BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 The bells at Smith\u2019s Bakery ring bright and early on Union Avenue, a sound that\u2019s been part of Bakersfield mornings for 80 years.<\/p>\n
While most people are just starting their day, grabbing a donut or pastry, owner Jim Balmain has already been hard at work for hours.<\/p>\n
But what is it about being a baker that gets Balmain up in the morning?<\/p>\n
“Well, it’s basically people are number one,” he said.<\/p>\n
His father, Roy Balmain, and business partner Howard Smith opened the shop in 1945. Jim took over in the 1980s alongside his wife, Jacque \u2014 continuing a family legacy that\u2019s now synonymous with community and comfort.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rest is history,\u201d Balmain said with a smile.<\/p>\n
Every morning around 5:30 a.m., Balmain and his team of bakers get to work kneading, baking, and frosting the treats that have kept customers coming back for decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nice to be part of the whole community,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a wonderful community, and to be part of it is fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among the cakes, pies, and pastries lining the shelves, the bakery\u2019s most famous treat is the signature smiley face cookie\u2014 an idea that came from Jim\u2019s father.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany years ago, a fellow designed the happy face but never copyrighted it,\u201d Balmain explained. \u201cSo my dad got the idea of making a happy face cookie.”<\/p>\n
Smith\u2019s Bakery has long been a local favorite, but its legacy stretches far beyond Bakersfield. Balmain once served as president of the American Bakers Association, traveling internationally to represent his craft. He\u2019s also an author \u2014 his children\u2019s book Ollie the Alliog is available for purchase right inside the bakery.<\/p>\n
And this isn\u2019t Balmain\u2019s first brush with television fame. Years ago, he hosted a cake-decorating show on Channel 10 alongside anchor Don Rodewald.<\/p>\n
Through all the changes over the decades, Balmain says one thing has remained the same \u2014 take care of people, and your business will thrive.<\/p>\n
Employees like Steven, who started in cleanup six years ago before moving up. He said the bakery is more than a workplace, \u201cI love it.”<\/p>\n
Balmain laughed when asked if he plans to retire anytime soon. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cMy wife still has a credit card.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a sense of humor and a heart for his community, Balmain says the secret to his success is simple: \u201cI enjoy making things, and I enjoy making people happy. If I can do those things, then it\u2019s worthwhile.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yet another reason, as always, to support your local Smith\u2019s Bakery in Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
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