“WHEN I started, cleaning was more straightforward: mop the floors, take out the trash, and keep things tidy,” Jesus Sanchez says, leaning against the industrial sink where he’d just finished sanitizing some equipment.
“Now there’s a much bigger focus on sanitation and food safety. Even how the outside of the building looks matters.”
At 52, Sanchez has spent eight years as a maintenance cleaner at Herman’s Modern Bakery, and he’s seen the job evolve in ways most people never notice.
While bakers focus on perfecting recipes and managers on handling orders, Sanchez quietly ensures everything else runs smoothly—from spotless floors to working machinery to a well-maintained lawn that gives customers their first good impression.
“People may not realize it, but lawn care matters, too,” he explains. “Keeping the grass trimmed and walkways clean keeps pests away and prevents safety hazards. Plus, it looks professional when delivery drivers pull up.”
Sanchez has had to learn new equipment over the years: automatic floor scrubbers, industrial pressure washers, and commercial sanitizing systems. Each machine requires training, but he’s mastered them all.
“We’ve added machines that can clean better and faster, but you need to know how to use each one properly so you don’t waste time or damage anything.”
The job isn’t just about routine cleaning.
Sanchez remembers one particularly stressful day when a drain clogged in the production area. Water started backing up under one of the mixers, slowing down the entire workflow.
“People couldn’t move safely, and production had to slow down,” he said.
Thanks to his knowledge of the building’s plumbing, he quickly located the problem: grease buildup deep in the line.
“I used an industrial snake and degreaser to clear it out, then flushed the system. It took a few hours, but we avoided shutting down the whole day shift.”
That kind of quick thinking comes from experience, he says. “When things go wrong, you need to think clearly. Panic wastes time. I just focus on the solution.”
For Sanchez, job satisfaction comes from the work others don’t see.
“What makes me proud is when no one notices anything wrong. If the floors are clean, the machines are working, and the lawn is neat, that means I did my job. And that lets the bakers focus on their work.”
He’s learned that cleanliness directly affects product quality. “You can’t make great food in a dirty place. Clean spaces make better products—simple as that.”
After nearly a decade at the bakery, Sanchez has come up with a philosophy that extends beyond his daily tasks: pay attention to the small stuff before it becomes a big problem.
“Whether it’s a machine, a floor, or the lawn, it all comes down to staying on top of the little things,” he says. “If you ignore small messes, little leaks, or strange noises, they grow into major issues. Cleaning and maintenance aren’t just about appearances; they’re about preventing breakdowns.”
This mindset shapes how he approaches everything, from routine cleaning to emergency repairs.
Sanchez offers practical advice to his coworkers: treat the equipment with respect and speak up early when something seems off.
“A lot of damage happens when machines are pushed too hard or are not cleaned often. If something feels wrong—a smell, a noise, a vibration—report it. Even a quick heads-up can help avoid a costly repair later.”
He also encourages everyone to pitch in with basic maintenance. “Take five minutes to wipe things down at the end of your shift. It adds up and makes a big difference over time.”
Though he works mostly behind the scenes, Sanchez’s impact touches every aspect of the bakery’s operation, from clean surfaces where food is prepared to the safe walkways employees use every day.
“I don’t need the spotlight,” he says with a smile. “I just want to know the place is running right. That’s how I know I’m doing my part.”
After eight years of reliable service, there’s no question he’s doing exactly that.
<strong>‘…It all comes down to staying on top of the little things. If you ignore small messes, little leaks, or strange noises, they grow into major issues. Cleaning and maintenance aren’t just about appearances; they’re about preventing breakdowns.’</strong>
<p style=”text-align: right;”><strong>—Jesus Sanchez</strong>
Jesus Sanchez
