Shawn Sanders - Rising from the Starter: A Baker's Journey

For Shawn Sanders, the aromatic pull of fresh-baked goods wasn't just a passing fancy—it was a childhood calling that began in his parents' small business. Saturday mornings spent alongside his father in their family business planted the seeds of what would eventually become his life's work. Even as a young boy, there was "something about it that just drew me in," as he recalls those formative years.

Despite brief diversions into other industries, including a stint at Home Base, the culinary world's gravitational pull proved irresistible. The path to opening Sourdough Boulangerie wasn't immediate, however. Sanders spent years honing his craft in various Colorado Springs establishments, including Phantom Canyon and The Famous, building a reputation in the local culinary scene while quietly nurturing his dream.

His journey took an unexpected personal turn when his father was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. This health challenge became a catalyst for innovation, leading Sanders to explore the health benefits of sourdough bread. This personal connection to health-conscious baking would eventually become a cornerstone of his business philosophy.

Through self-teaching and practical experience—what he calls "the school of hard knocks"—Sanders built his knowledge base. His office bookshelf, lined with baking volumes, tells the story of someone who learned through doing, making mistakes, and figuring things out.

This hands-on approach, combined with his commitment to authentic methods and quality ingredients, has transformed his childhood fascination into a thriving business that now employs 15 people and serves as a hub for local food entrepreneurs.