On friday I got my first full manager's check. While it's still not THAT much money, especially compared to the responsibility and hours I work, it was a great check for me. It was 250 - 300 dollars more than I'm used to making. It made me happy.
I've been working hard at the store to get things turned around and it's starting to show in the numbers. Our service has been outstanding. On Fridays, which is our busiest day, we have been top 6 in service every week I've been there and this past friday we finished Number 1. There is a leaderboard constantly being updated, among the 55 stores that shows who is doing best in service. By service it means out the door times, load times, and how many late pizzas you've delivered. Basically, Domino's is known as the delivery experts so, it's all about those numbers. I don't know how much the leaderboard matters to anyone, but I try to get on top every nite. I figure if someone went thru the trouble of putting it together and programming it then it matters at least on some level. Last nite one of the drivers who also works at another store said that their store manager was asking how we got to number 1. Also, when I went into work last nite, the first thing I was told was that we finished number 1 and that we finished 100% with our delivery goal. Which means people are noticing and people are talking about us. It's all about focus and attitude. Everyone seems so energetic and everyone is really pitching in with their efforts. I hope I can maintain this type of atmosphere.
My boss was in the store the other day and I mentioned to her that I thought our OER score would be better now than it was 2 weeks ago. So, she went around and did her own OER. 1 major change was our service numbers. Before our service numbers were terrible. The delivery goal was only at 78%, our out the door was only around 56%, and our lates were up over 14%. But, in just two weeks I got our numbers to 85.6% delivery goal, Out the door is up over 70%, and the lates were cut in half. Basically instead of 8 points for service we got the full 30. In just two weeks I turned a 1 star into a 4 star! Candi was ecstatic and so was the rest of the staff when I told them. I also cleaned the mess out of the store and so that helped our score too. A little bit more work and we'll be a 5 star next time the guy walks in the door. One of the big bosses stopped by the other day and must've been pretty happy cuz he called candi right after he left and told her how awesome the store looked and that I was doing a great job. Of course I mentioned the new OER score to him, too.
Things are pretty nice right now and if nothing else I've probably given myself some great momentum to start my career. Now it's just a matter of continuously improving once all the big changes are done. Since that's pretty much my attitude about everything these days, I think I'll be just fine.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A nice Day off
Yesterday was a pretty nice day off for me. The wife and I spent the whole day together and ended the night at her family's house. I'm sure it wasn't a very good day for weight loss for me, but I get so few days completely off that it's hard for me to do too much. I think what's hurting me the most is not having consecutive days off anymore. Before on my first day off it was pretty much a day of relaxation then the 2nd day I could get things done, such as go to the gym or whatever else. Now, when I have a day off, I dont feel like doing a damn thing. I'll get used to it at some point, I'm sure. I definitely need to hop back on the weight loss train. Don't wanna get into the old habits I just spent over a month kicking.
My wife got a court date for her disability hearing. Finally, we're gonna get some closure on that. We filed back in October 2007 and the Court date is May 11th, 2009. That makes 19 months we've waited. It will be very disappointing if we don't win. But, at this point, I just want it to be over and done with. I don't even care about the money anymore. It will be very helpful to have my wife bringing in some income each month, but I feel like we've made it this far without it, so even if she doesn't get to, we'll be okay. The good thing is that we get all the back money for waiting so long, if we win. The bad thing is, we plan on paying most of it out to the people that have helped us over the last almost 2 years. That'll feel good, to be able to do that.
It's only 16 days til we move into our new apartment. It's exciting. The last few months combined with the months to come are gonna be very busy and an exciting time in our lives. There's a bunch of things around us going on too, with our family. My wife's sister is pregnant and so is a good friend of hers. They are due in the summer. My wife's brother is getting married. We're moving, we have our court date for disability, I'm running a store... it's just crazy times right now.
I was thinking yesterday about just 1 year ago. Last year at this time I was on my last leg with poker and my apartment. My wife wasn't even living with me. I was exploring a job in data entry. I was trying to get the Poker Basement up and running. I was miserable, broke, and things were'nt looking to good basically. Just 1 year ago. Now, I've got a career and I'm at a job I enjoy. I'm the boss and the success of the store depends on my hard work. I've lost almost 60 pounds (not sure exactly since just 1 year ago). My wife and I's relationship is the strongest its been. We are preparing to move into a new apartment, this time that will last us more than 8 months. We make plenty of money. The poker basement subscription ended just a few days ago. Which is a little sad, but I was so engrossed into poker, probably because of all the problems I was having, that it's for the better. I think I wrote some pretty good articles on that site. I did get published by an Online Poker Magazine. Hopefully, I helped out a few poker players.
