Ep 6. Gerber Group

Undercover Boss is an Emmy award-winning reality television series that follows high-level executives as they go undercover in their own companies, disguised as entry-level employees. The seventh season, episode six, titled Gerber Group, features the CEO and president of Gerber Group, Scott Gerber, who goes undercover to gain an insight into the company’s operations and connect with his employees.

Gerber Group is a hospitality brand that owns and operates a collection of upscale bars, restaurants, and lounges across the United States and Europe, including iconic locations such as Whiskey Blue, The Campbell, and The Sunken Lounge. Scott Gerber is the son of the company’s founder and has taken over as the CEO and president.

In this episode, Scott begins his undercover journey as a trainee at The Sunken Lounge, located in New York City’s prestigious Waldorf Astoria hotel. He is disguised as “Kent,” a recent college graduate who is eager to learn the ropes of the hospitality business. Scott meets with his boss, general manager Adam, who assigns him tasks such as stocking the bar, serving food and drinks, and greeting guests.

As Scott immerses himself in the day-to-day operations of the lounge, he gets a firsthand experience of the challenges faced by his employees. He struggles to keep up with the fast-paced environment, which is often overwhelming for new staff members. Scott also discovers that the servers at The Sunken Lounge receive an hourly wage, but rely on tips to make ends meet. This realization prompts him to evaluate the company’s compensation policies and consider ways to provide better wages to his employees.

During his undercover journey, Scott meets several employees who share their personal stories and aspirations with him. He meets Sandy, a bartender with over 30 years of experience, who has a deep passion for her work and cares about her customers. He also meets George, a server who juggles his job at The Sunken Lounge with his passion for opera singing. Scott is deeply touched by the dedication of his employees and how they go above and beyond to provide exceptional service to the customers.

As the episode progresses, Scott faces several challenges, including dealing with difficult customers and learning how to prepare complex cocktails. He also enjoys several light-hearted moments, such as participating in a karaoke competition with his colleagues and sneaking into the hotel’s presidential suite.

The conclusion of the episode features Scott revealing his true identity to his employees and expressing his gratitude for their hard work and dedication. He offers a promotion to George, who dreams of becoming a manager, and surprises Sandy with a vacation to her dream destination – Italy.

Overall, the episode provides an engaging and insightful look into the operations of Gerber Group, as well as the hardworking employees who make the company a success. Scott’s journey emphasizes the importance of connecting with employees and understanding their challenges and aspirations. It also highlights the need for companies to reevaluate their compensation policies and provide a fair and livable wage to their employees.