Client Story - Dishon Bakery
Client Name: Evan Lang
Business Name: Dishon Bakery
Business Website: https://dishonbakery.com/
Industry: Bakery (Gluten-Free Artisan Baked Goods)
Location: Manchester, NH
SBDC Advisor's Name: Amy Bard
SBDC Client: 1 year
Evan Lang, Owner of Dishon Bakery in Manchester, was in his early 20’s when he learned he had Celiac Disease, a disease in which the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten, leading to trouble in digesting food. Like millions of others like him, Evan struggled to find gluten-free bread that tasted like the bread he had enjoyed his entire life. Then, when COVID took hold, Evan and his wife Salomé discovered their love for baking.
The more they baked, the better they were at it, receiving positive feedback from family and friends, and soon discovering they had made gluten-free bread that was so good, they were eating it daily. They shared it with family and friends and began selling some out of their house. They started with a cottage license in New Jersey where they lived at the time, selling the bread at farmers’ markets. Quickly, they outgrew that and moved to a commissary kitchen in Philadelphia where they continued with farmers’ markets but added selling wholesale online. When they moved to New Hampshire for Salomé’s job, they decided to move into a retail storefront.
Dishon Bakery opened in July of 2024 as a gluten-free bakery, focusing on artisan style bread and bagels. The Langs tout that their breads are baked with love and a passion for providing high quality alternatives to supermarket bread. At Dishon Bakery, customers are delighted to find delicious gluten-free baked goods, including breads, pastries, and snacks that are both tasty and safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. “The best part is interacting with the customers and seeing their reactions when they try our products for the first time,” comments Evan.
Evan was no stranger to owning a business; he was a freelance marketing consultant for seven years. However, opening and running a retail bakery in a new state, that also required employees, was new territory for him. “I was eager to establish my business but didn’t know where to begin in a new area,” says Evan. He reached out to SBDC for guidance on local regulations, connecting with the right resources, and building a foundation for success in a community that was new to him.
Evan began working with SBDC Business Advisor Amy Bard, who Evan describes as “incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, providing me with a clear roadmap and valuable insights tailored to my business goals.” Even better, Amy once owned a bakery, so she had first-hand experience and knowledge she could apply in her guidance for Evan. Amy connected him with local networks and critical resources to help him manage his business, such as a CPA, bookkeeper, financial planning tools, business certifications, and more - all things that helped him gain a better understanding of the regional market.
Evan also appreciated that Amy would pose thoughtful questions that allowed him to think more deeply about his business. “I think that was actually the most useful thing,” says Evan. “In a good way, she would really pose some tough and pointed questions that made me refine what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do things.”
Evan believes it would have taken him much longer to get to where he is today without SBDC’s support. For example, his learning curve for managing employees would have been much steeper. Amy guided him on creating an employee handbook, understanding his legal obligations, and ways to support his employees. Evan reflects, “I would have been going into it blind, and instead, I have received a lot of insight from her.”
Evan says, “SBDC is one of the most valuable resources available, especially if you’re starting or growing a business. The SBDC offers personalized, expert guidance that you can’t always find elsewhere.” For Evan, the support wasn’t just about solving problems; it was about setting his business up for long-term success.
Evan says working with SBDC over the last year has been a “game-changer”.
“Whether it was finding ways to secure funding, navigating logistical challenges, or brainstorming growth strategies, the SBDC has been there every step of the way. Thanks to their support, I was able to establish my business more confidently, build meaningful connections within the local business community, and begin to grow in a sustainable way.”
Evan advises other small business owners to “Take advantage of what the SBDC has to offer”. “It’s a partnership that can transform the way you approach your business and give you the confidence to tackle challenges head-on.”