QSR August 2022

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Scott Snyder CEO BAD ASS COFFEE OF HAWAII

What was your first job? While I was growing up, I worked in my family’s heat ing/AC business where I learned a lot, from a skilled trade to responsibility. Early on, I understood that you’re always viewed as a reflection of the brand you work for. Post-college, my first job was an internship that turned into a full-time position managing the marketing communications for a multi hospital brand. What’s your favorite cui sine or coffee choice? I consider myself to be an “equal opportunity eater” because I love all food! But when it comes to coffee, I’m a bit of traditionalist in that I love my coffee black every day. I love the aroma and enjoyment of freshly roasted and brewed coffee from the first sip to the lingering aftertaste. has always been someone I admired because of his lead ership style. He knew how to read a room and adjust his communication style accord ingly to fit the audience and to achieve his objectives—it was an art form. What’s the best piece of advice that other restau rant executives should hear? Identify your brand’s ownable truth—find what is unique and differentiates you from everyone else. What are some of your in terests outside of work? I really enjoying being on the water. Competitive sailboat racing and cycling are two of my passions. Both require a lot of focus which makes for a nice break from work. Who inspires you as a leader? Ronald Reagan

M y professional journey spans across dif ferent industries and companies, but one common denominator has been working with startups or with brands in need of a trans formation. Much of my early career surrounded various marketing roles, but I also spent time in publishing and eventually ended up overseeing client growth strategy as a partner at a digital advertising agency. We worked with fast-grow ing companies such as Chipotle, Red Robin, McDonald’s, Jimmy John’s and more that wanted to utilize tech-facing strategies to create experi ential brand relationships with their customers. I then made my way into independent consulting where I helped brands re-invent their business as well as manage the internal change that would be required to grow. I was first introduced to Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii in late 2017 as a consultant and became the interim CEO in 2018. I fell in love with the brand, the coffee, and its franchisees. I saw its potential and knew what was missing to trans

form Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii to new levels of success. With the help of investors, we acquired the assets in July 2019 and immediately went to work on building the right team to create a road map to success. We knew from the start that there would be a lot of change to manage in the orga nization, so leadership alignment around one common vision would be critical. Even after the pandemic started, we maintained our focus on the vision but were still able to execute efficiently and pivot as a team when met with challenges. Within two weeks of major closures due to COVID-19, we were able to quickly create an online order ing solution that enabled our stores to remain open. Four months later, our sales were higher than they were pre-COVID. Looking ahead, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is prepped for continued innovation and develop ment. We really are a 32-year-old startup—the past couple years have been about building infrastructure and telling our story through an omnichannel sales strategy. q

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AUGUST 2022 | QSR | www.qsrmagazine.com