PROFILE: Bob Mazziotti, Little Caesars Enterprises

Source: Detroit Free Press
Bob Mazziotti said it may have happened while he was tossing dough, spreading tomato sauce or placing pepperoni on a pizza, but what started as a second job for a little extra cash stirred a lasting interest.

"I was more excited about going to my 20-hour-a-week part-time job at Little Caesars than I was going to my full-time job at the shop," said Mazziotti, a former auto parts maker who is now vice president of U.S. development for Little Caesars Enterprises Inc.

After nearly 3 years of juggling both jobs, which included working at least 80 hours a week, Mazziotti decided more than 30 years ago to go into the pizza business full time.

"Everyone was surprised," Mazziotti said. "My coworkers gave me this letter that said, 'You'll be back, fool, and we'll be waiting for you.' So I used that as my inspiration. Whenever I questioned the choice I made, I pulled that letter out and and told myself there was no turning back."

Mazziotti, 59, has worked at every Little Caesars pizza parlor in metro Detroit as a pizza maker, cashier and store manager. He also has owned a couple of stores, which helped him learn the business from countertop service to corporate glass offices. Mazziotti said his varied background within the company has helped him convince hundreds of people to own a Little Caesars store.

But it was his development of a program that teaches managers how to become store owners that earned him an achievement award from the Sales and Marketing Executives of Detroit.

Mazziotti said he does well because "when they can see that you have been where they are trying to go, it helps them make the decision to go after their dreams. My other philosophy is to be honest. If you are honest with people, you earn their trust."

His sales appeal also has to do with attitude. Handwritten signs with the words "Yes, I can" fill his downtown Detroit office. Mazziotti says anyone can own a successful business.

His spirit appears to be contagious. In the last 2 years under his leadership, about 100 Little Caesars franchises have been opened around the world. The billion-dollar company operates on five continents.

His ability to help managers and store owners focus on their goals is legendary.

"When someone tells me what they want to do," he said. "I have them write it down on a piece of paper. Then I call them and make sure they are trying to fulfill their dreams."

Mazziotti works hard and puts in 12 hour days. But without fail, he answers his phone, "How can I brighten your day?"
Source: Detroit Free Press