The ampersand is symbolic of two ideas for us .

One came from hearing Tim Sanders, former leadership coach for Yahoo! He spoke of the need to have a mentality of abundance today. To explain, he contrasted his experience at Yahoo! with the growing success of Google. The common reaction among Yahoo! employees was what he described as “scarcity.” Scarcity says there is not enough to go around, so I must hoard what I have in order to survive. Fear is the motivating factor with this attitude. The preferred option, Sanders said, is abundance. This mindset assumes there is plenty, and the abundant mind will explore all possibilities of tapping into that bounty. Love drives this approach.

I liked how Sanders told his people, “If Google succeeds, we all succeed.” This is true if we adopt abundance, since success of another raises the awareness and the need for the product or service. If I provide that same product or service, will I build on that free publicity, or will I sulk in fear with my scarcity?

As we launch bread&cup, we want to take this tack into the wind. The weight is on us, not the consumer. We know we must provide an outstanding product and environment. Without them, why should anyone patronize our business?

And if the public does not receive our services, abundance asks, “What must we do better?” On the other hand, scarcity blames failure on factors like the market or an ignorant clientele. Abundance keeps trying. Scarcity complains. Abundance seeks solutions. Scarcity eventually gives up.

It is the that reminds us of this spirit.