Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hugo Meyer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hugo , thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
I attribute much of my self-disciple to being part of a sports team in my younger years. I was a soccer player for all of my childhood and later played for Germany semi-professionally in 1998-2000. In soccer you are expected to show up on-time, in uniform, ready for practice and give it your all. In order to improve upon yourself you develop self-discipline. You develop the discipline to get enough rest, eat appropriately, schedule your activities and personal life appropriately. I believe this attribute bled over into my professional career which is also a requirement of being a successful entrepreneur.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have been building and developing restaurants for over 20 years now. I find my passion lies within the infancy of a restaurant business. From the design and building to the curating a special menu and finding like minded people to work with me.
Over the years I have had an opportunity to work with a variety of people with a variety of talents that have complimented both myself and my businesses. I truly value people and learning from them and whenever possible sharing with them my story, my successes and my failures to help them along their path of the industry.
Recently I have been working with my colleagues on adding additional cultural nights at our current restaurant, Piripi. Since we opened in 2020 we have had a Paella Day once a month, which pays tribute to my first restaurant in Spain, Carpe Diem. I cook three different types of Paella and it is a very fun cultural night. As of late, I have started developing an interest in bringing more of my Argentine culture to Erie. I recently hosted an Argentine night with Asado specials, Vital Tonne & Dulce de Leech Crepes. It was met with such excitement and support, I am intrigued in expanding upon it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities / skills/ areas of knowledge that were most impactful for me were distributing work load, building teams, and providing upward mobility within my business.
My first couple restaurants were very much “family run”. With immediate family responsible for the day to day and we needed to close our doors if we were to go on vacation or had an emergency at any point. Later, in my journey, I was taught the importance of scaling, and to delegate work loads to trustworthy individuals.
This allocation of work allowed me to vacation and have more free time to improve not only my mental health, and close relationships, but also to expand my mind in business and be more receptive to other business opportunities.
Another important skill for me has been building teams. My most successful restaurants have had team members who all are interested in the group effort, the group outcome and sharing the load with one another. I realized how important team building is, and how making sure everyone feels valued in your team is essential to your business running smoothly and more efficiently.
Lastly, providing opportunity to grow within the business has been an impactful quality of my businesses over time. Most people do not want to be a dishwasher their entire career or a busser or even a sous chef. I have, over time been able to implement the opportunity for all my staff to grow in my business. I start each person with goals, and when they achieve them reward them with a pay increase, a bonus or a new position. I also give everyone responsibility and the opportunity to show me their capabilities. I have found wonderful team members who have made their way from food runner to opening their own restaurants.
My advice to those who are just starting their journey is to identify what is most important to you and your success. Is it the bottom line? Customer satisfaction? Employee Satisfaction? Recognition? Once you can identify what you believe are your core values, you can start to look at ways to focus resources on achieving those values.
Always remember great businesses and great leaders did not appear overnight but rather were built over time. It will take time for both you and your business to find your identity and to become great. Don’t rush the process. There are lessons in the process.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The single most impactful thing my parents did for me was register me as a German born abroad which allowed me to have a German passport. I was born in Argentina and it was clear to me at age 17 there was no future for me there. With my German passport I was able to move to Germany, experience Europe, learn more languages, and start my career in the food industry. I am forever grateful to them for giving me this opportunity which has led me to where I am now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.piripirestaurant.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piripioldtown
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldTownErie
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/piripi-erie
Image Credits
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