Running Family Businesses
Dave and Doug Vandergist have worked in the pizza business for a quarter century. Tom Sacco, Happy Joe’s American pizza Parlor´s CEO, holds them in high regard. They started working for the gourmet pizza company when they were just 16. Family businesses are very successful in the United States. They are also critical to the economy through job creation and revenue generation. Family-run restaurants are authentic and have better customer relations. Their leadership is also more stable, and this builds trust with the stakeholders.
Working at Happy Joe’s
Dave Vandergist started working at Happy Joe’s in 1979. After working at 16th Street in Moline for less than a year, he became an assistant manager. He would achieve great success on the fast food chains and their offerings. Later, together with his brother, they decided to become Happy Joe’s franchisees. They bought the Milan location in 1997 and Coal Valley in 1998. Dave Vandergist’s children have also worked at Happy Joe’s.
Before joining his brother as Happy Joe’s franchise, Doug Vandergist paid his dues doing deliveries and working in the kitchen. Later, he also became an assistant manager. This is the time when they launched their vegan options menu. Happy Joe’s unique products and the experience it offers customers are what sets it apart, according to Doug Vandergist.
Success Keys
To succeed at Happy Joe’s, one should create a conducive environment for the customers and employees; when workers are happy, they will also serve customers well. Doug Vandergist also notes that it is crucial to treat all workers equally and fairly. Former employees have only good things to say about working at the restaurant. The two brothers work hard to maintain Happy Joe’s culture.