Star City Six – Jerry Pape
Raising Cane’s has ONE LOVE—quality chicken finger meals. The restaurant prides itself on exceptionally high-quality food, served quickly and conveniently. Jerry Pape is the chief financial officer at Southern Hospitality Ventures, Inc., the local franchisee of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers (raisingcanes.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
As the franchisee for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota, we currently operate 11 restaurants, six of which have been opened in the past 18 months, with many more new openings in the coming years
How did you get started in the business?
I was introduced to the owner through a mutual friend. As we got to know each other better, I began to better understand the culture and plans of the company, and I knew it would be somewhere I would enjoy working and could make a difference.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
With the help of my coworkers, I have successfully led several companies through growth and difficult times, instilling a culture of compassion, teamwork, and high ethics.
Tell us a little about your family.
Happily married for 35 years this summer and we have three fantastic kids, two in Omaha and the oldest at Ft. Bragg, NC. My family is a blessing. I brag about them all.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Personally, meeting my wife, growing together, and adopting and raising our beautiful kids. Professionally, gaining exposure to the power of strategic planning and leadership very early in my career, and utilizing this knowledge throughout the years.
Who inspires you?
I’ve had many great mentors, each contributing to the type of leader I am today. Together they taught me humility, team work, risk taking, perseverance, and many other leadership attributes. On a daily basis, however, I am most inspired by my wife, kids, and Jesus.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I have two favorite quotes. The first is by Cheshire Cat: “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will lead you there.” The second is from John Lennon: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Ethical.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Amazing Grace.”
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Eat everything and never gain an ounce.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Engineer or architect.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
The Food Bank of Lincoln and my church. I’m passionate about homeless outreach.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Old Jules by Mari Sandoz is my favorite book. The last good book I read was The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan, which is about the dust bowl.
What is your favorite movie?
It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Raising Cane’s of course!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Jesus.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Email: jerrypape@shv-inc.com; Website: raisingcanes.com.