URGENT: We are being forced to move. Now we only have 4 short months to move our entire operation, during our busiest season. We need support from the community if we are going to make it through this time unscathed. Please donate at our GoFundMe and help us build our new bakery: gf.me/u/yzr87v » Subscribe for our latest videos: kzfaq.info/love/PYHRKEqMycep7r5kO-1org » Our website: proofbread.com/?ref=video » Follow us on social: instagram.com/proofbread/ facebook.com/ProofArtisanBread/ twitter.com/proofbread » Proof Bread is a modern throwback to a way of life that values small-scale craftsmanship, local community, and creativity. We are a small group of passionate bakers working in our garage (thanks to cottage laws) which has been converted into a micro-bakery. Everything we bake is made by hand, from the best local ingredients, with no short cuts. #sourdough #artisanbread #microbakery

Many have said it, but this series is akin to a masterful Netflix series. The production, the story, and the soul of it all- you and your crew, are truly exceptional. Seeing you succeed will be a small bright spot in these dark times. Your transparency and willingness to help and inspire others is a boon for us all.

Jon, I've dealt with commercial landlords a lot. There are nice ones, but they are business people first, in my experience (and this is as it should be). Get everything in writing. Agree on how the purchase price will be determined in the future. Get a first right of refusal on any sale of the building if you can (i.e. if he gets an offer he wants to take, you have the right to match it first). Agree on renewal terms during the lease phases--not just lease increases, but improvements like refreshing the frontage, wear and tear items, etc. Understand how tenant improvements will work (if he's contributing any), and how you need to restore if you later end up moving for some reason. Remember that you may be dealing with Laurent today, but if he's hit by a bus, or somehow loses or sells the building (and your lease with it, it's an asset), any verbal understanding and commitment you got from him is worthless and you and your new landlord may not see eye to eye.. Get it all spelled out. Everything. In. Writing. No handshakes. Remember, if both parties actually agree on something, it should be no trouble for both parties to commit that to writing. Any hedging is a sign of appeasement, salesmanship, or lack of commitment. And above all, don't get emotionally attached. It destroys you in negotiating. The deeper you get trying to get to the finish line, it's natural for you to be invested in what you want, and what you've completed so far to get there. I've often found that landlords and realtors will hit you with things at the 11th hour ("by the way" in discussion, or surprise clauses in the lease agreement), when it's almost done, when you're most invested. But you have to be willing to toss ALL of it at every step until the deal is done, or you won't get what you want, you will end up backing off your core values more than want (a bit is almost always a necessary TEMPORARY compromise). You may be lucky and hit it fast, or you may find that you kiss a few frogs before you find the right landlord and location. The proof is in the close, not the sale. Good luck!

The minute you move, register your daughters cookie business as a cottage industry to your home. Screw the city, nothing they can do about it!

Absolutely absurd that in this time the people that should serve the public find a way to try and bring a business that has a good chance to survive the current economical environment and actually has a solid purpose in the community to its knees by forcing a move that might happen in time but not just now.... Truly crazy 😥

Your videos are so long and yet I never skip them.

Listening to this while preshaping 35 loaves. Life happens as life has intended it to happen. I'm sure good things await you guys regardless of challenges ahead. Best wishes ❤

Prayers and thoughts are with you. Hope everyone is well.

Donated. Because you and Amanda look like good people. I'm looking forward to meeting you and tasting your bread next year on our yearly trip to the area.

And here I am on the other side of the world starting out in my garage. I wish you goodluck guys.

Rooting for you guys, just made a donation to your GoFundMe and encourage everyone who enjoys Proof Bread's content on KZfaq and share in their values as humans and in their business model, to make a donation for whatever they may be able to spare during these difficult times for this worthwhile endeavor. Bread is the staff of life; kindness and a helping hand is what makes a good global community. Hope you make your dream of building ownership happen Proof Bakery family. Love from Canada and if I ever get to Mesa, I will definitely come and buy your some of your beautiful bread and baked goods.

So much for Barry Goldwater's dream of Arizona the Small Business Person's Paradise.

Up until minute 32 of this video, I was feeling pretty grim... After that point, I was sharing your sense of hope and actually was teary-eyed. I think you and your bakery are going to be OK. Keeping my fingers crossed, Jon.

