by UFG | May 2, 2024 | News
Positive energy has always been a cornerstone of my business, so I was excited when I came across Jon Gordon’s book. This guide to succeeding in work and life through the power of positive energy confirmed the value of everything I’ve tried to live by and share for my business, family and community. It’s been endorsed by leaders in many professions and should be high on your reading list.
Presented as a fable about a man named George who finds renewed purpose from his fellow passengers, The Energy Bus is a business book about more than business. It uses insightful metaphors to show how we can create meaningful lives by fueling our “bus” with joy, passion and authentic optimism.
There’s a valuable lesson in each one of Gordon’s rules for “the ride of your life.” Here are three that I find especially impactful and how I use them in business and my life:
Takeaway #1: Fuel your ride with positive energy.
Many people focus on the problems, and as CEO, I do have to help people overcome various challenges, but in between, I also make it a point to talk to people who are experiencing success. It really helps you stay balanced and focused on what your company is doing, despite the difficulties that may arise. You can’t let the “energy vampires” influence your demeanor – those who bring nothing but discord and negative attitudes.
Takeaway #2: Invite people on your bus and share your vision for the road ahead.
Your recruiting team should look for people who will share your vision and can easily be placed in the right seat. For us, that includes inviting family to join us. My dad brought me into the business, and now my children work with me. We have 15 people who are the second generation of their families to work with us. This brings valuable continuity that I hope will last well into the next generations.
Takeaway #3: Sit back and enjoy the ride.
We’re living Gordon’s rule, “Have fun and enjoy the ride,” every day. That doesn’t mean we’re all sitting around the campfire holding hands. There are some challenges because we set very high goals. However, that’s part of our culture, too – pursuing goals that stretch us while working in an enjoyable atmosphere. While comprehensive strategy is important, you must deliver a culture that makes the ride fun.
Bottom line: You’re the driver of the bus.
It’s Gordon’s first rule, and it governs all the rest. As the owner or a team leader, you’re the one who determines where you’re going, how you’ll get there and how fast you’ll travel. If you don’t get involved in goal setting and making sure everyone is aligned, you risk being stuck in neutral.
Bonus Read: You’re Not Listening to Me! Learn to Communicate Better by Improving the Listening Side by Ray Titus
Have you ever given instructions for a project to an employee or co-worker, and when they turn in the work, it seems to have no connection to what you directed?
What’s the problem? They weren’t listening – but you may not have been talking in a way that would help them to listen and comprehend what you’re saying.
Everyone has a different listening style, just as we all have different speaking styles. I learned this early in my career and decided to share it by writing You’re Not Listening to Me! Learn to Communicate Better by Improving the Listening Side. I look at the different styles, and how you can reach them, from the Exact Listener who takes every word literally to the Good Listener we wish we were always facing.
Once you get the listening side down, you’ll not only be heard but also understood.
by UFG | May 1, 2024 | News
https://www.thegreatgreekgrill.com/tasteofvictory
There are three (3) Prizes available in the Sweepstakes (each a “Prize”). Total Approximate Retail Value of all Prizes Available in the Sweepstakes: $9,249[1] USD.
Grand Prize: There is one (1) Grand Prize available in the Sweepstakes. The Grand Prize Winner will receive one (1) trip for two to Greece in 2024, and $1,000 cash delivered as a Visa gift card. Total Approximate Retail Value of the Grand Prize: $8,799 USD.
Second Prize: One (1) Second Prize available in the Sweepstakes. The winner will receive Free Gyros for a Year, a total of 52 gyros from The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill®, a limit of one per week. Approximate Retail Value of Second Prize: $250 USD.
Third Prize: One (1) Third Prize available in the Sweepstakes. The winner will receive a $200 gift card to The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill®. Approximate Retail Value of Third Prize: $200 USD.
by UFG | May 1, 2024 | News
Nothing can make or break the growth momentum of your coworking space like turnover in the sales and administration teams. These professionals are the face of your business, and members look to them to provide practical support for day-to-day needs and build a sense of community. A coworking space is not just another office building but an engaging, cohesive entity – not a building but a community; they accommodate members, not tenants.
Whereas a traditional office staff can have a lot of division between operations and front desk roles, a coworking space needs personalities with a blend of hospitality and community engagement with a dash of sales prowess. The coworking staff sets the tone for the entire community. They should anticipate individual members’ needs while keeping the space running smoothly from behind the scenes.
