Kelley McClurkin
It was really hard to concentrate while interviewing Kelley McClurkin of Bread Kneads because of the wonderful smells of her bakery.
Kelley is a native Findlayite and a graduate of Findlay High School. She went on to attended Miami of Ohio University where she earned a degree in Interior Design. Life then led her to Chicago where she practiced her trade of design for six years. She missed Findlay where she knew everyone and never really felt safe in Chicago so when she heard Bread Kneads was up for sale she jumped at the chance. She was a partner in the business until she bought out sole ownership in 2001.
Known for quality products, an effervescent personality and an 80 hour per week work ethic Kelley was recognized for her work by being awarded the SBA Small Business Female Entrepreneur of 2004. She recently opened a second location downtown as she wanted to be part of the revitalization and growth of the area.
She has been married to Chip for 12 years and they have two dogs, Sage and Buddy.
She is kept busy caring for her late mother’s estate. Her mother passed recently and she had an amazing relationship with her mother, her role model. Her mother had been divorced, returned to work to raise two children and touched many lives. Another role model for her was her grandfather, whose house she now lives in. He started out as a field oil worker and worked his way up to being a Vice President at Marathon Oil. In spite of his success he remained humble and compassionate
When she has time to breathe she likes to cycle on her road bike, go to Lake Erie and spend time with her dogs.
Her creed is ” To treat everyone the way they deserve to be treated, just be nice to each other.”
She loves her community of Findlay!