Hi, my friend-

I moved to Lisbon, Portugal, two weeks ago, and it's been a ride. I'll be back in the US for speaking, client work, and family since we're a quick hop to the East Coast; it's a great location. While wandering the streets here, I was reminded how many brands have gone global. One in particular that drew my attention is Dominos. It got me thinking about their story, including the leadership and perseverance it took to start something innovative with humble beginnings.

The story of Domino's Pizza began with a man named Tom Monaghan. Tom, born on March 25, 1937, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, faced a tumultuous childhood. He grew up in a broken family and was sent to live in an orphanage after his father died when he was just four years old. These early hardships instilled in Tom a strong work ethic and resilience.

Tom's life took a pivotal turn in 1960 when he and his brother, James, bought a small pizzeria called DomiNick's in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The pizzeria had a simple menu and had just one regular customer. But Tom saw potential in the business. He worked tirelessly to improve the recipes and create a consistent product. He changed the name to Domino's Pizza and opened two more locations.

Despite his dedication, Tom faced numerous challenges in those early days. He struggled with finances, often using his car as collateral for loans. His marriage ended in divorce, leaving him as a single father of two children. Tom had to live in one of his stores because he couldn't afford a house and a business. He lived in uncertainty and hardship.

However, Tom Monaghan was determined to succeed. He started experimenting with the concept of pizza delivery. It was a unique idea then since no one had done it, and he even coined the slogan "You got 30 minutes" to promise speedy delivery. This innovation and a commitment to quality and consistency proved to be a game-changer.

In 1983, Tom Monaghan's perseverance and innovative approach catapulted Domino's Pizza to global fame. The company went public, and the brand expanded rapidly. Within a decade, it was one of the world's largest pizza delivery chains, with thousands of locations worldwide. Tom's strict quality control, the 30-minute delivery guarantee, and commitment to customer service set Domino's apart.

Over the years, Tom's contributions to humanity went beyond just pizza. He was a devout Catholic who donated millions to charitable causes and educational institutions. He also founded Ave Maria University in Florida.

Tom's story is relentless determination and an unwavering commitment to his vision. He overcame a challenging childhood, financial difficulties, and personal setbacks to build a global empire. He revolutionized the way pizza was delivered and became a household name.

His legacy, both in business and through his philanthropic endeavors, left an indelible mark on humanity. His journey is a testament to the idea that with grit, innovation, and the drive to improve, one person can change the world in ways they might never have imagined.

The story of Domino's Pizza and its founder, Tom Monaghan, offers several valuable leadership lessons. One lesson that you can ask yourself based on his story is:

"What is the impact I want to create, and what is my strategy to achieve it?"

With gratitude-
Bryan

I have two spots opening up in the next month for coaching. I coach a select group of over 20 accomplished executives and entrepreneurs, from startup leaders to Fortune 500 executives. My coaching approach mirrors my strategies to expand my 22-year multi-million-dollar business. If you are in this category, I invite you to initiate a conversation. Reply to this email with the word "impact." We can then schedule a no-pressure 30-minute call to assess your current position and guide you toward your impact and goals. If it seems like a good match for you, we can explore our potential collaboration, although the decision will be yours. My goal is to provide value, regardless of the outcome. :-)​
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Bryan Kramer is the author of Human-to-Human and Shareology -> books​

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