Southington Business Spotlight: High Energy Positive Attitude Pizza

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this new, exciting series we’re kicking off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: High Energy Positive Attitude Pizza, LLC (dba Domino’s Pizza)
Owners: Daniel P. Carey Jr.
Website: dominos.com
Address: 200 Main Street, Southington Ct 06489

How did you come up with the name?
It has been the foundation for my team leadership philosophy and it felt like the most natural and apropos choice.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
I was born and raised in Connecticut so it was important for me to start my business in the state I call home. I had been looking into a few opportunities to purchase a Domino’s Pizza store, from the very first day I stepped foot in Southington I knew this was the right fit. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

Briefly, what business are you in?
Pizza

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
The most difficult challenge for me was being patient with the process of turning around a struggling store. I had to stay confident in my business model and philosophy while also keeping perspective on the realistic time line such an endeavor requires.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
I can definitely see where some entrepreneurs second guess their career choice. The hours commitment alone can be upwards of 90 hours a week. However, I am unbelievably fortunate to have an all star team that continues to motivate and invigorate me daily. Thankfully I haven’t ever second guessed my choice!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
I have four moments that are particularly special. The first was the day my fiance and I officially became owners of Southington Domino’s Pizza. The second is whenever my management team and I are able to hire someone from within the town. The third moment was when I officially became a partner/sponsor of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Connecticut (a cause that is extremely important to my family). And the last favorite moment was when my team and I celebrated our first record week!

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
When I first took over here in Southington I had employees and customers suggest that I create a Facebook page. Currently our Southington Domino’s Pizza Facebook page has over 300 followers and it has been a fantastic tool to let people know about specials, introduce our all star team, and even raise awareness for causes like ovarian cancer.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
I see every “difficult customer” as an opportunity to apologize, make the situation right, and then go above and beyond to ensure that they walk away feeling ten times better. The truth of the matter is for every ten customers who may be disappointed or unhappy only one or two will take the time to call the store. For that reason my team and I appreciate the fact that the customer cared enough to contact us. The best part about “difficult customers” is that if you are able to turn their day around they often become even more loyal.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
First off we are proud members of the Southington Chamber of Commerce! Art Secondo has been extremely supportive of my fiance and I from day one and he has enabled us to become much more involved in the community. I have always been someone who believes in giving back as part of the real evaluator of success. For that reason, my store here in Southington offers all Police, Fire Fighters, EMTs, and Nurses and Doctors 50% off all carryout orders. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays our store raises money for St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Hospital. Last year we raised over $1,000!

Recently, we were able to join a few Southington schools in offering healthy lunch options for their students. This Smart Slice program means that we provide delicious lunch for Southington kids without them even realizing that they are enjoying whole wheat dough, low fat cheese, and low sodium sauce and toppings. Beginning this school year we will have Smart Slice pizzas served in our towns schools every week.

I am most proud of the relationship my store has with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Connecticut. Since my aunt Maureen passed away in 2010 from ovarian cancer, this cause has been deeply intertwined with my personal and professional life. Therefore, my team and I have committed to donating $1 to the NOCC for every single pizza we sell between August 1st and September 20th. So far we have donated over $2,000 and our goal is to break $5,000!

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