Buddy Valastro’s Kids Sofia and Buddy Jr. Share Lessons from Dad (Exclusive)

The bakery business runs in the Valastro family.

Buddy Valastro, famed Cake Boss of Carlo’s Bakery, receives a helping hand from his eldest children, Sofia, 23, and Buddy Jr., 22, at the family bake shop. For PEOPLE’s Generations issue (on newsstands now), the two opened up about their father, 48, as a boss and a dad, as well as the most valuable lessons they’ve gleaned from him.

Sofia, a recent graduate of the University of Delaware, has returned home to assist her dad at their bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of my daughter,” Buddy Sr. told PEOPLE of his daughter in 2023. “I don’t worry too much about her. She’s a strong, independent, wonderful young woman.”

Meanwhile, his eldest son is currently attending Syracuse University, where he’s a part of the fraternity Delta Kappa Epsilon. When he’s back home during breaks, though, he’s back in the bakery alongside his dad and sister.

While Buddy Jr. was a senior in high school, his father revealed he was “struggling with deciding” whether or not to go to college.

“He wants to just come into the business, which we’re back and forth on that,” said Buddy, who is also Dad to Marco, 18, and Carlo, 14, with his wife of 24 years, Lisa.

Now, Sofia and Buddy Jr. are all grown up and their dad’s seasoned coworkers. To PEOPLE, they reveal what it’s like to work under the Cake Boss, along with the “simple and powerful” lessons they’ve learned from their baker-businessman father.

What is it like working with Dad?

SOFIA: Working with my dad is such a blessing. Getting to watch him pour his passion into every aspect of what he’s built is truly inspiring. Even after all these years, he hasn’t slowed down one bit. He’s still the first one in the office, the last to leave, and even puts in weekends when needed.

BUDDY JR.: He’s built all this with so much passion, and seeing him still grind every day pushes me to work harder and appreciate the chance to learn directly from him. 

What is your father like in boss mode versus dad mode?

SOFIA: When he’s in boss mode, my dad is all business. Focused, busy, and detail-oriented. He sets high standards and has always led by example. But when he shifts into dad mode, he’s the most loving guy. He jokes around, gives advice, and makes time for family no matter how busy he is. 

The biggest difference is that in the bakery, he’s the “Cake Boss,” but at home, he’s just Dad. The one cheering us on, teaching us life lessons, and making sure we feel supported.

BUDDY JR.: In boss mode, my dad works harder than anyone I’ve ever seen. He’s nonstop. In dad mode, it’s all about family, laughs and spending time together doing the things we love. He really does work hard and play hard.

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What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working with him?

SOFIA: The most valuable lessons I’ve learned from working with my dad are simple but powerful: Family always comes first, and to never give up. No matter how busy he gets, he reminds us that nothing is more important than family. Even when challenges come up, he shows me every day that persistence and passion can get you through anything.

BUDDY JR.: The greatest lesson I’ve learned from working with my dad is that family is the heart of everything. No matter how much he’s accomplished, he never lets us forget that.

For more from the Valastros, plus more famous families, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE on newsstands now.