Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue III, 2013 | Page 32

2013 MVP

“When our team sees an opportunity to take something
that is working and make it work harder, we’re always
in favor, as long as it is within brand standards.”
2013 MVP Innovation Award
For bringing a new and unique contribution
to your brand
Why do you think you were recognized for the Innovation
Award (for Rally’s)? We’re obsessed with following the system and we’re
also obsessed with improving the system. We feel so fortunate in Rally’s tremendous leadership. Their franchise administration is the best I’ve ever worked
with. They leave their egos at the door and roll up their sleeves to work with us
on ways to improve the brand.
As a multi-unit franchisee, how have you raised the bar within
your own company? We just try to do a better job than our competitors to
continue to grow transactions and guest count.
What innovations have you created and used to build your
company? When Rally’s/Checkers added Cold Creations to its menu, I advocated for a waffle cone, since I’d seen my kids opt for those whenever we were
at a game or ice cream store. I also worked to develop the brand’s Peak 150
program to improve lunch performance. We’ve had good success trying for a

larger order of something the brand is promoting in order to achieve a higher
check. When our team sees an opportunity to take something that is working
and make it work harder, we’re always in favor, as long as it is within brand
standards.
What core values do you think led you to win the MVP Award?
I’m humbled to have won the award, because there are a lot of innovative
people out there. Our top core value is to practice integrity in how we do our
business and how we treat our guests and employees. We also have a tremendous focus on work ethic.
What is the value of community involvement for you and your
company? Community involvement is more individual to each store, and
Charles and Darren are very involved. I’m passionate about the volunteer work
I do as vice chairman of the Jewish Community of Louisville and as a longtime
board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
What leadership qualities are important to you your team
members? Vision, integrity, hard work.

magazine Innovation Award.
“Rally’s has great brand relevance,
and we truly appreciate their leadership. They do a great job with strategies,
menu development, and cost effectiveness,” says Hertzman, a member of the
brand’s Franchise Advisory Council who
played a critical role in developing the
brand’s Peak 150 program to improve
lunch performance.

Born and raised in Louisville, Hertzman is proud of being a second-generation franchisee: his father was one of
the original franchisees for Long John
Silver’s. “I’m grateful that I got to learn
this business from my dad as a teenager,
and that my brother Charles and I have
worked to grow that business into the
future,” he says.
Rally’s awarded Hertzman the brand’s

PERSONAL
Formative influences/events: My father, who was a self-made guy, influenced me. He was a person of high integrity who taught us a lot. He signed
some bank notes and lent my brother and me money to get started, but we
had to pay back every dime.
Key accomplishments: One of the things we’re most proud of is the fact
that we’ve involved ourselves with older brands that are currently doing well.
We’ve twice been Franchisee of the Year with Papa John’s, and three years
ago, we were Rally’s Franchisee of the Year. Two years ago, we won that
award with both brands. I’m also proud that Rally’s/Checkers gave me the
Legacy Award the first year they gave it to a franchisee.
Decision I wish I could do over: No regrets.
How do you spend a typical work week? We’re fortunate to have
great operating partners for both Papa John’s and Rally’s, so I can step away
some from the day-to-day operations. We recently had a change in leadership
on our Long John’s team, so I’ve been working closely to get the new director
up to speed. I also communicate daily with our brand leaders.

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Multi-Unit Franchisee Is s ue III, 2013

Favorite fun activities: I’m an avid tennis player and golfer, and I love to
travel and to attend my kids’ sporting events.
What are you reading? The Wall Street Journal, trade journals, business
publications, and Nelson DeMille novels.
Best advice you ever got: Treat everyone with respect, but choose your
friends wisely. Another is to hire smarter people than yourself.
What’s your passion in business? I want to do it right. We’ve always
done a great job in running ops by the book and within the culture in which it’s
designed to be done.
How do you balanc