It is better to give than it is to receive....

Since our first Papa John's was opened in Columbus, Georgia in 1992, we have focused on being a good citizen in our community. Of course, any business that grows and provides good paying jobs is an asset to any neighborhood, but we have gone above and beyond that benchmark.

The area where we probably have made the most impact is through our policy of contributing free pizzas to local non-profits for their fundraising and volunteer efforts. Last year in Augusta and Colubus, GA and North Chicago suburbs we donated over 5,000 pizzas.....a value of $40,000. Wow! Great job. We know that these organizations appreciate our efforts because most will call and tell us "thanks". Many times they remark how hard is was for them to find willing businesses to help them and we didn't hesitate to say yes. I appreciate each of you that is making this happen because I know that you are putting much sweat equity into this effort.

In a nutshell, we will try to help a worthy cause whenever possible. What is a "worthy" cause you may ask? Well, some good examples are the Cancer Walk in the greater Chicago area, Habitat for Humanity Blitz Day (150 pizzas one day) in Columbus and Shepard Blood Center Drive (500 pizzas yearly) in Augusta. Each of these groups have in common a desire to help people who have some kind of need. Unfortunately we have to say no to some organizations that have great goals(like a school cheerleader team raising money for an out-of-state competition)but do not meet our desire of helping "non-profit organizations." Many times, however, we are able to give them a discount to help their cause.

Other places where we are investing back into our communities include significant cash and pizza donations to military families at bases in Ft. Benning and the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. I am glad that we are able to give back to our soldiers and sailors, especially since they have been such great customers. You should feel proud of your contribution of time and effort!

Finally, over the years we have donated over $75,000 for college scholarships to deserving graduating seniors in our local markets. That was alot of fun as we made TV commercials out of the presentation of checks to the respective winners.

Being a benevolent company has been the right thing to do. It has helped many people in our communities. Sometimes I can't help but think that they may be some of our best customers too! Besides, I really do believe the scripture that says "it is better to give than it is to receive." I hope you do too.

Customer Appreciation Day

Today was a fun day. I had the opportunity join our team in delivering poinsettia flowers and a Christmas card to some of our most loyal customers. In just about every case these customers were blown away with our "outrageous customer service". I know that I have never been recognized quite like this from any place where I do business, so I can understand the emotions they must feel.

I can't wait to work at the store on Veterans Parkway tonight and hear about some of the comments we we receive from customers calling in to thank us. We do this to thank our customers and yet they end up overwhelmed with the effort we put out to thank them. I know it makes everyone feel a little bit better about the job we are doing at Papa John's and hopefully gets everyone into the Christmas spirit a little bit as well.

Loyal customers are the backbone of any business. Most experts estimate that 20% of customers do 80% of the business and I suppose it is not that much different with us. So, I am glad to take a day to drive around and thank our customers with a Christmas flower. They need to know that we don't take them for granted and that we will always try to outwork our competitors. It is the reason we are so successful. And, best of all, I think it shows what a good neighbor we are as well.

How can you live a balanced life?

The restaurant business in notorious for burning out people with long hours. It is not uncommon for many restaurants to require managers to work 60 and 70 hours per week, sometimes without a day off....ouch@! As you know, our company is adamant about giving everyone at least two days off and keeping the work week at 50 hours or less. My philosophy has always been that we must create an environment where people don't "live to work", but instead they "work to live". In other words, it is essential that the possibility for a balanced lifestyle exists.

I love to work, but as you can see from the picture of me on the blog I love to hike and backpack as well. It is not uncommon for me to plan one awseome hiking trip a year. It gives me something to look forward to and helps me to relax and re-energize. What is your passion? Are you planning for an exciting and fun vacation? Our company offers the most generous vacation policy of any pizza company that I know. It is because we want our team members to live life abundantly.

If you think you can't afford such a thought, think again. For example, my hiking trips cost only a few hundred dollars for a week, but they are some of the most adventurous times of my life. I would challenge everyone to consider a camping trip in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is an unbelievable place to camp, hike, fish, tube, sightsee, shop and eat! Give me a call and I will help you plan the best trip ever and might even join you. Some other great activities that don't cost alot are bicycling with friends, training for a five mile run, joining a tennis league for beginners, volunteering at a local nonprofit, planting a garden.

Whatever you do though, plan recreation time every week for your family and yourself. The best thing I ever did for my family was cancel cable TV. It has forced me to do other things than veg on the couch watching television like the American average of 4 hours per day. What can you do today? Post a comment on this blog and let others know what works best in your schedule.

Looking for new pizza territory.

Bob Marshall Wilderness 

It ain't rocket science, but....

For those who are not familiar with the operations of a Papa John's Pizza store, a familiar thought might be that "it ain't rocket science." I mean, how difficult can it be to make and deliver pizza?

Well, if you would visit one of our stores on a Friday night (especially if it is raining), then you just might be surprised at how complex it really is. During our busiest hours it is not uncommon for us to make and deliver well over 100 pizzas an hour!. Think about it for a second. We not only are making a custom, made-to-order product, but we are delivering that product to our customer's home almost every time within 20 to 40 minutes. Through heavy traffic and bad weather, on holidays and during the Super Bowl, for large 400 pizza lunches and even one pizza at late night, our team is ready to serve.

Compare our performance to some others. Dell Computer makes a great customized computer and that is quite a feat. However, it takes a couple of weeks to see that product. When you call for a taxi ride, it is not uncommon to wait 20 to 30 minutes.....just for a ride. FedEx gets a lot of attention for a next day delivery and they don't make a thing...wow. And finally, at some of our fast food competitors people are sometimes happy just to see them get a drive-thru order right the first time. At Papa John's Pizza, however, we not only make a perfect pizza, but we bring it right to their doorstep.

Of course, the key to our success is having a group of dedicated people who are committed to working as a team. After a period of time, just about everyone at the store can do all of the jobs needed to make a high quality, great tasting pizza. I am always amazed at the communication that goes on between team members as well. Working on a busy night, it's like being on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.....controlled chaos, with a lot of chatter. Whatever it takes to stay ahead of the rush. And leading the charge is our store managers. Probably no pizza company in the country has the experience and tenacity of our management team. They are the fuel in our rockets. I know that our ability to out execute our competitors on a day-to-day basis sets us apart.

I appreciate the dedication and commitment to excellence that our entire team displays. They are a bunch of smart people. It is the reason we are the leaders in our markets. It may not be rocket science, but you know, I don't think I want to hire any scientists right now. I don't think their rockets could get it to our customers any quicker, and certainly not better.