them here won’t get them to the next level. You need proven methodologies that will elevate your entire operation.
We understand that success is about creating an ecosystem of excellence—where your products, people, and profits harmonize beautifully.
Your strategic journey starts here. Let's redefine your bakery success, together.
Client Testimonials
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Hi, my name is Teresa Ging. I’m the CEO and founder of Sugar Bliss. I’ve been working with Jimmy MacMillan for over two and a half years, and he’s helped my company strategize and grow our retail store and consumer packaged goods.
-Teresa Ging-Sugar Bliss CEO and Founder
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I’m Jennivee, owner and founder of Jennivee’s Bakery. I really think it’s amazing working with such an experienced industry professional like Jimmy to help execute my vision for my store and to really help ensure that bakery operations run smoothly. He’s such a great collaborator and a true artist and I really enjoy working with him.
-Jennivee-Jennivee's Bakery Owner and Founder
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I’m Justin with Klasik Construction. It’s been a joy to work with Jimmy on a construction project as the general contractor. Having Jimmy as part of the construction and design team from early on in the project allows us to really understand the customer’s objective and the customer’s vision. That may be six or 12 months away, but having him on in those early phases of planning and design really allow us to provide for the customer their vision at the end of the day. He helps with the equipment selection, layout, logistics, weekly meetings where he’s the caveat between the customer and the construction team. He just really helps bond everybody together for a successful project.
-Justin-Klasik Construction
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"Jimmy Macmillan has been instrumental in the success of Mariano’s Fresh Market product development and operations. He is a black belt in organization and execution, mixed with the creative vision of a Michelin Star Chef. Jimmy’s clear vision, realistic approach and follow through skill set place him at the top of his industry class. I greatly valued my time collaborating with Jimmy and would highly recommend him to anyone looking to gain a competitive advantage."
- Ryan LaRoche -Vice President Operations at BRG restaurant group
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"It is a pleasure to work with Jimmy, he inspires, teaches, and is quite creative. In some ways unique, Jimmy is artful and also possesses a strong business mind. He understands the linkage between capturing through great look, and taste, then converting it to a profitable sale. Finally, Jimmy is just a really good person who cares for those he works with and others..."
- Donald G. Fitzgerald -Co-CEO Dom's Kitchen & Market
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"Working with Chef Jimmy MacMillan during my tenure at deZaan Gourmet / ADM was an honor and a delight. While Chef Jimmy kept always a professional and diplomatic approach, he retained a very honest and clear insight on the positioning of a pastry or chocolate ingredient."
- Philippe (PT) Tytgat -Sales Director Western Region BLOMMER CHOCOLATE COMPANY
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"We hired Chef Jimmy for a major client in need of high-end bakery items. What a joy to work with him! His talents are immense. The beautiful and tasty creations that he gave us to present deserved awards! We won the Client’s approval. He guided us through the entire process of creation, execution, and production. I highly recommend Chef Jimmy to any company that needs professional award worthy results in the bakery category. There is no one better."
- Sue Ecker -President, Master Food Brokers, Inc.
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"Jimmy is at the very top of the Pastry Industry when it comes to being innovative and passionate about the ever growing nuances of the craft. Jimmy has presented Chocolate and Pastry Demonstrations for our company several times throughout the country and the results have been overwhelmingly beneficial. He has the ability to connect with everyone taking the Demo on their own level, from the Executive Pastry Chef in a 5 Star Hotel to the Pastry Chef from a family owned bakery. Easily, Jimmy is one of the very first people I contact when I have a technical or professional question. His passion for Pastry and to be the best he can be has allowed him travel the world in an effort to continually improve his personal skills and knowledge of the Industry."
- Matt Hamner -Barry-Callebaut Director of Business Development
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“We worked with Chef Jimmy MacMillan on a recipe demo video for a virtual pastry conference and we're very pleased with the results. With little direction from us, Jimmy was proactive in proposing the content for the video as well as developing impactful recipes that spoke to our target audience. Jimmy was very easy to work with when it came to final edits and tweaks of the video. It’s clear that Jimmy has extensive expertise in pastry and his passion shows in his work. We look forward to working with him again in the future.”
- Montia Garcia -Marketing Manager
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"It was not only fun, but a pleasure to work with Jimmy. He is innovative, mentoring, hard working and professional. Best of all, everything he makes is delicious! He works well under pressure, and has great ideas to improve business and show results."
- Amanda Puck -Director, Strategic Brand Development at Mariano's
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"I worked with Jimmy at The Peninsula Chicago. He was very creative and was passionate about his work and making a contribution. He was a pleasure to work with."
- Susan Ellefson -Director, Brand Marketing & Communications at The Peninsula
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"Jimmy MacMillan is a calm force to be respected. He is very passionate about his work, community and supportive family. His approach and the execution of his dishes are masterful. Jimmy MacMillan's results reflect an attention to detail and thoughtfulness that is not just enjoyable, but thought provoking. Having collaborated with Jimmy on the several projects, I can easily say what a pleasure it is to work with him. In the process of creation, Jimmy MacMillan's thoroughness, professionalism and adaptability produce memorable results."
- Beatrice S. Schneider -Hamilton Co-founder & Former Creative/Marketing Director
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"Jimmy is without question one of the most talented pastry chefs in the industry. He is one of the few true innovators I have come across. Jimmy does everything with total professionalism."
- Mike Clever -Managing Director at IRCA S.p.A.
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"Jimmy does outstanding work. He is organized and detailed and outstanding to work with. His concepts and desserts are interesting and well developed."
- Paul Bodrogi -
Pastry Education Specialist -
"I have had the pleasure of working along side Jim MacMillan as a competitor at the World Chocolate Masters Competition in 2007. Since that time I have been afforded the opportunity of sampling his pastries and touring his then kitchen. Jimmy and I have remained in contact the last three years and offered each other guidance, advice and support. I have been witness to Jimmy's drive and commitment to the field of pastry. His level of experience, passion for his field and strive for innovation and perfection are truly honorable and it is a pleasure to share his company. I am so pleased for his successes and accolades. It is my fervent hope that we may have the opportunity to collaborate on future projects together and I consider him an esteemed colleague."
- Naomi Gallego -Pastry and Baking Consultant

