Teresa J Ruder, LeMatic, Inc.
Q: What got you into the baking industry?
A: I worked in Retail Management most of my young adult life. After having my first child, I was looking for something flexible and close to home so I began work at a local travel agency. I did most of the Corporate accounts and after working on Burford’s travel for 2 years, Kurt Miller asked me if I would be interested in going to work for them. That was 1999.
Q: Why do you love the business of baking?
A: When I came into the industry, there were very few women. Even after 10 years, someone that I knew well asked me at an event “how I liked the spouse’s tour that day?”. Even though it was a predominantly male industry, I found that the men were always respectful, both to women and each other. Bakers and Suppliers were competitive but respected each other’s business in a way I was not accustomed to. That respect for the Industry as a whole is what drew me in and made me never want to leave.
Q: Who do you consider a mentor in the industry? Who has made an impact on your career?
A: Well, of course Mr. Fred (Springer) was my 1st mentor in the industry. He was so well respected by everyone and taught me to keep a cool head, which I’ve never been really known for. He taught me how to navigate the industry in a positive way, always trying to see the other side before making decisions for myself or the company. He instilled in me a love of industry and service, something he believed in wholeheartedly.
Q: What goals do you have for your board membership tenure?
A:I would like to help make a difference at BEMA. I hope with my past board experience I will be able to bring additional perspectives to the table. I like to think outside the box and I think I can help BEMA achieve not only the strategic plan we are working toward, but maybe a few plans we haven’t thought of yet.
Q: What trend are you most excited about in the baking industry right now?
A: AI is very intriguing to me, of course. It is really helping me with tasks that would have taken me hours to accomplish before. I’m in my 60’s so old dog – new tricks, but this old dog is embracing this new technology.
Q: What was your favorite baked good as a kid, and now?
A: Wow, that’s so hard to pin down to a favorite, because I like so many. I remember liking the Carousel frosted animal cookies with the little sprinkles. They were the inspiration for my own cookies that I make for holidays today. I would say my adult favorite baked good has to be English muffins. I find the nooks and crannies really hold a lot of butter and tupelo honey.
