Episode 650: The Dream-Maker Philosophy: Why Investing in People is the Best ROI - Jason Ingermanson, JRI Hospitality.

This episode features Jason Ingermanson, President and CEO of JRI Hospitality. Based in Salina, Kansas, Ingermanson oversees a diverse multi-concept portfolio that includes Mokas Coffee & Eatery, Chompie’s, and a massive franchise footprint as one of the nation’s largest Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers operators. The conversation explores Ingermanson's journey from his early days at Burger King to managing high-growth brands across multiple states, emphasizing his philosophy of developing people, leveraging data for site selection, and maintaining a competitive edge through personal discipline and organizational alignment.

10 Takeaways

• Diverse Portfolio: Ingermanson manages a multi-concept operation through JRI Hospitality, including Freddy’s, Mokas Coffee & Eatery, Chompie’s, and the Salina Country Club.
  
  
• Humble Beginnings: His hospitality career began with a formative job at Burger King at age 18, which taught him the impact of a fast-paced environment.
  
  
• The "Dream" Philosophy: He views his role as a tool to help employees achieve their own dreams, even if those dreams eventually lead them away from his company.
  
  
• Strategic Growth: JRI Hospitality focuses on "concentric" expansion, starting in Kansas and moving into neighboring states like Oklahoma and Arizona.
  
  
• Data-Driven Decisions: He avoids high-cost markets like California in favor of areas with favorable demographics and political climates, such as the Midwest and South.
  
  
• Information Management: A self-described "fast metabolizer" of information, he consumes podcasts and books specifically to solve immediate organizational needs.
  
  
• Personal Discipline: He maintains an intense routine, starting at 5 a.m. and consuming a high volume of coffee—up to a gallon a day.
  
  
• Power of Retention: He emphasizes that retaining existing employees is more critical and cost-effective than constant recruiting.
  
  
• Cultural Alignment: He focuses on aligning high-value performance indicators with the organization’s overall mission to ensure consistent success.
  
  
• Market Awareness: He monitors industry volatility, including the impact of tariffs, commodity prices, and AI on the hospitality landscape.