Worker-owner stories 2017: Elizabeth
October is Co-op Month, and as a proud worker cooperative our bakery has a tradition of asking its worker-owners to reflect on what participating in this type of business means to them. This year, there are seven worker-owners of BreadHive and we will all be sharing our thoughts on this blog. Today, Elizabeth shares her thoughts!
What made you decide you wanted to be an owner of a worker coop, particularly this one?
I thinking the reality of ownership became a goal of mine once I realized that it was something that was not only a possibility but encouraged. Before beginning at BreadHive I had never experienced such an open workplace structure, one in which I was welcomed into daily operations so quickly. When I first started I was blown away by how open both the current workers and worker owners were; it was a feeling that I was unaccustomed to – being thoughtfully considered by the entire operation, a feeling of inclusiveness. This feeling of equality enabled me to gain the confidence I lacked when asking questions, learning new skills and identifying areas that I wanted to focus on for personal growth.
I think I always had the goal of owning my work – I take great pride in the work that I do, I enjoy the hustler environment in which I am free to identify projects of interest and get to work. Prior to becoming a worker at BreadHive I was unsure of how to turn these aspirations into a reality. The idea of building something incredible only to give it away was once a novel idea; I have grown to understand through my work and path to ownership that there is nothing more incredible than watching your work be shared and interpreted in new ways by those you invite to be a part of it.
BreadHive’s business model allows individuals from different backgrounds, skill sets and aspirations to come together and identify what is important to them – what do we want to achieve, what do we want to change, what is important to us, what are our goals? These questions are something that we are constantly asking ourselves and the inclusive and efficient nature of the worker cooperative business model helps identify the tools we need to put our plans into action.
Have you noticed any advantages to operating BreadHive as a worker co-op?
“Worker cooperatives are business entities that are owned and controlled by their members, the people who work in them” – the United State Federation of Worker Cooperatives
Being a worker owner enables us to continue highly attentive involvement in daily operations. I feel this continuous involvement is a huge advantage for the success of BreadHive as a business as it enables us to identify items that need to be addressed quickly, shortages in labor or skills or even opportunities to grow current operations or explore new areas. Working alongside our peers likewise fosters an environment in which current skills can be taught and mastered and areas of worker interest can be explored.
With thought to long term goals, as BreadHive continues to operate and grow, worker ownership allows for flexibility and offers stability for the business itself. Workers and worker owners may come and go with the passage of time, new chapters and paths will be explored and growth is certain. Given BreadHive’s structure dedicated to operating with core values (derived from classic worker cooperative fundamentals in mind) I feel confident that we will continuing providing our community with quality products, our workers and owners with stable, quality and dignified work in theory – forever.
What makes cooperative businesses different?
In general I feel that cooperative structures are focused more on the masses rather than serving a standard hierarchy of outside investors and executives. The structure and purpose of the cooperative business model is to serve both the community and those who contribute to its functionality. This focus on serving all contributing members versus only a portion naturally leads to a community of openness as well as the opportunity for better work life balance for workers. Common goals for cooperative structures include paying a living wage, providing quality benefits and spreading generated revenues across all those who play a role in generating it. When you consider businesses that adhere to the cooperative model it just makes sense – spreading the wealth and allowing contributing members to enjoy the benefits of success, for without these member there would be no such success.
As BreadHive operates as a worker cooperative, we invite employees to take on ownership roles in the business where they can then identify areas of personal interest, growth and exploration – an opportunity that more traditional business structures might shudder at. Worker cooperatives, BreadHive included, strive to include all workers (regardless of interest in ownership) in the daily ins and outs of the businesses. All workers are able to attend owner meetings, encouraged to ask questions, review financials, offer suggestions and participate in open discussion. I feel that the worker owners of BreadHive strive to make our decision making process very transparent for all those it affects. We strive to stay focused on the purpose of BreadHive itself – to bring good bread (and other tasty delights) to the greater Buffalo region and do good work, providing a stable, productive and positive work experience for both workers and worker owners alike!
Anything you want to brag about this year?
Looking back on my musings from last year’s co-op month prompts it is amazing to reflect on everything we have accomplished and set into motion. BreadHive has been through a lot of change and continues to spend time working out the kinks while establishing new systems that help us operate most effectively. Although I could likely write a book on the topic of what I am proud of in terms of BreadHive’s growth and accomplishments I will instead leave you with a somewhat abridged list.
Expanding grab and go offerings
Adding new bread to our lineup
Streamlining and updating our to go packaging
Working with a Cornell Fellow for the summer (shout out to Annabel Bacon and all the amazing work she did with us!)
Hosting a well-attended co-op mixer
Acquiring our liquor license and installing a draft system
Crafting an all new happy hour menu
Expanding our pastry program + moving towards wholesale potential
Working to expand catering program (get @ me if you want some banging food options at your next shindig – [email protected])
Establishing regular board meetings in addition to our weekly owner meetings
Increasing our starting wage
Bringing on two new owners!!!!!
Congratulations to Mary and Chelsea! I can feel the water works starting up whenever I think about your contributions and dedication to BreadHive – I love you both and I am so excited to discover what the future holds together!
How has owning BreadHive changed you as a person?
I have always been invested in the work that I do but becoming an owner of BreadHive means something more to me because it is now a part of who I am. Being an owner of this incredible operation effects how I live my life, the decisions I make and how I think about the world around me. I am proud to be a part of something that strives to benefit those who dedicate their time. I consider myself lucky to have a stable and rewarding work environment that I am in turn able to share with my peers.
Being a part of BreadHive has changed the way I approach my work; so many industries have creative or logistical roadblocks in your way, or even just someone above you telling you no or shutting down your ideas. BreadHive has provided me with the opportunity to work with others who share and encourage my aspirations; here we get excited over the “smallest” of projects (purchasing a grade A panini press) to high impact changes like onboarding two new owners (and having the resources to do so) over the span of a few months.
BreadHive has given me the confidence to tackle new obstacles, the support to accomplish goals and the assurance that sharing the work that we have done will only allow us to continue to our hustle.
More of this year’s worker-owner stories
Last year’s worker-owner stories
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