The SCORE 2016 Issue 3 | Page 20

Meet VP of Franchise Operations : Dale Gallion

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2016 Issue 3 | THE SCORE
What brought you to the BWW brand ?
I was a college student attending Akron University when I discovered B-Dubs ® . The wings were awesome and I needed a job , so finding this opportunity was ideal at the time . Funny how things work out !
Tell us about your history with BWW .
I started with BWW in 1992 as a team member , specifically a cook , in Akron , Ohio , when the company had seven locations . I progressed into management and became a general manager in 1993 . I thoroughly enjoyed the position because each day was different , and I got to figure out new ways to drive sales and empower the team around me to continue to improve operations . In a short 18 months , the Akron restaurant went from $ 24,000 a week to over $ 42,000 . I became a district manager at the end of 1994 and then specialized in franchise operations in the Cleveland market in 1996 . In 2000 , I moved to Columbus , Ohio , as a regional manager . During my time as an RM , I covered markets in Columbus , Cincinnati , Pittsburgh and Buffalo . In 2002 , I was named the RM of the Year and was promoted to the position of director of company operations later that year . In 2004 , I received the first Founder ’ s Award on the company side , which was a huge honor for me . In 2010 , I took the position of divisional vice president of company operations and held that position until assuming my new role of vice president of franchise operations in August 2016 .
Why do you enjoy working in the restaurant sector ?
Several reasons , but the main draw for me is the people . I enjoy both the team at BWW and the guests we serve . The restaurant business is fast-paced , ever-changing and always has problems to solve . I truly enjoy having the opportunity to put the right people in the right positions to solve , and ultimately prevent , those problems .
What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities ?
With this new role , my main responsibility will be to serve our franchise community by equipping our franchise operations team with the tools and education to be true business partners and consultants . I also serve the brand , so I will take key learnings from our franchisees and apply them to the entire business .
From your view , what are some of the challenges facing franchisees ?
The external factors ( government regulations , generational changes , etc .) facing our business are substantial and certainly require a strong partnership with BWW corporate , other franchisees and other professionals in the restaurant sector to adjust and
overcome . Creating a strong business model in today ’ s environment will require some major changes in how we do business , and I am confident we have the leadership on both sides of the business to tackle those external challenges . Also , as the labor market continues to shrink , the ability to attract and retain talent will be a struggle . We are in the people business , and our ability to develop internal talent and bring in qualified leaders to meet our growing business will truly determine our future success .
What is your favorite thing about the BWW brand ?
The culture and core values that exist in the organization are why I stay with the brand . Those two areas completely align with how I sew up as a leader , so I get to be myself in the workplace .
How has Buffalo Wild Wings evolved through the years ? After working for the organization for 24 years , I certainly have a perspective on the evolution of the business . The company has evolved from a “ maw and paw ” bar that had food into a worldwide restaurant chain . Yet , I would say the organization has remained consistent in two areas : No . 1 , over my 24 years , the organization is not afraid of change , and the leadership continues to push the brand in new ways of doing business . No . 2 , it has stayed true to what has made us successful , which is the people , the sauce and the culture .
What are three things people would be surprised to know about you ?
1 . As a small child I grew up on an Iowa farm , and I still feel a pull to live that simple , yet hard , lifestyle .
2 . I serve on a board that provides self-sustaining programs focused on education and jobs to people in the slums of Nairobi , Kenya .
3 . During my downtime , I enjoy outdoor activities such as running , hiking , fishing , hunting and weekend campfires with family and friends .
What are your goals for your first year in this position ? To be determined , since I have only been in the position for about four weeks . I plan on gaining an understanding of the needs of the teams I serve and establishing goals that meet those needs .
Tell us a little about your personal / family life .
I ’ ve been married for 22 years , and Stacy and I have three children – 18 , 16 and 12 – and we live in Columbus , Ohio . Our kids are very active in both school and church activities , and we are constantly entertaining family and friends over the weekends . It ’ s never a dull moment at the Gallion household . S