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Sitting down with Nick Scarpino, the CEO of Giordano’s, for the fiftieth episode of The CEO Series felt becoming — particularly because the legendary Chicago pizza model celebrates its personal fiftieth anniversary. Nick’s story stood out instantly. Previously the CMO at Portillo’s, one other iconic model, Nick took an unconventional path to the CEO seat, a reminder that management journeys are not often linear. All through our dialog, it was clear that his transition from advertising govt to CEO was rooted in a constant deal with the visitor expertise and a deep dedication to workforce growth.
One of many key takeaways from the interview was Nick’s emphasis on communication. He shared that, as CEO, each phrase carries better weight — and misinterpretations can ripple shortly by way of a big group. For aspiring leaders, that is an actionable reminder: Communication is not nearly speaking clearly; it is about guaranteeing your message is actually heard and understood.
One other main perception was Nick’s perspective on progress. Whereas Giordano’s plans to develop rigorously into key markets like Washington, D.C. and Mall of America, Nick careworn that progress have to be regular and sustainable. Scaling too quickly can erode high quality, which is a loss of life sentence for a beloved model. In a time when speedy enlargement is usually glorified, his measured strategy serves as an essential lesson: Good scaling beats quick scaling, particularly when model loyalty and high quality are at stake.
Monetary self-discipline was additionally entrance and middle. Nick was candid concerning the challenges inflation and fluctuating tariffs pose to Giordano’s. But reasonably than compromising product high quality to handle prices, the corporate leans into offering worth — guaranteeing that whilst costs rise, clients really feel they’re getting their cash’s price. Leaders throughout industries can take notice: In unsure financial occasions, defending product integrity builds long-term belief.
What struck me most about Nick, although, was his genuine dedication to servant management. When requested about his legacy, he did not point out private accolades or bottom-line achievements. As an alternative, he spoke about creating an surroundings the place workforce members might develop personally and professionally. For any govt, this mindset — prioritizing the event and well-being of your individuals — isn’t just admirable; it is more and more important for constructing resilient organizations right this moment.
