This past weekend, I had the privilege of working at Nashville Oktoberfest once again, representing Nashville Soft Pretzel Co., LLC in the NSPC tent. This marks my third (or maybe fourth!) year contributing to this amazing event, and each year brings new opportunities for growth.
In 2023, I transitioned to the production side, where I learned to carefully weigh fresh pretzel dough into 3 or 4 oz increments quickly and efficiently. But this year, I made it a point to learn even more. By shadowing the people who typically run other stations, I picked up new skills and became more versatile in helping out where needed. Our fearless leader, Vincent Dreffs, knows exactly where our strengths lie, and I’m grateful for the chance to expand mine.
One thing that makes this team special is how dedicated we all are. A handful of Vince’s family members even fly down from Michigan to work the tent every year—that’s how much this means to us (and how wonderful of a leader he is)! We had no new faces this year, which was reassuring, as everyone knew their roles and was ready to dive back in. The experience felt like clockwork, thanks to this seasoned group of hard-working individuals including Abby Harris, Zach Anderson (BS-Guitar) and Ashley Guastella!
This event allows me to hone my Process Improvement skills. Whether it’s in an office or at a festival, my ability to spot inefficiencies and step in to make things run smoother is something I take pride in. When I had a moment to rest, I’d check our stock or see if the service area needed anything. If my coworkers needed a hand, or a station was getting behind, I jumped in wherever I could. As one of our leaders pointed out, learning how to assist with other stations was a huge asset this year, and being adaptable helped the whole operation run more efficiently.
I’m proud of what we accomplished, and I can’t wait for next year! ????
#NashvilleOktoberfest #Teamwork #Leadership #ProcessImprovement #Adaptability #Tradition #ProjectManagement