Who’s on your team
The coworking space needs at least two critical team members: a Community Manager who handles operations and member support, and a Sales Director who leads the recruitment of new members.
Think of the Community Manager as your “Director of First Impressions,” a welcoming figure who’s on a first-name basis with everyone and is thoughtful, courteous, and tidy. The Sales Director should be comfortable in social settings, tenacious, and hungry to meet or surpass your goals.
Depending on the size of the space and your membership community’s needs, your team should grow with the space. For instance:
- Dedicated sales reps: If you do a high volume in event spaces, meeting rooms or other features, consider hiring a sales rep for that feature.
- Virtual mail room: If you plan to manage commercial mail for your members, you might add a part-time manager as that customer base grows.
- Phone answering service: You might need to hire two to five additional staff, depending upon the number of clients and volume of inbound calls.
I recommend having a balance of full-time and part-time staff. The staff who manage the front desk and membership community should be full-time, so members have a consistent team to work with, which helps them to feel warm, welcome, and at home in the space. However, having a part-time person to fill in for vacation and sick days is highly recommended. I also recommend having a full-time salesperson dedicated to keeping new revenue flowing in. If you have the demand and available inventory to warrant the extra sales help, additional fractional and/or commission-based sales reps can strengthen their efforts.
Who’s not on your team
Depending upon the lease agreement with the landlord, some staffing is covered by the property owner rather than the coworking operator. Security isn’t typically an expense a coworking operator has to take on, and cleaning is usually outsourced to a third party.
How to find qualified staff
For coworking spaces, applicant sources aren’t so different than in other industries, but you may want to look for some special skills or experience.
- Where to look
- Colleagues and local businesses: Word-of-mouth referrals can be your best source; you trust the referring person and can start getting a sense of the candidate’s skills. Let business contacts and networking/lead referral groups know you’re hiring and what you’re looking for. I find these referrals have a higher success rate than others, but you may not get the response you want, so you’ll need to look elsewhere.
- Online job platforms: Posting openings on traditional platforms like Indeed, Monster, and ZipRecruiter can have mixed results, and you often have to weed through many candidates to find a good fit. LinkedIn can be an excellent source because your posting can be seen and shared across a considerable network of professionals, and you can target your search to the coworking industry. Plus, it’s free!
- Staffing agencies: They’re expensive but can be effective in a pinch. You’ll get applicants who’ve been pre-screened and qualified, which can save time and headaches when a million other things in your space need your attention. However, I don’t recommend them as a primary staffing source; you’re better off seeking teams loyal to the coworking space and its community. I recommend that you hire directly for permanent needs and use an agency as a backup for temp and overflow needs.
- What to look for
Our industry is still new, so you’ll probably have to consider coworking experience “plus not must.” You may have to do some digging to find the skills needed for roles like Community Manager or Engagement Coordinator, which are also still emerging. Other competencies can be more valuable in your coworking staff. You can teach the job duties and principles of coworking to someone who’s never worked in the space, but you can’t train these:
- Attitude: Are they service-oriented? Will they treat your members hospitably? An upbeat, service-oriented style is one of the most essential traits for the community manager/front desk staff.
- Cultural fit: Can they adapt to the different company cultures in the space? You’ll likely have a diverse membership base across your members’ businesses. A culturally adaptive and eclectic staff is a huge benefit to developing an engaging community where everyone feels welcome and included.
- Drive: Look for people with a high level of self-direction and hunger to succeed, not just in the sales team but also in potential administrators and support staff. They also need that sense of mission if you want to keep the members that the sales team brings in.
Once your team is in place, have a plan for continuous review to make sure they are meeting members’ needs. Periodic polls and surveys, perhaps once each quarter, will help you see whether the staff is meeting those needs. Anonymous comment cards for ongoing feedback are another good tool.
Keeping the team successful
The staffing of the location is as integral to its success as the site selection and buildout of the space. For the best results, start by hiring team members who care about your members and know how to provide impeccable customer service.
by UFG | Apr 30, 2024 | News
Latest Restaurant Leadership Changes from Bar Louie, Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, Chester’s Chicken, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, East Coast Wings + Grill, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Mo’ Bettahs, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Pepper Lunch, RAVE Restaurant Group, Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, Wild Eggs
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Announces Jennifer Schuler as New CEO
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, a leading operator and franchisor serving handcrafted ice cream since 1945, recently announced Jennifer Schuler as its new Chief Executive Officer. Schuler is a highly seasoned executive with extensive marketing and franchise experience. She is taking the helm of a nearly 130-store and growing brand with more than 65 franchisees.
