Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

It found me. My business today was sparked by the realization that California had a need for quality pizza. I soon discovered that quality wasn’t enough. Fresh ingredients and the utilization of local dairy and produce farmers were but a piece of the puzzle. Californians crave value as well as taste. This was a niche that needed to be filled. Our dough is always made fresh, never frozen; our cheese comes from “happy California cows” and is also, never frozen. Our sauce is made from real tomatoes grown right here in California. Our primary focus however, is on premium ingredients, fresh flavors and the best gourmet-style pizza that’s delivered in Northern California.

What was the first job you ever had and what did you learn from the experience?

While attending college in Cleveland, Ohio, I worked my first position in a pizza parlor as a delivery driver. I worked my way up the ladder and discovered this business to be very rewarding. My success in the operation was so great that the owner of the pizza parlor offered me a partnership in his business. I gladly accepted.

Why is your staff the best in the business?

Our staff is the lifeblood of our business. They ARE “Pizza Guys.” We start by hiring people that are upbeat and friendly. We then provide extensive and ongoing training in all aspects of our operation. We round things out by offering limitless upward possibilities. Many of our franchisees were once employees. Some were drivers and some were pizza makers. They all showed interest and a desire to succeed.

Where do you go when the going gets tough?

I have found that success is tough. It’s tough to achieve and even more difficult to hang on to. When things get difficult, I strive to work harder, faster and to make my organization better. I keep this mindset active even when things are not so tough.

And finally, customer service is...?

Ensuring that each and every customer is greeted with a smile and leaves with a smile. To also ensure that each customer is satisfied with the quality, freshness and value they receive when they come to Pizza Guys. We view customers like guests in our home. Our home is always a clean, safe and friendly environment to visit.