In this episode, we talk with restaurant industry veteran, DON FOX, the CEO of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands and one of the greatest internal cultures around.THOUGHT #1Take Every Advantage of the Opportunities You Have at Any Given Point in Time; Even if it is Not What You Envisioned for Yourself.THOUGHT #2Every Time Someone Joins or Leaves the Band (or Brand), the Culture Changes - Surround Yourself with, and Hold Onto, Rock Stars.CONNECT:

Twitter: @donmfox

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.FirehouseSubs.com

BRAND & RESOURCE MENTIONS:

Burger King – www.bk.com

Patton’s Vanguard: The United States Army Fourth Armored Division - https://www.amazon.com/Pattons-Vanguard-United-Armored-Division/dp/078643094X

Hard Rock International – HardRock.com

Thoughts That Rock – ThoughtsThatRock.com

Certified Rock Star - CertifiedRockStar.com

Culture That Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture (Jim Knight) – CultureThatRocks.com

Black Sheep: Unleash the Extraordinary, Awe-Inspiring, Undiscovered You (Brant Menswar) - FindYourBlackSheep.com

Rock ‘n Roll With It: Overcoming the Challenge of Change (Brant Menswar) – RocknRollWithIt.com

Cannonball Kids’ cancer – CannonballKidscancer.org

Keppler Speakers - KepplerSpeakers.com

Big Kettle Drum - BigKettleDrum.com

Spectacle Photography (Show/Website Photos) – SpectaclePhoto.com

Jeffrey Todd “JT” Keel (Show Music) - JT Keel

DON FOX’S BIO:Don Fox is Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC, in which he leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands. He also serves as its chief spokesperson, sits on various boards of influence in the restaurant community, and is a respected speaker, commentator and published author.Don’s restaurant career started 45 years ago as an entry-level employee for an independent Italian restaurant in New Jersey. In 1980, he relocated to Florida with Burger King Corporation, which led to a 23-year career with the national chain. Don served in a variety of positions, from restaurant management and field operations, to R&D and new concept development.He joined Firehouse Subs in 2003 as director of franchise compliance. He was promoted to chief operating officer in 2005 and was named chief executive officer in 2009. Under his leadership, the brand has grown from 65 restaurants to more than 1,155 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and non-traditional locations, and is consistently recognized as one of the best franchises in the country.Don is a mainstay at restaurant industry events and is often involved both behind the scenes and as an expert panelist and keynote speaker. He was named Operator of the Year by Nation’s Restaurant News in 2011, joining a long list of restaurant luminaries. Don was ranked No. 1 on FastCasual.com’s 2013 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list and received the prestigious Silver Plate award from the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA).Fox gives back to the restaurant community through active participation on various boards of influence, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association (NRA). In 2013, NRA awarded Don with its Advocacy Leadership Award.A published author, his most notable work is “Patton’s Vanguard – The United States Army Fourth Armored Division,” a history of General Patton’s most famed division.Industry & Community Service:Board of Directors, National Restaurant Association (NRA)Advisory Board member, Technomic, Inc.Chairman, Advisory Board, Flagler CollegeAdvisory Board Member, Student AcesBoard of Directors, Army Historical FoundationAdvisory Board Member, Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation

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