The Scent of Family Business: Memories of Bengay, Epsom Salt, and Hard Work

Aunt Kathryn at the Candy Rack

The Living Room at Grandma’s

The smell of Bengay, Epsom salt, or baking soda—depending on whether you entered grandma’s house in the morning or evening—invokes memories of our family's dynamic and our never-ending family business responsibilities. I can still picture the plastic on the couches, inviting you to stick to it on a hot day, and the recliners positioned like sentinels in front of the TV, which had a security monitor on top. Those watching could keep an eye on any intruders trying to steal a candy bar or monitor our work ethic; heaven forbid there was any procrastination by a worker, who happened to be all related.

Early Mornings with Mom

Mornings were an early adventure when I woke up at 5:00 am with my mom to open the store – a time that officially made me a member of the "Early Birds' Club,” especially when I would unofficially wake up at 4:00 or 4:30 to make sure I wasn’t forgotten. Starting in elementary school, I had the delightful responsibilities of bringing in newspapers and magazines and organizing them like a mini librarian. Hmmm. Maybe that initiated my dreams of a library of my own.

Organizing, Dusting, and Dreaming

Next, I’d immerse myself in the colorful world of the candy racks, meticulously ensuring that they overflowed with a colorful array of sweets, each piece perfectly positioned to catch the eye. This is a foreshadowing of my merchandising class. Dusting the shelves and resupplying the dry goods became a delightful task, allowing my imagination to wander to the exciting possibilities of my future career as an adult, full of aspirations and dreams.

Inventory Adventures and Cash Register Challenges

With my mom’s help, we’d whip up our weekly inventory order, allowing me to analyze past sales and recommend new products. Once we tackled that task, I’d take the helm at the second cash register, a station clearly designed for someone who could actually see over the counter. At that height, only a stool could help me spot the cash drawer!

School, Church, and Midday Lunch Break

This all happened before the school bell rang and our daily mass obligation—these family responsibilities were handled before most students began their day. Fortunately, our parochial school was just across the street, turning school breaks into work sessions during lunch. I'd grab a quick bite with Grandma while Mom stood at the Front Register, wearing her best cheerful greeter face for our regulars. I would later join her in assisting in the lunchtime rush.

Lunchtime Delicacies: A Taste of Polish Heritage

Our lunch menu was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece for Polish connoisseurs: hearty soups like Borscht, a Polish beet soup, and fresh Polish sausage straight from the butcher. Usually, I passed on those but devoured the canned SpaghettiOs for a quick bite. Then, I would dive into Potica, pronounced po-TEET-zah, for dessert—it was so scrumptious that I would rather make it a meal in itself.

Candy Stash and Sweet Trades at School

Just when I thought lunchtime couldn’t get any better than spending time with my mom, I would leave for school with a delightful stash of candy lovingly provided by my great-aunt Kathryn. This abundance of sugary treats continues to influence my life, as it has led me to abstain from sweets to this day.

Counting Money: A Family Ritual

One, One-two, One-two-three would be repeated by my aunt, who, after her morning shift, relentlessly counted the money, ironing the bills, facing it in the same direction, preparing to take it to the bank. Never once would the bank doubt her accuracy; it was always the other way around. Based on the details my aunt went through for the daily receipts, I grew up thinking the banks were careless and the counting machines were inaccurate.

Bank Deposits with Little Suspicion

After school, I'd calmly stroll down the street with the store’s daily bank deposits, making a drop-off at the Savings and Loan. You’d never suspect a kid with a pouch full of cash – it was the perfect cover. Most kids learn from their parents not to talk to strangers. Me, I wouldn’t dare. I was entrusted with the bounty of cash. It was our family’s hard-earned income. I just had to keep my cool.

Homework? Already Done. Mom’s Homework? Never Ending

With that done, I’d sprint home to pretend to tackle the mountain of homework that was, spoiler alert, already completed during class time. But my mom? Oh, she had her version of “mom homework,” which mostly counted out cash to ensure my skills were sharp. Let me tell you, I never made a mistake—even a stray penny was too risky for this little cashier.

Growing Up in a Family Business: No Days Off

Growing up in a family business was all-consuming. Chores at home? Only during summer break. Family business came first, naturally. Our lives were more intertwined with work. Play dates? Nope! Organized sports? Not a chance! Family vacations? Only one that I recall. I remember envying my friends who went south for spring break while I spent it working to earn extra money.

Learning About Savings and Finances at a Young Age

Honestly, it was all about staffing the business and saving up for college. And yes, you heard that right – even at the ripe old age of six, I had a savings account dedicated to our higher education. But the lessons didn’t stop there; We learned to invest. We learned to buy stock in something you know about. What did I know at six? McDonald’s, of course, it is a share I bought and still have today.

Work vs. Play: The Great Family Business Debate

This raises a rather amusing question: What is more critical, the family business or the business of the family? My childhood memories are cherished. I learned critical skills from handling money to hard work. But when does working in the business trump the family?

Working in the Family Business vs Not

Growing up, whether or not we would work in the family business was never questioned. We did it; it was expected. Now, as business owners ourselves, we discuss employment opportunities openly with our children. However, there are zero expectations of becoming involved. Everything is clearly outlined in our Family Charter under the Family Employment Philosophy. And that made all the difference.