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NOVEMBER 2004

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Meeting our Neighbors: Freddie Wehbe

FROM A COLLEGE student working as a delivery driver to owner of five Gator Dominos stores, exemplifies clear vision and achievement. Wehbe began working at Dominos while earning a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduating with his masters and a short stint as an engineer, Wehbe knew he wanted more. “The choice to work for Dominos was the best decision I’ve made,” says Wehbe.

He took a position as store manager in Merritt Island and within a year doubled the store’s unit sales. Then in 1995 Wehbe made the jump from manager to owner and purchased his first Dominos franchise--store 5150 on SW 13th Street. Now, he not only has four more stores under his belt, but a variety of awards to boot. He’s claimed the Dominos Golden Franny (a coveted award given to the company’s top one percent of franchisees that have shown excellence in areas like sales performance, product quality, store safety, store crew morale and community involvement) not once but over and over again along with the title U.S. National Manager of the Year.

One of his more recent achievements was ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Only a handful of franchise owners were invited as special guests to celebrate the first day of public trading for Dominos Pizza. “It was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Wehbe.

Wehbe believes it’s not just the product but the people that have made his stores a success. With a focus on flawless execution, he makes sure operations run smoothly all the way from the tone when answering the phone to prompt and friendly deliveries. Of his employees Wehbe says, “I plan to continue succeeding by hiring the best people, having the best training and motivating those great people.”

However, Wehbe is more than a successful business owner; he’s a staunch supporter of the people around him. “The community will support a business that supports the community,” explains Wehbe. And it’s not just lip service. Wehbe helps support numerous well-known organizations like the Downtown Arts Festival, Keep Alachua Beautiful, the Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. His contributions frequently include free pizzas to charity participants which can number in the thousands. He also helps smaller organizations such as Little Bits of Honey Memorial Fund, a local charity that raises money for SIDS. Surprisingly, Wehbe doesn’t help organizations with money and pizzas alone, but teaches them how to market themselves so they can be successful too. From assisting with advertising layouts to event planning, Wehbe offers long lasting contributions.

So, is Wehbe going to kick back and rest on his accomplishments? No way. He’s planning on owning one or two more stores here in Gainesville and continuing his community involvement. With his track record for hard work and success, there’s no doubt that whatever he touches will flourish.