Meet Zyhir Baker-Elam

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zyhir Baker-Elam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zyhir , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
“My work ethic is all about family influence. Picture this: my great grandfather, a trailblazer as the first African American to own a pickle factory in Philly. His hustle and determination were legendary, and I always admired that. Then there’s my grandma – not a business owner herself, but the backbone of our family’s operation. She ran the show behind the scenes, making sure everything ran like clockwork. And when she wasn’t managing the business, she was taking care of us, cooking, cleaning, you name it. She could turn thrift store finds into treasures, and that resourcefulness rubbed off on me.

Growing up in a household where both my parents were entrepreneurs, I got a firsthand education in hard work. I watched them pour their hearts into their businesses day in and day out. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about passion and dedication.

All these experiences, from seeing my great grandfather build something from nothing to watching my parents grind it out, shaped my work ethic. It’s not just about putting in the hours; it’s about giving it your all, no matter what. Their example taught me that success doesn’t come easy – it takes grit, determination, and a whole lot of hustle.

So yeah, my work ethic? It’s a mix of family tradition, personal observation, and a whole lot of heart. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hey there! So, let me tell you about what I do and why it’s so exciting to me. It all started when I moved away from my hometown of Philadelphia to Tennessee for college. I quickly realized how much I missed the taste of Philly’s iconic food. So, I decided to bring a slice of home to Nashville.

I started out small, selling Water Ice and pretzels from my college apartment at TSU. But as word got around and demand grew, I knew I had to take it to the next level. That’s when I got my hands on a food truck in fall 2018. Fast forward to late 2019, right smack in the middle of a pandemic, I opened the doors to my brick and mortar restaurant – IT’Z A PHILLY THING.

What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and quality. We’re not just slinging Philly Cheese Steaks; we’re delivering a genuine Philly experience to our customers. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like seeing someone take that first bite and their face lights up with nostalgia or excitement.

But for me, it’s about more than just food. It’s about community and opportunity. Right now, we’re in growth mode. We’re expanding to create more jobs and resources for both my community and my family. And I’m passionate about giving back, especially to those who need it most. That’s why I’m always looking for ways to support those in tough situations, to be their beacon of hope.

One thing I truly love about what I do is being able to inspire the next generation. I want to show them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. And hey, if I can do it, they can too.

We’re currently on the hunt for a second location and gearing up to add a food truck to our fleet by spring 2025. But beyond just expanding the business, I’m also diving into motivational speaking and community engagement. Through my brand, Road 2 Richez, I’m sharing my journey and bringing in guest speakers to help others find their own path to success. And why the “z” in Richez? Well, it’s a nod to my name, Zyhir – meaning bright and shining. I want to stand out, not for personal gain, but to shine a light for others.

So, yeah, that’s a bit about me and what I’m up to. Always striving to make a difference, one Philly Cheese Steak at a time.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Patience/Process: Patience is indeed a virtue, especially in the world of entrepreneurship. Understanding that success doesn’t happen overnight and embracing the process is key. As you’ve mentioned, the journey itself is where the real growth happens. My advice for those starting out is to trust the process and have faith that each step, no matter how small, is leading you closer to your goals. Don’t rush things; instead, focus on learning, adapting, and refining your approach along the way.

Motivation: Maintaining motivation, especially during tough times, is essential. Drawing from my experiences in track and field, where self-motivation is crucial, is a great analogy. In business, there will be setbacks and challenges that can easily dampen your spirits. However, it’s during these moments that your inner drive and determination need to shine through. My advice is to cultivate resilience and find sources of inspiration that keep you going, whether it’s setting meaningful goals, seeking support from mentors and peers, or reminding yourself of your purpose and vision.

Continuous Learning: In addition to staying abreast of industry trends and seeking out mentors, studying the successes (and failures) of others can provide invaluable insights. Learning from the experiences of those who have already achieved what you aspire to can save you a significant amount of time and money. Shadowing or working for a company you admire can provide a solid foundation to build from. Hindsight is often 20/20, and by studying the paths taken by successful entrepreneurs, you can avoid common pitfalls and adopt proven strategies for growth. My advice is to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn from others, whether through networking, mentorship programs, or even autobiographies and case studies. Every lesson learned from someone else’s journey is a shortcut to success in your own.

In summary, patience, motivation, and continuous learning are invaluable qualities that can greatly impact your journey as an entrepreneur. Trust in the process, stay motivated even in the face of adversity, and never stop learning and growing. Remember, success is not just about reaching the destination but also about embracing and learning from the journey along the way.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The primary obstacle I’m currently facing is the challenge of growth. While I’ve successfully brought my business to its current level, taking it to the next stage requires a whole new set of strategies and resources. Recognizing that I’ve reached the limits of my existing knowledge and experience, I’m actively seeking help and guidance.

First and foremost, I’m leveraging the expertise of my mentors. Drawing from their wealth of experience, I’m gaining valuable insights into effective growth strategies and overcoming common pitfalls. Additionally, I’m immersing myself in resources such as books, podcasts, and business classes like InFlight and EO Catalyst. These resources not only provide me with new perspectives but also equip me with practical tools and techniques to drive growth.

Building a strong team is also essential. I’m assembling a dedicated team of professionals who bring diverse skills and perspectives to the table. Collaborating with individuals who share my vision and complement my strengths allows us to tackle challenges more effectively and drive innovation.

Furthermore, personal growth is crucial. I’m continuously investing in developing my skills and expanding my knowledge base. This includes not only honing my business acumen but also enhancing my leadership abilities and strategic thinking.

One key area of focus is financial management. Understanding that sound financial management is fundamental to sustainable growth, I’m working closely with my finance team to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. By mastering the numbers and implementing strategies outlined in books like “Traction” and “Profit First,” I’m laying a solid foundation for future success.

In essence, my approach to overcoming the challenge of growth revolves around seeking help, continuous learning, building a strong team, and mastering financial management. By embracing these strategies, I’m confident that I can navigate the complexities of growth and propel my business to new heights.

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