At Macrina, our core values aren’t just words on a wall — they’re the heartbeat of everything we do. This year, we’re thrilled to celebrate five extraordinary team members who embody these values in the most inspiring ways.

Integrity in All We Do: Amos Almasan, Maintenance Lead

When you think of integrity, think of Amos. As our Maintenance Lead, he doesn’t just fix what’s broken; he builds trust every single day. Maintenance GM Aaron Rose says it best: “Amos deserves this award more than anyone I can think of this year. Honesty is a big part of being a maintenance technician — you have to be upfront about what you know and what you don’t. Amos proves his integrity by letting me know when he needs help or assuring me he’s got it handled. He’s truly a great partner in the maintenance department!”

Amos, your unwavering honesty and reliability keep the gears (literally) turning here at Macrina. Thank you for setting the bar high and embodying integrity in all you do.

Hard Working: Sang Phan, Wholesale Bread AM

If there’s someone who defines hard work, it’s Sang. This year, he’s been the rock of our Wholesale Bread team, consistently striving to finish every shift on time — even when the odds were stacked against him. Head Baker Phuong Bui shares, “No one deserves this award more than Sang this year. We’ve faced numerous employee call-outs and emergency absences during night shifts. Sang stepped up to cover various roles — including mixing, deck baking, forming, and rack baking — to ensure the shift was completed successfully with his team. He’s also willingly come in on his days off to fill in when we were short-staffed. Sang is extremely flexible, adjusting his days off whenever needed.”

Sang, your dedication is nothing short of inspirational. Your tireless effort keeps us all rising. Thank you for being the backbone of our team.

Remaining Positive: Ginger Bennett, Retail Pastry AM

Ginger Bennett radiates positivity and hard work at Macrina. Retail Operations Manager Crystal Kitchin describes her as “warm, supportive, encouraging, and optimistic.” She tackles every challenge with a smile and is integral to her team’s daily success. Starting during one of our toughest transitions, Ginger recently celebrated her four-year anniversary and was promoted to AM. Pastry Chef Sam Stout adds, “Ginger is always willing to go the extra mile. She brings ‘little sister’ energy that makes everyone feel comfortable. She never lets what’s going on outside affect her attitude at work.”

Ginger, your contagious positivity and unwavering dedication make you an invaluable leader. Thank you for always bringing a smile (and perhaps a Seahawks jersey) to everything you do.

Embracing Diversity: Autumn Iver, Maple Leaf Café GM

Autumn may have joined us less than a year ago, but their impact has been profound. Taking on a big role earlier this year, they embraced learning two different departments at Macrina — a feat that speaks volumes about their adaptability and commitment. Retail Operations Manager Crystal Kitchin shares, “Autumn is establishing policies that promote fairness and equal opportunities for all employees. They’re open to conversations with employees and managers and hold leadership accountable. Through their servant leadership and actions, they help shape our company culture. Focused on accountability and transparency, they’re removing communication barriers and are a vocal ally for their team.”

Autumn, thank you for championing diversity and inclusion. Your efforts make Macrina a better place for everyone, and we’re grateful to have you steering the ship at Maple Leaf Café.

Continuously Improving: Erica Moscal, Delivery AM

Erica’s journey with us is the epitome of growth and dedication. Starting as a packer in August 2021, she quickly showcased her talent and commitment. By July 2022, she was promoted to lead, and just a year later, she stepped into the role of AM. Fanny highlights how Erica embodies continuous improvement: “Erica is clear and direct with her staff, providing constructive feedback that helps everyone grow. Give her a goal, and she’ll work hard to achieve it — or even overachieve it. She seeks ways to improve communication and diversify the delivery department, even using a translator device to ensure all non-English speakers are on the same page.”

Her coworkers often say, “If you want to get something done, talk to Erica,” a testament to her reputation for reliability and effectiveness. Erica focuses on self-improvement in her managerial skills, being vulnerable and open-minded — a rare combination that fosters trust and collaboration. She takes ownership of the delivery department, continuously pushing toward improvement and encouraging her team to do better.

Erica, your relentless pursuit of excellence inspires us all. Thank you for making Macrina’s delivery department a model of efficiency and unity.

 

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our award winners — Amos, Sang, Ginger, Autumn, and Erica — your dedication and embodiment of our core values make Macrina not just a better bakery, but a better family. Thank you for all that you do!