Name: Howard Barish
Twitter: @HowardBarish
Facebook: @HBarish
Instagram: @hbarish_az
Website: www.grimaldispizzeria.com
Age: 53-years-old
Title: Senior Director Franchisee Development and Project Management
Married/Single: Married to Randi for nearly 25 years.
Kids: Two; Brett & Ryan
City you live in: Scottsdale, Arizona
A typical day in my life includes… Early wake-up. Coffee and email check, morning walk, another coffee before going to the office. Engage in meetings, calls, and strategies in developing franchisee partnerships. Assist corporate team with project coordination and implementation.
I was born… in Englewood, New Jersey
My favorite thing about Arizona…The number of sunny days make for a more positive existence. This is the general feeling among the community.
I’m listening to… A variety of podcasts as music has taken a backseat. For business it’s Founder’s, sports the SV Pod, and entertainment Bob Lefsetz. Also reading Robert Greene’s writings.
My family… is my foundation! I am a unique only child of only children. No aunts, uncles, or first cousins. We’re small and very tight.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Andrew Carnegie. He immigrated to the U.S. as a 12-year-old and worked 72 hours a week in a cotton mill. His foundation was hard work and making connections. Carnegie identified mentors early on in his career path. Their advice and guidance were his guideposts. Between the immense growth of the railroad and steel industries, this man reshaped the future of not only America, but the world. This before giving away 90% of his fortune to philanthropic causes including education, science, and the arts.
One thing I cannot live without… The camaraderie of childhood friends. There’s an indescribable feeling of being around people you know and love after 40 plus years.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… Successful in whatever endeavor I pursued. There was no specific career desire. I was the kid whom the medical profession has initials for nowadays.
I’m inspired by… My parents who remain active and engaging. It keeps them looking and feeling younger. Their interaction and involvement with our children have been a blessing.
The one person who motivates me is… My wife who’s very regimented, but extremely positive in her approach. She’s quite special.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… Eliminating the negative effects of the internet, social media, and news delivery. We’re constantly polluted with unnecessary and distracting stuff.
The perfect day would be… Not seeing or hearing bad news. Our exposure through the multitude of delivery methods is awful. Many of us have a comparison…Three television networks, a local newspaper, and radio. That’s it! Straight facts and stories ruled the day. You know what they say about opinions…
My first job was… Working in my father’s meat packing plant. The white coat, the gloves, and the smell of carcass will build character. Cue the theme from Rocky.
My favorite escape… Three or four days in New York City. I love the energy and vibe. Just riding around on the subway and people watching is such a cool experience. Not to mention any type of amazing food, sports, museums, parks, and theater. It’s also a convenient place to meet up with childhood friends.
My life… Has been overwhelmingly fortunate. Good health and the love of family and friends. There’s nothing like connectivity. It’s the reason I’m with the team at Grimaldi’s.
I’m currently working on… Developing an established network of franchisees for our great brand. There’s no question that our formula for success can be duplicated throughout the world.
Always… “Do the Right Thing.” Thank you, Spike Lee. That saying about “walking in another person’s shoes” is so true. Unless you understand someone’s journey, how can you draw a quick conclusion? Tell people how much you appreciate them.
Never… Underestimate the power of persistence and hard work. This doesn’t only apply to our careers, but relationships, health, and well-being. Everything good in life requires a certain amount of work to be put in.
Favorite Quote… “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living, or get busy dying” -Andy Dufresne from the movie “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Biggest Dream… Live a life long enough to see our children develop into happy and fulfilled adults. Period finished.
My Pet Peeve(s)… Dwelling on the past. “If we just would have…,” “I should have bought…,” “If I would have moved to…,” It’s an exercise that saps a lot of energy and has no benefit.
Bio-on yourself/company: Howard Barish was born in New Jersey but moved to Baltimore at a young age. He graduated from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity.
Howard’s restaurant career was launched in Las Vegas. He was part of the team responsible for licensing, developing, and operating New York’s famous Stage Deli. The initial location was in the world-renowned Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Subsequent locations were developed in casinos, malls, and airports throughout the U.S.
The successful sale of the venture left Howard searching for the next work challenge. He took a sharp turn from the restaurant industry into media. A friend had acquired a casino industry/sports betting publication called “Gaming Today” and named him managing editor and G.M. This purchase coincided with states other than Nevada, permitted to legally accept sports bets. The team was able to scale weekly regional newspaper into a national digital publication. After 2.5 years, “Gaming Today” was acquired.
At that time, Howard and his family moved to Scottsdale, and joined JRI Hospitality. JRI Hospitality is a restaurant management company with an umbrella of brands including Chompie’s and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. Howard served as president of Chompie’s and Mokas, a coffee concept located in the Midwest. During this time, Grimaldi’s CEO and Howard’s fraternity brother, Joe Ciolli, offered an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria serves traditional coal-fired brick oven pizza using pizza-making traditions originating in Brooklyn over 100 years ago. Using only the freshest ingredients, and a ‘secret recipe’ dough that’s hand-tossed and made in house daily, the pizzas are prepared in Grimaldi’s signature Coal-Fired Brick Ovens, which helps deliver an authentic taste that’s not found in conventional oven pizza. Grimaldi’s is a family-friendly, casual yet upscale, New York-themed restaurant.
