In this episode with Brian and Brad Wasik, we discuss the history of Wasik’s Cheese Shop, what growing up in a family cheese shop was like, never “aim an unloaded gun”, the results of treating the assistants, secretaries, and truck drivers of the world well, changing and evolving with time, improving with every day, taking care of your people being the most important thing, having the same common goal within an organization, the struggles that come along with owning a family business, the importance of location, creating value added experiences, and being great without being pretentious.

Wasik’s Cheese Shop in Wellesley is a family business that has specialized in selecting and maturing cheeses since it was established by the late Stephen Wasik in 1979. Now run by Carol Wasik and her sons, Brad and Brian, the shop offers cut-to-order cheeses, wines, charcuterie, specialty foods, and other gourmet items.

Show notes…

Favorite Success Quote or Mantra.

Brad

“We’re not in the food business as much as we’re in the relationships business.”

“If we can’t enjoy something with our own families, then we’re not going to sell it in our own store.”

Brian

“Just keep swimming.”

“Every day is the best day of my life.” -Stephen Wasik

Today’s Sponsor

Knowledge bombs

1. Which “it factor” habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?

   1. Brian: Obsession
   2. Brad: Motivator. Standards keeper.

2. What is your biggest weakness?

   1. Brian: center-minded.
   2. Brad: short attention span

3. What’s one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?

   • People skills.
   • Don’t judge a book by its cover.

4. What’s a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?

   1. Every day comes with a challenge. Regardless of the challenge don’t forget to interact with others.

5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.

   • Get better every day.
   • Treat people the way you want to be treated.

6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?

   1. Be a genuine friend to your customers.

7. Share an online resource or tool.

   1. Instagram
   2. Google

8. What’s one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM 

   • Setting The Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in a business
   • Outliers: The Story of Success

9. What’s one piece of technology you’ve adopted in your restaurant and how has it influence operations?

   • iPhone
   • MKSKnife.com

10. If you got the news that you’d be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?

    1. Always be learning and pass on what you learn.
    2. Don’t overindulge.
    3. Live your purpose
    4. People don’t buy what you do they buy why you do it.
    5. Constantly be in pursuit of great times and great people

11. What is one question you think should be added to this interview?

• Be ready to answer that question

Contact Info

Thanks for Listening!

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Huge thanks to Brian and Brad Wasik for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

The post 424: Today is the best day of your life with Brian & Brad Wasik appeared first on Restaurant Unstoppable.