It's just amazing how much 1 year can change your life. I remember talking to Ryan (formerly of Poker Dynasty) and asking him what I should do, when things were looking so bad. I failed at doing poker as a career and was struggling to find a job. I've always remembered what he told me. He said, "when you find a job, just work your ass off." Simple words. But, that's what I did. I have been fortunate enough to benefit from doing so. I got a little lucky for once, but I also fought hard to get lucky. Hopefully, it continues.
My wife got a court date for her disability hearing. Finally, we're gonna get some closure on that. We filed back in October 2007 and the Court date is May 11th, 2009. That makes 19 months we've waited. It will be very disappointing if we don't win. But, at this point, I just want it to be over and done with. I don't even care about the money anymore. It will be very helpful to have my wife bringing in some income each month, but I feel like we've made it this far without it, so even if she doesn't get to, we'll be okay. The good thing is that we get all the back money for waiting so long, if we win. The bad thing is, we plan on paying most of it out to the people that have helped us over the last almost 2 years. That'll feel good, to be able to do that.
It's only 16 days til we move into our new apartment. It's exciting. The last few months combined with the months to come are gonna be very busy and an exciting time in our lives. There's a bunch of things around us going on too, with our family. My wife's sister is pregnant and so is a good friend of hers. They are due in the summer. My wife's brother is getting married. We're moving, we have our court date for disability, I'm running a store... it's just crazy times right now.
I was thinking yesterday about just 1 year ago. Last year at this time I was on my last leg with poker and my apartment. My wife wasn't even living with me. I was exploring a job in data entry. I was trying to get the Poker Basement up and running. I was miserable, broke, and things were'nt looking to good basically. Just 1 year ago. Now, I've got a career and I'm at a job I enjoy. I'm the boss and the success of the store depends on my hard work. I've lost almost 60 pounds (not sure exactly since just 1 year ago). My wife and I's relationship is the strongest its been. We are preparing to move into a new apartment, this time that will last us more than 8 months. We make plenty of money. The poker basement subscription ended just a few days ago. Which is a little sad, but I was so engrossed into poker, probably because of all the problems I was having, that it's for the better. I think I wrote some pretty good articles on that site. I did get published by an Online Poker Magazine. Hopefully, I helped out a few poker players.
It's just amazing how much 1 year can change your life. I remember talking to Ryan (formerly of Poker Dynasty) and asking him what I should do, when things were looking so bad. I failed at doing poker as a career and was struggling to find a job. I've always remembered what he told me. He said, "when you find a job, just work your ass off." Simple words. But, that's what I did. I have been fortunate enough to benefit from doing so. I got a little lucky for once, but I also fought hard to get lucky. Hopefully, it continues.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Huge Marketing Event
My boss loved my flag idea. She even decided that we should do a Customer appreciation week to go along with it. It would be a special on Saturday for 3.99$ Medium pizzas. After some more thinking however, she called me and said how about an entire month? Basically we would create some calendars that would highlight each saturday featuring a new customer appreciation day/meet the new manager month. The first week would be the 3.99, the next free delivery day, the third 40% off, and the fourth a mega week with 8.99 any pizza any toppings.
The idea is to really get the word out that there is a new manager and the calendar would server as a reminder to our customers, something they can keep on their refrigerator. I love that she took my initial idea and ran with it. It's become a full blown event.
I'm sure I can think of some more things to go with it. This should be fun and I'm sure I'll be begging for the month to end if it's a hit.
Also, in late april we are introducing Pasta to the world. I haven't got to see it yet, but everyone says it's really good and really easy to make. Hopefully it helps with our lunch sales. One thing I've noticed about this store is that it doesn't sell many sandwiches. I think it's because before i got there the store manager would always do them incorrectly. The way he did them the bread would turn out hard and almost burnt. He knew he was doing it wrong and was told many times. I think he may have gave a really bad impression to a lot of people. At least I know with the pasta, I will do them the way they need to be done.
