Gus Tawachi has an impressive and diverse work history in the food industry. Let’s break it down:
Restaurant Ownership and Franchising:
Since 1987, Tawachi has been involved in the restaurant business.
He started with small fast-food chains and eventually became a franchisee and franchise developer for Country Kitchen restaurants in Alberta, Canada.
Later, he expanded his reach by opening over 10 successful restaurants in California and Miami, Florida.
Dickey’s BBQ Franchisee:
Tawachi’s journey continued as he became one of the largest franchisees for Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in the USA.
Dickey’s is known for its Texas-style barbecue, and Tawachi’s role as a franchisee likely involved managing and operating multiple locations.
Gyro Manufacturing and Processing:
In addition to restaurants, Tawachi owned and operated a family business focused on gyro manufacturing in Alberta, Canada.
Now, he has taken it a step further by opening a CFIA-approved factory in Welland, Ontario.
This factory processes gyros, souvlaki, kabobs, and more, expanding his influence in the food industry.
Tawachi’s extensive experience demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability across different aspects of the culinary world. If you have any further questions or need additional details, feel free to ask!
Company: food pus more
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Gus Tawachi Tawachi: I have a diverse work history in the food industry. Let’s break it down:
Restaurant Ownership and Franchising:
Since 1987, Tawachi has been involved in the restaurant business.
I started with small fast-food chains and eventually became a franchisee and franchise developer for Country Kitchen restaurants in Alberta, Canada.
Later, I expanded his reach by opening over 10 successful restaurants in California and Miami, Florida.
Dickey’s BBQ Franchisee:
My journey continued as I became one of the largest franchisees for Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in the USA.
Dickey’s is known for its Texas-style barbecue, and my role as a franchisee likely involved managing and operating multiple locations.
Gyro Manufacturing and Processing:
In addition to restaurants, I owned and operated a family business focused on gyro manufacturing in Alberta, Canada.
Now, I have taken it a step further by opening a CFIA-approved factory in Weland, Ontario.
This factory processes gyros, souvlaki, kabobs, and more, expanding his influence in the food industry.
My extensive experience demonstrates my entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability across different aspects of the culinary world.
Food Plus More is a trusted source for high-quality halal Donair meat. It meets stringent USDA and CFIA regulations, ensuring top-notch sanitation, safety, and traceability. Their products include halal beef Donair, which adheres to Islamic dietary laws, providing a cleaner and more natural product. Food Plus More’s journey combines tradition and innovation, and it supplies the food industry throughout North America.
How has the significance of networking evolved over the past decades?
Gus Tawachi Tawachi: Over the past decade, networking has undergone significant transformations.
Cloud Computing Revolution:
Cloud services have become integral to enterprise computing.
Companies now adopt cloud-based infrastructure (e.g., Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Office 365) for scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness1.
User-Centric Shift:
Users embraced cloud tools for personal tasks (e.g., Gmail).
Enterprises followed suit, leveraging cloud services for productivity and collaboration.
Accessing centralized tools across devices and locations became seamless1.
Advances in Internet Technologies:
Digital content streaming, video conferencing, AI, cryptocurrencies, and smart homes/cities emerged.
Faster networks (e.g., 4G) enabled richer experiences and global connectivity2.
Network Effects:
Networks redefine economies and individual lives.
Continual advancement drives innovation and acceleration.
In summary, networking now empowers seamless collaboration, scalability, and global connectivity.
Can you share a personal story where one networking interaction led to unexpected doors opening, and how it highlights the ripple effect of networking?
Gus Tawachi Tawachi: Email networking has proven to be a powerful tool for our businesses in generating new leads and expanding our client base. In our case, we used networking via email to reach out to many potential customers and we were unexpectedly able to start a dialogue with three large franchises that normally would have taken us many months to get their attention.
Regular communication via email allows our businesses to nurture relationships with existing clients, partners, and industry contacts.
By sharing valuable content, updates, and personalized messages, we stay top-of-mind and foster trust.
Referrals and Introductions:
Email enables easy referrals. Satisfied clients can introduce our business to potential leads.
A well-crafted email requesting introductions has opened doors to new accounts and partnerships.
we can proactively reach out to potential clients via email.
Our Well-targeted cold emails, personalized and relevant, can pique interest and lead to meaningful conversations.
Automated Campaigns:
Email marketing platforms allow businesses to automate lead nurturing.
Drip campaigns, newsletters, and follow-ups keep leads engaged and informed.
In summary, strategic email networking helps businesses expand their reach, create opportunities, and convert leads into valuable accounts.
What are some common networking mistakes people make, and how can they pivot to turn potential missteps into learning experiences?
Gus Tawachi Tawachi: Networking is a valuable skill, and avoiding common mistakes can help you build stronger connections. Here are some common networking missteps and strategies to overcome them:
Asking for Too Much Too Soon: Instead of immediately asking for favors, focus on building authentic relationships. Offer help to others first, like referrals or invitations to events. People are more likely to assist you when they see your sincerity.
Controlling the Conversation: While sharing your ideas is important, practice active listening. Show genuine interest by asking questions about the other person’s background and interests. Let them lead the conversation.
Being Overly Cautious: Don’t stick only to familiar faces. Approach new people to expand your network. Offer introductions to those you already know and ask for the same in return. Take minor breaks if you feel nervous.
Leaving Without a Follow-Up Plan: After networking, follow up with new contacts. Send a thank-you email, connect on LinkedIn, or schedule a coffee chat.
How do you see the future of networking evolving with the rise of AI, VR, and other technologies?
Gus Tawachi Tawachi: The future of networking is exciting, especially with the integration of AI, VR, and other emerging technologies. Here are some trends to watch:
Virtual Reality (VR) Networking:
VR can create immersive environments for networking events, conferences, and meetings.
Imagine attending a virtual conference where you can interact with avatars, explore virtual booths, and engage in real-time conversations.
VR networking can break geographical barriers and enhance collaboration.
AI-Driven Personalization:
AI algorithms can analyze user behavior, preferences, and interests to recommend relevant connections.
Chatbots powered by AI can assist with introductions, follow-ups, and scheduling meetings.
AI can also predict networking opportunities based on your professional goals.
Blockchain for Trust and Security:
Blockchain technology can enhance trust in networking by ensuring data integrity and preventing fraud.
Decentralized identity systems can give users control over their personal information.
Smart contracts can automate networking agreements and collaborations.
Mixed Reality (MR) Networking:
MR combines elements of VR and augmented reality (AR).
Imagine attending a physical event while wearing AR glasses that overlay digital information on the real world.
MR can enhance face-to-face interactions by providing context and relevant data.
Data-Driven Insights:
AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify networking patterns, trends, and opportunities.
Predictive analytics can help professionals make informed decisions about attending specific events or connecting with certain individuals.
Automated Networking Platforms:
AI-powered platforms can match professionals based on skills, interests, and goals.
These platforms can automate introductions, suggest relevant events, and track networking progress.
Remember, while technology enhances networking, the core principles remain the same: authenticity, active listening, and building meaningful relationships. As these technologies evolve, networking will become more efficient, inclusive, and dynamic.