I truly enjoy listening to your talks. Your storytelling, cadence, timing, pauses and lack of "ums" and "uhs" make it a real pleasure to listen to. I watch at 2x speed like I do with most of my KZfaq watching, and it is just so calming and refreshing. Keep it up! I threw $20 in the pot over at GFMe.. good luck!

I feel your pain brother. I run a mobile food business where I live and wanted to upgrade to a brick and mortar but ran into the same corporate scam operation run by developers and property managers. I decided to stay mobile and just open more locations.

Expand once the new spot opens please - mail order bread shipments country-wide from Proof Bread in Arizona should be in your bag of plans for the future!!! :)

You don't have alot of ads in your videos man. I'll watch thru every single one of them if you get your channel monetized

See if you can locate a duo-usage building. We did, bought a firehouse and used the meeting rooms as our "home." Ultimately is was an awesome decision for 25 years. Thing about a different options open to you, old churches, firehouses, etc...

I live 4.5 hours away in Vegas. If you guys expand and have a storefront, I promise I’ll come and be a customer! This is so awesome! So glad you guys may have found a potential home for the business!! Donated.

I've been slowly working my way through all your videos. You are a good story teller; I've hour after hour of bread making!

I’m glad you’ve found some light at the end of the tunnel! I hope this building works out even better than you could let yourself hope. I’m rooting for you!

Wish you were my neighbor , baking bread. I would have fought nails and teeth to keep you in my neighborhood. Truly a wonderful enigma... an amazing opportunity to have such a treasure in your own neighborhood, going to unimaginable lengths to obscure any signs of his business as an act of consideration to his neighbors. What a wonderful and refreshing human being. What was those individuals thinking!!!! Like the proverbial saying “ ... biting the hand that feeds you...” If anyone feels compassion for PROOF Show your solidarity with action... making a donation to his (“gofundme “) I have been watching his video’s, with my wife, and began to bake bake our own sourdough bread. I almost fainted hearing that his nearby neighbor complained about his endeavors. What a tragedy, I feel so bad for those poor idiots loosing out on such a remarkable opportunity to have such a gem in their midst.... unbelievable!!!

Listening and watching this is so moving, I heard your voice quiver a couple times, which brought some tears welling... you're going to make it my friend, I know it :)

Go for it! You have the power to succeed or to fail so choose success. Also pray for what you want God will hear your prayer.

I believe our communities have a lot to learn from small businesses alike, we're all intertangled and by supporting one another we can create something out of the ordinary and truly amazing. We all must come together and show some support for Proof. Let good things happen to good people. I've never had a chance to try one of Proof loaves, but I'm donating in hope that one day I might have a chance.

The new location is amazing!! Absolutely meant to be!! got chills listening to you💜so happy for you ⭐️

Thank you so much for posting, I'm getting ready to open a bakery and this video is invaluable.

I'm years away from taking my own leap but working towards a dream of opening my own brew-pub. Watching these videos is very insightful, really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experience out loud. I agree with everything you say in this video, the problems with financing and growth and the never-ending pressure to always be as big as possible as fast as possible. Most businesses are just that, businesses, they're not silicon valley tech startups that need cash infusion for x-factor-leveraged-growth. You should open a business consulting firm to help groom growing small businesses with your knowledge and experience. You could leverage your success with proof to build the community you're working towards. Looking forward to everything ahead for you guys, wishing you only the best success and to keep hearing your perspective.

Proof is proof that good bread is made by good people. I live over 5000 miles away and have enjoyed the journey so far, as a keen home baker. If I am ever on the west coast I will be paying a visit to downtown Mesa to sample whatever is on offer that day. Hope it all works out and wishing you every success over the next few months.

Seriously this is better than anything on TV. Kudos to you guys and congratulations for all your hard work.

Your community is so fortunate to have someone like you with Vision, and the business acumen to execute. Let's hope the city learn something from your approach.

Always goes to show that things have a way or working out. No matter how bad things seem at the time, if you wait and have faith things change and you move forward. It might not be comfortable, cheap or easy but in the end it's what's meant to be and who knows what it will bring you in return. I'm excited actually....I wish I was in AZ, I'd come and work for you and help you build this up!

