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COMMERCIAL KITCHENS nominal premium for that elevated experience. That experience includes the location, décor and food. What is the secret to creating a "must visit" restaurant today? It is truly about the 'value-added' aspect. Crushed Red promotes ongoing communication with the staff, as well as an interactive experience with our customers who can see frsthand their food choices and preparation. What is today's consumer looking for? Consumers want to see and taste quality. We make sure to offer an atmo- sphere with elevated décor to ensure their dining experience is enjoyable. We also feature healthy and craft choices that consumers are searching for. What's the biggest item on your to-do list right now? Growth. But we are extremely diligent about fnding the right real es- tate for new locations and working with the right franchise partners. Describe a typical day. I am not the typical restauranteur. In addition to being a co-founder of Crushed Red, I also am a full-time commercial real estate broker for Hilliker Corporation in St. Louis. I have a wide variety of clients, ranging from Fortune 500 national tenants, to fraternal orders selling historic landmarks, to retail tenants like Crushed Red. Hilliker Corporation's motto is, we are the "entrepreneur's choice for real estate," which is a perfect match for me being an entrepreneur myself. Tell us what makes you so unique? I have a lot of different passions when it comes to both play and work. I helped create a unique restaurant concept, while maintaining a full-time job in commercial real estate. That's pretty amazing. I don't know many people who are as lucky as I am that have the chance to focus on two totally different businesses. CK One-on-One with... » Powell Kalish Co-founder & Chief Expansion Offcer Crushed Red Urban Bake & Chop What's the most rewarding part of your job? Creating jobs (approximately 35 per store) and interacting with customers. I am fulflling a dream that my dad, my business partner and I started over fve years ago. What was the best advice you ever received? Never bet more than you are willing to lose. What's the best thing a client ever said to you? My client said he appreciated that I acted as if I were the one making the deal and looking out for his best interests. Name the three strongest traits any leader should have. Confdence, respect and solid communication skills. Confdence to know you will make the right decision; respect for your peers, employees and customers, and; the ability to accurately communicate what you need to get across in a way that will get the job done. What is the true key to success for any manager? To possess the strong traits that I listed above. What's your favorite vacation spot? A non-touristy beach with my wife, where we can just relax with a cold drink, soak up the sun, read a good book, and hear the waves roll in. What book are you reading now? "Killing Kennedy" by Bill O'Reilly How do you like to spend your down time? What is down time? If I do have some free time, I like to get creative in the kitchen and whip up a good dinner for family or friends. CRUSHING IT We make sure to offer an atmosphere with elevated décor to ensure their dining experience is enjoyable. 92 COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION — MAY : JUNE 2016