Pastry and Upholstery- What Do These Two Things Have in Common?
Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) staff visited two small businesses in Delaware on August 21, 2024. The first stop was a family-owned, German-style bakery, Bavarian Bakery & Deli. The second was a lead sewing contracting manufacturer, First State Manufacturing (FSM). Both businesses make products for consumers and face specific challenges as small businesses, but each with different focus groups.

Advocacy met with Jonathan Urquhart at the Bavarian Bakery & Deli in Dover, DE. Urquhart and his wife, Monika, are German immigrants who wanted to bring authentic European pastries to Delaware.
Advocacy asked Urquhart about the Overtime Salary Threshold and Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rules. Urquhart said he manages overtime by having different roles for staff and staggering times for them to perform those roles. Urquhart explained that because of the bakery’s infrastructure, he wasn’t concerned about the heat. The bakery has an air induction system that draws the heat in and air out. In addition, their ovens are off during the day, and the baking is done by the night crew. Urquhart shared that his concerns were with the state’s regulations preventing him from expanding his business and rising inflation.
Advocacy’s second site visit, FSM, prepared a warm welcome for staff. However, the welcome was a bit literal- a recent storm knocked out the air conditioning in the facility, which caused the conference room to be warmer than usual.

The incident prompted Valenzuela to bring up her issues with the Heat Injury and Prevention rule. Valenzuela wanted to know “What is the motive?” behind the rule. She stated that most businesses don’t want to put their employees in jeopardy and overregulating isn’t a way to fix the problem. She also shared that small companies can’t afford to hire the staff needed to monitor and explain the regulations, unlike big ones.
Another issue Valenzuela shared with Advocacy was the Family and Medical Leave Act. She explained that regulations like these open doors to people abusing the system. In addition, the reporting process and reading 76 pages was an unnecessary burden.
As with Urquhart, Advocacy also asked Valenzuela her thoughts on the overtime rule. She stated that if the motive for the rule was to create jobs, the overtime rule would not work. She believes the rule disincentives employees.
Advocacy wants to hear from small businesses. Whether your business is popular for making sweets or upholstered dog beds, regulations affect all small businesses. To share your concerns with Advocacy, please call 202-205-6533 or email advocacy@sba.gov.