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In this blog, we’re diving into the wisdom shared by Mark Herman, CEO of Dion’s, a beloved New Mexico-based pizza chain. Mark is also a Vistage Chair, Executive Coach and Speaker!)
From starting as a 17-year-old employee at Dion’s to becoming the CEO, Mark’s journey offers leadership gems that go far beyond pizza-making.
Mark’s experiences serve as a masterclass in leading with heart, empathy, and connection. Let’s break it down into three main leadership lessons:
1. Start with Leadership of Self: Personal Accountability and Growth
Mark’s first piece of advice is all about leadership of self—understanding how you show up in the world and how you interact with others. Before you can lead others, you need to lead yourself.
Leadership Tip: Master your mindset. Mark learned early on that how you show up influences those around you. Leadership begins with personal accountability—owning your time, your responses, and your promises. Whether it’s sticking to deadlines or staying composed under pressure, your self-discipline sets the standard for your team.
Make It Fun: Imagine your inner dialogue as a pizza order—are you keeping things simple, or are you throwing in every topping and causing confusion? Keep your internal “menu” clear and stick to what matters most.
2. Build Relationships by Getting Personal
In Mark’s first management role, he quickly realized that creating a positive team culture required more than just task management—it required real human connection. He learned that by working alongside his team and engaging with them about their personal lives, he created a deeper bond, fostering an atmosphere where people were willing to go the extra mile for each other.
Leadership Tip: Get to know your team on a personal level. Building genuine relationships creates trust. Don’t be afraid to ask your team members how their weekend was or what their personal goals are outside of work. The more you understand what motivates them, the better you can lead them. This fosters collaboration, not just compliance.
Make It Fun: Picture your team like ingredients in a pizza—every ingredient has its unique flavor, AND when combined thoughtfully, they create something amazing. How well do you know the “flavors” on your team?
3. Cultivate Leadership in Others: Creating Space for Growth
Mark also emphasizes the importance of nurturing leadership in others. At Dion’s, they focus on helping young employees develop life skills, like responsibility, time management, and collaboration, to prepare them for success beyond the workplace. Mark calls this “teaching them how to adult.” (We LOVE this about Dion's!)
Leadership Tip: Create space for growth. Allow your team to take on new challenges, make mistakes, and grow from them. Guide them to find their own leadership style by encouraging autonomy and accountability. When people feel empowered, they’re more likely to step up and take initiative.
Make It Fun: Think of your leadership as pizza dough—stretch it out! Let your team stretch themselves in new ways and rise to the occasion. The more room you give them, the higher they’ll soar.
Conclusion:
Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about caring for those you lead. Mark Herman’s journey from a teenage pizza employee to CEO of Dion’s is proof that leadership starts with personal accountability, builds through human connection, and thrives when you invest in others. So, whether you’re running a business or managing a small team, remember these three core lessons: lead yourself first, connect with your people, and create space for growth. And hey, don’t forget to enjoy a slice of life (and pizza) while you’re at it! Dion's is AMAYZING!
Dion's is a popular pizza chain based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for its hand-tossed pizzas, fresh salads, and house-made subs. The restaurant has a reputation for quality ingredients, friendly service, and a family-friendly atmosphere. One of their standout features is their ranch dressing, which has a cult following among fans. They also offer a range of topping options, including classic favorites like pepperoni and sausage, as well as green chile, reflecting their New Mexican roots. Founded in 1978, it has expanded beyond New Mexico to locations in Colorado and Texas. In addition to pizza, their menu includes subs, salads, and sides, making it a popular spot for quick, satisfying meals. Despite growing into a chain, Dion’s has managed to maintain a local feel and commitment to the community.
Vision: To be the most admired restaurant brand in the country.
Promises: To our Customers, we provide great food, a comfortable place to relax, and ease in a busy day. To our Employees, we provide an inspiring place to start and build fulfilling lives and careers. To our Communities, we are a trusted partner to foster youth development.
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