Emmy Awards: The Chicago Restaurant Pastry Competition
Jimmy MacMillan is a multi-Emmy Award-winning creator and producer of the Chicago Restaurant Pastry Competition (CRPC) video series. Renowned for its stunning visuals and innovative storytelling, the CRPC showcased elite pastry talent from around the world, redefining culinary competitions and inspiring professionals to push the boundaries of their craft. Through this groundbreaking series, Jimmy elevated pastry artistry to new heights, leaving a lasting impact on the culinary and food media industries.

James Beard Foundation: Broadcast Media Awards and Outstanding Pastry Chef
Jimmy MacMillan, founder of Successful Bakery, has earned prestigious recognition from the James Beard Foundation as both a Broadcast Media Awards finalist and a semi-finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. These dual honors highlight MacMillan's unique ability to merge culinary excellence with innovative media presence, reshaping how pastry professionals develop their craft and build thriving businesses. Through his work at Successful Bakery, MacMillan continues to influence both the technical and business aspects of the pastry arts, helping baking professionals elevate their skills while building sustainable enterprises. His significant impact across both culinary achievement and industry education establishes him as a transformative voice in modern pastry arts.

Jimmy MacMillan: Top Ten Pastry Chef in America
Jimmy MacMillan has joined the elite ranks of America's Top Ten Pastry Chefs, a prestigious recognition celebrating the industry's most accomplished innovators. This highly selective award acknowledges MacMillan's masterful technique and creative vision in the pastry arts, placing him among the nation's foremost pastry talents. As a Bakery Business Mentor, he combines technical excellence with business acumen, helping shape the next generation of successful pastry professionals, while his achievement represents the pinnacle of recognition in the competitive world of pastry arts.

Star Chefs: Rising Star Pastry Chef
Jimmy MacMillan was honored with the StarChefs Rising Star Pastry Chef Award, an esteemed recognition that celebrates only the most dynamic and forward-thinking talents in the baking and pastry world. This distinguished accolade acknowledges his groundbreaking creativity, unparalleled expertise, and impactful contributions, establishing him as a leading force driving innovation in the industry.

Product & Concept Innovation Award
Jimmy MacMillan, Bakery Business Mentor at Successful Bakery, received the Product & Concept Innovation Award from Mariano’s Fresh Markets for his exceptional contributions to in-store bakery innovation. This distinguished recognition highlights his forward-thinking approach and expertise in developing unique concepts and products that elevated the bakery experience across the 45-store upscale grocery chain, setting a new benchmark for quality and creativity in the industry.
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Our experienced team is dedicated to your bakery's success. We're here to support every step of your journey.