The Bagel Guru's Bio

Born in a bagel oven ............. Oops!

Actually almost true. I am the third generation to be in the family bagel business. My grandfather Izzy came to the USA in 1924 and brought his famous bagel recipe. So he opened a few bagel stores and my father and his brothers followed. In essence I was born into the bagel business.

As early as 8 years old I started working in the bagel store my father owned and at 17 I was running a store on my own.

Soon, unhappy with repair and service companies I started my own equipment company which serviced and manufactured bagel equipment. Many improved designs for bagel equipment were designed by me and are still used today. I have built over 100 bagel stores throughout the country. Four worldwide. Most of the stores I built are still in business today. Yes, some failed but not for a lack of training or poor equipment but from the common reason small businesses fail today, mis-management and poor work habits.

In 1993 I sold my equipment company to a public company who wanted to franchise the bagel business worldwide. I worked for them for a year and left because of disagreements between management and myself. In fact they soon folded, primarily from the same reasons that drove me to break ties with them.

Since 1993 I have been fortunate to "take it easy" and I still run my Mother's store. I currently sell equipment and build stores mainly for people I have set up in business before. I do a great deal of consulting, which is what I enjoy most.

I can say I am "THE BAGEL GURU" because of my extensive and diversified experience in the bagel business. No one can match my experience because not only have I owned bagel stores but I have also manufactured the equipment and installed the equipment as well. Also in different parts of the country. I know a lot about lease negotiations, site selection, store design (what works and what doesn't), the daily operation of a successful store, marketing and promotion, wholesaling, franchiseing, employee relations ( I have hired over 200 employees), running multiple stores (12 at one time), and just about any aspect relating to the bagel business as well as being in business for yourself.

Thank You & have a Bagelfull day!