Core Value Award Winner: Integrity in All We Do 

“When I look up integrity in the dictionary, I expect to find a picture of Alfredo,” says Sergio Castaneda, Macrina’s Production Manager. “We thoroughly trust him to manage all our ingredients, many of them perishable. Knowing he’s managing things is a great comfort. I can count on him to get it all right.” 

When your aim is baking the highest quality bread and pastries, so much depends on getting every detail right. Having the right ingredients, at peak freshness, and always on hand is essential. Much of that falls on Alfredo Machorro’s strong shoulders. 

Since 2011, Alfredo has worked as a steward in the receiving department. He recently earned a promotion, taking on more responsibility. He manages every delivery that comes into our bakery with a rare combination of rigor and sweetness. He orders product, greets our suppliers when they deliver, and examines the product to ensure it meets our standards. 

“Alfredo’s kindness is genuine,” says Leslie Mackie, Macrina’s founder. “But he’s no pushover. If something isn’t right about an order, he straightens out the invoice or refuses product that doesn’t meet our high standards. Alfredo has earned the respect of our suppliers and admiration from all of us at the bakery.” 

Alfredo takes satisfaction in knowing where everything is in the warehouse. “When someone needs to find a particular product, I take pride in having the answer,” says Alfredo. 

Originally from the historic city of Puebla in Central Mexico, Alfredo moved to Seattle nearly 25 years ago. Puebla’s climate includes a lot of rain and cool nights, not unlike Seattle, which made the transition easier. Fresh-faced and eager, he worked various jobs, honing a versatile skill set before joining Macrina. 

Gardening is Alfredo’s year-round passion. “Depending on the season, I grow fruit, flowers, and vegetables,” he says. In his leisure time, he often walks on local trails, jogs, and enjoys time with his three sisters and their families, all of whom live nearby.  

Kindness is contagious and Alfredo’s smile, integrity, and meticulousness make a positive impact on all those around him. “I work with excellent people, which is the best part of my job,” says Alfredo. “My motto is to be happy. I try to spread that.”