632: Nick Marsh on Partnerships as the Model for the Future

Graduate of Princeton University, Nick Marsh, opened his first food and beverage operation, Xando Coffee and Bar in 1994 with four friends and his brother. 10 years later he parted ways and stumbled on Chopt, a quick-service restaurant that was going into its 4th year and looking to expand. Fast forward 15 years later and Marsh now serves as Chopt CEO. In addition, Marsh has also served as Director, and in some instances Investor, for Mendocino Farms, Dos Toros Taqueria, Quiznos, and Boloco. [Click here for FREE registration to the TRAmarketplace. Enter promotional code "unstoppable19" at checkout] Show Notes Success Quote or Mantra "if you can trust yourself when all others doubt you but make allowance for their downing too." You must believe in where you're going. In this episode with Nick Marsh we will discuss: Applying ancient history to current problems Consulting Creativity Communication Global inspiration Making mistakes Owners being present every day Partnerships The IMMENSE importance of partnerships There is no ONE right answer Clear-cut branding Building restaurants too fast The importance of making decisions that reflect your vision The history of Chopt prior to Nick's involvement Why Chopt attracted Nick to the brand How to and when to know to scale The positives of waiting 20 years before you scale Creativity is key Smooth and swift execution Lose the ego and listen Today's sponsor: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country — they were even named best online payroll by PCMag. And as a listener, you'll get three months free when you run your first payroll. Sign up and give it a try at Gusto.com/unstoppable.  CAKE provides an easy-to-use integrated software and hardware solution to build better dining experiences for restaurant operators and their guests. With mobile marketing and waitlist management to point of sale payment processing, the CAKErestaurant management system helps you grow your business.  Learn more at trycake.com/unstoppable EthicsSuite.com -provide a safe, secure, simple and anonymous communication channel between you and your employees to help you protect your hard-earned reputation and assets. Demonstrate to your team that you are committed to providing a workplace that operates with the highest ethical standards. Staying informed about important issues will help you resolve them internally before they spiral into larger, costly, or public problems.   Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Tell the truth What is your biggest weakness? "Slow no" What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Tell me specifically your organization strategy What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Restaurant over-saturation is urban and coastal regions Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Assume positive intent What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Customization What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? East of Eden by John Steinbeck GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM  What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Think about real estate strategy What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations? Custom BOH systems currently in development If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be? Don't let hard work be the only thing between you and your goals Smart is good but too smart becomes a liability Don't ever think you're better than anyone else and don't let anyone tell you you're not good enough Contact info: Email: [email protected] Social: @choptsalad Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Nick Marsh for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!   Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!