# Matt Kreutz

> Matt Kreutz is the founder and CEO of Firebrand Artisan Breads, an East Bay bakery he started in 2008 after beginning bakery work at 14. He built Firebrand around wood-fired craft, open hiring for people facing barriers to employment, and a steward-ownership structure that placed 51 percent of the company in a perpetual purpose trust in 2020.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at Firebrand Artisan Breads
- **Organizations:** Firebrand Artisan Breads, Bay Area Baking Services
- **Education:** Coursework; no degree stated, The Culinary Institute of America
- **Known for:** Founded Firebrand Artisan Breads in 2008 and developed it from a wholesale operation into a retail and wholesale bakery business., Implemented an open-hiring approach intended to create jobs for people who face barriers to employment., Transferred a controlling 51 percent stake to a perpetual purpose trust in 2020 to protect Firebrand's mission and independence.

## Career timeline

- **c. 1996** — At 14, obtained a work permit in Virginia and started at Bagel Buddies; later moved from food-service tasks into baking.
- **2000-2002** — Attended The Culinary Institute of America, then left during a California externship and stayed in California.
- **2008** — Founded Firebrand Artisan Breads as a wholesale bakery in the East Bay.
- **2012** — Began participating in ICA business classes and advisory support.
- **2015** — Firebrand received its first ICA investment and opened a retail bakery and cafe in Uptown Oakland.
- **2018** — Firebrand was recognized by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City as the seventh-fastest-growing inner-city company in America.
- **2020** — Transferred 51 percent of Firebrand shares into the Firebrand Perpetual Purpose Trust, establishing steward ownership.
- **2021** — Outlined a long-term plan for employee pathways, open-book management, profit sharing, and deeper East Bay community ties.
- **2023** — Appeared on the Brands for a Better World podcast to discuss open hiring, stewardship, and a roughly 100-person company.
- **2024** — Publicly signed an Alameda planning letter as CEO of Firebrand, PBC.
- **2025** — Earned PCQI certification from SCS Global Services, according to his public LinkedIn profile.

## Achievements

- Founded Firebrand Artisan Breads in 2008 and developed it from a wholesale operation into a retail and wholesale bakery business.
- Implemented an open-hiring approach intended to create jobs for people who face barriers to employment.
- Transferred a controlling 51 percent stake to a perpetual purpose trust in 2020 to protect Firebrand's mission and independence.
- Built a five-seat Trust Stewardship Committee structure with manager, employee, community, independent, and founder representation.
- Received recognition through Firebrand as the seventh-fastest-growing inner-city company in America in 2018.
- Helped establish employee-focused practices including open-book management training, profit-sharing plans, and individual development pathways.

## Latest updates

- **2025-08** — His public LinkedIn profile lists PCQI certification issued by SCS Global Services.
- **2024-05** — Signed an Alameda public-planning letter as CEO of Firebrand, PBC, supporting expansion by local clean-energy company Natel Energy.
- **2023-02** — Discussed Firebrand's open-hiring model, trust ownership, employee supports, and future industry goals on the Brands for a Better World podcast.
- **2021-08** — In an ICA interview, described Firebrand's aim to serve as an employment anchor and mentor within a more equitable small-business ecosystem.

## Links

- Website: https://firebrandbread.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kreutz-15933118a
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/firebrandbread
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL6f0TwbcDE
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firebrandbread/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/firebrandbread

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/matt-kreutz
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-18