My father, Rafael, was always a forward-thinker. Born in a small village in Spain, he moved to our country in search of better opportunities. Here, he started his venture, a dairy store that eventually became the community’s meeting spot.
Debi and Rafael: Leadership and Growth at the Dairy
This shop, situated in a bustling neighborhood, didn’t just offer fresh and tasty milk, but also homemade ice cream made from age-old recipes taught by my grandmother.
As a child, I would hear tales about our family’s age-old tradition of making ice cream using fresh and natural ingredients. While these stories felt distant, tasting the ice cream from our store always made me feel like I was experiencing a piece of history.
The summer days transformed our dairy into a hub of activity. Tourists from everywhere, drawn by stories from previous visitors, came to try Rafael’s renowned ice creams. The sound of laughter, conversations, and the clink of spoons against glasses merged into a melody that captured the spirit of summer.
Just like my siblings, I grew up in the business. It was a family initiation rite to work there during holidays. Because of this, I witnessed the arrival and departure of countless employees. The fast-paced nature of the business, especially during peak months, wasn’t for everyone.
And then, Debi arrived.
She was a young girl with golden hair and a bright smile that contrasted with her initial nervousness. She had heard about our store from friends and wanted to join the team for the summer. Though she lacked experience, something about her determination persuaded my father to give her a chance.
Her first day, to put it mildly, was a mess. As she tried to understand the machinery and processes, she made countless mistakes. My patience, hardened by years of work, was tested. I couldn’t help but think that Debi was a waste of time and resources.
In a moment of frustration, I sought out my father in his office, hoping he would share my view and take action. However, what happened next surprised me and taught me a valuable lesson.
Don Rafael, with his inherent wisdom, approached Debi with the calmness that only years and experience can provide. He spoke not of her mistakes, but of her kindness. He highlighted the way she treated Mrs. Carmen, a regular customer who wasn’t always easy to handle.
Instead of scolding her, he chose to focus on her potential and that unique trait that made her stand out.
In the following days, under my father’s guidance and patience, Debi thrived. She became one of the most beloved employees, not only for her skills but for her warmth and empathy towards customers.
The lesson I learned that summer was priceless. Sometimes, in the fast pace of life, we forget that behind every mistake is an opportunity for growth. My father, with his endless wisdom, showed me that a true leader’s skill isn’t in pointing out faults but in recognizing and nurturing potential.
Years later, our dairy continues to thrive, and even though Don Rafael is no longer with us, his legacy remains. And every time I see a new employee, I remember Debi and that summer’s lesson: to see beyond mistakes and believe in the potential of each individual.
Mike Rivero.
