Our Story
Serving Smiles Since 1920
When Herman Seekamp introduced Clyde’s Delicious Donuts in 1920, his goal was to serve quality baked goods direct to restaurants and service industries.
Through four generations, the family has expanded to the in-store bakery market.
Still family owned and operated, Clyde’s Donuts continues the tradition of freshness and service today, crafting nearly 6 million donuts each week in our 104,000 square foot bakery in Addison, Illinois. What can we create for you?
Our Leadership Team
Kim Bickford
Chief Executive Officer
After serving in the US Navy for more than 4 years, Kim joined the family business in 1977 as Route Sales Supervisor. This role grew to include functioning as Vice President of Sales, with key account responsibility across the entire spectrum of customers. Grandson of company founder Herman Seekamp, and son of his successor, Bill Bickford, Kim has been a key player in plant operations since 1980, as well as the plant relocation to Addison in 1990. He has been instrumental in recruiting and developing the sales and operations teams, driving the organization’s growth.
I love… Chocolate Iced Cake Donuts
Kent Bickford
Treasurer
As part of the third generation of family business leadership, Kent brought his expertise in Accounting and Finance to Clyde’s Donuts in 1981. His career-long involvement in Clyde’s Donuts gives him a unique perspective on the constantly changing wholesale baking industry. Kent graduated from University of Illinois and is a CPA. In addition, he recently served as President of the Board of Trustees of Faith Christian Academy.
I love… Glazed Apple Fritters
Josh Bickford
President
Josh is the fourth generation of the Bickford family to continue the Clyde’s Donuts legacy. In his role as President, he works passionately with high-performing teams to continually enhance company processes across the entire Clyde’s organization. After graduating with a BS in Finance, Josh managed wholesale client relationships with First Trust Portfolios. Since joining the Clyde’s family in 2009, his relentless focus on process improvement and efficiency has helped solve operational challenges and improve product quality and safety.
I love… Sour Créme Old Fashioned Donuts
Trent Snider
Chief Financial Officer
Trent brought his extensive education and CPA background to Clyde’s Donuts in 2001. His prior experience includes work in both mass retail and accounting, and he holds two BS degrees from Illinois State University—Accounting and Business Management. As part of Clyde’s special labor negotiating team, Trent’s strengths in budgeting, risk management, and financial analysis have been critical contributing factors to the company’s success.
I love… Chocolate Iced Glazed Donuts
Nero Patel
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, Nero’s proven knack for improving productivity and reducing operating costs have served to increase Clyde’s production capability from 75 million to 250 million donuts annually. He first came on board in 1995 as Production Coordinator, where his strong problem-solving skills made him stand out as a leader. Nero has key skills in vital areas, including operations management, production planning, health and safety compliance, quality control, and union labor relations.
I love… Glazed Donuts
Steve Carlson
Vice President of Sales
Steve Carlson joined Clyde’s as VP of Sales in March 2019. Steve has over twenty years of experience in the consumer-packaged goods and equipment industries driving growth in the Grocery, ISB, Convenience, Drug, Mass, Value, Club, Non-Traditional and Foodservice channels. Steve comes to Clyde’s from Wilton Brands where he was responsible for managing a $100 million portfolio of decorating products that consisted of bakeware, baking decorating tools, candy melt ingredients and cake supplies. Steve also worked for Unified Brands, MillerCoors and Red Bull. Steve earned a BS in Business Communication from the University of Dayton.
I love… Glazed Apple Fritters
Greg Shaw
Vice President, Human Resources
Greg Shaw, with over 30 years of professional Human Resources experience in private equity, family-owned, public, and non-profit companies, joined Clyde’s Donuts in 2022. Previously, he was Vice President of Human Resources and Safety at Home Products International, served as Global Vice President of Human Resources for Newly Weds Foods, and has held executive HR roles with Sloan Valve Company, Schneider Electric, and other diversified manufacturing organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Southern Illinois University with a minor in German language. He is certified as a Global Professional Human Resources (GPHR) and Senior Human Resource Professional (SPHR) and holds various certifications in leadership and management training programs.
I love… Glazed Donuts
John Olson
Vice President of Finance
John joined Clyde’s Donuts as Controller in June 2017. Previously, he worked for twelve years as a CPA in both public accounting and for Ingredion, a Fortune 500 ingredient company. John holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. Since joining Clyde’s, John has worked closely with the sales and operations teams to develop budgets, analyze costs and drive profitable growth.
I love… Glazed Apple Fritters
Dina Hertogs
Director of Administration
Dina joined Clyde’s in 1988 to assist in the operations of Clyde’s retail stores in downtown Chicago. Since then, Dina’s expertise in customer relations and account management has fueled Clyde’s continued growth. As Director of Administration, Dina provides leadership and support across all of Clyde’s functions, with an emphasis on financial analysis and customer service improvement.
I love… Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Donuts
