Fall - 2022

56 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 2 Photo: Kelli Uldall F or many, restaurant work is a waystation, a way to make a living while striving for another career. Not so for Gerald MacDonald, who has been a server at From Scratch in Carmel’s Barnyard ShoppingVillage since 2013. “This job provides for my kids,” he says. “Maybe there’s more money elsewhere, but I’m off at 3:00 PM, and the time I get to spend with daughters Leah and Aiyana is priceless. It’s all about them to me. I can go on field trips, to games and generally be there for them.” MacDonald has the perfect attitude for his chosen profession. “I con- stantly ask myself, ‘how can I be the best me? How can I help people?’” He recognizes that people come to From Scratch to eat partly out of convenience.“You don’t have to clean up, it’s a little escape. I try to bring guests a bit of happiness through food.” This popular server has many regular customers.“You build friendships over the years. There are so many interesting people who come in.” However, not everyone is in a great mood. “People are dealing with all kinds of things. I love turning around someone’s bad mood. Sometimes all they need is a kind word to turn their entire day around.” — Michael Chatfield HOS P I TAL I TY PROF I L E Gerald MacDonald