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Operational leadership isn't built in the boardroom. It's built through years of solving problems, understanding people, refining processes, and making decisions that strengthen every part of an organization. The most effective leaders rarely begin at the top. They build their perspective one role at a time, gaining firsthand knowledge of how operations, customer experience, technology, supply chains, and leadership intersect. That breadth of experience often becomes their greatest competitive advantage, especially during periods of uncertainty. Today's business environment demands exactly that kind of leadership. Organizations are navigating economic shifts, changing consumer expectations, workforce challenges, emerging technologies, and increasing competition. Navigating those complexities requires more than expertise in a single discipline. It requires leaders who understand how every function of the business contributes to long-term success. Operational leadership begins with that understanding. One of the biggest misconceptions about leadership is that executives eventually outgrow operations. In reality, the strongest leaders remain closely connected to the daily realities of their organizations. They understand the challenges facing employees, the needs of customers, and the pressures experienced by business owners and operators because they've often lived those experiences themselves. That perspective creates better decisions. Rather than making assumptions from behind a desk, operational leaders recognize how changes in one area affect every other part of the business. Marketing influences operations. Operations shape customer experience. Customer experience drives loyalty. Technology impacts efficiency. Every decision creates a ripple effect throughout the organization. As Jeff Hetsel puts it, "Great leaders don't just understand one department. They understand how every part of the business works together." That philosophy has become increasingly important as organizations continue adapting to rapid change. Few industries illustrate this better than the restaurant business. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged nearly every assumption about how restaurants operated. Dining rooms closed, customer expectations changed overnight, supply chains became unpredictable, and operators were forced to rethink nearly every aspect of their businesses. While every organization faced difficult decisions, the companies that emerged strongest shared several common characteristics. They communicated frequently, adapted quickly, stayed close to their customers, and maintained strong relationships with the people responsible for executing the business every day. Communication proved especially valuable. When uncertainty increases, information becomes leadership. Organizations that communicated consistently with franchisees, employees, suppliers, and customers were often able to make better decisions because everyone understood the challenges, priorities, and direction of the business. Transparency created trust, and trust created alignment. That principle extends far beyond franchising. Whether leading a small business or a global organization, communication remains one of the most effective operational tools available. People perform better when they understand not only what is changing, but why those changes matter. Operational leadership also requires the discipline to continually evaluate how technology supports the customer experience. Artificial intelligence, automation, digital ordering, customer relationship management systems, and advanced analytics are reshaping nearly every industry. Businesses that ignore these innovations risk falling behind. At the same time, technology should never become a substitute for genuine human connection. Instead, the most successful organizations use technology to remove friction. Automating repetitive tasks allows employees to focus on serving customers, solving problems, and building relationships. Rather than replacing people, technology should create more opportunities for meaningful interactions. This balance will likely define the next generation of business leadership. Consumers increasingly expect convenience, speed, and personalization. They also continue to value authenticity, trust, and personal service. Organizations capable of delivering both will create stronger customer loyalty and long-term competitive advantages. Continuous learning is another defining characteristic of operational leadership. Business landscapes evolve too quickly for leaders to rely solely on past experience. Markets shift. Competitors innovate. Customer preferences change. The leaders who continue growing are those who remain curious enough to keep learning. Books remain one of the simplest ways to develop that perspective. While digital content provides quick answers, books offer something different: depth, context, and thoughtful analysis. Many accomplished executives continue to make reading a priority because it exposes them to new ideas, leadership philosophies, and strategies that can be applied long before competitors recognize the opportunity. That mindset reflects another simple but powerful philosophy. "You have to earn your job every day." Leadership is never permanent. Every day presents new opportunities to improve processes, strengthen teams, create value, and serve customers more effectively. The strongest leaders understand that success yesterday guarantees nothing tomorrow. They remain students of their industry, constantly asking better questions and looking for smarter ways to operate. Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of operational leadership is service. Leadership is often associated with authority, decision-making, and accountability. Those responsibilities certainly matter. Yet the organizations that consistently outperform their competitors often embrace a different philosophy. They view leadership as service. Serving employees. Serving franchisees. Serving customers. Serving communities. That perspective influences every decision throughout the organization. As Hetsel explains, "Being great is anything you do in the service of others." It's a simple statement, yet it captures an essential truth about sustainable business growth. Organizations succeed when the people inside them succeed first. Strong leaders remove obstacles instead of creating them. They build systems that support consistency. They communicate with transparency. They embrace innovation without abandoning the human experience that customers value most. Operational leadership is not about knowing every answer. It's about understanding the business well enough to ask better questions. It's about remaining curious after decades of experience. It's about recognizing that growth depends on people just as much as processes. Most importantly, it's about never becoming disconnected from the customers, employees, and partners who make long-term success possible. Business will continue to evolve. Technology will continue advancing. Customer expectations will continue changing. The organizations best positioned for the future will be led by individuals who understand operations from the ground up, lead through service, embrace continuous learning, and never lose sight of the people behind every business decision. About Jeff Hetsel Jeff Hetsel is President of Cicis Pizza and JMC Restaurant Distribution, bringing nearly 40 years of restaurant and franchise leadership experience. A Certified Franchise Executive, Jeff began his career with Cicis in 1992 as a restaurant manager and has since served in leadership roles spanning operations, franchise development, real estate, construction, distribution, and executive management. His hands-on experience across virtually every aspect of the business has helped guide the brand through significant industry change while supporting franchisees, strengthening operations, and positioning Cicis for continued growth. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has generated more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide by helping businesses attract loyal customers, increase visibility, and accelerate growth. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored eleven books, earned three U.S. patents, and advised organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. A recognized expert in business growth, customer acquisition, leadership, franchising, marketing, and AI-driven business strategies, Ford helps business owners and leaders identify opportunities, improve performance, and achieve sustainable results. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch Fordify LIVE at Fordify.tv
The legacy pizza buffet has posted a strong year despite the odds, leaning into a fresh approach of value-based branding and promotions. From a record-breaking loyalty launch that turned back the clock on pricing, with sales jumping nearly 30 percent in two days, to how Cicis is evolving its voice, Hestel shares why tapping into your roots and adjusting strategy along the way can lead to gains in a challenging consumer climate.
Mike and Franklin discuss a recent trip to Winchester, Virginia, and the glorious pizza buffet known as Cicis.
Lifestyle Business | Der Podcast rund um Online-Business, Kundengewinnung, Marketing & Mindset
In der heutigen Legends Folge erhältst du einen tiefen Einblick in Cicis Reise, wie sie ihre eigene Herausforderung in ein Coaching Business verwandelt hat. Heute inspiriert sie mit Cicis View tausende Menschen Frieden mit ihrem Körper zu schließen. Du kannst dich auf persönliche Einblicke und eine geniale Business-Transformation freuen
In hour three, highlighting Andre 3000's outfit at the Met Gala. Sharing our love of food buffets including Golden Corral. Crowder reveals why a traumatic childhood memory will forever keep him away from Cicis Pizza. After, a hot take about the movie Jerry Maguire.
In this episode of the Pizza Marketplace Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace, and Jeff Hetsel, president of Cicis Pizza.Hetsel says Cicis, which is a buffet concept, is doing well with positive sales, and the brand is currently looking for ways to leverage technology to increase those sales."One of the great things we try to do is if you don't see your favorite pizza, we'll make it for you," Hetsel said. Pizzas are cooked in about three and a half minutes.The biggest change the brand has made over the years is improving and increasing its "eatertainment" and game rooms.
