Ever wonder why some companies feel magnetic while others are just…a job? If you believe company culture is fluff, this conversation will put you on your heels.
Cameron Herold sits down with Amy Emberling, Managing Partner of the legendary Zingerman’s Bakehouse—a $16M+ artisan bakery with a cult following and a blueprint for employee loyalty big brands envy. Together, they pull back the curtain on Zingerman’s famed “Community of Businesses,” why profit isn’t a dirty word, and how even a manufacturing team can become fiercely passionate.
Don't settle for endless turnover, disengaged people, or another bland org chart. Discover the real-world actions and surprising rituals that transform frontline staff into owners (and skeptics into super-fans).
Listen now because one insight could radically shift your retention, results, and reputation. This episode delivers the practical and emotional gut-punch you won't find anywhere else in operations podcasts.
Timestamped Highlights
[00:00] – Why showing vision to new hires exposes if they really want to learn (or not)
[03:01] – How an Ann Arbor Deli became a multi-business giant—without franchising
[07:07] – The origin myth: Saying "no" to chains and revolutionizing local growth
[09:33] – Why Zingerman’s refuses to franchise (and why profit wasn’t the goal)
[14:43] – The surprising role of vision statements and posters in a baking plant
[16:10] – Handshakes over contracts—trust, ownership, and radical accountability
[19:27] – Secret sauce: How weekly "appreciations" meetings melt even the toughest shells
[25:43] – Culture hacks that turn hourly hires into a vibrant, all-in team
Mentioned Resources
- Zingerman’s Community of Businesses
- Ari Weinzweig (Zingerman’s Co-Founder)
- Paul Saginaw (Zingerman’s Co-Founder)
- Zingerman’s Bakehouse (Amy's business)
- Zing Train
- Zingerman’s Bakehouse Book, Celebrate Every Day Book
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK (culture reference)
- Great Little Box Company
About the Guest
Amy Emberling is Managing Partner of Zingerman’s Bakehouse, Ann Arbor’s nationally acclaimed artisan bakery. Leading a team of 150, she helped scale Zingerman’s into a powerhouse community business known for its uncompromising quality, positive culture, and iconic brand. Amy has co-authored two influential books on baking and business and is recognized for her thought leadership in operations, training, and organizational vision.
🔗 LinkedIn | Website
Important Links
- Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn
- Explore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in Command
- Get Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO Book
- Take his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)
- Chat or video call with AI Cameron via Delphi
The Second in Command Podcast is an original production hosted by Cameron Herold. Brought to you by COO Alliance. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
