6 Big Ideas in 6 Minutes
Patricia A. Wilmot, Executive Vice President, PeopleFirst Domino’s Pizza
What is your role at Domino’s Pizza?
I focus on strategic human capital responsibilities, which include recruitment, selection, employee relations, compensation, executive equity compensation, and diversity initiatives. We call the department “People First” instead of “Human Resource Department” to better reflect the mission and priorities of our team. I also am a member of the Leadership Council reporting directly to the Chairman and CEO.
What is the biggest issue facing the overall business community now?
High unemployment and turnover rates are the biggest issues we are facing. We are always looking to make sure our employees fit our brand culture and our guiding principles and, most importantly, that we are retaining our great team members. We sometimes lose team members because the primary spouse, or “bread-winner,” has lost a job and they are forced to leave. Our corporate headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been hurt by job losses in the auto industry.
Have you seen evidence of a growing global “management void?” Is America losing ground to foreign competitors in recruiting key management talent?
We haven’t seen that challenge come to the forefront yet. It is always difficult to get the brightest and best talent, no matter where in the world you are. To recruit the best, you have to make sure your employment brand is respected and well-recognized. There’s a certain caliber of talent who likes the international part of their responsibilities; they give up a lot and pick up their families and move abroad. Fortunately for us at Domino’s, we have been able to grow internal talent who express a desire to live abroad, and that base will allow us to thrive for years to come. We make sure that our employees abroad have a start and end date to their assignment, otherwise it is easy to lose connectivity with employees.
What business-related topics would you like to see the Foundation address?
The number one legislative concern on the federal level is the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). I believe, undoubtedly, that the proposed legislation is the last thing we need. The new legislation would eliminate the secret ballot – an employee’s right to vote privately for or against joining a union. At Domino’s, we have had less than a handful of card-signing incidences, and most were due to miscommunication issues. Every time management has come in and addressed the issue.
The minimum wage issue is another area that I would like the Foundation to monitor and address. We need to make sure our employees are appropriately compensated. Many American workers get their first job experiences in the restaurant industry and as the minimum wage gets higher, restaurant owners are starting to think differently about how to compensate team members.
As a board member, how do you feel you can play a role to enhance and advance NCF’s mission?
When you join the restaurant industry it’s like joining a family, even with your competitors. I can call any other leader in the industry and if they can help me, they will. Personally, I would like the restaurant industry to step out and be more involved in the political process. The restaurant industry is the largest employer after the military and we need to make sure we stay close to our local and national law makers.
What conferences have you attended in the past year? Which ones did you find the most interesting or beneficial?
The Women’s Food Service Forum started out 20-odd years ago with about five members. Now the organization is comprised of thousands of women. It allows women to learn how to help each other and shows them how to migrate their way through political issues at work. I’m really proud that this organization has grown the way it has.
What are the best books you’ve read in the past year?
Straight From the Gut and Winning by Jack Welch. They’re straight-talking books. He is by far one of the most dynamic CEOs of GE. He writes in a clear way about how to evaluate people and development.
Are you involved in any other organizations?
I am on the advisory board for the People Report, which is a very dynamic group that started about 15 years ago. It’s the only provider of employee metrics in the restaurant industry. All competitors and restaurants provide their information on turnover, training, compensation, and create a benchmark that’s real. It’s also a forum of dynamic people sharing ideas.