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Appoints Previous Director of Franchise Operations as New Chief Operating Officer
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, the laid-back full-service seafood restaurant franchise with 19 units across the country, announced that Sarah Meriam has been promoted to chief operating officer. The promotion fills the role vacated in late 2022 due to the retirement of the previous COO.
Chester’s Chicken Hires Industry Veteran Bill Rice as Executive Vice President
Chester’s Chicken, the fresh fried chicken quick-service restaurant concept with over 1,300 active franchised and licensed locations across the U.S., welcomes Bill Rice to the executive team as EVP, Head of Sales, Operations and Supply Chain. Rice joins Chester’s after a short retirement preceded by nearly four decades of experience in foodservice supply chain management, most recently as a senior vice president at Krispy Krunchy Foods, LLC.
Wild Eggs Welcomes Return of Co-Founder JD Rothberg as Senior Vice President of Operations
Wild Eggs, a favorite breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, announces the return of one of its founders – JD Rothberg, who assumes the role of Senior Vice President of Operations. With his homecoming, Rothberg pledges to elevate Wild Eggs into the premiere breakfast place, emphasizing the importance of high-quality food, company culture and unparalleled service.
Andrew Dimatteo Named Operations Manager for Cannoli Kitchen Pizza
Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, the growing pizzeria brand known for fresh Italian favorites made with authentic recipes, has named restaurant executive Andrew DiMatteo as its Operations Manager. Cannoli Kitchen Pizza is a part of United Franchise Group (UFG), a family of affiliated brands and consultants whose members have access to a global network and nearly four decades of experience in the franchising industry and is among the concepts included in UFG’s food division, Big Flavor Brands.
Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group Welcomes Veteran Duo as Regional Vice Presidents of Operations
Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group, the home of the New Orleans-style brunch, has welcomed Derek Kamarata and Michael McBride as regional VP of Operations in respective territories. With more than 30 cumulative years of specialized restaurant industry experience, the expert duo will drive operational performance for the brand, focusing on providing effective solutions, generating growth and enhancing customer satisfaction for guests.
Mo’ Bettahs Appoints CFO as It Gears up for Next Chapter of Growth
It’s mo’ growth ahead for Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food. In preparation for unprecedented expansion, the popular Hawaiian BBQ concept has added to its C-suite and named Clay Hansen its Chief Financial Officer. Hansen joins Mo’ Bettahs with experience in finance, IT, marketing and strategy – both in and outside of the F&B industry.
RAVE Restaurant Group Appoints CFO and Bolsters Executive Team to Accelerate Growth
RAVE Restaurant Group announced a strategic reshaping of its executive team. These appointments represent a significant upgrade to the leadership team, signaling investors and franchisees alike that the company is focused on the continued expansion and development of its Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza brands.
Bar Louie Names New Executives to Strengthen Franchising Activities and Continue Rapid Growth
With a focus on advancing and enhancing its franchise development efforts, Bar Louie – America’s #1 Happy Hour spot – has announced a pair of top-shelf hires poised to drive and elevate the brand’s franchising efforts. Brian DeHart will assume the role of Vice President of Franchise Operations, and Steve Culbert has joined as Vice President of Franchise Sales and Administration.
Pepper Lunch Bolsters Executive Team with Leading Franchise Growth and Real Estate and Development Executives
Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born experiential fast-casual concept unlike any other, with more than 500 locations in 15 countries, has tapped franchise sales executive, Paul Tran, as its Vice President of Franchise Development, and Dana Hathaitham as its Vice President of Real Estate and Development.
Seasoned Restaurant-Industry Executive Carol Denembo Proudly Named Chief Marketing Officer at Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading California-based family-style pizza chain for more than 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, dough made fresh daily, and toppings to the edge, has proudly named longtime foodservice marketing executive and experienced restaurant-industry leader Carol DeNembo as Chief Marketing Officer.