We hear plenty of opinions about a pizza buffet, that seems to lack pizza. A very personal item that packs a real punch & apparently causes great pride, if used properly. A casino that just may kidnap your elderly mother, or insist that you're homeless. An world famous ancient ruin that just doesn't have the finishes that one would hope for & much more!!Join comedians James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman as they explore the most opinionated part of the internet: The Reviews Section!Subscribe and we will see you every Monday with Your Stupid Opinions!!!Don't forget to rate & review!!Hosted by James Pietragallo & Jimmie WhismanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jeff Hetsel, president of Cicis Pizza, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to share insight into what all restaurants search for in this business—brand longevity. For the famed pizza buffet chain, it all starts within (Hetsel began with Cicis as a GM 30 years ago), and a culture that promotes franchise development through generations. Hetsel talks about what's ahead for the brand, as well as the industry, as value kicks into gear in 2024.
After seeking Chapter 11 protection in January 2021, Cici's Pizza needed an injection of life. That's where new owners and a new CMO came in. Stephanie Hoppe joined as CMO of the pizza brand in February 2022, focused on getting Cici's back to its roots. The company, which opened in 1985 and has over 300 restaurants in 30 states, strives to be family oriented while providing great value with its unlimited pizza buffet. Hoppe says dialing back in on those key ingredients set the table for success. “People were ready to come back in,” Hoppe says on the season 5 premiere of The Current Podcast. “There's so much nostalgia with this brand. People remember taking their kids. Kids remember, and now they have children whom they want to take to the Cicis experience.” Those brand marketing efforts showed instant success, with Cici's seeing double-digit increases in sales the past two years. Now, just two years after the bankruptcy filing, Hoppe says the company's next big step is opening more locations to keep giving people the pizza experience they want.
In this episode : The boys are back after being off for two weeks! They discuss how they spent there time off, Antwons fight announcement, Diplo receiving fellatio from a man but doesn't consider it gay. The Oscar's, Jake Paul, Chris Rocks new special, Diddy getting kicked out if Cicis and much much more!
Wingstop is soaring again. PE firms buy a hot chicken chain. And why Cicis is investing in video games.
Amusements have been, quite literally, a game-changer for Cicis. This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Jeff Hetsel, the president of the 300-unit pizza buffet chain. Cicis has had a strong performance coming out of the pandemic, with sales up 14.5% last year, according to Technomic. One of the big reasons is video games. The company has been convincing operators to expand their game rooms from the eight games they used to have to much larger rooms with prizes and token cards. That has been a major sales boost for the company. Hetsel talks about just how much of a sales lift video games can have for an individual operator. What's more, that sales lift is far more profitable than the sale of pizzas. Hetsel touches on other topics, including other drivers behind the company's sales increase.
Back with part 2 of tall boys with The Funky Panther! This round we play a game of Truth or Drink and while we all do drink the honesty is maybe a little too honest at times. I find out the boys true feelings about me, who is a cheater, and who can't hold their bladder. You may actually want to grab a drink for this one too, and if you're at work, well that's on you...
Dear Diary was my brother trying to reach out to me? How crazy is that a random conversation went to this. And it was the day before his 10 year anniversary of his passing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soproblematic/message
Tom Murphy is a Dallas/Fort Worth, TX based comedian. Follow Tom on his socials for shows and updates. Instagram: @tommurphycomedy
Cam and mike take on a pizza eating challenge and record the podcast from cicis buffet. No other podcast has eaten as much pizza in one sitting that's a fact.
La guerra de las pizzerías lleva ya un rato :O ¿Y ahora? No fue la pandemia. Al parecer sale a relucir todo lo que sucedió con el mercado de la comida rápida desde la crísis económica del 2008.
Grubhub is facing a lawsuit, the Senate has extended the PPP deadline and Cicis Pizza is re-imagining its business model.
Cicis Pizzas is no longer bankrupt, White Castle celebrates a big birthday, and restaurants plan to keep up their COVID-safety protocols.
Chuck E. Cheese and Cicis Pizza get out of the way because we're coming for you. With the Nintendo Direct and Sony's State of Play both out this last week, we come to you with the spiciest and sexiest takes on all this elite gaming news. From Sifu to the incredible Skyward Sword remaster to Project Rectangle, we've got you covered.
