Interview with:
Joey Ciolli
Patsy Grimaldi’s Pizzeria www.patsygrimaldis.com
How long have you been in our coaching program?
3 years
What caused you to seek out a business coach?
We were looking for guidance in future business, systems and procedures. We basically wanted to bring order to chaos and wanted to get out of working ‘on it’ instead of ‘in it.’
Why did you select The Burrows Group, along with our proven systems, to build your company?
A good friend gave me the The E-Myth Revisited book as I was leaving for a 2-week trip to Italy with my soon-to-be wife. After reading the book, I could not stop thinking about it. The friend that had given me the book was a client of Jeff’s. I contacted Jeff as soon as I got back so I could get started.
I understand you started with 3 stores, now have 9, and are building 4 more.
- How many employees did you have with 3 stores and how many do you presently have?
A few years ago, we had about 100 employees with our 3 stores, now we have about 450 employees.
- Over how many years did it take to grow from 3 to 9 stores?
For 2 years we worked on expanding our market. We hired the right people, created an Organizational Chart, created systems, put procedures in place, and basically developed a full ‘operations’ manual and documented everything. During the next 15 months, we opened 6 more stores in 9 markets (9 different cities in 3 states). This has been intense growth.
- Can you discuss any growing pains you’ve experienced with such growth?
As we opened new stores, we realized that some things did not work, so we tweaked some systems and procedures. But with right team in place it was a lot easier to monitor and make the changes. Also, cash projections were a little off- I guess you could consider that as part of growing pains, too.
- How has the culture changed?
Majorly- and we are still going through it. The business went from ‘fraternity friends’ as opposed to a more corporate, structured way. We now have a different manner of speaking/language, tone, etiquette and outlook. We needed to make this change in order to grow. Jeff has taught us how to redefine leadership so we have a compelling culture that gives us a competitive edge.
Can you share with me how creating the Strategic Objective, Organizational Chart, systems, and training have impacted you and your business?
We used to run by seat of our pants, we made decisions as the issues came up, there was no protocol, no employee manual. Between my best friend (who is the COO of our company) and I, we made the calls. There was no consistency. Now the business runs off a system chain and only gets to me if there is serious issue.
How has the work you have done with the Burrows Group, which you just spoke about above, helped contribute to the obtainment of bank financing for expansion plans?
It was a major part of it. When I showed the bank that we had the procedures, systems, the Organizational Chart, the right people in place, checks/processing very organized, they were very interested. Although we already had the name recognition, they still needed to see how we were running the business. Most restaurants bring partners in for financing rather than going to the bank, but because we had everything in place, we were able to get a bank loan.
Jeff said that I had to ask you about your Company Story. Could you please share it with me?
My great uncle, opened the first American pizzeria, in 1901, in lower Manhattan. 30 years later (in1933) he opened one in HARLEM and my uncle, Patsy Grimaldi, started working there when he was just 10 years old. About 40 years later, my uncle, Patsy, opened his own pizzeria in Brooklyn Heights. When he was getting ready to retire, he wanted someone that cared about the business, the name and the service, to take over his business. That’s where my father entered the picture. My father bought it and then I went out to New York to run the business. For years, friends kept encouraging me to open a store like this in the West. So on Valentine’s Day, 2003, we opened our first store in Scottsdale, Arizona. We wanted people to be able to enjoy real pizza rather having to go to New York to experience it!
What has been the impact in your personal or professional life as a result of coaching?
Self-realization. The coaching took me out of denial and caused me to create. Having a coach helps you deal with and work on the real issues. I’m not perfect, and I need to listen to what others know so they can help me come up with solutions so I can realize my dreams.
Anything else you’d like to
share?
It’s amazing that every time I am with Jeff and I think we are nearing the end of us needing his services, something comes up and I thank God that he is actually part of the company.
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