September 26, 2012
Q: Can you tell me about your background and how you got into this industry?
A: When I graduated from the University of Florida, I took a job with American Express. My job was to call on businesses that did not accept American Express and sit down with the owners of places and try to close them. I’ve been around the restaurant industry my whole entire career, but I knew that owning one was very risky and failure rate is very high. But, to answer your question, one of the main owners asked me to get involved and I originally said no. He pretty much twisted my arm and I finally agreed to be a part of the partnership.
Q: So do you like the decision you made?
A: I do like the restaurant business, in fact I love it. Owning a business is a challenge and if you like challenges, there’s something in your blood that keeps you going. In the restaurant industry you definitely have to like people and be able to listen.
Q: Has it been difficult owning the restaurant’s through a partnership?
A: There are definitely times when it is difficult. It’s almost like a marriage. You constantly have to work on how you can grow together. For me a partnership has worked out fine. You’re not going to win every battle, but you do have to win the war. I’ve been a part of a few partnerships; some have worked out and some have not. You’re only as good as your people and integrity is huge when it comes to a partnership.
Q: Are your days very structured?
A: Every day is different. I have a business in Florida, Rays ESG, Latitude 35 and not to mention a tremendous amount of time being spent in my non-profit, The Scarecrow Foundation. I work with 40 different restaurants trying to organize events and promotions.
Q: When you first came on with Rays did you know how to bartend or cook food?
A: No, not at all. I’m a marketing guy. I could get back there if I had to, but I don’t need to. We hire people who are skilled at what we do and not to mention better looking.
Q: What sets Rays apart from every other sports bar in Knoxville?
A: Our food is really good and we serve it until 2am. If you have a large group of people watching a game, some can drink, some can eat and it’s really relaxed. So, we’re a bar, but we aren’t just drinking.
Q: What about Latitude 35?
A: We are non-smoking. Hands down that is an advantage when it comes to a sports bar around Knoxville.
Q: What are some of the struggles you have?
A: Listen to what Jimmy says about leadership and owning a restaurant. Jimmy Leadership
Q: Is there a lot of turnover in the industry?
A: Click to hear what Jimmy has to say. Jimmy Turnover
Q: Did the decline of the economy effect you guys at all?
A: Well considering we’re a bar and people like to drink no matter what the economy looks like, I’d have to say not really. Whether it’s good time and bad times, most people still came out and had a drink after work or on the weekend with friends.
Q: What type of marketing mix do you do?
A: Click to listen Marketing
Q: What is your 5 year plan?
A: For Latitude 35, it’s a lot easier for us to survive, because there is not a lot of cost associated with it. I got a good deal during the recession on the actual commercial property. It has a lot of opportunity to grow and become a major part of the up and coming downtown scene. Ray’s ESG is much more expensive than Latitude, so I’d say in the next 5 years the partnership may consider selling the business.
Q: What advice would you give somebody who is trying to start a business?
A: Listen to what Jimmy has to say. Advice
