This week I'm joined by Santo, a second-generation pizza shop owner who walked away from the family business, spent five years in the corporate world, and then decided to come back and open his own pizzeria. We talk about what pulled him back into pizza, the realities of finding a location, negotiating a lease, build-out costs, equipment decisions, and what it's really like during those first few months after opening. If you're thinking about opening a pizza shop—or you're already in the process—this episode is packed with lessons that can save you time, money, and headaches.

Mark, owner of Leo's Pizza in Williamsport, PA, shares the story of closing his first shop, learning some tough business lessons, and reopening with a completely different mindset.

Today he's focused on running a simple operation, making great pizza, spending time with his family, and building the business around the life he actually wants.

In this episode we talk about:

• Closing his first pizza shop and starting over
• The biggest financial mistakes he made
• Why he keeps the menu simple
• Running a one-man pizza operation
• Building a reputation through quality pizza
• His dough process and equipment
• Why he doesn't follow every trend
• Creating a business that fits your life

If you're opening a pizza shop or trying to simplify your current operation, this conversation is packed with practical lessons from someone who's been through it.

After 25 years in business, Bill was burned out.

He was seriously thinking about selling his pizza shop before a visit with another owner completely changed his perspective.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why he almost walked away
• The marketing changes that helped his business grow again
• How better food photography increased online orders
• Using Toast Online Ordering and QR codes
• Why he still believes in in-house delivery
• The biggest lesson he's learned after 25 years in the pizza business

Whether you've been open for 6 months or 30 years, this conversation is full of practical ideas you can use in your own shop.