I found out last night that it's actually illegal to fire someone at the end of their shift. Now, i didn't really plan on firing her, if she wanted to be transferred then I would let her. But, in case it were to become a firing, I decided to wait and call her today instead. I thought about doing it at the beginning of the shift, but we were so busy and already short handed, I decided against it. It will be happening though, I can guarantee you. My boss was totally on board with it, when I told her about it. It didn't help the employees case when she came in and during our busiest time decided to sit in the office and cut out pictures for school work, instead of helping us and doing her job. If I wasn't already gonna get rid of her, that would be cause enough right there for a write up. Apparently that's the kind of stuff she is notorious for doing and getting away with. She got in an argument with another driver, because she decided she was gonna tell him how to route his deliveries. It ended with "Tell your jobless husband I said hi." She obviously didn't take this very well. I'm hoping my lack of reaction to her being pissed is enough for her to just quit.
Anyways, I'm too busy these days. But, that's the way I like it.
The idea is to really get the word out that there is a new manager and the calendar would server as a reminder to our customers, something they can keep on their refrigerator. I love that she took my initial idea and ran with it. It's become a full blown event.
I'm sure I can think of some more things to go with it. This should be fun and I'm sure I'll be begging for the month to end if it's a hit.
Also, in late april we are introducing Pasta to the world. I haven't got to see it yet, but everyone says it's really good and really easy to make. Hopefully it helps with our lunch sales. One thing I've noticed about this store is that it doesn't sell many sandwiches. I think it's because before i got there the store manager would always do them incorrectly. The way he did them the bread would turn out hard and almost burnt. He knew he was doing it wrong and was told many times. I think he may have gave a really bad impression to a lot of people. At least I know with the pasta, I will do them the way they need to be done.
I found out last night that it's actually illegal to fire someone at the end of their shift. Now, i didn't really plan on firing her, if she wanted to be transferred then I would let her. But, in case it were to become a firing, I decided to wait and call her today instead. I thought about doing it at the beginning of the shift, but we were so busy and already short handed, I decided against it. It will be happening though, I can guarantee you. My boss was totally on board with it, when I told her about it. It didn't help the employees case when she came in and during our busiest time decided to sit in the office and cut out pictures for school work, instead of helping us and doing her job. If I wasn't already gonna get rid of her, that would be cause enough right there for a write up. Apparently that's the kind of stuff she is notorious for doing and getting away with. She got in an argument with another driver, because she decided she was gonna tell him how to route his deliveries. It ended with "Tell your jobless husband I said hi." She obviously didn't take this very well. I'm hoping my lack of reaction to her being pissed is enough for her to just quit.
Anyways, I'm too busy these days. But, that's the way I like it.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
One More to get rid of
Over the last week I've gotten rid of two people at work. 1 was the former store manager who kept trying to manipulate me for hours and the other is a girl who I've never liked and is a terrible worker anyways. Well there is one more person to get rid of; the store manager's wife. She drives 2 days a week but is constantly having the store work around her schedule for school. Which, if I liked her I would be willing to deal with. But since I've heard nothing but how she's talking behind my back and her and her husband are telling people that they are going to sabotage me, it's time to cut ties. I also heard yesterday how the former store manager is calling employees about me. These people are so clueless, that they think all these people are their friends and that they are upset about Mike being demoted. They are ecstatic! Every time one of them says something about me, it gets back to me. No more games, no more kid stuff. I'm letting her go tonite and giving her hours away. It's the last bad apple in the bunch and I'm sure everyone will be relieved when they're all finally gone.
I came up with what I would like to be my first marketing plan, the other day. Our store has an issue with visibility. There is no big sign out front like at most Domino's. So, I thought instead of a sign, why not get a big flag. IT would have our logo on it and provide great visibility for us. The 2nd part to it, is to have customers come in and sign the flag. Maybe even send it around to schools to have kids sign it. I think it's a great way to form a relationship with teh community and provide a little buzz about our store.
I can just imagine people driving down the street and remembering that their signature is on our flag. It would keep our store on their mind and hopefully bring in some more customers.
I think it's a great idea. I sent an email to my boss about it, hopefully she likes it. I'd like to kick it off in April.
I came up with what I would like to be my first marketing plan, the other day. Our store has an issue with visibility. There is no big sign out front like at most Domino's. So, I thought instead of a sign, why not get a big flag. IT would have our logo on it and provide great visibility for us. The 2nd part to it, is to have customers come in and sign the flag. Maybe even send it around to schools to have kids sign it. I think it's a great way to form a relationship with teh community and provide a little buzz about our store.
I can just imagine people driving down the street and remembering that their signature is on our flag. It would keep our store on their mind and hopefully bring in some more customers.
