Based in Atkins, Iowa, John Chadima spent nearly a decade as the owner of multiple Firehouse Subs locations. Three of his eastern Iowa restaurants surpassed $1 million in annual sales in both 2023 and 2024. In addition to his business successes, John Chadima utilized the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to donate $400,000 in life-saving equipment to eastern Iowa first responder agencies.
Before his career as a Firehouse Subs franchisee, John Chadima served as the senior associate athletic director at the University of Wisconsin, a position that involved the management of a comprehensive sports program consisting of 23 sports and a $90 million budget. He first joined the program as an administrative football operations assistant in 1990, followed by time as the director of facilities and events and assistant athletic director of football operations.
John Chadima holds a physical education and athletic administration degree from the University of Iowa. He maintains ServSafe Certification with the National Restaurant Association and the Food and Drug Administration. He has also attended numerous regional and national Firehouse Subs meetings.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start with daily morning Catholic Church readings and associated reflections. Or I go to mass once or twice a week. I am a lector at every Friday mass. My parish is St Jude’s, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Now that I recently sold my Firehouse Subs restaurants, I have taken the last few months to spend more time with my local family and to travel, including my first trip to Italy and Rome. This time has also allowed me to reach out to and connect with former acquaintances, etc… I typically also get a daily workout, anything from a long walk, a bike ride, or a gym workout. I am just starting to search for my next professional endeavour in life.
How do you bring ideas to life?
First and foremost, when I have an idea, I consult with my somewhat-small life support group. Once I gather information, then I move quickly to execute the move.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Hopefully, there is a trend taking place leading people back to the Christian faith.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Consulting with others – Gathering information from them and using it in a positive manner.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Slow down. Don’t be impulsive or make rash decisions. Rather, contemplate them through prayer and through consulting with your trusted support group.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
That the consecrated body and blood of Christ is just that: the ACTUAL body and blood of Christ. Made that way through the origins of the Catholic Church and started by the original church leaders – our first pope – St Peter!
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Pray. Pray for others, pray for peace, pray for the end to divisions in our country and in our world. Pray for those less fortunate than us.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
If this state is caused by being tired, overworked, or lack of sleep, then I try to relax and reset by either getting my sleep or, at the very least, by finding time to slow down and put my feet up. Or by forcing myself to workout. Lastly, by listening to music and/or by saying the Rosary.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
The Golden Rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. Also, I hire good people, train them in the profession, allow them to do their job, and hold them accountable. Do not micro-manage. Provide positive feedback when warranted and provide positive corrective measures when needed.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I am not a big software guy. However, I forced myself to learn how to use Excel and, along with that, the QuickBooks platform. This is a must for any business owner.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Giving back to the church to support our annual summer festival.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Make Your Bed is my most favourite book. Make your bed every morning and never, ever “ring the bell.” The book contains real-life stories written by a former Navy Seal…
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed the movie Air…the story of Michael Jordan and the birth of his relationship with Nike. It brought me back to my younger days and told an amazing true story of Michael, Phil Knight, Sonny Vaccaro, and how Air Jordans were born. It also shared the wonderful story of Michael’s mother and her most important role in this relationship. Also, the statistics at the end of the movie, which showed all the financial support that Nike, Michael, and his mother have given back to others in need.
Key learnings
- Be a good person in life
- Strategically utilize the wisdom and knowledge of others whom you trust.
- Give back to those in need and have a positive impact on the lives of others.
- Have great faith in God.