Dairy Queen
Troy, AL
Dennis Hagler is living proof that preparation and hard work will take you far. He has some words of advice when talking with potential entrepreneurs. Dennis says, 'First, determine the type of business you want to be in and then work in that field for at least ten years.'
While gaining that all important experience, he feels that it is important to give your employer 100% and document what you learn. 'After starting the business,' Dennis stated, 'keep an open mind while always looking for opportunities. Give 100% to your business.' Dennis feels that another key to his success is keeping personal and business lives separate. Dennis worked in the food service industry for approximately twenty years before purchasing the Dairy Queen (DQ) in Troy, Alabama in 2002.
Originally from Skipperville, Alabama -- located in Dale County -- Dennis began his food service career just a few miles away at the Ozark DQ. After working there as assistant manager for three years, Dennis accepted a job as a store manager with Burger King in Troy. After five years, Dennis moved his career in the food service industry to the next level. He accepted a job with Tacala, LLC, the largest franchise operator of Taco Bell restaurants in the nation, currently with over 170 restaurants in the Southeastern United States. During Dennis' tenure with Tacala, the company joined the TCBY franchise group which operated 21 TCBY outlets. His first position with Tacala was store manager of the Troy Taco Bell. From there he moved to area manager and, during his eleven-year career with Tacala, he held various management positions with responsibilities that included employee training, store openings, and operations assessments. Dennis' responsibilities included overseeing all 21 TCBY outlets. During his career, he gained experience in virtually every aspect of the food service business.
With all those years of experience under his belt, Dennis felt he was ready to own his own business and began looking for an opportunity. In late 2001, he found that opportunity -- the Troy DQ became available for sale. Dennis contacted the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (CARPDC) for financial assistance. The CARPDC was interested in the project and referred Dennis to the Troy University Small Business Development Center (TROY SBDC) for assistance with putting together a business plan.
After working with the SBDC to produce a business plan, Dennis was convinced that the venture would be successful. His funding sources were also convinced, and he received the financing to purchase the business in 2002. The initial funding came from the CARPDC and First National Bank of Brundidge.
After purchasing the Troy DQ, Dennis continued the relationship with the TROY SBDC. In 2003, he attended a TROY SBDC- sponsored, ten-week NxLevel Entrepreneurial Series in Ozark to further strengthen his management skills. Several of his DQ managers attended some of the sessions as well. In the spirit of giving back, Dennis was a speaker for the SBDC 2008 Ozark NxLevel class where he told his story of struggle and success. He shared what he feels are his keys to success. One of his comments to the group was, 'I have done without to get where I am today.' Dennis stressed the importance of keeping the business and family finances separate. 'A common pitfall is building personal assets with business funds,' he said.
According to Dennis, another key to his success is time management. He says, 'It is so important to make time for all the important issues whether business or personal.' Dairy Queen presently employs 13 individuals.
Dairy Queen
Dennis Hagler
Highway 231
Troy, Alabama 36079
(334) 566-2228
Fax: (334) 807-0733
Email: troydairyqueen@aol.com