About

Welcome to Lakeside Bakery MKE

Hi there, I’m Walter Yates – the person behind the stories and reviews you’ll find here. I live near the calm waters of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, where early mornings often start with coffee, curiosity, and the sound of seagulls outside my window.

Before launching this blog, I spent nearly ten years in hospitality management at a lakeside resort, running everything from breakfast service to pastry production. Those years taught me how to spot what really works – in the kitchen, at home, and in everyday life.

Walter Yates
Walter Yates

How It All Began

Lakeside Bakery MKE was once a small bakery site, and that spirit of crafting something genuine still inspires me today. In 2025, I decided to reimagine it as a place where people could discover reliable, experience-based product reviews. Instead of chasing trends, I wanted to focus on the kinds of products we actually live with – from home essentials and cooking gear to smart tools that make life smoother. My background in hospitality gave me an eye for quality, while my communications degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee helps me explain things clearly and honestly.

What You’ll Find Here

Every review comes from real use, not just research. I test items in my own home, workshop, and kitchen to see how they hold up over time. When a product falls short, I share the truth. When something genuinely surprises me, I tell you why it deserves your attention. My goal is simple – to make online shopping feel more human, less confusing, and a bit more enjoyable.

A Personal Note

Outside of reviewing, I still bake now and then – usually something sweet while I write or edit photos. I believe good products, like good pastries, are about balance: a mix of care, function, and a touch of joy. So whether you’re here for a gadget review or to find a dependable kitchen tool, I hope this space feels welcoming, thoughtful, and genuinely useful.

Thanks for visiting – and welcome to my little corner by the lake.

Author Profile

Walter Yates
Walter Yates
Walter Yates is the founder and voice behind Lakeside Bakery MKE, a Milwaukee-based product review blog inspired by his years in hospitality and his lifelong appreciation for well-made tools. With a background in resort management and a degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Walter blends practical experience with thoughtful storytelling. His reviews are shaped by real use, not press releases, and his approach remains grounded in honesty, detail, and everyday utility.

When he’s not testing a gadget or fine-tuning a piece of kitchen gear, you’ll likely find Walter walking along Lake Michigan, sketching ideas for his next article, or baking something simple that reminds him of his early mornings at the bakery. Through Lakeside Bakery MKE, he aims to make product discovery feel more personal – like advice from a friend who’s tried it first.
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