The Valley’s own Amit Kleinberger was the latest chief executive to star in an episode of the popular CBS show “Undercover Boss.” And it was an eye opening experience. The co-owner of the Menchie’s self-serve frozen yogurt chain, based in Encino, got down and dirty at three different shops during an episode that aired Oct. 25. He appeared on the show after contacting the show’s producers. “Undercover Boss simply was the best platform to learn what happened in my stores. No one knew who I was and I was living a different life for 10 days straight,” he said. In order to achieve this goal, the 33-year-old boss ditched his suit and sharp haircut, replacing it with khaki pants, a company T-shirt and shoulder-length greasy hair. Oh, and let’s not forget the fake mole applied to his left cheek. With these alterations Amit disappeared and in his place was an eager, ready- to-work young man named Alan. “It felt odd and a bit out of my comfort zone,” he said. Kleinberger visited three shops in Washington and Texas to be trained as a new employee by team leaders. The ruse involved telling employees Kleinberger was on a reality TV show where aspiring entrepreneurs compete for a chance to start their own business. Kleinberger learned to wipe down tables, sweep floors and greet customers with a smile – but was told multiple times he was not enthusiastic enough. The show prompted changes, including improving operations at the No. 6 fastest growing company on the list. He also vows to get out of the office. “It is important for me to step away from my desk to really see what happens at the ground level,” he said. – Champaign Williams
