[quote style=”boxed”]I wake up very early and go for a run. This clears my head. I then stretch out using a foam roller, take a contrast shower and plan my day. To be productive, I have to plan my day before it plans me.[/quote]
Phil is the Founder and CEO of DASHED, the leading restaurant delivery service in the Northeast. In 2013, DASHED was recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the US, ranking #119 nationwide and #7 in Massachusetts on Inc. Magazine’s Inc 500|5000 list.
An avid runner, Phil completed the 2013 ING New York Marathon in under 4 hours (3:55:32), and is currently training for the 2014 Rome Marathon and the 2014 BMW Berlin Marathon, along with several other competitive races around the world. In his free time, Phil enjoys skiing, yoga, writing and playing with his dogs in Central Park.
Where did the idea for DASHED come from?
It all started over a life-changing dinner with my brother in May of 2009.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I wake up very early and go for a run. This clears my head. I then stretch out using a foam roller, take a contrast shower and plan my day. To be productive, I have to plan my day before it plans me. Then I’ll head to one of our offices or into the field to meet with restaurants.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I talk them out with people I trust.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Smart watches.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Definitely exercise — I wouldn’t be sane without it.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
Scooping Italian ice. I learned that the customer is always right.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would have done more to “break out” of my silo earlier. Getting more exposure to different people, ideas and businesses has been transformational. I thank my girlfriend for helping me do this now.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend that everyone finds time to unwind and unplug. Working all the time and not taking a break is a recipe for unhappiness. Stepping away from the business will actually fuel your creativity and clarity and you’ll come back with a fresh perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
We focus on doing one thing, and doing it very well. We are a delivery company, so first and foremost, delivery times drive everything we do. We have a speed obsession, because no one wants to be waiting for their food when they’re hungry. I know first-hand. Staying focused on just this, offering the fastest delivery, is what causes our customer satisfaction, loyalty, and our ultimately success.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Not to beat a dead horse, but trying to do too many things at once. There is a limit to what you can do, and when you do too many things at once (like over-expansion), you’ll be mediocre at everything you do, instead of excelling at one thing.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Build a review/ratings platform that is driven only by people I trust.
Tell us something about you that very few people know?
I can’t whistle.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
Flow is a great to-do/task-manager tool for our company. It holds everyone accountable and keeps people on the same page.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I’m sure most people have already read it, but I still have to recommend 4 Hour Work Week. It will help you get more done in less time.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
@realDonaldTrump
Connect:
DASHED on Facebook:
DASHED on LinkedIn:
DASHED on Twitter: @DASHEDdelivery
Philip Dumontet on LinkedIn:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.