Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue I, 2013 | Page 41

MEGA

guessed it. And we haven’t even mentioned his role in developing Domino’s
own drive-thru and carry-out-only
store concepts.
“This is a ‘fast-food’ business,” he
says. “You’ve got to stay ahead, to innovate, to improve, and continually
invest in the brand.” These are all
things he’s passionate about—and all
things Domino’s CEO Patrick Doyle
is passionate about too, he adds. They
make a great team. “Competitors never
sleep,” says Mueller, “and we have to
continue to adapt, improve, and meet
customer demand.”
Mueller’s RPM Pizza organization remains a family business. He
and his brother Richard Jr. founded

“This is a ‘fast-food’
business.
You’ve got to stay
ahead, to innovate,
to improve, and
continually invest
in the brand.
Competitors
never sleep.”

the operation in 1981. Today ownership consists of three others: Richard
Jr.’s son Richard III, COO (20 years
in the business); Glenn’s son Glenn
Jr., marketing vice president (3 years
in the business); and Linda Mueller (Richard Jr.’s wife, who also is an
owner and outside investor). Glenn Jr.
has taken over marketing as Richard
Jr. retired in 2012 year after 45 years
in Domino’s. Also, Glenn’s daughter
Stephanie works in accounting (6 years
in the business).
As you might expect, Mueller has
been busy innovating in the two years
since we last spoke. He says his organization is using more technology to
maximize dollars and efficiencies and

PERSONAL
First job: Mowing lawns and shoveling snow for $1.55 per hour. I was
scared to ask a customer for a 30-cent raise, but I did and he gave it to me.
Formative influences/events: Domino’s set a goal to double franchisee
profitability by improving product, service, and image. They have given us a lot
of resources and tools over the past 3 years.
Key accomplishments: We improved our speed of service to a record
delivery time and improved our product ratings to #1 in taste, including the
hand-tossed fresh pan pizza.
Biggest mistake: Not working in stores early on. I came in as CFO and
controller.
Smartest mistake: Challenging the CEO of Domino’s to a pizza-making
contest—loser paying $10,000 to the Domino’s Pizza charity, the Partners
Foundation. The contest was graded on quality and speed with three judges
and in front of 2,500 Domino’s team members. It took 6 months of aggressive
training, much stress, and an ultimate win.
Work week: Review weekly results on Monday, team meetings Tuesday,
then conference calls, team meetings, and store tours the rest of the week. At
night do emails, call franchisees, and read up on industry and competitive updates. Travel to other areas/meetings one week per month and distant stores
about once per month.
How do you spend a typical day? Run in the morning, work at office
or stores, dinner at home, spend time with family and grandchild, walk, emails.
Favorite fun activities: Playing flag football, Ultimate Night Frisbee,
waterskiing, snow skiing.

challenge in 6 weeks.
Favorite tech toys: My iPhone, a John Deere tractor, and a G-scale garden
train layout (Castle Farms Garden Railroad, the largest in Michigan).
What are you reading? Home Team by Sean Payton (coach of the 2010
Super Bowl champs), and Hire the American Dream by Dave Melton and Tim
McIntyre.
Do you have a favorite quote? Altitude is determined by attitude. And
from football: if you get hit hard, get back up fast and don’t let the competition
know you are hurt. There is no “I” in TEAM, Together Each Accomplishes More.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. You either get better or worse, you
never stay the same. Hire tough, manage easy.
Best advice you ever got: My mom told me to always think positive and
my dad told me to always be honest. My brother, Richard Mueller Jr., told me
to practice the Golden Rule and treat others as you want to be treated. Always
put your agreements in writing.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? I can’t sleep too long or
I’ll miss an opportunity to accomplish more.
What’s your passion in business? To be #1.
How do you balance life and work? Coached my 5-year-old grandson’s flag football team to an undefeated season. Remember Tom Monaghan’s
5 priorities: Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Family, Financial.
Last Vacation: Charlevoix, Mich.
Person I’d like most to have lunch with: My wife.

Exercise/workout: Run-walk daily. Currently in a 1 million-step

Multi-Unit Franchisee Is s u e I, 2013



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