Starting a pizzeria at age 22 might seem ill-advised — and even though Mike Bausch did it, he frankly wouldn’t advise anyone else to do the same. 

But the now-owner of Andolini’s Pizza bases his customer experience on one big concept: “If you’re not impressive, by default, you’re unimpressive.” Process standardization and careful staff training provide a killer customer experience, a core part of Andolini’s brand. 

With marketing, Mike wants you to appeal to the individual. 

“The number one headline of marketing is connecting to the selfishness of an individual,” he says. “What the value is to them is how you have a value proposition.”

In other words, focus on what you can give the customer and how you can appeal to their why, not why you want them to choose your business. It’s about them — not you. 

On this episode of the Constant Contact podcast, Be a Marketer, Mike shares what he’s learned since opening his first pizzeria in 2005 with host Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact. 

👉 Check out the full recording of the panel discussion featuring Mike Bausch, Candid Conversations: Celebrating Small Business Success

☕ What he does: Mike of Andolini’s Worldwide Restaurant Group is a pizza restaurateur in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He started his first restaurant, Andolini’s Pizzeria, in 2005 at the age of 22. 

💡 Key quote: “That’s where the real secret sauce is [in marketing]: automation and connection.”

👋 Where to find him: Book | Instagram | LinkedIn

👋 Where to find Andolini’s Pizzeria: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube