Episode 6 - Gerrick Doss - Owner/Operator, Chick-Fil-A franchise at Harvard Park

This conversation explores how Mr. Doss, a Detroit native of humble origins, transitioned out of corporate America after achieving great success with General Motors in Southfield, Michigan. He details how, in 2010, the doors opened at his franchise in Harvard Park, near the corner of Harvard and Richmond Road in Warrensville Heights. His location leads the market in Northeast Ohio in terms of retail sales, a significant achievement in and of itself, but accomplished while having the smallest stand-alone structure in the area. When total sales are considered, including outside sales and catering, the franchise ranked #2 in 2017, another monumental accomplishment. Mr. Doss shares details surrounding how it was a tough journey at the beginning when he was working 80 hour weeks. "In the first 90 days, I wanted to give the keys back." Listen as he describes how he came to understand that he was in business for himself but not by himself and grew more comfortable with developing and relying on his team. He employs around 80 people and has drawn satisfaction through seeing some of them advance from taking the bus to work to owning their own car. His wife, Gale, handles marketing for the franchise and is a key decision maker for the operation. Mr. Doss has been very active in the community and has engaged in mentorship with students in neighboring schools including the Warrensville Heights City School District, Shaker Heights and Orange, focusing on leadership skills. He also has spent time with youths in a local juvenile detention center to help them plan for their futures. "The young people are part of my heart." He also regularly donates Chick-Fil-A food to charitable causes.