Today we’d like to introduce you to Randall Blakeslee
Hi Randall, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
With over 35 years of experience in the Food and Beverage industry, I’m a seasoned professional with a background in various leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Director of Human Resources, Executive Director, and General Manager. My F&B expertise extends from fast food to fine dining establishments, with a strong foundation in multi-unit leadership.
I’m also a 21-year retired disabled veteran, having served as a US Army Major and former Sergeant First Class. My career took me around the world. I traveled and served in Okinawa, South Korea, Iraq, El Salvador, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the District of Columbia, and throughout the United States. I’m blessed to possess an extensive background in executive-level leadership, brand management, full-service marketing, personnel strength management, and community outreach.
I’m a second-generation legal immigrant, raised in a single-parent household in Tampa, FL. At 18, I found myself homeless. Through the struggles inherent in that particular social status, I solidified my relationship with God, picked myself up, got on my feet, and started taking college classes. Eventually, I enlisted in the US Army to pay for college, while serving my country. I never left and enjoyed my time in uniform.
Lastly, I am proud to graduate with a Master of Arts in International Relations and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. I love spending time with my football-loving family, my wife Melissa (ICU RN), our children Madison, Ethan, and Lorenzo, and our dogs Mocha and Scottie.
Thank you for your time!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I came from the lower end of the middle class. I grew up never knowing my father and was raised by an amazing mother. She always worked at least two jobs. I was a latchkey kid with no constant male role model or mentor. That fast was my biggest struggle in life. I just didn’t know it at that time.
I made poor decisions after high school and before I knew it, I was couch surfing and then I had no place to call home. That was a struggle and a lesson in humility. However, it did bring me face-to-face with our Creator. I pledged my heart and soul to him and he honored me with many blessings ever since.
Once I joined the Army, the struggles I endured up until that point disappeared forever. The new challenges involved navigating a career in the Army. That usually meant being away from family a lot all the time. My body also took a beating during my time in uniform. I live in constant pain. It’s a part of life for me. I am 100% VA disabled and I enjoy the benefits that come along with that status. However, living in daily pain takes a toll.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I serve as the Director of Operations for Big Husky LLC, a Blaze Pizza Franchise Group. I oversee day-to-day operations for all locations, working with and mentoring each locations General Managers. We own and operate five Blaze Pizzas throughout the DFW Metroplex, including Arlington, Fort Worth, Frisco, Mansfield, and Rowlett. We humbly employ over 80 team members.
Blaze Pizza is an Atlanta, Georgia–based fast-casual pizza restaurant chain. Founded in 2011 by Elise and Rick Wetzel of Wetzel’s Pretzels, the chain is known for serving made-to-order pizzas. Lebron James was an early investor and now there are over 330 Blaze Pizzas operating in the United States. Big Husky is the largest Blaze Pizza franchise group in the DWF metroplex.
We always partner with local high schools and sports teams. We also help organizations raise funds by offering various fundraiser options at any of our locations. We strive to help our local communites.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I learned is that human capital is every organization’s greatest asset. Small and large businesses rise and fall based on the talent on their roster and leaders among them.
The importance of solid, trusted leadership can never overstated. Leadership is everything and the hardest part about leadership is everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bighusky.info/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randall_dfw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rblakeslee
