Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/67888
work up the ladder Local pros share the meaningful and business-worthy lessons they've learned while on the job with mom Mother Knows Best Keep customers happy: "One of the most important lessons I've learned from my mom is balancing customer relations with the point of view of our staff. She always says, 'The customer is not always right, but they're always the customer.' While she recognizes that some mistakes come from miscommunications, my mom really goes above and beyond to fi x problems, even making deliveries herself to add a personal touch." Dawn Westhoff, vice president of Scotts Pastry Shoppe, 36 pictured with her mother, Jackie Scott, co-founder of Scotts Pastry Shoppe BRAVA Magazine May 2012 Thrive with the help of networking: "My mom was a social networker before it was invented. Growing up I would always see her introducing people to each other wherever we went—creating these lasting connections that paid off in the business world. Today, she's still always having coffee or lunch with different people, making sure she's creating relationships and helping others while knowing that these connections always come back around to help in return." Janet Zenuni, director of internet operations at Total Awards & Promotions, pictured with her mother, Donna Gray, CEO of Total Awards & Promotions Photo by Tyler Robbins