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Ever wondered what happens when a corporate executive trades the boardroom for the bakery kitchen?

Neman Popov's story of launching Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Cafe offers a masterclass in entrepreneurial perseverance and leadership growth.

From signing a bad lease in his first location to now operating 10 thriving stores across multiple markets, Neman's journey wasn't just about scaling a business—it was about discovering who he was as a leader.

"The trouble with trouble is that it starts as fun," he laughs, recalling how his restaurant "hobby" evolved into a full-time passion despite daily thoughts of walking away during those first challenging years.

What makes Neman's approach to leadership so compelling is his focus on continuous self-improvement. Rather than comparing himself to competitors, he embraces a Kaizen mentality: "I was always competing with myself from yesterday."

This philosophy extends to how he builds his team, seeking individuals who demonstrate accountability and a growth mindset.

His interview technique? Asking candidates about past goals and how they've handled failures—revealing insights into how they'll own responsibilities within his business.

The recent expansion to Chicago's saturated food scene represents the boldest chapter yet in the Roggenart story. While his team initially thought he was "nuts," the move exemplifies Neman's refreshing perspective on risk: "I don't know if I'm managing the risk or the risk is managing me... I view it as adventure."

He embraces the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in imperfections rather than waiting for something to be perfect.

Whether you're contemplating your first location or planning market expansion, this episode delivers practical wisdom on self-financing growth, targeting "second-generation" spaces, and building commissary operations that maintain quality across multiple locations.

More importantly, it reminds us that true success balances emotional fulfillment, physical health, and professional satisfaction.

Join us to discover how freshly crafted European pastries became the foundation for powerful lessons in restaurant leadership, strategic growth, and finding joy in the entrepreneurial journey.

Resources:

Roggenart Bakery, Bistro & Cafe

Christin Marvin

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