Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue IV, 2011 | Page 25

DOMINA
TORS

I’ve made every mistake in the world.
But I don’t look at life that way.
From a professional standpoint,
mistakes are lessons.
also became Papa John’s franchisees
and remained together until 1995, when
Trotter retired.
In 2000, Head became president
of Shoney’s. During his six years, he
brought the organization’s sales figures
back into the black for the first time in
more than a decade.
While searching for his next opportunity, the hard-working husband and
father met with friend and current partner

Clyde Culp, who had formed a private
equity group. In 2007, the group bought
bd’s Mongolian Grill and revamped the
brand into one known for its fresh ingredients (used to create your own stirfry) and hip, Gen X/Y atmosphere. With
that move, the longtime franchisee also
became a franchisor.
“That seemed a natural evolution
of my career and my relationship with
Billy,” says the CEO of the Burnsville,

PERSONAL
Key accomplishments: First of all, I think it’s amazing I’ve lasted this long
in this industry. I’m proud that I was part of the early days of Rally’s Hamburgers (now Checkers/Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants) with my great friend and mentor Billy Trotter. Another key accomplishment was being president of Shoney’s
for 6 years, during which we had positive sales in that company for the first
time in 14 years. But I’m most proud of all my seven kids. Denise and I are in
business with two of my sons, Bryan and Chad. Together, we own two restaurants in Nashville. It’s really cool to work with your kids.
Biggest mistake: I’ve made every mistake in the world. But I don’t look at
life that way. From a professional standpoint, mistakes are lessons.
Smartest mistake: Allowing Billy Trotter to talk me into moving to New Orleans. I thought it was a big mistake, but from that move came the founding of
Rally’s Hamburgers, which was one of my greatest life and business experiences.
How do you spend a typical day? I’m an early riser, usually up by 5
or 5:30 a.m. I immediately power up some type of device and go through
emails, read our guest comments through our website and respond to those
appropriately through regional or franchise directors. I travel four days a week,
since I live in Nashville and have my office in Minnesota and franchisees in
many states. A normal day for me is visiting with and mentoring operators,
franchisees, and staff.
Work week: The restaurant business is a seven-day business, but I try to
work smarter now than I did when I was young and thought I had to conquer
the world every day. I work five or six days a week, and on weekends, I like to
spend time at my son’s restaurants. That’s not work—that’s fun.
Favorite fun activities: As I’ve gotten older and found someone I

love to spend time with, my favorite fun activity is hanging out with my
wife. We spend time in our RV and we love to kayak, golf, and hike. We
also like to travel.
Exercise/workout: I love to walk and usually walk four or five days a
week. We live on a lake on a nice piece of land, and I enjoy working outside
in the garden.
Favorite tech toys: My iPhone!
What are you reading? I read a daily devotional every morning. And I
love to read adventure and murder mysteries, especially by James Patterson. I
also read the Wall Street Journal and USA Today on my iPad.
Do you have a favorite quote/advice? I have so many that my team
would say you don’t want to get me started.
Best advice you ever got: My mother, who is responsible for anything
good in me, said, “Stay true to your spiritual beliefs, whatever they are, and
stay true to yourself. If you do that, everything V