Skydeck Slice of Life
Jun 3, 2025
Bill Crawford, a former Air Force fighter pilot turned pizza perfectionist, shares his journey of discovering his passion for pizza after a life-changing trip to France. He discusses evolving from casual backyard cooking to launching his pizzeria, Righteous Slice, emphasizing the importance of networking and hands-on experience. Bill also highlights how his military background influences his approach to business, stressing the need for continuous improvement and integrating real-world lessons into education for aspiring entrepreneurs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Pizza Passion Ignited in France
- Bill Crawford discovered his passion for pizza on a business trip to Strasbourg, France, after tasting exceptional Neapolitan pizza.
- He returned to learn the recipe and technique from the pizzeria manager, sparking his pizza journey.
Building Pizza Skills Gradually
- Bill started by making pizzas at backyard parties and farmer's markets, using a wood-fired oven he ordered without industry knowledge.
- He built skills and connections that gave him confidence to open a brick-and-mortar place later.
Pizza Making Mirrors Fighter Pilot Mindset
- Bill compares perfecting pizza to debriefing after fighter pilot missions: constant reflection drives improvement.
- The joy lies in the journey of continuous striving rather than achieving perfection.