Michael Smulders, age 58, entrepreneur, founder of Bakery of Main, beloved husband, son, and father, departed this world on September 29, 2021.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Melodie Smulders, of South Glastonbury; stepdaughter Carrie Blodgett of Brooklyn, NY; parents Carol and Frank Smulders of Simsbury; brothers Daniel Smulders (Pamela) of Cumming, GA and Timothy Smulders of Simsbury.

A graduate of Simsbury High School and UCONN with a Bachelor of Music in Performance, he was an expert percussionist and planned a professional career with a classical orchestra. However, he soon discovered his love of running and growing small businesses. In 1992, Michael joined with others in operating a health food store in Glastonbury, The Garden of Light, which he owned and ran successfully for 18 years. He opened a second store in Avon, CT in 2000, which ran for 20 years and thus discovered an unmet need in the cereal and snack arena as his regular customers related the limited food choices for people suffering from celiac disease or allergies to wheat.

In response, Michael began producing gluten-free food in the back of his natural food stores. Rave customer reviews induced him to create even more products, and it became his mission to “make food that’s good for you and tastes good too.” In 2006, a major distributor took his products nationwide.

In 2014, Michael worked with local, state, and federal officials to finance a major expansion as “Bakery on Main” (BOM) on Park Avenue in East Hartford, and growth of the enterprise prompted him to relocate into a 111,000 sq ft converted warehouse, bringing over 100 jobs in the local Railroad Enterprise Zone area.

This dedicated gluten-free, non-GMO, OU Kosher facility is one of the first in America to have a global food safety certification. As President of Bakery on Main, Michael became one of America’s first leaders in the dedicated gluten-free market. He said, “We make people happy by making delicious gluten-free food.” The product line – granolas, oatmeal, bars, and healthy snacks – are sold across America and internationally in over 40 major retailer outlets such as Big Y, Whole Foods, Price Chopper, Stop & Shop. BOM is also a private label producer for leading market chains.

Michael’s ethical and caring approach to business resulted in strong devotion by his employees and national recognition. In 2015, Michael was chosen by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), to receive the Small Business Leader of the Year Award for Connecticut. He joined with similar leaders from the other states in an award-ceremony at the White House.

In addition to having a keen business mind, Michael inspired many of Bakery on Main’s innovative products. Just this year, his Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Granola was awarded the prestigious NEXTY Consumer Choice Award for being the “best of the best”.

Michael believed that everyone should have access to clean fresh organic food. This belief was the driving force in his desire to create a community garden, which came to fruition in 2020, when Michael and his employees joined with East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc and other local officials to establish the Growing Roots Community Garden. Since the garden’s inception, Michael personally delivered over hundreds of pounds of fresh organic produce to the East Hartford Senior Center. In recognition of his philanthropic activities, the town of East Hartford plans to fund and dedicate a permanent greenhouse in Michael’s memory.

Other community efforts, in conjunction with the East Hartford Chamber of Commerce and Goodwin College, help fund students enrolled in entry-level production technician certificate programs for manufacturing.

Family meant everything to Michael, and his extended family included his BOM employees. He was grateful for the unending support of parents and brother, Tim. who gave him much extra assistance. He enjoyed landscape photography and traveling with his wife Melodie to play music for devotional services nationwide. He played the vibraphone while she played the organ and piano.

Michael was deeply spiritual and patriotic. During college years, he was introduced to the “I AM” Activity, a comprehensive explanation of the Laws of Life, and became an active member of the “I AM” Temple of East Harford. He served on the Board of Directors of the Saint Germain Foundation, a worldwide religious and educational organization.

Remembrances can be made to the: “I AM” Temple of East Hartford, 763 Oak Street, East Hartford, CT, 06118 The Growing Roots Community Garden, 127 Park Avenue, Suite 100, East Hartford, CT 06108.

Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. Please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online condolences.