Member Spotlight: American Pie Pizzeria

                         

American Pie Pizzeria is part of a small chain of restaurants started by the Lane brothers in Barnesville, Georgia in 2003.  In seven years, that first store has expanded to more than 6 locations with more on the horizon.  Great customer service, quality taste of food, in a good family atmosphere are the goals for this chain for every location and that is exactly what they got when Max and Brenda Hartman opened the very successful Carrollton location in November 2010.  Sadly Max Hartman passed away earlier this year.  His wife Brenda of 40 years and family members Joy Hartman and Doug Campbell continue to carry on with the same quality and service we have come to expect from this restaurant.  American Pie Pizzeria is located on 927 Maple Street.  Their number is 770.832.3000.

Q & A Session with family members Brenda and Joy Hartman 

and Doug Campbell

How did the idea for your business come about and how did you come up with the name?

While visiting our daughter in Zebulon, we visited American Pie Pizzeria there owned by Mark Lane. We really liked the taste of the pizza and thought he had a good product line. We discussed with him about opening a restaurant in Carrollton, and he agreed to let us do just that. We opened our doors on November 22^nd, 2010.  --Brenda Hartman, Owner

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?

We were retired, and we observed how our kids were struggling to survive in the “corporate world” with continued demands of more output with fewer work hours. We liked the idea of being able to offer them a job in a family business where their success depended on how they managed their own time and work ethic. – Brenda Hartman, Owner.

How do you build a successful customer base?

First of all, you have to have a good product. We thank founder Mark Lane for developing all the recipes that are used at American Pie Pizzeria. Second, it is important to reach out to the community to see how we can serve them in return for their support of our business. Max reached out to all of the schools and colleges in the community prior to opening to let them know that we wanted to work with them in any way we could to build a relationship with them. –Brenda Hartman, Owner

How do you market your business, and which tactics have been the most successful?

We try to use local advertising resources as much as possible. We are corporate partners for most of the local schools in Carroll County, as well as with the UWG Athletic Department. We offer coupons in the popular Neighbor To Neighbor publication that serves Carrollton and surrounding communities. We also regularly partner with Gradick Communications for advertising on the local radio stations in Carroll County. Finally, we are blessed to enjoy much word-of-mouth advertising too; one of the perks of running a family and group-friendly spot in a community like Carrollton. –Joy Hartman, Co-Manager.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

When we see our loyal regulars come back week after week, it’s a reminder that people are actively supporting our livelihood. It’s humbling! It’s also heartwarming to be recognized and remembered for the ways we try to give back to our community. Often customers will stop us and thank us for supporting their schools and other organizations in the Carroll community with our spirit nights and sponsorships. We also get to be a “first employer” for many young people in our area, and it is rewarding to be part of an important right-of-passage in their lives. –Doug Campbell, Co-Manager.

What piece of advice would you give to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs?

Don’t assume it’s a piece of cake! A good idea alone will not guarantee a successful business. Do your research. Is there a market in your chosen location for your idea? Will it stand the tests of economic recession, new competition, and changing consumer fads and moods?  Is your chosen location economically healthy enough to support your idea? Are the demographics of your chosen location in line with the target demographic for your idea? Ask those who you see as successful entrepreneurs what worked and didn’t work for them. Stay humble, and maintain the flexibility to switch gears when the situation calls for it. Surround yourself with people of integrity who will buy into and help achieve your vision. Remember that consumers have choices, and you want to give them a reason to choose you every time. –Joy Hartman, Co-Manager.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Max Hartman built our business with his dedication to serving the community and having a fun and affordable place for families to come to eat. He was very involved with all forms of businesses in the area and always acknowledged those he had met through American Pie Pizzeria. We lost Max to cancer in January, but his spirit lives on at American Pie Pizzeria and we are honored to carry on his vision. –Brenda Hartman, Owner.

What did you learn from the worst boss you ever had?

What I learned from my worst boss was not to treat your employees like a number or a commodity. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, no matter where they stand in the organization. Compensating employees fairly for the work they do is an important feature of a well-liked job, but most people will tell you they are first loyal to the boss who cultivates a harmonious environment and takes the time to get to know, mentor and appreciate their employees; not necessarily to the paycheck itself.  –Doug Campbell, Co-Manager.

                                   

                                          American Pie Pizzeria (pictured l to r - Brenda

                                          Hartman, owner; Doug Campbell, co-manager;

                                          Joy Hartman, co-manager