Would you leave your full time job to go start a business in the recession? Would you hire people that many other companies would never even consider? For most people the answer to those two questions would most likely be a “no.” People who would say yes to these two questions would be defined as big risk takers. The kind of people who don’t let anything stand in the way of their vision to not only build a business, but to do it differently than everyone else might do it.
This is the story of Scott and Ally Svenson who started Seattle Coffee Company together in London back in 1995. His boss thought he must have “lost his mind” to go start a coffee shop and leave his job as an investment banker. Ally had a great job in publishing, but they believed that they could do this and started the company amid those who doubted they would have any success. They ended up selling the Seattle Coffee Company to Starbucks for $90 million dollars. They then partnered with a couple named Antonio and Priscilla Carluccio to open Carluccio’s Deli Cafes in 1999. They now have over 100 locations in the U.K., Turkey and the U.S.
They decided to move back to Seattle to raise their kids when another opportunity showed up for them. Although the recession was in full swing n 2009, they saw an opportunity in the marketplace to create a different kind of pizza company. They opened up MOD Pizza which allows you to select your own toppings and personalize your pizza. It is served to you in a matter of minutes and fills the void that existed in the fast casual pizza category. They wanted this company to have more of a social impact though. Scott says “Of course, building a successful business is gratifying,” Scott says, “but the things that gave us the most happiness were the times we were able to make a positive impact on someone’s life.”
MOD is working to make a difference in people’s lives. Here is what they do differently: “They offer free meals as well as leadership and life-skills coaching. Ally and Scott also aim to give employees a living wage, benefits, and opportunities they typically wouldn’t find elsewhere. For instance, MOD hires multiple-time felons, people with learning disabilities, and those recently released from drug or alcohol rehabilitation.” Scott says :”Today, companies have to think about more than just their shareholders, they have to think about the health of their community.” Although this approach may cost them more money to train people, they have found a way to give back and set themselves apart from other companies. Many consumers are looking for companies that are socially responsible to do business with and ignoring those who are not. MOD pizza has over 302 pizza stores now and sales exceeding $150 million dollars.
How many people have their own dreams to do something different in their lives, but don’t do it? What would it take for you to say yes to such a risk? There will be always be doubters who are afraid to take a risk themselves and tell you that you shouldn’t do it. You just need to keep focused on the outcome that you envisioned and how you will make that a success. Scott and Ally are a great example of what can happen when you stay focused on the goal and believe in yourself. Click here to read the article about Scott and Ally by Emily Canal.
If you haven’t had a chance to take the survey I sent out at the end of last week, please take a few minutes to complete it now. Click here to take the survey.
For those who have already completed it: Thank You Very Much!