Talks for leaders who run more than one store.
Most leadership teams don't need more motivation. They need a better way to get the same result in every store.
Drew has run stores, led multi-unit teams, and built training programs for a large restaurant brand. His talks come from that work. Your people leave with ideas they can use the next Monday, not a feeling that fades by the drive home.
This is not a motivational talk
It's practical and grounded in real store operations. Sometimes it's a little uncomfortable, because it asks leaders to look at how their stores are set up, not just how hard people are trying. Your team leaves knowing what to change first.
Talk topics
1. Ready Before the Seat Opens: Using 70/20/10 to Onboard Multi-Unit Managers
Most new managers learn the job by getting thrown into it. This talk shows how to build readiness on purpose: most of it on the job, some from coaching, and a small part from formal training. Based on Drew's ATD workshop on the 70/20/10 framework for multi-unit manager onboarding.
2. Stop Running on Hero Managers: How to Get the Same Result in Every Store
When a store only runs well because of one great manager, it's one resignation away from trouble. This talk covers how to spot the stores that depend on one person and put simple weekly habits in place so the next manager can step in and keep it running.
3. First Things First: The Order to Fix Hiring, Operations, and Growth
Leaders often try to fix hiring, labor, service, and sales all at once, and they end up getting in each other's way. This talk lays out what to fix first, what can wait, and how to tell when your group is ready to add stores.
Each talk can run as a keynote, a breakout, or a hands-on workshop for your leadership team.
Who books this
- Franchise organizations and owner associations
- Multi-unit restaurant and retail operators
- Leadership teams getting ready for growth or a change in ownership
- Training and talent development teams
- Private equity-backed groups with multi-unit portfolios
- Industry conferences and regional meetings
What leaders leave with
- A clear way to see whether a problem is the person or the setup
- A short list of what to fix first in their stores
- A simple plan to get new managers ready faster
- Ways to rely less on their top performers
- Weekly habits that keep stores running the same way
Booking
Most events are booked 60 to 120 days in advance. To check a date or talk through a topic, book a 15-minute call.
About Drew
years in multi-unit operations and training
locations in portfolios
ATD International Conference workshop speaker
of applicants
Drew Helmholtz has 25+ years in multi-unit restaurant operations and training, including corporate operations and training leadership at Domino's and work with portfolios of up to 430+ locations. He was a workshop speaker at the ATD International Conference & Exposition in 2019 and 2022, selected from the top 2% of applicants. He holds the CPTD, Master Performance Consultant, and Master Trainer credentials from ATD.