It is important to own building, reason is what I have seen what happens with commercial leases is your lease keeps going as you become more successful but when downturn happens, they do no decrease your lease but they will offer next business to take over space for much cheaper lease but the same thing ultimately happen to them. I had acquaintance whose lease kept increasing to point they were just breaking even and soon after that there was economic downturn and they started losing money every month, they ultimately had to give up franchise and were still left with lots of debt left and had to sell their home and still they owed money after house money paid for some of the debt. For that reason it is very important to own building.

Sometimes you have to take what you're given as a start. This space sounds the most perfect. And you have an owner who seems to be welcoming your business; not just your wallet. How often would businessman binge watch a series?? I'm sure more assistance will come your way when you're on the right path.

The part about the roll-up garage door is absolutely fantastic.

I stumbled upon your vlog a few weeks ago and find what you are doing fascinating. You would be excellent as a replacement when David Attenborough when he retires, your a wonderful story teller. Ill try to keep this trivial story short. My father's Grandfather left Poland in 1867 and became a US citizen in 1888. He settled in Chicago, fast forward to 1953 my father worked for Pepperidge Farm Bread in Downers Grove, Il, in 1955 he was offered a distributorship to get the company footprint west of the Mississippi. He chose Phoenix...

Love you guys. Hope springs in the darkest of times. All the best!

I'm crossing my fingers that all good things are possible for you now. I have a feeling that you will be where you need to be soon.

thumbs up to both you and landlord! Prayers with you!

Good that you found a location. Expect you are at the bottom of the learning curve. Once you move out of home you will be open to all the rules and regulations a city has. You will have signed obligations that you have to deal with first. Your expectations of community mean nothing to bureaucrats or corporations (like power). Keep you debt down or you will have banks pulling strings as well. I hope you do well a good landlord is a great start.

We are all rooting for you and your family. You all have the intelligence, grit and passion to succeed. While it seems like you are standing on a ledge ready to leap into the unknown, in the end I am confident that you and your business will thrive. Ultimately, having a commercial space is the more optimal long term strategy.

What a Wonderful Open and Frank vidclip .... Yet again !!!!!! ... AND Sadly .... You are Spot-On correct about 'Big Business' and Properties.... What you have said so resonates with me, although just on 70 already, we emigrated to New Zealand from South Africa 25 years ago.... Had to start from Scratch, got ahead thru' Grit and Hard Work .... NO !!!!.... It was not easy, but so rewarding. I can only but wish you All the Very Best, to You, Yours and Your Team. From what you have said, sounds like 'Fate' has put you in touch with an Owner that shares and understands your Core Values .... Go for it ..... Very Best of Luck ..... :-) :-) :-) .... Love to All from Christchurch, NZ

I follow you from France!! I was in Arizona last year , but i didn’t know about you then 😢! The way you make your Bread is amazing, don’t give up stay strong ! I’ll come back to Arizona some days to taste your Bread😃

I wish everything comes out fine from the bottom of my heart. ♥️ And never forget: Anything bad in your life has a reason and the potential laying the seed for something good! There have to be downs so we really can appreciate the ups.

Sounds like the beginning of a wonderful friendship - with Laurent. Your explaination of the Commercial District and the owners of the buildings is bang on but I wouldn't have said it so politely. The only commercial building owner who can afford to not rent/lease out these spaces, can't afford to because they are being used as a tax loss to reduce ("offset") their Payable Income Tax. No one in their right mind would keep a building that costs their business money rather than bring in money. It would have been sold years ago, even at a loss which is unlikely because (as the length of time of their ownership) those spaces are worth 10x what they were purchased for. That's why I wouldn't have been so nice as you.

When I see what you and your team have achieved so far (and what you will achieve in the future - I'm pretty sure) your parents can be very proud of you. Good luck, donation is done.

You’re doing great and I’m glad you’re taking this step. Please take a little bit of time to meet with a financial planner to prepare your finances with this major life change. A failure to plan is a plan to fail. You can do it! Wishing you the very best!

Good god luck to you. Im Also in bakery biz and .... keep love and believe in you, small or big, here or there, any way!⛩🤎

Simply Incredible!! Love you guys!! Will be visiting Mesa!! With Love from SoCal!!

