Mike Sartwell is a 40-year restaurant veteran. He has been involved with several brands in several categories including quick-serve, fast casual, and the pizza segment. He has extensive hands-on knowledge in all aspects of owning and operating restaurants. He has experienced the challenges associated with operating a struggling restaurant as well as the unique challenges associated with operating extremely high-volume restaurants in oil country, and everything in between.
Mike has been the recipient of several awards including Manager of the Year, Best New Franchisee, the Pioneer Award, and the Pursuit of Excellence Award. One of his companies, Preferred Restaurant Group, Inc., operates several high-volume, quick-service restaurants that have been the recipients of several sales awards including the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond Circle, Double Diamond, Triple Diamond, Quad Diamond, Diamond Jublilee and Platinum Club awards as well as the coveted Founder’s Cup Award for the highest volume restaurant in the country. He was also given the Friend of Education Award for his work in supporting and promoting education in his community along with the Caught In The Act of Caring Award for his work in fighting cystic fibrosis. Mike initiated the charitable fundraising aspect of the Taco John’s Nachos Navidad promotion during the holiday season to raise money to help fight cystic fibrosis across North Dakota and Western Minnesota. The Nachos Navidad program later became a nationwide charitable event.
Mike has been active in community affairs in both the community in which he lives and the franchise community. He is a long time member of the Chamber of Commerce, served several years on the Convention and Visitors Bureau (including a term as President), served on the Trinity Health Foundation Board, was elected to and served several years on Taco John’s Advertising Production Committee, and was elected to and served as a VP on the Association of Taco John’s Franchisees Board of Directors. Mike has also worked closely and cooperatively with franchisors and served on various committees focused on several topics including menu development, construction and design, marketing, and many others.
Mike has developed, and been intimately involved in the development of, various operating systems instrumental in the success of his companies, including a comprehensive scheduling system, an effective double drive-thru system, financial and operational analysis systems, and a guest experience management system. He is the founder and president of Preferred Feedback, a multi-faceted program incorporating marketing, operations, and employee retention efforts. It was designed to drive traffic to businesses, give businesses valuable and actionable information about their operation, and provide a basis for an effective employee incentive program. Mike is currently working with and helping other organizations build their business using the Preferred Feedback program.
Mike resides in Minot, North Dakota with his wife Kathy. He has three children and two grandchildren.
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