I think it's a great idea. I sent an email to my boss about it, hopefully she likes it. I'd like to kick it off in April.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Another week in the books
Well, I made it through another week. This was a really tough week. my first week of doing school lunches. 3 days last week I was at work at 730 am, when I'm not used to getting there til at the earliest 10am. I got a lot of stuff done last week though. The store is looking great. We've been cleaning, re organizing, and last nite I even started painting. Everyone has noticed the changes and seem to be drawing some energy from them. A few of the workers are more conscious of their service numbers and that helps the store as well. All in all, it's going pretty good. This week I need to start formulating my marketing plan to help bring sales up. Let's face it a few new coats of paint and elbow grease can only go so far. Eventually, they'll be looking at the bottom line and if it's not rising, they'll be looking to replace me.
I definitely want to begin with a business and lunch marketing campaign. That is our biggest need right now, i think. To me, it should be the easier one to fix then the residential. We know people eat lunch at work during the day. It's just a matter of getting them to want to eat at our place.
I definitely want to begin with a business and lunch marketing campaign. That is our biggest need right now, i think. To me, it should be the easier one to fix then the residential. We know people eat lunch at work during the day. It's just a matter of getting them to want to eat at our place.
Friday, March 13, 2009
It's amazing how much is going on
I usually don't stress.. I definitely don't stress out. But, I think I'm beginning to stress a little. All I do lately is think about things at work or the new apartment or losing weight or this or that or this or that. Every time I wake up I immediately start thinking about any issues at work and what I can do about them. I have trouble getting to sleep most nights because my mind is just racing.
I don't like the feeling. I think in a few weeks everything will be fine. But, right now there are just so many things on my plate right now. Being sick the other day hurt me. I missed most of tuesday and was off work on wednesday. I felt so behind schedule and thought yesterday was Wednesday. It's tough. I have to worry about getting things done to help the day out as well as getting things done to help out next week and then get things done to help the future of the store. I'm guessing this is why most store managers fall apart and begin to worry about simply surviving rather than moving forward. I'm not gonna let that happen to myself. I'm recognizing the pitfalls and hopefully that encourages me even more to avoid them.
For the past week we've been hearing about this OER Auditor in town. basically it's a guy from Corporate Domino's going around the country making sure things are being run correctly at each store. Well amidst many groans, especially from me, since I just took over a POS store, he got in our area at the end of last week. Well, yesterday my regional manager decided was going to be cleaning bootcamp and she left to pick up a bunch of cleaning supplies. While she was gone, this guy shows up.
He was a nice guy and everything, but he had a job to do and was very detailed about it. There were so many things wrong with the store. He had me make 5 pizzas to show him the quality of the pizza I make. I made 5 perfect pizzas and got the full score on those.
But, everything else was a disaster. Luckily we got a few points on service and a few points elsewhere. We ended up with 1 star (5 star is best, 0 star equals owner having to take a class with the managers and paying 200$. Basically Terrible on all accounts). We barely passed. And the only reason we passed was because instead of marking our store as "an extremely dirty store" like he said he should have. He cut us some slack because my boss came walking in with paint and hard core cleaning supplies. Plus I think he liked her flirting (every little bit helps). I was disappointed with the score in general, but in the circumstances I was just happy we didn't fail. I knew the store was in BADDDDDD shape. I didn't get blamed at all and at one point the former store manager came in (i'm sure he got word the guy was there) and everyone noticed the smirk on his face. What an asshole. It's like ya, jackass this is your fault. The dude is a huge D-bag.
So, any ways I'm just glad it's over. Now I know what needs to be done and I promised Candi a 5 star next time. I hate failing tests and it will not ever happen again. Plus if I get a 5 star I get a 300$ gift certificate to Best buy, woot! I get 1000$ if I get 100%.
I figure i got about 6 months to turn this place around. In the one week I added to our service numbers I added 5% to our goals and only ended up 2% away from getting our service points. Without my 1 week we would'nt have gotten any points from that. Plus my perfect pizzas helped a lot too.
As far as our new apartment we are moving in April 10th. That gives me a little time to get that stuff together at least. Here are some pics of the soon to be flamm home.
We are the door on the right, bottom floor.
I don't like the feeling. I think in a few weeks everything will be fine. But, right now there are just so many things on my plate right now. Being sick the other day hurt me. I missed most of tuesday and was off work on wednesday. I felt so behind schedule and thought yesterday was Wednesday. It's tough. I have to worry about getting things done to help the day out as well as getting things done to help out next week and then get things done to help the future of the store. I'm guessing this is why most store managers fall apart and begin to worry about simply surviving rather than moving forward. I'm not gonna let that happen to myself. I'm recognizing the pitfalls and hopefully that encourages me even more to avoid them.