Supporting your team's work-life balance and mental health means seeing them as people, not just employees. Stephanie Forand, VP of Human Resources at Cicis, uses her own experiences with mental health to help others successfully overcome their struggles. She finds that getting to the root of any mental health or work-life balance issues is more effective than only evaluating people as employees. Stephanie joins co-host Annette Griffin to discuss… -Her journey & what inspired her to get into HR -How she exercises people over policy in her role -Why she's passionate about benefits -The most common misbelief people have about HR To get in touch with Stephanie, email her at stephanieforand@gmail.com. CHRO Champions is hosted by Geoff Rowson of Totem.To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to CHRO Champions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Así como así.. parece las pizzerías están casi todas en problemas. Hablemos de esto. El show es en vivo así que no me responsabilizo por... mucho.
This episode is a wild one! Guest Robert Thompson talks about his revolving door of jobs growing up and recalls all the interactions with crazy coworkers. Robert tells a hilarious story of working at Cicis pizza in Chino Hills and serving the Ball family all the time. Let's just say Lamelo Ball loves to customize his pizzas! Also discussed in this episode is Robert's rise throught the ranks of Chino Hills Public Access TV. Robert also talks about working at Sam's club and almost dying in the parking lot trying to reel in some shopping carts. All around great episode! Make sure to check his podcast "Robertland" wherever you get podcasts! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brandon-bryan2/support
Employees as family and building a multi million dollar family friendly company
-Forever 21 diet bars -Deblasio's NYC blackout -hood Mcdonalds best Mcdonalds? -impossible cici's pizza challenge -Getting catfished and leaving raunchy pics on mums camera AND MORE!
Bobby has returned from Orlando, Meredith has a new house, Ann has a new nickname, and Mike’s studio has a new smell. Plus, a special New Orleans audio postcard from birthday girl Hillary, and a recap of last week’s TBTL. So climb aboard the Little Red Bandwagon, and be sure to sit with the other Grifflepuffers (or else you’ll get a conduct report). Maybe after the show we can go to CiCis. If after 2:08 of LRB you still need more audio in in your earholes, go check out The Dropout.
Bobby has returned from Orlando, Meredith has a new house, Ann has a new nickname, and Mike’s studio has a new smell. Plus, a special New Orleans audio postcard from birthday girl Hillary, and a recap of last week’s TBTL. So climb aboard the Little Red Bandwagon, and be sure to sit with the other Grifflepuffers (or else you’ll get a conduct report). Maybe after the show we can go to CiCis. If after 2:08 of LRB you still need more audio in in your earholes, go check out The Dropout.
This week we have on our good friend David Hall to discuss many things such as big rugby hits, sad stories, and CiCis pizza
The Unicorn Wranglers return to The Derek Diamond Experience to discuss their upcoming album Murder Mystery Night, provide an inside look at their recording session, and tell a funny story involving a CiCi's Pizza bathroom you have to hear to believe!Follow the show on Twitter @DDE_PodcastFollow Derek Diamond on Twitter @Derek_Diamond
Hej! Väntan har varit lång men nu är det äntligen dags för nästa avsnitt av Sannas lilla hjärtebarn VBDFRnB! Denna gång har Sanna bjudit in Rodeos musikredaktör Jon Lax för att tjabba om Ciara. Varför älskar Sanna och Jon Ciara så mycket, och varför gör inte fler det? Sanna och Jon snackar om toppar och dalar i CiCis karriär, och funderar kring var det stora Ciara-hatet kommer från. Hur har Ciara påverkat den moderna RnBn? Varför är hon så hemlig som person? Vad innebär hennes relation (och kommande barn!!) med Future? Varför klarar inte Jon av att följa henne på insta? Varför är man alltid lite orolig för hennes karriär? Genom avsnittet gör Sanna och Jon nedslag i Ciaras typ tioåriga karriär och väljer några av sina absoluta CiCi-favoriter.