Ernie Lineses has been an integral part of Herman’s Bakery since 1978, and just in time for Labor Day, he says it’s time to call it a career. Mr. Lineses will retire after 44 years of baking the beloved pullman loaves, sweet bread, Chamorro cookies, and other Herman’s Bakery favorites in order to take care of his health.
It’s been a long, fruitful journey for Lineses, who first came to Saipan right as the Commonwealth transitioned out of the Trust Territory Era. He was on Saipan when Grandvrio was called the Hafa Adai Hotel–and he clarifies for Variety that it was not a towering multi-floor building in his day, but a modest two-story structure. He’s witnessed multiple devastating typhoons. Lineses mentions Yutu and Soudelor of course, but also says that Typhoon Kim in December 1986 was likewise destructive. In the 90s, during the heyday of the garment industry on Saipan, he mentions the bakery could begin baking for their garment factory customers at 4 a.m., and not conclude working until the following day, 24 hours later.
Through all the changes, Lineses has remained on Saipan. And while the island is different from when he first step foot on it, for Lineses, one thing has remained the same: his commitment to producing some of the islands’ favorite baked goods with a company he loves and respects.
“I put my dedication and loyalty to the company because the opportunity they’ve given me is something I will treasure for all my life,” Lineses says. “What I am now and what I have now, I owe it to Herman’s Bakery and the Guerrero family.”
Lineses says that his journey truly began in the Philippines in 1978 when Juan “Pan” Guerrero, General Manager of Herman’s Bakery, set out on a recruitment mission to expand his workforce. According to Lineses, Guerrero tested the skill of 7 bakers, yet only one of them was recruited to work for Herman’s Bakery. Lineses says he was not one of the seven who was recruited to participate in the test in the first place. However, at the urging of a coworker who likewise was not tested, Lineses and several other bakers met with Guerrero separately. Together with his coworkers, Lineses negotiated to be hired and brought to Saipan. The rest is history, according to Lineses. He says Guerrero arranged for their travel, and that since 1978, he has been a proud member of the baking crew.
Ten years after he arrived on island, Lineses was made a production manager. He confirms that he has only worked for Herman’s Bakery the entire time he has lived on Saipan.
His value as an employee is affirmed by Claudine Camacho, Herman’s Bakery Human Resources Specialist.
“Work ethic is the single quality that can set any company’s top performers from others,” Camacho says. “Ernie is an employee with a great work ethic. Not only is he reliable, dedicated and well disciplined, but he does above and beyond what is asked of him.”
When his final day with the company arrives, Lineses says it won’t be easy to say goodbye.
“It’s very hard to walk away from the responsibilities that I created. I’ll miss the responsibilities everyday,” he says. “I want to continue serving the company. I want to see the company grow more when I’m not here.”
Ernie Lineses stands by one of the original Herman’s Bakery commercial bread ovens. For over 40 years, Lineses has helped baked the pullman loaves, sweet bread, and cookies that the Marianas love.
Ernie Lineses poses inside the commercial bakery where he made his career.
