Mike's Corner

In January of 1993, I took a job bussing tables for a company named Outback Steakhouse. I loved the people that I worked with, loved the concept, and fell in love with the idea that I could one day own my own Outback. In November of 2001, I entered management with Outback Steakhouse. I moved to Montgomery, AL, and met Harry Gauntlett, who would guide me through my management training. Harry was promoted to Joint Venture Partner, so I spent the next two years learning from Tim Baucom (who taught me to squeeze a penny so tight that I could make a copper wire). I was then transferred to Opelika, AL, where I worked with and learned a tremendous amount from Bob Ornowski. A mere 19 months later, I was offered a store in Austell, GA, less that 20 miles from where I was born (and only 19.6 miles from Shannon!!!). Many people have one mentor. I was blessed with four: My father, Harry, Tim, and Bob. While I learned volumes of information from these four gentlemen over the years, it was my mother that kept me going. I cannot say enough about the support that she has given me over the last decade. It took 12 years, but I finally made it. It is because of these five incredible individuals (and hundreds of Outbackers from Birmingham, Montgomery and Opelika) that my name is finally above the door. I thank and love you all (especially Mom and Dad). ME