East Coast Wings + Grill Gears Up for Next Level of Growth with Hiring of VP of Marketing, Ashley Mitchell
As part of their deliberate development strategy, East Coast Wings + Grill, a casual dining restaurant franchise, has taken the next step in their growth with the hiring of Ashley Mitchell as Vice President of Marketing. With decades of consumer marketing experience with world-class brands, Mitchell will help drive the new and updated 5-year growth strategy while continuing to elevate brand awareness, local store marketing and lead generation.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Welcomes Jessica Crouch As Director of Field Marketing
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, a celebrated name in home-style fresh, never frozen fried chicken for over 55 years, recently announced Jessica Crouch as the new Director of Field Marketing. Crouch will lead marketing efforts for Lee’s corporate-owned units and continue to build out local store marketing resources for the field. She will report to Vice President of Marketing Dan Sokolik.
Dickey’s Barbecue Hires New Director of R & D: Chef Matt Burton
In October of 2023, accomplished chef Matthew Burton continued his industry career by joining Dickey’s Restaurant Brands, Inc. as their Director of R&D and Corporate Executive Chef. With nearly 30 years of notable performance, chef Matthew Burton brings his extensive knowledge of flavors and culinary creativity to the world’s largest barbecue brand.
by UFG | Apr 26, 2024 | News
Companies including T-Mobile and Verizon are offering deals for founders to take their small businesses to the next level.
Small Business Week is around the corner–and so are deals for entrepreneurs.
Spanning from April 28 to May 4, Small Business Week is a celebration of American entrepreneurs hosted by the Small Business Administration. The event provides small businesses visibility and highlights how these companies have impacted their local communities. Founders can participate in the SBA’s free virtual summit from April 30 to May 1 with Zoom sessions hosted by companies like Visa, T-Mobile and Amazon.
They can also take advantage of these discounts and deals running through the week. Here are some standouts:
T-Mobile
Businesses looking to expand their phone plans can take advantage of T-Mobile’s new “Business Unlimited Package.” The deal offers phone lines at $45 monthly with a minimum of six lines. For Small Business Week, new small businesses using this package can add 10 or more lines to get a credit of $1,000 via 36-monthly bill credits. Businesses also have the option to earn up to $1,000 via 24-monthly bill credits and use it for any new smartphone per line when they add 10 lines.
Owners can get Amazon Business Prime Essentials free for a year by having at least three active lines on the following T-Mobile plans: Business Unlimited Edge, Business Unlimited Ultimate, Go5G Business Next, or Go5G Business Plus. Business Prime Essentials offers features to help small businesses run smoothly on Amazon, like free shipping on eligible orders and access to consumer spending analytics.
T-Mobile will also distribute $50,000 to five small businesses that win its Small Business Week sweepstakes. To enter, businesses must fill out a form and share their business challenges, investment interests, and customer service experience.
During the SBA’s virtual Small Business Summit, T-Mobile will host two sessions: “Securing Your Small Business in a Work-From-Anywhere World” and “Small Business Strategies for Collaboration and Productivity.” The summit will occur on April 30 and May 1.
AT&T
The telecommunications brand will offer 30 percent off phone cases and screens. Small business owners can also use the code “GET50” to get $50 off fiber internet when ordering online.
Office Evolution and Venture X
Take advantage of the opportunity to meet with your team in person during Small Business Week. Co-working space companies Office Evolution and Venture X are offering free co-working spaces from April 29 to March 3. Participating locations and registration can be found on the Office Evolution and Venture X websites. The co-working spaces offer various amenities, including an onsite receptionist, internet, kitchens, conference rooms, printer access, parking access, and more.
Constant Contact
The email and digital marketing platform Constant Contact will offer 30 percent off three months of any email or digital marketing package purchased from April 28 to May 4. The platform offers various programs that help small businesses deploy email campaigns-such as newsletters or announcements-without any required coding experience by providing templates and interfaces to streamline mass digital correspondence.
Pipedrive
The customer relationship management company will extend its 14-day free trial to 30 days. The platform helps small businesses in sales and team management aspects by offering services that can automate email replies, compile consumer reports, and organize tasks.
Verizon
Prior to Small Business Week, Verizon is offering free consultations and services until April 28. This includes a free tech check, a free 5G phone for businesses willing to switch to Verizon with no required trade-in, and up to a $1,000 Visa Prepaid Card when a business switches to select Fios Business Internet plans on a two-year term.
