Jeremy Hammer’s role as the Payson, AZ Pizza Hut’s Restaurant General Manager (RGM) is more than just a job, it’s a trip down memory lane. That’s because Jeremy grew up visiting Payson, AZ with his grandparents, and they stopped at the very same Pizza Hut many times. Jeremy even recalls playing the restaurant’s old Pac-Man game and jukebox machine as a kid!
It’s safe to say that Jeremy’s workplace holds a special place in his heart. Every day, he’s able to indulge in his own nostalgia and strive to improve the restaurant for the future.
FUN-LOVING LEADERSHIP
If we had to pick one word to describe Jeremy’s management style, it would simply be “fun.” Jeremy has a great sense of humor that he brings to work every day.
“It’s a stressful job, but we have fun,” Jeremy shares, adding that when his restaurant gets particularly busy he will yell “Stop!” and then invite the crew to join him in a 30-second dance party. “Anything to break up the monotony,” he says.
When asked what his favorite part of being an RGM is, Jeremy shares that “Everyone has everyone’s back. Everyone jumps in to help.” His team, in his words, “likes to keep Payson on the tips of people’s tongues!”
The positive, fun-loving culture that Jeremy has built at his restaurant is undoubtedly what has helped his Pizza Hut location succeed. Through organization and persistence, they’ve reached sales numbers that are among the best in the company — and just a few Saturdays ago, they broke a Desert de Oro (DDO) record!
STANDOUT SUPPORT
When it comes to being a part of the larger DDO family, Jeremy really appreciates how dedicated we are to taking care of the people who work for us. “It’s very close knit,” he says of our company culture. “I’ve been in environments where your superiors just tell you what you’re not doing correctly,” he shares. At DDO, Jeremy adds, that’s definitely not the case. He feels regularly uplifted and recognized for his accomplishments.
“Knowing that you can walk right up to the owner of the company and engage in conversation — that’s important.”
Jeremy Hammer, RGM, Pizza Hut
This year, Jeremy felt support tenfold when he began experiencing some serious health issues. His crew and leaders stayed in close contact while he recovered, and his Regional Director even ran shifts in the restaurant while Jeremy was on leave.
“I have never worked for a company that moved mountains to help me in any way they could,” he says gratefully of his tough time.
ABOVE & BEYOND
We would be remiss if we didn’t include that Jeremy isn’t just an RGM. After two years in the role, Jeremy’s boss asked him if he’d like to become a Regional Training Coach, too. He happily accepted, and even got to train his own daughter — who’s now RGM at the 48th Street Pizza Hut!
And as for what Jeremy’s career holds? “Once I feel my restaurant is where it should be, I might climb the ladder. I love events, I love being around people, and I’m kind of a social media guru. Maybe the marketing department? Who knows!” he says excitedly.
No matter where Jeremy ends up, he knows we’ll have his back: “It’s a company where there’s endless possibilities.”