For the past week we've been hearing about this OER Auditor in town. basically it's a guy from Corporate Domino's going around the country making sure things are being run correctly at each store. Well amidst many groans, especially from me, since I just took over a POS store, he got in our area at the end of last week. Well, yesterday my regional manager decided was going to be cleaning bootcamp and she left to pick up a bunch of cleaning supplies. While she was gone, this guy shows up.
He was a nice guy and everything, but he had a job to do and was very detailed about it. There were so many things wrong with the store. He had me make 5 pizzas to show him the quality of the pizza I make. I made 5 perfect pizzas and got the full score on those.
But, everything else was a disaster. Luckily we got a few points on service and a few points elsewhere. We ended up with 1 star (5 star is best, 0 star equals owner having to take a class with the managers and paying 200$. Basically Terrible on all accounts). We barely passed. And the only reason we passed was because instead of marking our store as "an extremely dirty store" like he said he should have. He cut us some slack because my boss came walking in with paint and hard core cleaning supplies. Plus I think he liked her flirting (every little bit helps). I was disappointed with the score in general, but in the circumstances I was just happy we didn't fail. I knew the store was in BADDDDDD shape. I didn't get blamed at all and at one point the former store manager came in (i'm sure he got word the guy was there) and everyone noticed the smirk on his face. What an asshole. It's like ya, jackass this is your fault. The dude is a huge D-bag.
So, any ways I'm just glad it's over. Now I know what needs to be done and I promised Candi a 5 star next time. I hate failing tests and it will not ever happen again. Plus if I get a 5 star I get a 300$ gift certificate to Best buy, woot! I get 1000$ if I get 100%.
I figure i got about 6 months to turn this place around. In the one week I added to our service numbers I added 5% to our goals and only ended up 2% away from getting our service points. Without my 1 week we would'nt have gotten any points from that. Plus my perfect pizzas helped a lot too.
As far as our new apartment we are moving in April 10th. That gives me a little time to get that stuff together at least. Here are some pics of the soon to be flamm home.
We are the door on the right, bottom floor.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
HAHA!
I went to the gym with my brother today, for the first time in over a week. First thing I did was weigh myself.
Since last monday, I've lost 8 pounds! WTF?! I only went to the gym twice last week, but I lost 8 pounds. Huh?
Oh well, I'll take it.
So, that brings the totals up to 16 pounds since Feb 2nd and 64 pounds lost since Last January.
I'm now at 354, only 5 pounds away from my first goal of being under 350.
so yay me, once again.
Since last monday, I've lost 8 pounds! WTF?! I only went to the gym twice last week, but I lost 8 pounds. Huh?
Oh well, I'll take it.
So, that brings the totals up to 16 pounds since Feb 2nd and 64 pounds lost since Last January.
I'm now at 354, only 5 pounds away from my first goal of being under 350.
so yay me, once again.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Rough day
Today was the first day I've had to do school lunches at Oakville. I've done them a few times at Mehlville, but I've never been in charge of them before. It's pretty safe to say I wasn't prepared. This week's schedule is such a mess, because of everyone asking off for the weekend. As of right now I am working at least 6 days this week and I'm a manager or two short as well as a driver short from thur to sun.
The store just isn't properly staffed. Anyways, so I went in at like 7 am this morning. For school lunches the manager usually strolls in around 8 am, to get things ready. Well, I had some paperwork to do, so I went in extra early. About 15 minutes before 8 the only other person i had scheduled calls and cant come in because her car wont start. I'm F-ed. I call the only person I know I can count on, my former boss. Luckily she doesn't have to help with her store, so she comes in and helps. Things actually went pretty well. The pizzas were done in time and although I ended up 10 minutes late on the first delivery (i got lost, cuz dont know the area at all) I couldn't have asked for a better performance under the circumstances. All in all, I made an extra 30$ on the day. I did have to work a whole shift after being scheduled for a half one, but whatever.
I also spilled a whole bucket of Garlic Parmesan Sauce on myself. That was pretty gross. Tomorrow, hopefully things go smoother. We have school lunch again, but we should be ok. Thursday is the tough one, but everyone knows it and so I've had a lot of people step up to help then. I just have to get some people in to interview quickly so that I don't have these issues.
