How was your job different than you thought it would be?
The job duties never changed. It was difficult to remain motivated to do a good job for 8 straight hours.

What important lessons or skills did you learn in your first job that have been instrumental in your success?
You have to show up to work every day and do the right job every time, even if it's mundane. If you don't show up, you won't get paid! I learned how important it is to be able to relate to many different types of people from various backgrounds.

Which of those lessons, and how, carried into subsequent jobs after your first? How do you use those skills in your position today?
I take great pride in my work and always do the best I can. Throughout my career I've made a point to learn everything I can about the work I'm doing, and always look for ways to make it better. For example, seeing if I can become faster at the skill level, or finding ways to do the job at less expense. These are key factors to advancing at any job.

What obstacles that you faced had the greatest impact on your career path?
In the restaurant, we were losing sales and we started making excuses like the weather, or new competition. Dave Thomas sat me down and said to focus on what I could control: superior operations and customer satisfaction. He said outstanding operations would eliminate all "excuses."

What people or outside factors affected your work ethic or motivated you the most to succeed?
Dave Thomas had an enormous influence. He understood the restaurant business better than anyone and he was an outstanding mentor. He could motivate anyone to be better than they thought they could be. He always supported my efforts, even if he disagreed with my decisions.

What advice would you give to someone starting his or her first job?
Worry about the job at hand. Do the best you can, and you’ll be recognized for it.

What is the most valuable advice you have for young adults who want to pursue their own business plan?
You have to have a job before you can have a career. Learn all aspects of the field you have chosen. Dave would say, "Know your product inside and out; always better than your competition."

What do you find most rewarding about your position today?
Watching people succeed – watching them grow in their jobs, assuming more responsibility and gaining more self-confidence.