Strategy

“I had a kind of baptism by fire coming into the development world.”

Jay McDermott on taking a crash course in brand development, executing a company-wide restaurant remodel, and involving Applebee’s franchises in the process

Lessons from a Breakfast Brand

The Egg and I’s construction director, Mike Michaelis, learns more with each location he builds

“If I can make sure our stores are comfortable, well lit, inviting, and safe, it gives the other employees here a blank slate to work their magic.”

Kirk Beaudoin on having mentors, keeping an open mind, and paying knowledge forward at adidas

A Souped-Up Sit-Down Joint

Quaker Steak & Lube’s crowded retro auto deŽcor is a careful study in controlled chaos

Intelica CRE’s strategic pillars

Intelica CRE cofounders Dan Dokovic and Dan Merlo sit down for a chat about the four key ideas that drive their firm

Labor of Luxe

Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue’s in-house construction team, even the brand’s renovation process is chic

The Salon Visionaries

With custom furniture and an open concept, Toni & Guy is redefining hair-boutique design

The Business-Savvy Retailers

Conn’s construction and real estate teams have found success through small-group tactics and financial analysis

The Custom Carpenters and Finishers

Artisanship might be rarer nowadays, but Smith Bros. embraces the practice while diversifying its capabilities

“I found that litigation was something that fit more within my comfort zone. I enjoyed the intellectual competition you get into.”

David Hecker on finding opportunities in unexpected places, managing risk for Kiewit’s construction projects, and speaking up for those without a voice