Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue I, 2014 | Page 19

MEGA
one,’ so I decided to carve out Orlando,”
says Davey, who now has 13 restaurants
in Central Florida.
Raised with four siblings by two “strict
but fair” parents in Manitowoc, Wisc.,
Davey says he shares similar values with
the Sorensens, the firefighter brothers
who founded Firehouse Subs in Florida
in 1994. “They’re really good people
with great family values. Their mom is
the receptionist, their dad does the radio
commercials, their sister handles PR, and
a high school buddy paints the murals for
the stores. They treat their employees and
franchisees well. They’re just a first-class
organization,” he says.
Davey especially appreciates the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. “Instead of throwing away these big buckets
our kosher pickles come in—the same
kind that sell for $6 or $8 at Lowe’s or
Home Depot—we sell them for $2 each.”
He says Firehouse raised $2.7 million last
year, and the money goes to local police

and fire stations where the money was
raised. “It’s a great foundation. We’re
saving lives and keeping people in the
community safe by buying bulletproof
vests for police, and fire trucks and other
equipment for fire stations.”
Last year, Davey bought the development rights for Wisconsin—for 42 stores.
He’s keeping the two stores in Madison,
where he went to college, for himself. The
contract is for 10 years, but he expects to
have all 42 open sooner.
In addition to taking in University of
Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers games each year, Davey has stayed involved with the NFL through the Player
Engagement program, which provides
assistance and resources to players transitioning out of the league. His friend Troy
Vincent, another former NFL player,
recruited him for the program’s advisory
board. “You hear horror stories of guys
transitioning out of the NFL,” says Davey.
“It’s a difficult time financially, emotion-

ally, and career-wise. They need help and
guidance.”
Through his financial management
firm and the NFL’s Player Engagement
program, which offers a Franchising Boot
Camp for transitioning players, Davey
has helped former players learn about
franchising and its opportunities. “A lot
of former NFL players are involved with
different brands. They’re competitive by
nature and are coachable,” he says. “I tell
them, ‘Just like the coach hands you a
playbook, the franchisor will hand you a
manual telling you what you need to do
to be successful.’”
Married to his high school sweetheart,
and father of five daughters, Davey still
manages to find time to feed his competitive sports side. He’s competed in six
triathlons and will begin training in early
2014 for another Ironman race. “It’s hard
work, but rewarding. I’m up late and up
early to work out. It fits my personality
and lifestyle,” he says.

PERSONAL
First job: At age 12, I took a job as a paperboy. I was responsible for delivering newspapers on my bicycle in the mornings before school, managing my inventory, collecting payments door to door, and canvassing for new subscribers.
It was a great introduction to entrepreneurship.
Formative influences/events: I was the fourth of five children. We were
raised by two extremely loving parents who taught us all to value faith, family,
hard work, discipline, education, athletics, and having fun.
Key accomplishments: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical
engineering from the University of Wisconsin; first and only four-time First
Team Academic All-American in NCAA history; Green Bay Packers, 1991–95;
Jacksonville Jaguars, 1995–99; 2013 IFA Franchisee of the Year; and six-time
Ironman finisher.
Biggest mistake: Opening locations on my schedule rather than waiting for
the best opportunities.
Smartest mistake: Granting ownership to my operations partners on day
one. People told me I was crazy to give up equity in our entire operation at the
outset, but both of my partners have earned their share many times over.
Decision I wish I could do over: I wish I would have purchased even
larger development rights for Firehouse Subs. That’s how much I believe in this
brand.
Work week: 35 hours.
How do you spend a typical day? I oversee and run the business for
DKSS Subs and Badger Development Group from my office in Jacksonville. I
am responsible for securing financing, selecting sites, negotiating leases, ne-

gotiating with contractors, reviewing financials, budgeting, approving invoices,
managing cash flow, negotiating vendor contracts, etc.
Favorite fun activities: Spending time with my wife and five daughters.
Exercise/workout: I work out at 5 a.m. seven days a week using a combination of swimming, biking, running, and weight training.
Favorite tech toys: High-speed scanner that is gradually turning our office
paperless.
What are you reading? Catching Fire, the second installment of The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. My daughter Carly has the whole family
hooked on the books and movies.
Do you have a favorite quote? “Carpe diem.”
Best advice you ever got: Be self-reliant. (from my father)
What gets you out of bed in the morning? My 4:45 a.m. alarm.
What’s your passion in business? As an entrepreneur, I love being
completely responsible for both our successes and our failures. It is stressful,
but extremely re ݅ɑ