He moved to the U.S. in 1991. Now, he owns 270 Papa Johns stores
58 -year -old Nadeem Bajwa is the founding partner and CEO of Bajco Group.
With the permission of Nadeem Bajwa
In 1991, Nadeem Bajwa emigrated from Pakistan to the United States. On the way to the university in Indiana, he did several jobs, including delivery of pizza for the restaurant chain Pope John’s, and won $ 4.25 per hour.
Today, there is a 58 -year -old fast food empire. Bajwa is now a large franchise owner of the Pope Johns in North America, and more than 270 in the country.
Also CEO Bajco Group, He founded with his two brothers and has a variety of company portfolio, including construction, technology, accounting, Pope Johns portfolio and more.
Immigrant success
Bajwa’s way to success was not easy. At the beginning of his twenties, he became the first person to move to the United States in his family and faced many difficulties in arrival.
“To come to the United States, this was actually my first flight [ever.] I have never been flying before, “Bajwa said.” Just getting on a plane was a full fly that happened here, [there was] Too much worry … but I was determined to do that. “
He said that he was experiencing a little cultural shock and that he was fighting communication because he was not fluent in English. Bajwa, “Sometimes, when you are away from the family and when you are alone … It was very, very difficult.” He said.
Bajwa received some side concerts to finance university expenses.
“My first spelling, I did three jobs … Washing the food [during] Breakfast time and then to deliver pizza in the afternoon and late at night, Taco Bell works at Taco Bell, B Bajwa said CNBC do this.
“Fort Wayne, I was living in Indiana and … When they came to town, I started to surrender to Pope John’s, and from there he just started to love it, and his tips were good, so he helped.” He said.
Nadeem Bajwa brothers and Bajco Group, Faisal Bajwa and Founding Partners of Abdul Malik Bajwa.
By the permission of Bajco Group.
Bajwa quickly rose to Pope John’s ranks. When he graduated from the university in 1996, he passed to the field manager from being a delivery driver. After graduation, Bajwa applied the role of several companies, because that’s what he always expects to do after his work.
“I applied for some jobs, and behind my mind, I hope I wouldn’t get a corporate job, but I wanted to try it because it was one of the signs of control.” “I just didn’t want to regret it, because I thought I was going to the whole life, the corporate sector.”
“But when I go to find [corporate] Business, I couldn’t get it [a] The job that will pay me … more than I do anyway [at Papa John’s]”Bajwa said. Therefore, Pizza decided to stay in the business and run multiple pizza stores before becoming a franchise.
In July 2002, with the help of family support and bank loans, Bajwa opened the first Pope John’s East Liverpool, Ohio.
“I bought used equipment at a very low price and then I built the store halfway [of] What would I have [paid]Because I did a lot [the labor] Myself, “he added.” All my opinion was to open as little money as possible and spend the money on marketing. “
Authorized, the cost of the construction of the first store is about $ 150,000, he said.
Strong won lessons
Bajwa learned a few lessons thanks to some important errors.
Before opening the first restaurant position, Bajwa focused on taking words about the big opening of the store.
“I made a lot of marketing and the first day [that the store opened]Half of the crew came out because it was chaos, B Bajwa said. [opening]. “
Later, in six months after this first position, Bajwa saw that the store’s income was in front of the estimates, so he quickly continued to open a few more places.
“I thought after two stores, it’s okay. [the best people] Around me and [then we] He began to fight, dedi he said. He and his team should take a step back before trying to expand again and had to give some time.
“There was a time when we grew up very quickly and hit the pump. [In] 2008, [during the] Economic melting … These were hard times, “he added. Ultimately, Bajwa said he was grateful for these early failures because they taught him everything he knows today.
I never imagined this growth … So it all started with the delivery pizza. Can you believe that?
Nadeem Bajwa
Founding Partner and CEO, Bajco Group
During his journey, Bajwa said he learned the importance of reflecting himself. “You must be humble, because the day you start to think you’re all, I believe your fall will begin.”
In 2024, Bajco Group Signed an agreement Pope Johns International To develop 50 new restaurants by 2028, Bajwa said it was to reach 500 restaurant locations. With the growth of Pope Johns portfolio for years, Bajwa has built adjacent businesses.
“We have developed a call center, construction arm, open marine accounting installation and technology branch [efficiencies] Papa Johns, which has become separate businesses and serves more than one customers in and outside the Pope Johns brand, said to our portfolio. “
“I never imagined this growth. [I just focused on] I’m doing my best … And learn from my mistakes … And the rest came, “said Bajwa.” So it all started with the delivery pizza. Can you believe that? “
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