MY MVP EMPLOYEE

One amazing team member can make an outsize impact on your business. We asked some of the shops on our list to share their No. 1 team member-and what makes them so special.

- FRANCES DODDS

1/ The joyful handyman...

At Pinckney Clay studio in San Francisco "Paul Fresia is a diamond. He was one of our first members when we opened in 2016. He now teaches the hand-building class and brings extra joy to anyone in the studio. Paul helped to found an artist-in-residence program that gives artists a stipend and space to create works from discarded materials. He is also a handyman and woodworker, and he built our store display." -Holly Coley, owner

2/ The dream brewer-bartender duo...

At Parleaux Beer Lab in New Orleans "We have two all-stars: Jon Butts behind the bar and Brad Holderness on the brew deck.

Brad's relentless focus on disciplined and well-researched 'processes and procedures' is crucial for executing great beer, and his constant drive to learn about science and best practices is inspiring. And as a seven-year Parleaux veteran, Jon carries an irreplaceable institutional knowledge of our standards. He treats everyone on both sides of the bar with respect, professionalism, and hilarity (he is also a talented professional comedian). We know the brewery is in good hands with them." -Leah and Eric Jensen, owners