HERMAN’S Modern Bakery, one of Micronesia's oldest businesses, has announced the appointment of Joseph Leepan Tenorio Deleon Guerrero as its new general manager. Since 1944, Herman’s has been a staple in the Northern Marianas and throughout the Micronesia region.
Leepan, 66, the youngest son of the bakery's founders, officially took on his new role on June 5, following his nephew, Michael Guerrero, whose term ended in January. Leepan had previously served as the interim general manager for four months.
In a recent interview with Variety, Leepan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to manage a business that has been a vital part of the community for over 80 years.
"It’s more than just a job for me; it’s a duty to uphold this legacy," he stated. "My parents founded this business, and it’s in my blood."
The bakery, established by the late Herman Jose Camacho Delos Reyes Deleon Guerrero and Maria Juliana Camacho Tenorio Deleon Guerrero, has become the cornerstone of one of the region’s most successful family-owned enterprises—Herman’s Bakery Inc.
Sustainability
As the company faces current economic challenges, Leepan emphasised the need to implement new strategies to boost sales and ensure sustainability.
The bakery currently serves not only Saipan but also the nearby islands of Tinian and Rota. Additionally, they have a distribution partnership with Kmart in Guam. Plans are underway to seek partnerships with suitable distributors throughout the Micronesian region to further expand Herman’s market presence.
“We are exploring the best ways to enhance our sales and services,” Leepan stated. “The demand is present, but we need to identify the right partners to market and sell our products. Additionally, we must find more outlets to offer our services.”
Extensive Experience
In a separate interview, Herman Junpan Tenorio Guerrero, president of Herman’s board of directors, expressed his confidence in the new general manager's abilities and qualifications.
“Lee has a wealth of experience in managing the business, making him the ideal candidate for this position. We believe he can effectively navigate the current economic challenges and help sustain our operations,” Junpan remarked.
“Herman’s Modern Bakery is more than just a business; it represents a family legacy that has served the community for 80 years. Under Leepan's leadership, the bakery aims not only to maintain its operations but also to grow and thrive in a constantly evolving economic landscape, ensuring that the legacy established by our parents continues for future generations,” Junpan added.
Leepan aims to mentor the upcoming generation of leaders at the bakery. "Our goal is to equip them to carry Herman's into the future," he stated.
