What does it take to be invaluable to your employer? The answer is different for every boss and every business, in fact, but according to the owners on our list of America’s favorite small and mom-and-pop shops, there seem to be some common aspects. As you’ll see in the shout-outs below, an MVP worker is competent, cheerful, kind, and willing to get their hands dirty. And sometimes they even encourage their boss to take risks they won’t be afraid to take themselves!
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pickney Clay
1. The Joyful Handyman…
On Pinckney Clay studio in San Francisco
“Paul Fresia is a gem. He was one of our original members when we opened the studio in 2016. He now teaches hand building and brings added joy to everyone in the studio. Paul helped found the artist-in-residence program, which provides artists with a stipend and space to create work from discarded materials. He is also a handyman and woodworker, and built our storefront.” -Holly Coley, Owner
Photo credit: courtesy of Parleaux Beer Lab
2. The perfect brewing and bartending duo…
On Parleaux Beer Lab in New Orleans
“We have two stars: Jon Butts behind the bar and Brad Holderness on the brewing team. Brad’s relentless focus on disciplined and well-researched ‘processes and procedures’ is essential to producing great beer, and his constant desire to learn about science and best practices is inspiring. And as a seven-year Parleaux veteran, Jon has an indispensable institutional knowledge of our standards. He treats everyone on both sides of the bar with respect, professionalism and humor (he’s also a talented professional comedian). We know the brewery is in good hands.” – Leah and Eric Jensen, Owners
Image Source: Courtesy of AlphaStone Solutions
3. The Kitchen Countertop Installer Who Can Solve Problems…
On AlphaStone Solutions in Richmond, Virginia
“Our countertop installer, Helder Antonio de Souza Filho, solves problems with a cheerful disposition and does impeccable work. Sometimes you have to adapt quickly to the installation environment. On one occasion, Helder was working on a project far from our shop. When he arrived, he realized that a kitchen cabinet needed to be moved so that the countertop’s weight would be supported and there would be no gaps. Helder jumped in, moved the cabinet, made sure it was level, and was able to complete the countertop installation. The customer was very grateful to have her kitchen back together.” – Mehmet Karakas, owner
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nina Johnson
4. Guest gallery director…
On Nina Johnson in Miami
“Karina Ors, our gallery director, has been with us for almost a decade. She has a generous spirit, a brilliant eye, and a gentle and open approach to working with clients and artists. I would trust her with my life, and I do! Thanks to my gallery, she has in her hands one of my most treasured achievements every day.” – Nina Johnson, Owner
Photo credit: courtesy of Cured and Whey
5. The Affordable Cheese Seller…
On Hardened and whey in Las Vegas
“Janell Fama is our store manager and she goes above and beyond for every customer — especially those who are afraid and intimidated by cheese. Having a professionally trained cheese staff who can walk you through each cheese and its nuances, rather than just saying, ‘Yes, this is the cheese section,’ is where we stand out, often at lower prices than mass retailers.” – Michael Stamm, Owner
Photo credit: courtesy of Sound Body & Mind
6. Ultra-responsive yoga teacher…
On Healthy body and mind in Huntington, New York
“Our teacher Janice stands out for her unwavering dedication. She has stepped in at the last minute to fill in for students many times—including when we realized we needed a substitute teacher just 15 minutes into a class with over 40 students! Without hesitation, Janice said, ‘I’ll brush my teeth and be right over.’ She also actively participates in class every day, connecting with members, and building community spirit. Her infectious positivity and warmth have earned her the nickname, “Mayor of the Sound.” – Adam and Jill Levy, Owners
Photo credit: Courtesy of Terrance Osborne Gallery
7. A partner with business knowledge…
On Terrance Osborne Gallery in New Orleans
“Stephanie, my wife, is my MVP. She has been my business manager since day one. When I was an art teacher in the public school system, making less than $35,000 a year, she sent me a proposal to do a mural at the Hilton—and when the Hilton called, she encouraged me to ask for twice as much as I wanted! That was the first year I made more from my art than I did from my teaching job. Today, my partnerships with companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Raising Cane’s, Hancock Whitney, Caesars Entertainment, The Blood Center, and others are a result of that formula.” – Terrance Osborne, Owner