Page 51 - FDI Alliance International Magazine Summer 2020 Digital Interactive Issue

normally wouldn’t with the aim of boosting employee morale and finances he says. He wants people to have that place, just like he had when he was
during this physically, emotionally and financially difficult time. Through my growing up. Chris notes that customer visits are a huge compliment – “They
efforts to support local businesses, I have gained a greater appreciation for are coming to us first. This is their little moment. We aim to give them a piece
what businesses have been experiencing. In particular, I came to know the of happiness before they go off to the world.”
personal story of one of my favorites, Tompkins Square Bagels (TSB).
Chris works with many local organizations. But what’s so powerful about his
work is that he does so out of his passion for sharing his story, experience,
I learned some amazing things from Chris Pugliese, the owner of TSB, and
›› THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT about what his establishment has been doing during these tough times and knowledge with the community. The walls of the shops aren’t filled with
and the sacrifices they have made. The business as Chris put it, had to articles, accomplishments, etc. though they easily could be. Chris doesn’t
IN COMMUNITY AND CULTURE be stripped down to “bare bones” to survive. It became a ‘new business seek recognition; his modest approach to leadership has proven extremely
overnight’ as they were forced to transform into a delivery/take out location.
powerful and effective.
“All things going right, it’s really challenging. Owning a business is like four
years of college all at once” Chris told me. “And now, workers are doing five Throughout time, cultures have survived and thrived through strong
jobs instead of just one -- answering phones, taking orders, making bagels, community bonds and values, developed and maintained through the
everyone is working harder and everyone is doing everything.” passion and commitment of the individuals within them. This is just one
I have had a lifelong passion to explore and understand different cultures speech. In Japanese. Without a single word of English uttered. I had learned
and communities; to learn how they evolve and survive even through the language. I had dedicated myself to and succeeded in becoming an example of how a small business and neighborhood patrons came together
challenging times. This passion has led me to travel extensively, and to live effective communicator. I could now also interface with residents and Second and third generation immigrants account for the majority of the in a time of need and developed a new sense of togetherness. Small
and work in several countries. I have observed many different cultures, and support small businesses within my neighborhood, and throughout my TSB staff. They are the ones making and delivering the food. Chris, a third- businesses need our help now so let’s continue to step up and support them
have had the good fortune to fully immerse myself in one. travels in Japan. I saw the value that Japanese people place on community, generation Italian immigrant himself, notes the hard work and importance of as they always have us.
embraced the concept, and became a part of it. The sense of community immigrants in this country, and how they have, and continue to contribute to
In 2013 I arrived in Tokyo. A new place. A new culture. An unfamiliar that I gained from living and working in Japan showed me the value of their communities. Without them, this city would have collapsed during the
community that I knew nothing about but would eventually come to thinking beyond one’s own needs and focusing on those of others. pandemic Chris believes. The workers have fought tirelessly through illness,
understand. quarantines, long commutes, violent riots and more. These employees
Fast forward to 2020. The coronavirus arrives swiftly, rocks the world and have been putting themselves at risk everyday just to keep the doors of this
I was hired by a middle school to teach English. I was the only foreigner. sends it reeling. Chaos. Pure chaos. Nobody knows what to do. Where to business open. And it certainly has not been easy to keep them open. Many
I didn’t know them. They didn’t know me. I didn’t speak Japanese. That start. Hope seems lost…but there is a light shining at the end of the tunnel. adjustments had to be made such as removing less popular items from the
all changed over the course of just three months. During that time, I And it is that sense of community. menu to reduce waste.
learned about, became part of, and supported that community. I attended ROBERT MAISEL
extracurricular activities, watched baseball and judo practices, frequented For many, survival during the shutdowns brought about a renewed Thankfully, others worked hand in hand to assist as well. It seems that CROSS-CULTURAL CONSULTANT
band rehearsals and concerts, and went out socially with colleagues. growth of community cohesiveness. Initially, there was a surge of online everyone around Chris has a “we’re all in” mentality. But that comes as no
I stayed late at work. I worked hard to contribute to and strengthen my purchasing due to fear, caution, and convenience. However, although they surprise to me after getting to know Chris. He is a true leader, empowering
new community and foster genuine connections. I made sure the children have suffered immensely, the ingenuity and adaptation demonstrated by not only his team but all those around him with his vision of how TSB has
were learning and growing. Always. Challenging themselves in new and some local businesses have allowed their communities to patronize and and will continue shaping the community and making it a better and more +1 917 727 1492
extraordinary ways. Just as I was doing. support them. A new sense of community was created and experienced delicious place.
by neighborhood residents who found themselves in a common situation. robert.w.maisel@gmail.com
I learned the Japanese alphabets and characters in order to be able to Chris is grateful for all of his customers, and is appreciative that some
communicate effectively. My efforts paid off. Just three months later, I have made it a point to frequent my New York City East Village neighborhood have been able to support his business during these challenging times. www.RobMaisel.com
I confidently stood up in front of the entire staff and faculty and gave a establishments, tipping in higher denominations and in situations where I “Customers become friends and family” he says. Chris wants Tompkins
Square Bagels to be the place that everyone can come to – “It’s your place”
51. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL