Our Ohana: Léon Speth of XLVII's Bakery

Léon Etienne Speth, a father, husband, and CEO, shares his inspiring journey from arriving in the United States to establishing a thriving bakery business. His story began in July 2017 when he arrived in the U.S. on a 90-day Visa. Just 24 days after landing, a serendipitous encounter at a local Farmer’s Market in Parker, Colorado, led him to meet his future wife. Their whirlwind romance culminated in marriage only 103 days later, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

In July 2018, Léon and his wife welcomed their first son, Enzo. Determined to provide for his growing family, Léon drew upon the rich culinary legacy passed down from his grandfather, a passionate baker in France, and his father, a chef who worked across France, Africa, and Germany. Fond childhood memories of his German mother treating him and his siblings to pretzels, a beloved snack and a symbol of their Alsace, France heritage, inspired his culinary journey.

At XLVI l’s Bakery, Léon and his team craft authentic European baked goods from scratch, honoring tradition and quality craftsmanship. Specializing in pretzels, sourdough breads, and strudels, the bakery has become a cornerstone of the community, delighting customers and creating job and career opportunities for team members. With over 150 wholesale accounts spanning breweries, restaurants, fun centers, and coffee shops across Colorado, and participation in 15 Farmer’s markets weekly, XLVI l’s Bakery has become a beacon of European culinary excellence in the region.

In his quest for expansion and innovation, Léon found a strategic partner in Office Evolution, a coworking space conveniently located near the bakery in Northglenn. Impressed by the amenities, location, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains from this office, he seized the opportunity to establish a base for administrative operations and future growth. With the support of Office Evolution, Léon was able to assemble an administrative team and effectively manage the business and new projects remotely, while maintaining a clear vision for the future.

Looking ahead, Léon is eager to explore franchising opportunities and remains open to new possibilities. He finds joy in contributing to community events like Oktoberfest, where XLVI l’s Bakery supplies pretzel bites for Office Evolution’s annual celebration. By fostering connections and collaboration within the community, Léon and his team exemplify the spirit of unity and shared success.