Omg ..! Your story is so heart wrenching from despair to hope from life to death and back to life ...! You make me want to cry, then laugh, all the while holding my breathing- I think I can release and begin to breath normal again ... A wise person once said to me “ The greatest of things (most difficult, and seemingly impossible) are achieved with a light heart “ 😊😂😊. Thank you for your steadfast convictions about naturaly leavened hand crafted bread, your value for creating community through appreciation, and for forging a path to financial and spiritual freedom for not only yourself but for many who will follow your footsteps. Thank you for all of your authenticity , and excellent creative and detailed videos. Wishing you and your family only goodness .🙏

So excited to see Proof developing so positively despite the unfortunate timing and hasle. Glad to do a little to support your move :-)

I watched your latest video last night before going to bed. You looked to be on the ragged edge a couple of times there, whilst talking in the car. I like the last prospect that you showed us. Dealing with somebody who cares, is better than dealing with a corporation. I have watched all your video's that you have posted and are very impressed with your honesty, creativity and your entrepreneurial flair. And I have no doubt that you and your lovely wife can do this. The old saying that "what doesn't lay you down will make you stronger" will be true.

I love this episode...your videos are always supper inspiring, really amazing things you are doing..

Is this why you started your youtube channel? To gain greater exposure knowing that this was coming? Brilliant.

I love to see your videos, respects from Argentina

I wish I had some leads for you. It’s been years since I lived in Mesa but I come from a long line of family that still is there. My extended family including the Cox, Farnsworth, Biggs, Layton, Palmer, Roberts, have helped shape Mesa for years. My cousin is Carrie Schnepf with the farm out in Queen Creek (Steadfast Farms was out there leasing land for quite a while until moving to the new location). Milano Music is where I took drum lessons for years from my mentor John Middleton. The revitalization would greatly be strengthened by a business like yours.

Bardzo mnie cieszy, że mimo tak skomplikowanej sytuacji nie poddajecie się. Powodzenia!

That story about Laurent was so great!

What a beautiful story and what a marvellous channel , subbed

Oh my god. Same thing is happening to me. My small coffee shop where I do a few loaves here n there, after struggling for a few years, finally finding a foothold, and now I’m forced to vacate. I truly know how u feel. I hope u are able to sort your situation out. My nightmare is just starting,

John for president ! Dude gets it!

I hope everything works out. Good luck in you growing business.

I walked all the way with you on Google Maps, it was very thrilling.... where were you going..? And in the meantime this great story you were telling us. Looks like a great place and opportunity, go for it! I already made my donation so go and spent the money on this great place!

Fabulous plan and I am making Phoenix my first port of call post C19.

Looks like the stars have aligned for you.

Sir, Great to see your hard work... Keep it going we love U...

Jon, I’m so glad to hear that you are making progress on your mission to find a new home for Proof. Remember what Elijah experienced: “a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” Teach yourself to listen to the still, small voice when it comes to you.

You speak much like Steve Jobs did at his famous keynote presentations. Very good!

its good you are moving. Its rough but it will help you grow.

So interesting. A miracle!

An awesome video on your vision.

My family moved to Mesa in 1973. At that time downtown Mesa was bustling and downtown Tempe was decrepit. How times have changed.

Absolutely amazing individual!

WISH YOU THE BEST. YOU CAN DO IT. I KNOW YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL.GOOD LUCK.

Best of luck to you! Once your business is thriving and doesn't need your constant intervention, consider running for mayor. As a Mesa resident, I'd vote for you!

I’d move to different city where they will appreciate you.

The solution is to be the owner of the property. The issue is getting that property at a reasonable price and reasonable distance from home. Good luck.

I guess AZ has very different zoning laws than many other states. No way you could open a commercial food enterprise in a residential garage where I live. Sad that you had to move so quickly. Best wishes to you, and many thanks for all of the knowledge you a share via YT.

Witam. Cóż za niespodzianka że podchodzisz z Polski :) Ostatnio zainteresowałem się pieczeniem chleba i tak znalazłem Twój kanał. Ciekawie opowiadasz o biznesie jak również o pieczeniu. Pozdrawiam z Polski :)

My thought is buy a two story building and move your home upstairs, (loft style home). That way you have your child close by and you can personally take care of Harriette. Hopefully you have some good equity in your home.

