Baking & Snack - October 2022 - 25

tional strategies like recruiters for high-level positions,
he has had the most luck relying on word-of-mouth and
referrals from his best employees.
" The way we treat each other has put us in a position
where great employees are calling their friends to come
work here, " he said.
Between the two facilities, The Good Bread Co. employs
350 people. At the East Bakery two production
lines run two shifts, five days per week, while the West
Bakery runs two lines in three shifts, 5 days per week.
A workforce built for growth
As a family-owned and operated company, Michigan
Bread has always had a well-established personable culture.
Mr. Assimacopoulos tries to know every employee's
name - though it can be difficult with the higher turnover
rates over the past three years.
" Culture is a reflection of ownership. Ownership has
always been hands-on, so our culture developed organically,
but how can you be hands-on when the bakery is
800 miles away? " Mr. Assimacopoulos said.
This challenge forced the team to view culture in a
more structured way as opposed to being just a natural
extension of the presence of ownership. Disseminating
that culture has been achieved by articulating the vision
and mission of the organization and then supporting
those concepts through living the core values of pride,
family, respect and growth.
" This has always been a family-run company, and
it is central to our DNA to ensure that every team
member knows they are appreciated and valued, " Mr.
Assimacopoulos explained. " We've implemented some
simple habits in our daily routine to personalize our
work environment. At both plants, we have team members
from countries from across the world with very different
backgrounds, it is foundational to our culture that
we get to know one another. "
In addition, the vision, mission and core values are reviewed
at the beginning of all meetings.
" Our experience as family business owners is what
we're trying to bring, " he said. " The culture starts with
leadership and cascades throughout the organization. I
love the idea that there is camaraderie but also trust and
commitment to each other. Ultimately, this is what will
build a great organization. In recent months, we have attracted
talent from larger organizations to join the leadership
team. I think our culture is a big reason why. "
The work has paid off. Within a month of implementation,
turnover at the West Bakery decreased dramatically
to 5%.
" This is a big accomplishment that is essential to operating
a successful operation, " Mr. Assimacopoulos said.
" The impact this program has had in a short period of
time is amazing, I am very proud of the team. "
Retention is about more than just the warm fuzzies
of showing employees the executive team cares about
them though. Training and career development also play
a major role in ensuring people are satisfied with their
work and want to stay at a company.
For training, The Good Bread Co. relies on a buddy
system to pair new employees with veteran ones to learn
their job functions. The company also leverages online
videos to train employees, finding today's workforce is
more willing to engage with that medium than reading
or a lecture.
" The first day experience in the bakery is critical; feelwww.bakingbusiness.com
/ October 2022 Baking & Snack 25
The Good Bread
Co. is making use of
vertical space with
overhead racetrack
conveyors to cool
products.
http://www.bakingbusiness.com
Baking & Snack - October 2022

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