Young Ones: Chris Volk

Name: Chris Volk Rank: 12 Age: 29 Position: Franchisee Company: Pita Pit

Chris Volk is a Hazen, North Dakota native and Army veteran. At the age of 21, Volk decided to enlist in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Drum in New York, near the first Pita Pit location in Kingston, Ontario. After extensive research he found out that Pita Pit offered a discount on franchise fees for qualified veterans. As a military veteran, Volk placed a high value on discipline, precision and following a set plan, which he has been able to transfer into success with Pita Pit. Volk is currently a multi-unit franchise spearheading the growth of Pita Pit throughout North Dakota. I GOT INTO FRANCHISING: I was getting out of the Army and started looking at different career options. I kept leaning towards the entrepreneurial route and that’s when I began looking into franchises. I LOVE FRANCHISING: Because the Pita Pit concept works. Pita Pit is newer and it feels good to help come up with new ideas to help the whole franchise grow. IN THE FUTURE: I hope I can help Pita Pit rank in the top 100 of quick service restaurants and maintain its top position in the pita category. DO YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE OPPORTUNITY: With Pita Pit, Yes. FUTURE FRANCHISORS SHOULD: Make sure your concept is solid and works well. Make sure you give the proper advice to your franchisees and be open to your franchisees’ suggestions on new ideas and any improvement they may have towards old ones. FUTURE FRANCHISEES SHOULD: Listen to your franchisor. They created the concept and know how it works best. Don’t be afraid to raise issues or new ideas with them. --Matt Diaz