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Have you ever had a Potbelly’s sandwich? Should you dwell in America, chances are high you could have. They’re in 32 states, have over 400 places they usually’re improbable. On this episode of The CEO Series, I broke bread with Potbelly CEO Bob Wright and received his secret recipe for this nationwide powerhouse franchise’s success.
Under are some highlights of that dialog, which have been edited for size and readability. Watch the total video above.
On being a CEO
“I’ve had numerous jobs in my profession, and I believe one of the best half about being a CEO is bringing all of that have collectively, however nonetheless centered on the identical actual factor. Certainly one of my mentors warned me that being the CEO will be lonely, and actually, he gave me good recommendation to seek out others in related positions who you possibly can join with and switch to. I belief the leaders on my crew. I really like participating with my senior management crew. They’re the neatest and one of the best within the enterprise. However everyone seems to be trying to the CEO to have a management place and to have a thought in regards to the imaginative and prescient, the technique, or the selections of the day.”
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On his enterprise beginnings
“The summer season after my freshman yr in faculty, I needed a job that summer season that may pay me not solely a wage however give an opportunity to earn suggestions. And I have to not have been reduce it ready tables as a result of I attempted for nearly a month. I walked right into a Domino’s in Houston and requested in the event that they have been hiring. The man requested me if I had blue pants. So I believe that was my interview! I informed him I did (which was a lie truly) and he mentioned, ‘All proper, see you again right here at 4 o’clock.’ So I went to the mall and acquired blue pants and began working at Domino’s and I used to be there for 12 years. I did not notice that taking alternatives that have been introduced to you can be as useful as they could possibly be in case you have been simply prepared to take the prospect.”
The key of Potbelly’s success
“We sit proper within the candy spot of the fast-casual client with this superb differentiated menu of sandwiches which are sizzling and toasted at 500 levels, in addition to soups and salads made contemporary if you get them organized. Our cookies are one of the best on the planet. Our sugar cookie is best than anybody I’ve ever had in my life. I have been a fan of this model for 20 years and have all the time thought that it had nice potential. It is received nice heritage, too.”
On tendencies in quick informal eating
“I might say a few of it has its roots within the pandemic, however quick informal is clearly the place the patron goes. Greater high quality, extra worth for the cash, and extra flexibility and alternative to make use of that model in the best way that matches your life. Positive, persons are going out, sitting down round a desk, getting waiter service and so forth. However quick informal is the place all the large development is as a result of that is the place the patron is.”
On studying
“I like to learn biographies of individuals which were completed, have been nice leaders, have been founders of our nation. I assumed David McCullough was a captivating author — Truman, 1776, these have been, these have been superior books. I believe you be taught extra from watching than from being informed. And biographies are a approach for us to look at what different individuals have achieved.”
Take a look at extra profiles of progressive and impactful leaders by visiting The CEO Series archives.
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