As stewards of the Jucker brother legacy of Three Brothers Bakery, we experience many moments of fun and joy. There are the obvious moments, such as being a part of great memories with our valued customers, or watching our team grow both personally and professionally – our bakery family welcomed 4 babies in 2015.

A less obviously seen joy comes from the opportunity to represent the bakery at conferences around the country, as well as in Houston. Okay, I’m going to brag a bit now. Invitations to these conferences are usually coming to us because we are being given an award or acceptance into a special program.

This past year, Bobby and I attended the Houston Business Journal’s C-Suite Awards, the Smart Business Family Business Conference, as well as the ICIC 100 (Inner City 100) Conference and ICCC (Inner City Capital Connections). One conference we could not attend was the INC 5000 Awards, where we actually made the list at #2571.

IC100

These conferences are great opportunities to hear from other people and businesses achieving success in their industries. Networking and speaking opportunities leave all who attend inspired and motivated. I’d like to share some lessons I have learned from these conferences and its attendees. I have applied many of these lessons while working at Three Brothers Bakery, and know others could benefit from them, as well!

Frances Frei, professor of service management at Harvard Business School, said her favorite definition of leadership is, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence. And making it last in your absence.”

Karen Kaplan, who rose from secretary to become CEO of Hill Holliday, remarked, “Make sure everyone understands why you exist.”

Professor Lynda Applegate noted, “No one executes a vision. You execute projects and initiatives to get you there.”

It is an honor to attend these events to represent Three Brothers Bakery. We always learn about management, production, client services and overall good, strategic business practices. The insight we gain is hopefully seen through what you experience at the bakery. We want your memories to be the best they can be and make our legacy last another 65 years (and then some).

It is an honor to attend these events to represent Three Brothers Bakery. We always learn about management, production, client services and overall good, strategic business practices. The insight we gain is hopefully seen through what you experience at the bakery. We want your memories to be the best they can be and make our legacy last another 65 years (and then some).

A full list of accolades we received in 2015 include:

LIVING Magazine – Memorial, Reader’s Choice Awards – Best of Memorial 2015

Enterprising Women, Enterprising Women of the Year – Class of 2016

Inc. 5000, 2015 5000 Fastest Growing Privately-Held Companies – #2,571

Smart Business, 2015 Family Business Conference & Family Business Achievement Awards – Finalist

Texas Treasured Business, Texas Treasured Business Award – Nominated

Houston Business Journal, HBJ C-Suite Awards – Finalist

Inner City 100 Conference and Awards, 2015 Inner City 100 – #45

Houston A-List, Best Dessert

Houston A-List, Best Bakery

LIVING Magazine – Memorial, Best Bakery in Memorial

The Daily Meal, Best Pie Shops in America – #12

Good Eats Houston, Certified Good Eats Houston

Houston Community Papers, Bellaire/River Oaks/West University Edition – Best Picks of 2015, Best Bakery

Houston Community Newspapers (Memorial Edition), Best Picks of 2015 – Best Bakery