Make the Tough Calls: Interview with John Dikos, President of Killer Burger

I recently went one on one with John Dikos, President of Killer Burger.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

John: Adam, thank you so much for having me. My journey to Killer Burger began when I joined their Board of Directors in early 2021. I’ve been enamored with the company, team and exciting prospect of growing the business since I first came aboard. Eventually, after several discussions, we found a role for me to enter the business full-time as President and Chief Development Officer.

In terms of what’s been so instrumental for my growth and development, I’d have to stay it starts with the mentors I’ve had in my life. You have to identify and then relentlessly recruit and engage with mentors in each key area of your life. Surrounding yourself with people who tell you the truth and don’t mince words is critical. I’ve also worked around some amazingly bright people and, after spending time with them, what I’m always left with is how important it is to stay humble, keep your head down and work hard. That’s where the real stuff happens, not in coming up with a brilliant idea but rather executing every day and driving things forward along with supporting and developing your team with an even hand.

I’ve also learned that I am more suited working for companies that are in the early stages of growth. It helps keep me engaged and passionate about growing the brand, which in turn comes out when talking with new leaders we’re hiring, new franchise partners we’re recruiting and with the existing team.

Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business?

John: Obviously, you have to make sure the business is actually ready to grow. Having a solid foundation in place and the right infrastructure is imperative to the growth of any company. It’s important that your product or service is something that customers actually need/want and can understand without too much explanation. How can you expect to grow if consumers don’t care about or understand what you’re selling? 

Ensure that you have a concentrated culture that is able to withstand the dilutive effect of scaling. It’s simply not possible to scale without an impact on culture. Make sure you know where your guardrails are before you grow, and be willing to inconvenience your roll-out in the name of being disciplined about execution. Growth isn’t helpful when the openings are dilutive on culture, AUV, margins, etc. The Killer Burger team has already done an amazing job over the past 10 years investing in very well-thought-out operations and training systems to make the perfect burger. We’re going to take that same thoughtful approach to crafting and executing our growth strategy.

Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?

John: I’ve noticed a few consistent traits that great leaders have. The first is being willing to make the tough calls. There are always uncomfortable and difficult situations that arise when running a business, and being able to have a clear head and make decisions that are best for the company is essential. That includes listening to ideas and committing to the best ones, as well as engaging in debates/discussions to make the right call. Having humility and a servant leadership approach is just as important. Serving those we lead is key. Lastly, let your team do it their way. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t follow a system that was well thought-out, but don’t micromanage the details. To borrow a term I picked up over the years, freedom within the framework: let people get to the destination their way. It will give them more pride, it will bring better ideas and it will be more fun.

Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

John: Having the right mentor/mentors and being able to have candid conversations with them are great ways to develop those leadership skills. I like to take a little bit from all the mentors I’ve had over the years to create a leadership style that’s unique to me.

If you want to develop yourself as a leader, you have to take more calculated risks, too. Be prepared but also be willing to take a leap of faith. It’s at the core of so many talented individuals that I’ve met. They all took risks, many of them over and over until they got it right.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders?

John: First off, I have so much gratitude to entrepreneurs, the lifeblood of our country’s amazing economic system. So, to them, keep it up. I’ve heard there’s been a massive uptick in the formation of new companies in the past year. 

We’re living in incredibly challenging times right now. The world has its share of issues and we’re all learning and evolving so fast right now. Habits are changing and some of our systems are failing while new ones are being built. Trying to find the consumer where they are and put your brand in front of them in a compelling way is difficult. Therefore, I think it’s more critical than ever to take stock in what our guests and our teams are telling us so we ensure our customer and employment experiences remain relevant.

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading and managing teams?

John: Hire an amazing team and be relentless about ensuring they’re engaged as team players. Orient your team to the North Star of your organization so there is a common goal regardless of someone’s role. Make sure you have the systems and tools in place that can measure the results that matter most to your business and your current plan. Then repeat the message over and over and never grow tired of sharing it. I find it beneficial to get together with my team as often as I can, even if it’s just a short standing meeting. The faster you grow, the more aligned you need to be.

Adam: What are your best tips on the topic of sales, marketing and branding?

John: My biggest piece of advice is to do work you are passionate about and the selling will be easier. When it comes to marketing, I think consumers are very weary right now and it’s time to be transparent and authentic. It’s not the time to be slick or overly promotional. Authenticity and transparency are more valuable now than ever. Under promise and overdeliver. It’s an old saying but is very relevant right now.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

John: Never, ever give up. Despite whatever challenges or hardships are thrown at you, it’s important to stay focused on your goals and persevere.

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

John: First off, thank you. It’s been an honor to have the chance to share a bit about Killer Burger and my story. We’re excited to introduce our brand to other restaurant operators who want to keep growing but may be tapped out in their territory with their existing brand(s). If you’re in the Northwest or Mountain West regions, we want to talk!


Adam Mendler is the CEO of The Veloz Group, where he co-founded and oversees ventures across a wide variety of industries. Adam is also the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one on one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. Adam has written extensively on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities and non-profit organizations.

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