CEO profile:
How do you transmit your culture from
your office to front-line employees? By
being an embodiment of the Smoothie
King brand; being an example of good
health, showing it and sharing it with
everyone involved.
Best place to prepare for leadership:
an MBA school or OTJ? I’m not dis-
counting the importance of education,
but nothing quite compares to rolling
up your sleeves and getting dirty—so
definitely on the job.
Are tough decisions best taken by
one person? Decision-making at
Smoothie King is generally a collaboration between the franchisees and
the corporate office. We hold weekly
franchise advisory committee meetings
to share ideas, plans, and goals—and
we take all suggestions and feedback
seriously. At Smoothie King we work
as a team, and that is what makes us
so successful.
How do you make tough decisions?
Tough decisions aren’t easy, but in life
we all have to make them. The best thing
to do is make a decision and then move
forward and don’t look back.
Do you want to be liked or respected? Both!
Advice to president and CEO wannabes: Set the example you want to
Tough decisions
aren’t easy...
The best thing
to do is make
a decision and
then move
forward and
don’t look back.
our relationships professional.
Last two books read: The pH Mir-
acle and Change Your Water, Change
Your Life.
What technology do you take on the
road? Can’t live without my iPhone.
How do you relax, balance life and
work? My ultimate pleasure consists
of quality time spent with my grandchildren.
Favorite vacation destination: Des-
How does your management team
help you lead? They are driven, profes-
tin, Florida
sional, and work hard. They know what
they have to do and they make it happen.
Favorite occasions to send employees
notes: Birthdays—it’s all about them.
Favorite management gurus/books?
Favorite company product/service:
The One Minute Manager and Who Moved
My Cheese?
Immune Builder with extra immune
powder.
What makes you say, “Yes, now that’s
why I do what I do!” It’s definitely all
Bottom Line
about our guests. Hearing some of these
amazing testimonials—whether it’s
how Smoothie King helped them with
weight loss goals or was their favorite
meal during a battle with cancer. It feels
great to know you are putting a product
out that people really love. I also enjoy
meeting new franchisees who have as
much passion as I do.
What are your long-term goals for
the company? Growth and more in-
ternational expansion! I’d love to live
to see 10,000 stores around the world.
How has the economy changed your
goals for your company? It has defi-
Personal
nitely taught me patience. It takes more
time to find quality franchises, meaning it
takes a bit longer for new stores to open
and growth doesn’t come quite as fast.
What time do you like to be at your
desk? The early part of my day usu-
Where can capital be found these
days? I wish I knew. If anyone knows,
ally consists of meetings, so I typically
don’t sit down at my desk for the day
until about 1 p.m.
give me a call!
see. Walk the walk, talk the talk.
Management
Management style? Simply leading
from example. I like to bring in experts
to educate our employees and franchisees on best practices and new ideas.
We always strive to bring in the best
ingredients and continue to promote
better health within all of our stores.
What does your management team
look like? A diverse group of fine pro-
fessionals who each bring something
unique to the table, making this company what it is. I’ve had employees who
have been here for 15 years, so we’ve
all grown together.
How do you measure success? One
smoothie at a time.
Exercise in the morning? Absolutely. I
walk 5 miles a day, rain or shine. Chasing my 10 grandchildren around is also
great exercise.
What has been your greatest success?
Wine with lunch? More like a smoothie
Any regrets? I don’t live with regrets.
Creating the nutritional fruit smoothie
way back in 1967.
at lunch!
Do you socialize with your team after
work/outside the office? Everyone has
a life outside the office—their family,
groups of friends—so I generally keep
What can we expect from your company in the next 12 to 18 months? In-
ternational expansion, new franchisees,
a focus on health and wellness, and new
products to support it. n
Franchiseupdate I ssue I , 2012
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