My late father was human resources director of a huge bakery-centric company. I might have the best job in the world, but Dad’s gig there was pretty special, too. High on the list of perks was a lot of free food—cakes, cupcakes, pies, breads, and a line of premium sweet goods that they market tested by sending huge cheesecakes and other baked treats home with employees like him.

However, I got a lot more out of Dad’s work experience than a slew of amazing desserts, it turns out. He loved the job and the people, and his thoughtful stories of the incredibly diverse workforce—coming from different cultures, educational backgrounds, and economic circumstances—gave me an appreciation for how with some kindness and consideration, folks coming from widely different places can come together and form a recipe for success.

The facility is long since closed, though the company’s brand (now owned by another, larger corporation) lives on. I see the name of the outfit my dad worked for on the side of bread trucks making deliveries around my Chicago neighborhood, and I’ve taken the sight of such vehicles as a little hello from my late father, reminding me that he’s still watching over me. I call such a sighting a “Good Luck Bread Truck,” and I’ve since extended to bakery brands beyond the one that signed my dad’s paychecks.

• Senior Editor Liz Parker Kuhn suggested The Accidentals, from her home state of Michigan—the acoustic guitar and harmonies soothed my soul immediately (thanks, Liz)
• Senior Art Director Sarah Zagacki offered up Lady Gaga’s newest album Mayhem (solid choice—in true Gaga fashion, it’s all bangers, especially “Abracadabra”), another solid suggestion.
• Group Publisher Doug Peckenpaugh shared his fondness for Side One of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, saying the songs remind us that “We face continual challenges, but if we remember to keep things in perspective, always with a heart that seeks to give back, everything will work out all right.”

• Senior Editor Liz Parker Kuhn suggested The Accidentals, from her home state of Michigan—the acoustic guitar and harmonies soothed my soul immediately (thanks, Liz)
• Senior Art Director Sarah Zagacki offered up Lady Gaga’s newest album Mayhem (solid choice—in true Gaga fashion, it’s all bangers, especially “Abracadabra”), another solid suggestion.
• Group Publisher Doug shared his fondness for Side One of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, saying the songs remind us that “We face continual challenges, but if we remember to keep things in perspective, always with a heart that seeks to give back, everything will work out all right.”

• Work hard: Nathan showed up every danged day to Highland’s facilities, industry events, and wherever else he was needed and gave 100%
• Make connections: Rather than just sticking to the duties of his job description, he made a point to bond with Highland employees at every level, on a professional and personal level
• Build a network: A fixture at scores of industry events (American Society of Baking, American Bakers Association, and others), he didn’t just show up—he connected with producers, suppliers, execs, and people at every level as friends.

The truck I see most often bears the name of Turano Baking Co., delivering to restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores in the morning and throughout the day. After reading this month’s Bakery of the Year story, you might get a feeling of why they’re everywhere—after more than six decades in business, the leadership of the family-run company prioritizes personal relationships with its customers, big and small, as much as they do product quality. They also treat everyone on staff with warmth and respect, whether or not their last name is Turano. I told them the Good Luck Bread Truck story during my visit, and later when I dug into the tote of souvenirs they sent me home with, I was delighted to find inside a toy version of one of their vans—my very own Good Luck Bread Truck to remember my visit, and my bread-loving dad. SF&WB