Brothers

I used to work for a family-owned bakery where I worked with almost all the members in the owner's family. Most of the time I work in the front with either one of the two brothers. Because they are both older than me so I will call them "Little brother" and "Bigger brother." Little brother is very generous to customers. He would give samples away for tasting. He always tells me to give extra to some serving so that customers will come back for our food. He would tell me the ins and outs when we are not busy or super busy. He would keep track of inventory and time the served food for safety. He would show me things to do to keep the working area clean and sanitized. I have worked in food service before so I know he has trained me professionally and was trained professionally.

Bigger brother also works for mom and dad like his little brother. And he is good and knows what he is doing all the time. There is one thing that makes him different from his little brother. He would be nice to customers but price to him is tightly fixed. No extras, no bargain. He would give away food to workers like me and the kitchen people or himself. At times he would go to the kitchen to find some "sample" to snack on. Everyone is okay with that. When there is not many customers, he would sit or stand outside to catch up some smoking. He would joke around with people all the time. But one time he got so mad and even started cursing when a customer brought back some cakes she bought the day before. She complained about the quality and wanted her money back. Bigger brother yelled at her and said: "Did you see this? All sales are final. No exchange, no return." This old lady was upset and went on with her complaints. She wouldn't leave so Bigger brother had to take back the cake and gave her the fresh ones so that she would go away. After that, Bigger brother still cursed angrily.

I hardly see Little Brother and Bigger Brother in the store at the same time. They avoid each other so that they wont be involved in a fight. At times I would hear Mom or Dad talk to either one of them that the other said this to them. That means, if one brother is not happy with what the other does, he would tell mom and dad and mom and dad have to go talk to him and straighten it out. Their personality is that much different. So is their management style.

Personally I prefer Little Brother's work ethics and management style, but I also enjoy Bigger Brother's casual relationship. Working with them, I realized what I have become through this American experience.