“Yes. I think it’ll be fun.”
With a gleaming smile, Misty looked as if she might actually lift off the ground from excitement.
“Let’s get started.” She motioned for Vanessa to follow her. “You know I have a lot of ideas for this place. Everyone herelikes things just the way they are, but we’re missing opportunities to make Porter’s even better.”
“Really?”
“Oh yeah.”
For an hour, Misty walked and talked Vanessa through the store, barely taking a breath between ideas. From there, Misty showed Vanessa the new warehouse and shipping process.
“All of the cakes used to be baked in the building across the street, and then moved twice before getting stored or shipped out. I was able to streamline processes after convincing them we could increase production by relocating the factory line to a smaller space. Now the workers can shift to help out when there’s a bottleneck, while also reducing the number of times each box is handled. We reduced the steps people had to make between stations by enough to pay for another employee. You should have seen the spaghetti chart I made to show the before-and-after improvements. It went from a whirlpool with an undertow to a lazy river.”
“You did a spaghetti chart to prove your process?”
“For one. But that was definitely one of the most visually easy to understand. The bottom-line savings were pretty impressive. By shutting down those buildings and moving into this one, we were able to cut utility expenses in half.”
“Very smart.”
“A lot of people didn’t like the idea at first. They couldn’t understand why we’d consolidate while we have all these buildings. We moved all the warehousing of product, which used to go over there to where the corporate apartment is, to this area behind the store, which also puts some control around how much extra product we produce. We can throttlestaffing and production to meet demand, but we don’t overproduce, which resulted in a lot of waste in the past. When demand is high we’re ready, when it’s not we shift resources to other areas or encourage vacation time, which folks are usually happy to use.”
“These are really good ideas,” Vanessa remarked. “Very well thought out.”
“Thank you. I’ve got project plans and some sketches for some other ideas too. Not that anyone will ever do anything with them.”
“Never say never.” This young lady was like a younger image of herself. “Do you mind if I ask how old you are?”
“You’re going to think I’m too young for more responsibility, but I’m not. I grew up in this place. I’m a hard worker, and I have a work ethic like my dad’s, and he’s amazing.”
“I promise I won’t think that.”
“Sixteen.”
Vanessa felt as if her eyes popped with an “ahooga” horn like a cartoon character in amazement. “Sixteen? Seriously. Youareamazing. I think we’re about out of time for the day.”
Misty looked at her watch. “Wow, this day has flown by. I’ve talked nonstop. I’m sorry.” Her cheeks pinkened. “My dad is always saying that I was born talking and I haven’t stopped yet.”
“Not the worst problem to have. This has been so helpful. I’m really glad to have gotten to know you better too.”
“Thank you. This place is so special to me. My mom used to work here. I’d sit at her feet behind the counter when I was little. As I got older, she’d let me help her stock shelves and stuff. She looked so beautiful in her Porter’s apron. I really miss her.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” She placed a hand on Misty’s arm. “She’d be very proud of you. You’re an amazing young lady.”
Misty gulped for air, her eyes glistening. “Thank you. You don’t know what that means to me. Thank you so much.”
“Come here.” Vanessa wrapped her arms around her shoulders. “It’s okay.”
Misty swiped at her tears. “Not very professional. I never do this. I promise.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m honored that you shared that with me.” Vanessa faced Misty straight on and placed her hands on her shoulders. “Okay?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
“All right then. We’ll pick back up with the factory on Monday. I didn’t mean to hog your whole Saturday.”
“Are you kidding? This has been the best day.” Her hands danced as she spoke. “What time on Monday?”
“Why don’t you meet me at nine. I have a few things I need to do before we get to work, including clearing your schedule. You’ve been very helpful. You really do know how to bring this place into the twenty-first century.”It would be much less likely that people would balk at the changes if they’d been driven from the suggestions of one of their own. Much better than from me.