All in all my first week was pretty good. I worked 50 hours and made a lot of people happy and excited about their jobs. Friday was the best day. It's our busiest day of the week and we were running on all cylinders. You could really feel the energy in the room. The company that runs all 55 dominos keeps a leaderboard based upon service numbers. Apparently at Oakville service has been shit. My last few weeks at Mehlville I was getting in the top 5 of the leaderboard every nite. Well, we finished 3rd on Friday at Oakville. My first ever Friday there. Everyone was pumped. People noticed too. My boss came in and mentioned it. She also said the other stores were talking about how happy the Oakville employees were. The other manager had never seen the store on top of the leaderboard before. That made me feel good.
I didn't get rid of the former store manager completely yet. I decided I would use him for thursday and sunday if I had to. This week with so many out, will be tough. So, I decided to be smart and let him go after this week. People can't wait for him to be gone, including me.
Hopefully I get to blog some more this week. I came up with a pretty good marketing plan tonite to hopefully help our sales. I'm gonna pitch it to my boss tomorrow and see what she thinks. It focuses on our lunch business, which is really lacking. Mehlville does like 3x as much lunch business. But, Oakville does more evening business, so I figure if I can fill in that gap, it will really help our store out. I hope I don't let the people who have put their faith in me, down. I'm definitely gonna pull out anything I can to make this right. I wanna be the best manager this company has ever seen.
The store just isn't properly staffed. Anyways, so I went in at like 7 am this morning. For school lunches the manager usually strolls in around 8 am, to get things ready. Well, I had some paperwork to do, so I went in extra early. About 15 minutes before 8 the only other person i had scheduled calls and cant come in because her car wont start. I'm F-ed. I call the only person I know I can count on, my former boss. Luckily she doesn't have to help with her store, so she comes in and helps. Things actually went pretty well. The pizzas were done in time and although I ended up 10 minutes late on the first delivery (i got lost, cuz dont know the area at all) I couldn't have asked for a better performance under the circumstances. All in all, I made an extra 30$ on the day. I did have to work a whole shift after being scheduled for a half one, but whatever.
I also spilled a whole bucket of Garlic Parmesan Sauce on myself. That was pretty gross. Tomorrow, hopefully things go smoother. We have school lunch again, but we should be ok. Thursday is the tough one, but everyone knows it and so I've had a lot of people step up to help then. I just have to get some people in to interview quickly so that I don't have these issues.
All in all my first week was pretty good. I worked 50 hours and made a lot of people happy and excited about their jobs. Friday was the best day. It's our busiest day of the week and we were running on all cylinders. You could really feel the energy in the room. The company that runs all 55 dominos keeps a leaderboard based upon service numbers. Apparently at Oakville service has been shit. My last few weeks at Mehlville I was getting in the top 5 of the leaderboard every nite. Well, we finished 3rd on Friday at Oakville. My first ever Friday there. Everyone was pumped. People noticed too. My boss came in and mentioned it. She also said the other stores were talking about how happy the Oakville employees were. The other manager had never seen the store on top of the leaderboard before. That made me feel good.
I didn't get rid of the former store manager completely yet. I decided I would use him for thursday and sunday if I had to. This week with so many out, will be tough. So, I decided to be smart and let him go after this week. People can't wait for him to be gone, including me.
Hopefully I get to blog some more this week. I came up with a pretty good marketing plan tonite to hopefully help our sales. I'm gonna pitch it to my boss tomorrow and see what she thinks. It focuses on our lunch business, which is really lacking. Mehlville does like 3x as much lunch business. But, Oakville does more evening business, so I figure if I can fill in that gap, it will really help our store out. I hope I don't let the people who have put their faith in me, down. I'm definitely gonna pull out anything I can to make this right. I wanna be the best manager this company has ever seen.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
A plot discovered
so, at my new store, the former store manager's wife works there. Apparently today she told one of my managers that Mike plans on trying to prove to everyone that I'm not ready to take over that store. She I guess, doesnt realize that everyone hates her and mike, so she felt comfortable telling someone this. Of course, I'm told immediately and after deciding earlier to keep them both on for one more week, I've now decided to terminate them immediately. Tomorrow will be both of their last days.
I got to be off work today, but went in just to do the schedule. My schedule is looking pretty filled for myself next week. I have to hire some shift runners quick.
Also, today me and my wife went out looking at apartments. We found a great one and as long as the guy doesn't sell it from underneath us, which he says he wont, it's ours. It's a bit closer to my work. It's everything we were wanting and it's cheap. Very excited. It was the 4th one we looked at today and we were pretty down until we saw that one, cuz we thought we already had one. It wound up being a piece though, so we were disappointed. Today's been a pretty good day.
