Ten-year-old Derek, calling his mom at work: “Mom, I’m trying to make cinnamon rolls, but something is wrong with the dough.”
Derek’s mom: “Derek, did you knead the dough?”
Ten-year-old Derek: “No, mom, I didn’t NEED the dough. I just WANTED it.”
No one could have guessed that Derek would own a bakery one day! And he still loves cinnamon rolls, but he loves people even more! Derek cares about people first. Family, friends, coworkers. It matters to him how their lives are affected by the decisions he makes. He takes joy in helping people…fixing a coworker’s car, helping a friend move, donating and delivering food…are a few examples of ways he cares.
Derek is the definition of DIY! You might find him changing a flat tire on a delivery truck, working on the accounting, filling in for Customer Service on the phones, repairing an oven, meeting with a vendor or a banker, or making a last minute delivery to be sure an order isn’t missed. This “roll up your sleeves” kind of work ethic is in large part the reason for Marsee’s success.
Marsee is a family business in the true sense. Derek and his wife, Rhonda, both work at the bakery. All three sons have worked in various capacities, starting with litter patrol in the parking lots, helping with distribution, customer service, sales, cleaning ovens, even re-roofing one of the buildings! Native Oregonians, they love to hit the mountain once or twice in the winter and the lake in the summer. Finding breathtaking hiking destinations is at the top of their favorites list. Waterfalls and viewpoints are the best. Send us an email if you have a favorite destination you would like to suggest to them! Here is a quick interview with Derek:
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Marsee?
A: “That’s easy…the people. I really love the people I work with and it makes my job enjoyable every day!”
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of owning/operating a business?
A: “I love building things. Cars, buildings, in this case, a business. I love the process of building the Marsee brand in our communities. I want the Marsee name to mean something to people in our communities. My goal is that when people hear the Marsee name, they will equate it with high quality, integrity, generosity, and happiness.”
Q: What is the most important thing you do at Marsee?
A: “I try very hard to create a positive workplace and make a positive impact on our local communities. The two go hand in hand. Happy, satisfied people create strong, supportive communities. It’s important to me to foster a positive atmosphere for people to work in. Full time employees spend a good part of their lives at their place of employment so it should be a great place to be. Bakery work is hard work and people have to spend a lot of time on their feet. I want them to feel cared for and appreciated. I love to walk through the bakery and see smiling faces! It makes my day!”
Q: Why do you think Marsee has been successful?
A: “Our goal is to provide the highest quality baked goods and the absolute best customer service around. It sounds overly simple, but it really boils down to people and relationships. We really do care about each other here, but it also goes beyond our bakery walls. Caring for our communities is our responsibility. Giving generously to other people and organizations is a privilege and a priority. We want to be a business people can count on! We want the local businesses we supply to feel cared for and we want our local communities to be happy to have us as a neighbor!”
Q: What about the person buying a muffin at their local coffee shop?
A: “I hope that muffin brings a smile to their face and makes them look forward to tomorrow when they can have another one!”
