Danna Caldwell is the co- founder of Menchie's and a human resources professional.
System revenue was $188 million.Private growth plans are 1 year, 500 stores, $250 million, 3 years, 700 stores and 5 years.
What made you the leader you are today?I think the life experiences that shaped me as a leader were the ones where people didn't believe I could do something.The idea of turning life's difficult moments into better opportunities has helped me as I lead, and getting fired was the catalyst that led us to start.I remind those I work with that things don't always come easy, but out of those times the most growth is achieved.I use those experiences to guide my team.
My father was one of my biggest role models.My father spoke little English when he arrived in the U.S.He was able to grow his business and raise his family despite the hurdles.He taught me a lot about business and family life.The belief in yourself, standing up for what's right, and knowing you can do what you set your mind to do are all lessons I learned from him.Not everything he did was successful, but he always got back up and achieved success again and was always willing to take a chance.
Dale Carnegie's How To Win Friends and Influence People is a management book that has profoundly affected me.Success in my life and in the lives of others often stems from how you treat the people around you.It's important to be an effective listener and always see those around you.People often forget these age-old lessons.
Is mentorship making a difference in your life?I learned from my father that smart people learn from their mistakes.To make your own experiences better, you must be willing to hear what worked and what didn't from those before you.This has helped me many times.We were able to open our first location by using this skill and looking for all the knowledge that those around me had.I try to pass on the lessons I have learned to those around me so they can benefit from my experiences as well.
Women in their communities who do amazing things while trying to achieve their goals are the female leaders I admire the most.Jenny Poon is one that comes to mind.Jenny started a successful co-working space, Co+Hoots, in Phoenix while trying to grow her own design company.I admire community-level leaders who rise up in the face of a challenge and fill a void.It's a difficult role that gets overlooked in favor of more lucrative C-level positions.I admire more and more these community-level doers every day.
What do you like most about your brand?Our brand has a strong connection to family and community.We are more than just a dessert place.The connection we have with our guests is special, and having a young family of my own I see the amazing role that a community place like Menchie's has for people.Every time I visit Menchie's locations around the world, I see that connection in my own community.