2016 MVP AWARDS Single Brand Leadership Award
2016 MVP AWARDS
BY HELEN BOND
Renaissance Man One brand , 42 years , and multiple interests
When he was 16 , Ed Wolak perfected the art of baking hand-cut donuts on the night shift at Dunkin ’ Donuts . He ’ s been a single-minded brand ambassador ever since . Today , with 42 years of Dunkin ’ Donuts franchise experience behind him , Wolak , who will open his 100th location in the next year , is a true MVP for Single Brand Leadership .
“ I believe success within the fast food industry is vastly underestimated and misunderstood ,” he says . “ Franchising with the right brand provides an unparalleled ladder to success . I love the Dunkin ’ Do-
NAME : Ed Wolak
TITLE : President and CEO , The Wolak Group
NO . OF UNITS : 96 Dunkin ’ Donuts
FAMILY : Wife Debby ; daughter Kimberly Wolak Garrett
YEARS IN FRANCHISING : 42 YEARS IN CURRENT POSITION : 42
2016 MVP AWARDS Single Brand Leadership Award
Why do you think you were recognized with this award ? My 40-plus years as a successful developer and operator of Dunkin ’ Donuts restaurants . Throughout most of this time , I have been elected as a representative to the Dunkin ’ Donuts Brand Advisory Council .
How have you raised the bar in your own company ? I have not been afraid to challenge my managers and reward them when they succeed .
What innovations have you created and used to build your company ? Again , this is a penny business . The detailed cost and loss prevention controls we have developed over the years really set us apart from other players in our industry .
What core values do you think helped you win this award ? Never get outworked and you will be successful .
How important is community involvement to you and your company ? The Wolak Group has earned a strong reputation for social responsibility and community involvement . As our business continues to grow , so do our community commitments . We continue to grow existing relationships with local and national charitable organizations , such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation , the Make-A-Wish Foundation ( Central New York and Maine chapters ), the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals , and many more . We have also formed relationships with multiple cutting-edge companies to reduce our carbon footprint , reduce and re-channel our waste stream , and become an innovative “ green ” and sustainable business .
What leadership qualities are important to you and your team ? Someone who is a team player willing to roll up their sleeves and work hard , and who accepts responsibility without trying to blame others .
52 MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE ISSUE III , 2016