Jeremy's Journey: From Engineer to Baker
After a life-altering stroke left him unable to use his right arm, Jeremy Stutler decided to reclaim his independence and utilize his baking skills. Now, he is the proud owner of One Left Bakery in Marietta, proving he can turn his challenges into a sweet success.
Jeremy worked as a chemical engineer for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company.
The stroke in 2008 caused aphasia, a disorder that makes it difficult to read, write and communicate.
Jeremy was sure to not let aphasia define him. He ties together his background of chemical engineering, the science of baking and talent for combining flavors to craft delicious baked goods that draw in new customers daily.
Jeremy met his wife, Carrie Stulter, while in physical therapy. Jeremy and Carrie eventually married and had two boys.
During the boys’ early childhood, Jeremy was primarily a stay-at-home dad. Once his kids were in school, Jeremy decided it was time to start a new career.
Carrie mentions that people with aphasia are limited in their daily interactions and careers due to the physical effects of the disorder. She emphasizes how the bakery offers Jeremy a platform to be social and have daily interactions with customers.
“We had gone to Dayton, Ohio at one point to try and find (Jeremy) a job match. They basically told him, because of your aphasia and your use of one arm, it’s going to have to be a very niche work environment,” Carrie says.
Building a Dream Bakery
Carrie recalls the moment Jeremy asked for her opinion on opening a bakery next to their home. She noted that she would be his cheerleader, but told him, “You are the only one (who) knows how to do math and science.”
Construction of the bakery encountered obstacles just after they began building in 2020, due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. After setbacks from the pandemic, including an 18-month long build, and other delays, Jeremy’s One Left Bakery opened at 20 Rummer Road, Marietta, Ohio. on Sept. 17, 2022.
“He wants to feel capable, relevant and be able to provide a service that people want,”
Carrie says, “being a business owner allows him that flexibility.”
Jeremy works primarily independently, with only one employee who comes in once a week to help Jeremy with operations.
“It fit in well with his chemical engineering degree,” Carrie says. “(He has an understanding) on how to combine things and how to use that science part of his brain.”
Jeremy brings up stuffed kolaches, one of his most popular baked goods. Stuffed kolaches are a Czechoslovakian dish that he was introduced to while working and living in Texas.
“I love to bake,” Jeremy says. “I love the passion (for) baking stuffed kolaches, cookies and scones.”
Jeremy also notices that there are not many people in the area selling scones, which makes the scones at One Left Bakery another popular item.
His cookies are the perfect balance of chewy and crispy. Each cookie brings out rich, comforting flavors for individuals with both classic and adventurous taste.
Similarly, Jeremy’s scones burst with flavor, making each bite memorable.
Community Support
Jeremy sees more than 20 customers each month. One Left Bakery’s loyal Facebook fanbase eagerly comment, like and share Jeremy’s freshly baked goods. These regulars are an important piece to Jeremy’s recipe.
The delicious, freshly baked goods, paired with Jeremy’s charisma and outgoing personality create a fantastic experience for anyone visiting One Left Bakery.
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