I got to be off work today, but went in just to do the schedule. My schedule is looking pretty filled for myself next week. I have to hire some shift runners quick.
Also, today me and my wife went out looking at apartments. We found a great one and as long as the guy doesn't sell it from underneath us, which he says he wont, it's ours. It's a bit closer to my work. It's everything we were wanting and it's cheap. Very excited. It was the 4th one we looked at today and we were pretty down until we saw that one, cuz we thought we already had one. It wound up being a piece though, so we were disappointed. Today's been a pretty good day.
Friday, March 6, 2009
As I was saying...
So, the other employees are so happy that Mike isn't their boss anymore. Everytime I meet a new employee I feel like I just gave them an oversized check for a million dollars. This guy, apparently was a tyrant. I had no idea and apparently neither did Candi, my regional manager.
I called her last nite (yes her real name is Candi) to talk to her about it. I told her how everyone hated him and she had no idea. She knew 1 or 2 really didn't like him, but she hadn't realized it was so bad. She asked what they were saying and I did my best to put 6 hours of hate that I had heard into a 20 minute phone call. She wasn't surprised by any of it, but she was happy to know that the employees were so happy and happy about the change.
Now, the unfortunate part to all of this is that MIke is still working there. Before I had no issue with this, but now that I've talked with everyone, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to ask him to make a clean cut from the store completely. He drives for me on Sunday and has been trying to get me to commit to him every sunday as well as give him some more hours each week. He likes to play the "it's still my home store, I grew up here" sentimental card. But, why keep a cancer on the team? He was demoted for doing a poor job and others don't respect him at all. Another issue is that his wife works there as well. But, I'm hoping that if I tell mike to take a hike, then his wife will follow. Hopefully, he understands but even if he doesn't the worst thing that can happen is that he gets pissed off and leaves. Which is what i want him to do anyways. I don't like to make enemies by pissing people off, but i'd rather not subject my employees to him.
I was told yesterday that they have decided to switch some MITs around and was asked if I wanted my former boss, Syndi, to be my MIT. The only issue I have with that is the fact that she's been my boss this whole time and then all of a sudden I'll be hers. That's gonna be weird. As far as work and part of a team, she is great. I know she'll do whatever it takes and for the most part she does a good job. There are bad habits she has that bug me, but I'm in a position to have her fix those now. I just don't want her thinking that she can come in and treat me as her puppet. It'll definitely be something to monitor and hopefully that line is never crossed.
I've made a lot of changes to the store already and everyone seems to be on board with those changes, which is good. I was afraid before to make too many changes right away when I stepped in, but after seeing how desperate the staff is for some positive change, I decided I could start right away. I've been opening the last 2 days, so I've been able to get a lot done. I'm going to meet some employees for the first time tonite, so I'll be able to gauge things more hopefully. Fridays are generally pretty busy, even though I know last week they didn't do anything. The weather has been nice, so we've been pretty dead all week. I can see the store in action, hopefully.
I like my new boss a lot and things seem to get done now, when I ask her about them. She is very excited about me and in fact, shes the only one that read my essay that I submitted to them. I plan on getting my marketing plan together in a few weeks and putting that into action. Right now, I'm still feeling everything out and make drastic changes to the store, so it's not on the forefront. But I know soon enough they'll be on me about raising sales.
Good luck me.
I called her last nite (yes her real name is Candi) to talk to her about it. I told her how everyone hated him and she had no idea. She knew 1 or 2 really didn't like him, but she hadn't realized it was so bad. She asked what they were saying and I did my best to put 6 hours of hate that I had heard into a 20 minute phone call. She wasn't surprised by any of it, but she was happy to know that the employees were so happy and happy about the change.
Now, the unfortunate part to all of this is that MIke is still working there. Before I had no issue with this, but now that I've talked with everyone, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to ask him to make a clean cut from the store completely. He drives for me on Sunday and has been trying to get me to commit to him every sunday as well as give him some more hours each week. He likes to play the "it's still my home store, I grew up here" sentimental card. But, why keep a cancer on the team? He was demoted for doing a poor job and others don't respect him at all. Another issue is that his wife works there as well. But, I'm hoping that if I tell mike to take a hike, then his wife will follow. Hopefully, he understands but even if he doesn't the worst thing that can happen is that he gets pissed off and leaves. Which is what i want him to do anyways. I don't like to make enemies by pissing people off, but i'd rather not subject my employees to him.
