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From broom closet to 4,700 stores: Papa John's CEO shares secrets to success

Papa John's Pizza CEO John Schnatter advises entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on three strategies: Hire based on attitude but train for aptitude; don't lose sight of the main goal; and don't be afraid to take risks.

December 22, 2015

Papa John's Pizza CEO John Schnatter believes entrepreneurs and small-business owners must focus on three core strategies: When hiring ensure the employee has the needed attitude but train for aptitude; stay focused on what's critical; and don't be afraid to take risks.

Schnatter knows from what he speaks. He kicked his business off in 1984 from a broom closet in a bar he co-owned with his dad in his hometown of Jeffersonville, Indiana.    

Today Papa John's has 4,700 restaurants and is the third largest largest pizza chain worldwide. Schnatter credits three strategies he's found invaluable for success and growth. Here's what he shared in a Business Insider report.

1. When hiring new staff a person's attitude is most critical and then comes training for aptitude: It's all about hiring quality people with passion. They are the ones who will likely become long-time employees.
2. Keeping focused is critical: Schnatter said Papa John's success is a result of his company's "unrelenting commitment to quality."
3. Take risks and then take more: Schnatter believes in learning through trial and error, making mistakes, learning from them and taking more risks. Fear can hinder an entrepreneur while a culture of "tinkering” fosters innovation, said Schnatter.