Sep 23, 2020
Sam Covelli is the President and CEO of Covelli Enterprises, a franchisee that employs more than 30,000 people at Panera Bread, O’Charley, and Dairy Queen restaurants across North America. Sam Covelli grew up in Warren, Ohio where his family owned the McDonalds restaurant and remembers rushing through his school day to get to his part-time job back at the restaurant, and says he loved his Dad’s company so much that people used to say he had ‘ketchup running through his veins.’ After graduating from business school at the University of Miami, Sam returned home to take his place alongside his late father, Albert, in the business and has devoted himself to building Covelli Enterprises alongside his family, ever since.
Sam joins me today to share why he adores the restaurant business so much and why and how his company gradually sold the McDonalds restaurants they owned to buy Panera Bread franchises and build them into the successful casual dining restaurants they are today. He shares his views on the fundamental principles of leadership and why he loves to visit his restaurants unannounced to enjoy the great experience his associates provide. Sam also shares his philosophy on giving back to the community financially and emotionally, and his enthusiasm for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
“When you have people who are doing a terrific job, you have to tell them.” - Sam Covelli
This week on The Wow Factor:
- How his Dad’s Mcdonald's franchise impacted him as a child
- Why he loves the whole restaurant experience from dining in other people’s to working in his own
- How he made Youngest Franchisee of the Year at McDonald's and the effect on his associates
- Why he moved from McDonald’s to Panera Bread over 22yrs ago
- Sam’s attitude to taking risks in business
- What Sam sees as leadership core tenants
- The importance of recognizing and rewarding exceptional performers in your business
- Why he sees his restaurants as one big family
- Herb Kelleher
- Sam’s recipe for long term business success
- What he’s excited for in the Panera’s future
- The leadership lessons he learned from as a young man
Sam Covelli’s Words of Wisdom:
Never take shortcuts - work hard, do it right, and keep one eye on the details if you want to be successful long-term.
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