How do you keep a small business fresh and thriving for over 30 years? Tom Amundson and Sally Weissman, owners of the original Minneapolis Great Harvest Bread Co. on Upton Avenue have the secret. They are icons in the Great Harvest community and have been since they opened a new local retail bakery in the early 1980’s.
You would never guess they were icons if you talked to them. In spite of their huge success, they are two of the most humble people I know. Not to mention they’re just fun to be around with their great wit and sense of humor, their caring, and their interest in life and people.
Secrets to Small Business Success
I’ve observed them for over two decades. Hard working, passionate, always being engaged in the business, able to jump in at any point to do what’s needed, whether it’s baking bread or working the front counter, keeping current with the times…all these things are obvious reasons for their success. They’re smart, capable business people. Yesterday, I realized another, perhaps most important, core secret.
Tom and Sally decided it was time to turn over the reins to Steve, their long-time manager, and his wife, Gail.
I had the honor of attending their retirement party, and as I heard their protégés offer praises and appreciation, I realized the heart of their success lies in their humility, generosity, and the ability and wisdom to build a community and surround themselves with good people.
Tom and Sally partnered successfully with three owners in the Twin Cities area. Those people, Bonnie Alton, Ruth Kloser, and Karl Bouvin all expressed their gratitude and praises for the opportunity and ongoing support and encouragement. And Sally, when praised for their success, expressed eloquently and humbly, “We only did well because we had all of you.” Beautiful. A full circle of generosity and kindness.
All the partners are now sole owners of their stores. While they are all independent owners, they still maintain close contact and meet regularly to share ideas and innovations.
Tom and Sally’s generous spirits not only extend to their partners but to the entire Great Harvest community. Natasha, co-owner of Stillwater, MN with husband Bob, shared how, as a teenager, she loved to visit Tom and Sally’s neighborhood bread store on Upton Ave. When she and Bob moved back to the Minneapolis area and discovered Great Harvest was a franchise, they decided to pursue their own and are now part of the Great Harvest family. Jeff and Toni Fluke, owners of the Maple Grove, MN bakery, shared how they’ve benefited from the great reputation Great Harvest has in the Twin Cities.
Living the Mission Statement
As a long time employee for Great Harvest, I count Tom and Sally as two of my best mentors. I will never forget our first encounter. I was hosting a session at our first bakery owner convention about how to be generous to your community as a local retail business. When I asked the group how they dealt with requests for donations and involvement in local events, Sally said they always figured out a way to help, to never say “no”. Her statement came out of a humble and genuine heart.
When our current Mission Statement was developed by founders Pete and Laura Wakeman a few years later, I had no doubt Tom and Sally’s bakery was part of the inspiration for “Be Loose and Have Fun, Bake Phenomenal Bread, Run Fast to Help Customers, Build a Strong and Exciting Bakery, and Give Generously to Others”.
Serving Employees as Well as Customers
Their generosity was internal to the bakery as well. Any small business owner will tell you, finding and keeping a good team is the most challenging part of the business. Tom and Sally are no exception. They’ve had turnover like any business. Yet, they’ve had employees stay for over 20 years. Joan, who’s been there over 29 years, is a cornerstone to the business.
Tom and Sally always appreciated and encouraged their people. They exemplified the advice to “Treat your employees the way you’d treat your best customers.”
It feels like the end of an era as they sell their bakery and move on.
But the lives they’ve touched will continue to benefit. Thanks Tom and Sally for what you have contributed to Great Harvest and to the world. Much love and best wishes to you! I look forward to continue learning from you as you navigate your next adventures.
Have you been to the Minneapolis bakery? If you have a Tom & Sally story we'd love to hear it in the comments below.
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