A Slice of the Pie: How to Build a Big Little Business Hardcover – September 13, 2012

It sounds like several of us here know Nick. It could seem that we're just cheer-leading a friend. It's much more than that. If anything is understated in the book, it's Nick's commitment. It's palpable and contagious. The compelling story of Nick's will attract entrepreneurial business owners who rightfully see Nick's process as a pathway to success. Indeed, it is. However, in working with others who want to rise to purpose while leading growth and great teams, it can be hardest to achieve the understanding that absolute and total commitment from the leader come first. Nick is so remarkable because his commitment radiates in his belief that anyone can make big things possible -- in people and in business. He is ALL IN in the truest sense. (Sleeping in his car and working into the night using headlights to build a building for a business that only existed in his dreams...are just one slice of one pepperoni.)It also matters that Nick loves his "product" -- recognizing it includes the food he serves as well as the Nick's Experience. "Nick's" is a "brand" because it's all product -- all real. And Nick's love for it is genuine. This can be a stumbling block for global companies. In that environment. "product" is the means-to-an-end, and the "brand" is a proxy -- an image that is itself not real -- standing for something few who market it care about in the deepest sense.Here Nick has something in common with Steve Jobs' legacy: unparalled success starts with loving the product, and *everything* is product. When that's true, a brand imprint...happens....reinforced with every experience, never forced by so-called marketing. It's a relationship. The reader of "A Slice of the Pie" can relate because Nick's down-to-earth self comes through. His voice reaches beyond the page, revealing a quality that is sometimes hardest for entrepreneurs -- humility. He's open to hearing -- and glad to hear -- if/when/how he goes off-track, knowing a commitment to purpose pulls you higher, with no stopping point or top.As a breed, entrepreneurs want success. Nick offers a blueprint for that success. But, sometimes you have to read between the lines for the most important part of the story. The owner/leader has to be all in -- heart, soul, gut, blood, sweat, tears, for better and for worse. So, beware: the "slice of the pie" may be the smallest part of this story. It's only possible because Nick himself holds the big picture and the bottom line: leading requires an absolute commitment and unshakable belief that what you're working for *matters.*

This book is very easy to read and understand the necessity of creating a culture based on purpose with defining values to determine the best way in a multitude of situations. I would like to meet the owner of this restaurant and would welcome the opportunity to learn more about him. It is business owners (leaders) like Nick that give me hope for the future as there is nothing more pleasant than having fun with friends, and family at a nice meal. I would frequent Nick's restaurant if it was located anywhere near my geographic location.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has a company or anyone who works in a company. It show you that you can truly have an excellent positive happy work environment.I love the transparency with which he wrote this book.

I started reading but it wasn't a page turner. I prefer facts, timelines and numbers. The sky is blue and the grass is green, "filler" is not my cup of tea. Looking for detailed facts not a story with filler. Couldn't finish but will try again sometime in the future. Maybe all the good stuff is at the end.

Pretty good

He's a bit arrogant.

C

Great advice in here

I have been a restaurant owner for 13 years and thought I knew a little about how best to run a profitable restaurant. This book totally blew me away. Packed full of inspirational new ways to run your business with maximum buy in from all your team. The book will challenge you to look at your "pride and joy" in a totally different way. I think you will love what you see.