John.. Did you think about asking a few of your loyal employees to changing their mailing address to the bakery's??? Just a thought.. Wishing the best for you..

3 of the most important things to consider when relocating a Bakery..Location,Location,Location.Actually there's more than 3 but you already know that..Good luck in your decision..Looks like an awesome space and maybe in the long run a good place to be.Not easy to run a business these days with Government (s) always in the way and there to get their share ( taxes,fees,licences etc) of your hard work..Peace.

By far, best youtuber!

I'm sorry I can't help out financially, I own a small cafe that me and my partner started 2.5 years ago. People don't realise how tough it is to be a small business owner. Often when the business takes a hit it can make you feel like you are a modern day slave, taking no pay, working 50, 60+ hour weeks just so everyone else can get their cut. Supliers, rent, power, tax Bill's, it's a brutal cycle and it hard to ever get ahead. It takes its toll emotionally when you know you have a good product and you see a down turn for no reason. Riding the wave of business can be really great too, the amazing people you meet, the friend ships you make the staff you would go into battle with. What you are talking about is inspiring though. Pathways to true business ownership, those long long term goals of getting out from under the landlords(p.s we have a good one but still). If we didn't have such large and ever growing rent we could actually make a decent living wage. Any way, I could go on. But thanks. You have helped me improve my s.d bread making. Love your channel. Negotiate the best deal you can with the land lord, rent free period for set up, no rent increase for x amount of years, anything you can to keep costs down while setting up especially.

Best of luck !!

I hope it all works out for your bakery

Good luck with that brother!

I hope for the best for you guys.

look for a restaurant that moved or food place that moved or that is shut down because of the cov19. Then you will have a store front also. Good luck on finding a place. and getting it setup in 4mts.

have your real estate lawyer verify who owns the parking lot and what the street parking regs (and future plans) are for the front.

4 months is good. Although you didn't get to choose the timing, I'm sure this "forced growth" will do you good.

Great video! I looked up that spot in google maps and it looks great. Wish only with the best for you guys. Can't wait to visit someday and get some bread and pastry. #moreamanda #congratsdylan #sourdoughisbest

Wow! Although only you guys know what exactly you are going through at this moment, story that was just shared sounds like a destined success. Biggest advances and changes for better happen in moments like this. When you hear tinnitus whistle from a blood pressure getting high. And for #Laurent ... I hope he understands that he just got a friend (a true friend). Or two, three ... 👽

You may check out agricultural real estate. That will give you most flexibility in use. You can start with shipping container buildings.

Make sure you will not go broke bringing the new facility up to code for a food preparation and sales business. There was a small bakery near me that bought a small place and it took nearly 18 months to get the new location approved (hostile inspectors?) but now they have a booming business. It was probably taumatic for them though.

I’m sorry you’re being forced into having to take some risky moves. I hope in the end it turns out to be a blessing. It makes a me angry, if you pay your taxes and you’re not hurting anybody, Government should leave you alone.

Hey, I know you have a lot on your plate right now, but if you could I would really like to see your packaging opperations.

Just a thought for you - A retail storefront has [afaict] not been part of your existence thus far. If you're not confident of storefront success, perhaps you could consider a pure industrial/commercial space? They often have better vehicle access, and perhaps rent would be more reasonable?

The skills you have gained, and improved, through wanting to be the very best you can be, shown through in your products ( 7 hr rest periods for the pastry and dough), meaning you focus much more on farmers markets, and far less on yhe traditional restaurants less. All the mistakes you have made, out of necessity, i:e ( past vehicles) etc. The often financial sacrifices that were really person sacrifices, to really invest in your business ( not taking a newer personal car, to show the world your new false status). The very way your trusted staff come to you, first as customers, then go out and represent you, with genuine belief in what you are selling, backing that up with a more fair compensation for their time, so reduces risk in people placement to help grow this business . And perhaps the sheer hours, and stories, as they arise in these vlogs. Laurent only has one question to answer.. Would l want to support these kind of people in my business of leasing building space? I know if l were Laurent, how l would answer that question. When everyone invovled grows.... The possibilities grow also. One life, make it worth it.

60% of businesses pre-covid will NOT be re-opening... you are doing good. and have a great product