Go Get That Cake: Lessons in Pursuit from Boca Raton to the Sales Floor

While vacationing with my family, we visited our favorite breakfast haunt, Flakowitz Deli in Boca Raton, Florida. This spot is a beacon for snowbirds from New York (affectionately dubbed “212ers”) and fellow Michiganders alike, all yearning for a taste of home—or at least the closest thing to it in South Florida.   Flakowitz’s standout item? Their heroically delicious Marble Cake. It’s traditionally served as a pre-meal treat because, honestly, dessert before breakfast should be a universal decree. The challenge? The slices are teasingly small, a mere appetizer to our appetites.   Despite the usual rule of no seconds, a little charm and persistence scored us an additional round of that delectable cake. It was then I realized the power of my mantra: “If you don’t A.S.K., you don’t G.E.T.” Hence, a new mantra was born—“Go Get That Cake.”  

This mantra came in handy again on Christmas Eve at a fully booked Chinese restaurant. Told over the phone there were no reservations, I decided it was time to walk in and “Go Get That Cake.” With a smile and sincerity, we were dining at our desired table before we knew it.  

Here’s what getting “that cake” taught me, beyond just scoring an extra dessert or a last-minute reservation:

• Be Genuinely Kind: Always be nice, not because of what you might get in return, but because spreading kindness is the true joy. Think of anything extra as the cherry on top—the cake, if you will.
​• Be Bold, Politely: Ask clearly for what you want, always with a ‘please’ and a ‘thank you.’ And if things don’t pan out, remember, a complaint is no substitute for gratitude.
• Engage Sincerely: When you talk to someone, show genuine interest. It’s not just about making a connection—it’s about making a meaningful one.  

​As we wrap up another year, I encourage everyone to adopt the “Go Get That Cake” philosophy. Whether it’s nailing a sale or securing a coveted spot at your favorite eatery, remember: it’s all in the approach. So, wherever life takes you, smile, engage, and don’t forget to enjoy the cake along the way.