“I opened a bakery because I liked baking”
/Ladies & gentlemen - I introduce you to the coolest kids on the block.
When I opened the bakery in 2011, I was all for it because I enjoyed baking.
I also enjoyed creating new spaces, organizing, setting things up, paint colors,
putting things in their places… you get it. I enjoy hosting. I wanted to create a space for people to gather,
hang out for a bit, & eat a cookie. I was 21 at the time, so I’ll admit I was just in the moment.
I didn’t have a 1 year plan, a 5 year plan, or a 10 year plan (do people even do that..?)
In my mind I was ready to do the basics -- bake (obvs), count the register, work with my business
partners, keep our space looking sharp (even though now I laugh at the tables I picked up at
the campus surplus store, the wooden chairs I got at the antique store in Marshfield, and how
I was more focused on “cute” than practical). You could say things are different now.
One thing no one told me (but whose responsibility is that anyway..) was “Hey, I just wanted to let you
know that someday you MIGHT have a team of 10-12 and you’ll have to make the decision to hire, announce
that you’re hiring, create an application process, interview them, contact references, let them
know if they got the job or not, hire them, provide paperwork, train them, meet with
them on a regular basis, and be incredibly thankful they are there - Cool?”
“Yeah ok Tony… cool. I get it”
Over the past few years, we have had an average staff of 10-12 and it has been SO. MUCH. FUN.
Some people move on to other things, new ones come in, other ones stay and we continue to have this team
that likes a handknit sweater that is kinda bulky, but will totally last. Sometimes itchy on the neck,
but worth it because you love it so much and just want to wear it - show it off a bit.
Yes, I still enjoy baking and coming up with new ideas. But you know what I really love?
Teaching these youthful souls what it’s really like to bake, how it used to be. The hard work
and dedication that goes into this. And it’s not only that! It’s also creating opportunities to be more
professional, how to communicate, how to work together as a team to get to this common goal of ours.
It’s about showing up on time, getting enough sleep, have a cup of coffee together in the morning,
and cranking out some sourdough loaves. Together ------- > Together!
And you know who has to be there to set this example? Me. If you want your team to
fricken’ blow your socks off, you have to lead. They are all amazing and my trust with them is through the roof.
We’ve created that - together. How are they going to know what their job is if you don’t show them?
How do they know what’s expected if you don’t show them - if you don’t lead them? I am not saying
I am not confident in their capabilities - I definitely am. But, at the end of the day, there has to be
someone to look to and answer those questions or concerns they may have.
We work together, we hang out together, we take photos together, we will soon have a banana
split party together (stay tuned for that..), and we support each other. MGB will continue to
provide a fun work environment, while understanding that we have deadlines, 50 lb bags of flour to move around,
and a lot of steps to get in (we don’t count our steps, but we probably should start).
Ladies & gentlemen - I introduce you to the coolest kids on the block. Hugs to you all!
That’s it for today, but more to come!
Ta ta for now,
Sarah Jo More
owner & operator of MGB
Photos by June & Jae Photography
Photo Location at the Claflin House