Herman’s Modern Bakery’s foundational principle: To help everyone in need

Herman’s Modern Bakery Inc. general manager Michael Guerrero said the biggest bakery in the CNMI wouldn’t have survived this long—80 years—without the company’s foundational principle of helping everyone in need.

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my father, Juan Pan, and his siblings—who have all contributed to Herman’s Modern Bakery at different times—is the importance of helping others,” he said.

According to Guerrero, this piece of advice is something he will never forget, as it’s a value that his family extremely holds.

“Whether it’s supporting our employees, serving our customers, or giving back to the community, this principle has been the foundation of how we manage the business. It reminds me that success is not just about profit, but about the positive impact we make on those around us,” he said.

Guerrero was appointed general manager in October 2022, but he started from the bottom, so to speak, as his first job at Herman’s Modern Bakery was as a server when he was in high school.

After high school, he went to San Diego State University, then California State East Bay, before enrolling at the culinary School of Kapiolani Community College.

“I returned to work here in December of 2013 as the operations manager. A few months after that I also took on the assistant general manager position, when my aunt, Annie Hayes, became the general manager.”

In retrospect, Guerrero knew that he would end up working in their family-owned business.

“As a kid, all of my first cousins and I knew that there was a chance we might end up working at Herman’s Modern Bakery. It was always a part of our lives, and we were aware of its importance to the family. However, I didn’t have a set plan to manage the business one day. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The opportunity to lead came naturally, and I embraced it when it presented itself.”

Guerrero expressed his gratitude to his team’s hard work and strength as challenges can be inevitable.

“Every day brings its own set of challenges here at Herman’s Modern Bakery. Whether it’s managing production demands, adapting to market changes, or ensuring the highest quality of our products, we continuously face new hurdles. However, I am incredibly grateful to have a wonderful team by my side. With their dedication and hard work, we are able to confront and overcome these challenges together. It’s the strength of our team and their commitment that allows us to keep moving forward and thriving as a business.”

Looking ahead, his focus is to bring in more efficiency on their production processes and expand their brand across the region.

“By adopting new technologies and streamlining operations, we can continue to meet the growing demands of our customers while maintaining the quality that Herman’s Modern Bakery is known for. Expanding our reach will allow us to share our baked goods with more communities, creating new opportunities for growth. My hope is that this progress will become the legacy of our generation, paving the way for the next chapter of Herman’s Modern Bakery.”

As Herman’s Modern Bakery celebrates its 80th year, Guerrero and his team are filled with deep gratitude and appreciation for the unwavering support the community has given them throughout the decades.

“Your (community) loyalty has allowed us to continue our passion for delivering fresh, quality baked goods and being a part of your most cherished moments. For eight decades, Herman’s Modern Bakery has been a staple in this community, and it’s all because of you—our dedicated customers who have trusted us to bring warmth to your homes and smiles to your tables. Your trust, patronage, and support have been the foundation of our success, and we are humbled by your continued belief in us. Thank you very much, un dangkulu na si’yu’us ma’ase, ghilisow, salamat po, sulang, kammagar, āpanākē ānēka dhan’yabāda, fēicháng aǎnxiè, maeu gamsahabnida, for standing by us for the last 80 years. We look forward to serving you for many more years to come, as we continue this journey together with the same love, care, and commitment that Herman’s Modern Bakery was built on.”