Ammar Jali’s remarkable career showcases his dedication, vision, and leadership. Starting as a part-time driver for a national franchise while studying Electrical Engineering at NYIT, Jali excelled academically and professionally, earning his degree with honors. After graduation, he worked as a Fiber Optics Engineer at Festo Didactics, contributing to significant projects for clients like Disney, and receiving recognition for his work. However, Jali’s entrepreneurial drive led him to pursue new challenges outside the engineering field. In 1994, he used an SBA loan to purchase his first national franchise in Long Island, NY. His experiences from both his engineering background and his time in the service industry shaped his commitment to creating a positive work environment. Jali’s philosophy, “Customer service is not a department; it’s an attitude,” drives his approach to business, ensuring each customer interaction is exceptional. Focused on consistency, loyalty, and top-tier service, Jali’s business model prioritizes offering quality products at reasonable prices. His leadership extends beyond his own success, as he mentors and empowers his team members, many of whom have gone on to own their own franchises. Outside of his business ventures, Ammar Jali enjoys traveling the world, having visited diverse destinations across the globe, which further enriches his personal and professional outlook. His story is a testament to how one can use their entrepreneurial spirit to not only achieve success but also foster growth and mentorship in others.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me involves balancing my leadership duties in the franchise business with nurturing my teams and maintaining consistent customer satisfaction. I start my mornings with a review of key business metrics and respond to important messages. I then visit some of my franchises, ensuring everything is running smoothly and addressing any concerns. To stay productive, I prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and empower my team members to take ownership of their responsibilities. Keeping a positive and focused attitude throughout the day helps me lead by example.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by focusing on a clear vision, research, and execution. I start by assessing the feasibility of the idea, ensuring it aligns with my values of customer service and employee empowerment. Once I have a solid plan, I involve my team, ensuring they feel a sense of ownership and excitement. Collaboration and consistent follow-through are key to turning ideas into reality, whether it’s a new marketing strategy or an improvement in our customer service.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the increasing role of technology in improving customer experience and business efficiency. The integration of mobile apps, social media, and online ordering systems is transforming how businesses engage with customers, particularly in the food industry. I believe these tools will continue to shape the future of franchises and customer interactions, making businesses more accessible and responsive.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is my focus on time management. I dedicate blocks of time for specific tasks and ensure that I am not distracted by unrelated matters. Whether it’s a team meeting or reviewing financials, this method helps me stay organized and ensures that I maintain control of my schedule.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to embrace challenges and be open to learning from every experience, especially from failures. Every setback has the potential to teach valuable lessons. Trust in your abilities, but also surround yourself with people who can mentor and guide you. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks when the time is right.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that customer service is more about attitude than simply following procedures. Many people think of it as a department, but for me, it’s a mindset that should permeate every aspect of a business. Providing exceptional service is not just about meeting customer expectations; it’s about exceeding them in ways that feel personal and genuine.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I always recommend that people invest in their relationships with their teams. Whether you’re a business owner or in any other field, building trust and rapport with your colleagues will not only improve work culture but also lead to better outcomes for the company.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a moment to step back and prioritize. I often break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This helps me regain clarity and focus. I also make sure to recharge by stepping away for a brief walk or spending time with family, which helps me reset and return to work with a fresh perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has significantly helped me grow my business is focusing on employee development and mentorship. I’ve successfully mentored several general managers to become franchise owners. By fostering a growth mindset within my team and empowering individuals to take leadership roles, I’ve built a strong network of motivated leaders who share my vision, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of my business.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure early in my career was underestimating the complexity of managing a large team. I was too focused on the operations and not enough on supporting my team. I overcame this by shifting my focus toward leadership development, emphasizing communication and team-building. The lesson I learned is that successful businesses are built on the strength of their teams, and strong leadership is key to cultivating that.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A business idea I’d suggest is creating a mobile app or online platform that connects local service providers (plumbers, electricians, cleaners) with customers in real-time. This service could offer instant booking, transparent pricing, and customer reviews, providing value to both the consumers and service providers.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One book that has had a significant impact on me is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. It helped me develop a proactive mindset and prioritize the things that matter most in both my personal and professional life. The principles in the book align with my approach to leadership and managing my business.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed Chef’s Table on Netflix. The show’s exploration of the creative process behind world-class chefs resonated with me because of the attention to detail, passion, and perseverance involved in making a restaurant successful. It reminded me of the importance of craftsmanship and the desire to continuously improve in my business.
Key learnings
- Empowering and mentoring teams is crucial for business growth.
- Customer service is an attitude, not just a department.
- Time management and prioritization are essential for productivity.
- Strategic investments in leadership and personal development pay long-term dividends.
- Success often requires embracing challenges and learning from failure.