Barbecue, Books, & Business with Roland Dickey Jr. | Sam Zell
In this episode of Barbecue, Books, & Business with Roland Dickey Jr., we dive into one of Roland’s latest podcast recommendations: the Founders podcast by David Senra. Roland highlights insights from the episode “Inside the Contrarian Mind of Sam Zell,” exploring the life and lessons of one of America’s most successful real estate moguls.
Here’s what stood out:
1️⃣ Direct Communication: Sam Zell didn’t waste time with subtlety or corporate jargon. He believed in getting straight to the point—a refreshing approach that resonates with anyone who values clarity and efficiency in business.
2️⃣ Intellectual Curiosity: Even into his late 80s, Sam Zell exemplified a lifelong passion for learning. Whether exploring new industries or traveling to places like Mongolia just to immerse himself in the culture, his relentless curiosity fueled his success.
Roland reflects on how these traits—bold honesty and an insatiable thirst for knowledge—are key ingredients for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a barbecue lover, a book enthusiast, or a business aficionado, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.
Let us know what you think! Click here to watch.
About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of Southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts — because real barbecue can’t be rushed.
With more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 “America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains” list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine.
For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. For franchise opportunities, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com.