Ari Weinzweig And Paul Saginaw Illustrate That Good Leadership Is

Zingerman's Zealots: Ari & Paul's Guide to Good Leadership

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about two guys, Ari Weinzweig and Paul Saginaw, who've been running a little deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan, since 1982. Now, you might think, "A deli? Really? That's not exactly Silicon Valley, is it?" Well, hold onto your hats, because these two have been serving up more than just pastrami and pickles. They've been dishing out some serious leadership lessons, and they're hilarious while doing it.

First off, let's talk about their humble beginnings. Ari and Paul were just two dudes with a dream and a whole lot of chutzpah. Ari was this crazy food lover who'd spent time in Israel, eating his way through the Middle East. Paul, on the other hand, was a former ad man who'd had enough of the Madison Avenue grind. They joined forces, scraped together some cash, and opened Zingerman's Delicatessen. And by 'scraped together,' I mean Ari sold his record collection, and Paul sold his car. Talk about commitment, folks!

Lesson 1: Follow Your Passion

Now, you might be thinking, "Sure, that's all well and good, but I can't just up and open a deli." Well, here's the thing: Ari and Paul didn't start out with some grand business plan. They just followed their passion. Ari loved food, Paul loved business, and together, they loved making people happy with great food. So, if you're sitting there thinking, "I wish I could do what I love for a living," take a leaf out of Ari and Paul's book. Start small, follow your passion, and see where it takes you.

But here's where things get really interesting. You'd think that after opening their deli, Ari and Paul would've kicked back, put their feet up, and enjoyed the fruits of their labor. But no, these guys are like the energizer bunnies of the food industry. They started opening more businesses - a bakery, a coffee company, even a creamery. And they didn't just open them and leave them to their own devices. No, they got hands-on.

Lesson 2: Lead by Example

You see, Ari and Paul believe in leading by example. They're not the types to sit in an office, barking orders, and expecting everyone else to do the heavy lifting. No, they're right there in the trenches with their employees, rolling up their sleeves, and getting their hands dirty. And it's not just about making sure things get done. It's about showing their team that they're all in this together.

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but what about the business side of things?" Well, Ari and Paul have a unique approach to that, too. They believe in shared leadership. Instead of having one big boss calling all the shots, they've created a structure where everyone has a say in how things run. It's like a big, delicious democracy.

The Founder of Zingerman's Deli Reveals His Secret to Success | Inc.com

Lesson 3: Share the Power

But here's where it gets really crazy. Ari and Paul have even given away ownership of their businesses to their employees. Yes, you heard me right. They've turned over the keys to the kingdom to the very people who make their businesses run. And you know what? It's worked. Zingerman's has become a multi-million dollar business with over 700 employees, and they've never had to lay off a single person, even during the Great Recession.

So, what's the secret to Ari and Paul's success? Is it their delicious food? Their amazing leadership skills? Their sheer, unadulterated chutzpah? Well, it's probably a bit of all three. But more than anything, it's their ability to inspire those around them. They've created a culture where everyone feels valued, everyone feels heard, and everyone feels like they're part of something bigger than themselves.

And that, my friends, is a recipe for success that's as delicious as it is inspiring. So, the next time you're feeling stuck in your career, remember Ari and Paul. Remember that it's never too late to follow your passion, lead by example, and share the power. And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll be running a little deli of your own, serving up more than just sandwiches - you'll be serving up a side of leadership that's as tasty as it is effective.