The Family Business

       Yall have heard me talk about the donut shop... and I've complained to you about the curse/blessing that is Michael's work ethic. But you've only heard bits and pieces about something that is such a huge part of our lives. I wanted to take an opportunity to tell you a little bit about the family business.........

On September 12, 1955 a 19 year old young man from Chinendaga, Nicaragua 'leeegally' (<-- my best Trump impersonation) immigrated to America. His name was E.A. Garcia and his father sent him here to learn the American culture, the English language and to receive a higher education. He made his home in Laurel, Mississippi. He was a good man, a hard worker and enthusiastic about his future here in the states. Ten years after his arrival he had experienced college and worked here doing a number of jobs: selling furniture door to door, selling insurance and delivering newspapers. He lived very frugally with hopes of one day achieving the American Dream. In 1965 he walked in Commercial National Bank and asked for a loan to purchase, what would eventually become, the family business. Mr. Maddox, the banker, took a chance on a young entrepreneur and granted the loan. That business is none other than Shipley Donuts of Laurel. Thirty five years later, that young man from Nicaragua spoke fluent English, was married with 4 grown children and a beautiful farm, several rental properties, had built a thriving restaurant that had, not only paid off that initial loan, but also supported his family over the years. He had served far too many donuts to count and had became a pillar of our town. Then after decades of early mornings and late nights, he retired. His son, Michael, graduated from high school and took over the business. That is the very same Michael that I am now married to. Michael and I started dating during his senior year of high school and we were together when he made the decision to fore-go college and take over the family business. He had been working there since he was old enough to reach the rolling table and had been serving the people of Laurel for as long as he could remember, so for him, it wasn't a tough decision.

Michael has been managing "the shop" (that's what we call it) single handedly for 15 years now. For those that think taking over an already-established business doesn't involve sacrifcice, think again. Those of you that own a small business know that while getting established is huge feat, upholding a good reputation and keeping customers happy and coming back is an ongoing task. Some associate being a business owner with letting someone run your business for you while you take vacations and enjoy freedom and live the good life. But this is a HUGE misconception. In reality, owning a business is very confining and allows for very little freedom. Michael doesn't get a day off every week or every month or really ever at all. We are closed a cpl holidays every year and that is the only time my girls get to see their daddy in the morning light. They constantly beg him to stay home and cook breakfast (they think he is a better "breakfast cooker" than me) and he just can't...or won't... not sure which. If we get to take a family vacation, it's only because family members fill in and allow us to do so, and even then, it is hard for him to relax. I've often said, and wholeheartedly believe my husband is a workaholic. But I understand and appreciate his commitment to our customers. When you put out a handmade product everyday, there's no room for variations and inconsistencies that might accompany allowing different folks to fill in for you. So he just doesn't chance it. This is hard on our family, I won't sugar coat it. Time spent, or lack of, is literally the only thing Michael and I ever argue about. Our time together is so very limited and it makes me worry about the long term effects it will have on our girls. I have to remind myself that he is doing this for us.

My husband's alarm clock goes off at 3:00 in the morning, EVERY morning, seven days a week. He arrives at the shop alone and makes dough in a big ole mixer, then lets it sit for a bit. While that dough is sitting, he starts another batch. Soon, its time for him to roll it out, cut the donuts, place them on a screen in a proof box, then into the fryer to cook. Next, comes the glazer where piping hot, handmade treats are iced with delicious homemade icing. There's no conveyor belt that handles this entire process. That may be cool to watch, but that's not what's happening in our kitchen. Most all of the Shipley process is done by the same hands, every single day. And I think this attention to detail shows in the finished product. There are few treats that can compare to a good ole' Shipley Donut. We have regulars that are loyal to our store and come in every single day for the delicious donuts my husband makes. He takes his job as his dad's successor, serving the people of Laurel very, very seriously.

Since Michael has been running the shop, we have changed locations, created a unique and homemade lunch menu with the best chicken on a stick, hamburgers and onion rings in town... But some things never change....He has kept serving Laurel the fresh and delicious donuts they have come to expect from us. I work up front because I love, love, love meeting people and hearing their stories. The coolest part though, is we've started letting our kids follow in Michael's footsteps and work when they're out of school. We have so many plans and hopes and dreams to build upon this business that Mr. G. brought into this family FIFTY YEARS ago.

So there you have it! Next time you see me talking about "the shop" you'll know what I'm talking about!