I was told yesterday that they have decided to switch some MITs around and was asked if I wanted my former boss, Syndi, to be my MIT. The only issue I have with that is the fact that she's been my boss this whole time and then all of a sudden I'll be hers. That's gonna be weird. As far as work and part of a team, she is great. I know she'll do whatever it takes and for the most part she does a good job. There are bad habits she has that bug me, but I'm in a position to have her fix those now. I just don't want her thinking that she can come in and treat me as her puppet. It'll definitely be something to monitor and hopefully that line is never crossed.
I've made a lot of changes to the store already and everyone seems to be on board with those changes, which is good. I was afraid before to make too many changes right away when I stepped in, but after seeing how desperate the staff is for some positive change, I decided I could start right away. I've been opening the last 2 days, so I've been able to get a lot done. I'm going to meet some employees for the first time tonite, so I'll be able to gauge things more hopefully. Fridays are generally pretty busy, even though I know last week they didn't do anything. The weather has been nice, so we've been pretty dead all week. I can see the store in action, hopefully.
I like my new boss a lot and things seem to get done now, when I ask her about them. She is very excited about me and in fact, shes the only one that read my essay that I submitted to them. I plan on getting my marketing plan together in a few weeks and putting that into action. Right now, I'm still feeling everything out and make drastic changes to the store, so it's not on the forefront. But I know soon enough they'll be on me about raising sales.
Good luck me.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
First Few days as the Boss
The first few days as the store manager have gone pretty well. Good for me bad for the store, we've been dead. Since we've been dead though Ive had an opportunity to get stuff done around the store as well as get to know the employees better. The staff is pretty sick there. There are 3 drivers who have been with the company for 15+ years. You will not find that at any other domino's I guarantee. The managers seem to be the biggest problem so far. Mainly, 2 young girls. 2 days in a row now, I've had to go in and open because 1 didn't want to open (cuz she had to close the night before at another store) but the pain in the ass was that she waited until 10 hours before her shift was supposed to start to tell me. The other one claims she didn't know she was on the schedule, which fits in with the old store manager's scheduling habits. But, that's alright, I have over half my staff pretty much set, so at least I don't have to start that from scratch.
Speaking of the staff, they are ecstatic that the former store manager is no longer their boss. I have heard so many stories about this guy, that I'm starting to feel like Obama taking over for Bush. They know nothing about me, yet the very thought of Mike not being there anymore has put the biggest smile on everyone's face. I'll get into the stories later. I have to go to work now. This girl yesterday was so happy that her lips began to quiver. It's been fun to tell the news to these people.
Speaking of the staff, they are ecstatic that the former store manager is no longer their boss. I have heard so many stories about this guy, that I'm starting to feel like Obama taking over for Bush. They know nothing about me, yet the very thought of Mike not being there anymore has put the biggest smile on everyone's face. I'll get into the stories later. I have to go to work now. This girl yesterday was so happy that her lips began to quiver. It's been fun to tell the news to these people.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
And I found out today
that I lost 2 more pounds last week.
That's 8 pounds in 4 weeks. Still on track!
That's 8 pounds in 4 weeks. Still on track!
Monday, March 2, 2009
It's official!
I am the Store manager of Domino's Pizza in Oakville, Missouri (st. louis county). My base salary jumps up 44% instantly. WOOT!
And in natural Flamm fashion, I got pulled over for speeding this morning on my way to the meeting. I got a ticket for speeding, illegal plates (store of my life), and no seat belt. Also, I was told I need to take care of my warrants (I was hoping that went away). So, I ended up being 10 minutes late. Fuck up 4 life, indeed. But, whatevs Mo Money Mo Problems right (I miss you biggie).
Anyways, so 2 steps forward 1 step back. Better than what I'm used to though.
And in natural Flamm fashion, I got pulled over for speeding this morning on my way to the meeting. I got a ticket for speeding, illegal plates (store of my life), and no seat belt. Also, I was told I need to take care of my warrants (I was hoping that went away). So, I ended up being 10 minutes late. Fuck up 4 life, indeed. But, whatevs Mo Money Mo Problems right (I miss you biggie).
Anyways, so 2 steps forward 1 step back. Better than what I'm used to though.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Happy Anniversary
Today is me and my wife's 6th wedding anniversary. We've been thru a lot, but we're still going and that's more than most can say after 6 years. All of our dreams haven't come true, but we are closer to them now then ever. I appreciate the love and support my wife gives me and I hope to continue to grow stronger in our relationship each and every day.
I love you, Samantha.
I love you, Samantha.
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