Mike's Corner

I'm happy about 10,000 things, these just happen to be ten of them:

1. Putting your arm out of the car window
2. High ceilings, beautiful fireplaces, and old-fashioned molding
3. Cotton Candy
4. Watching the moon at night and finding out why it looks the way it does
5. Elvis
6. Riding a roller coaster
7. Watching my nieces grow up
8. Throwing a coin in a well and making a wish
9. Key Lime Pie
10. Shannon coming home on Monday (hurry up)

I'll post 10 more things next week. Let me know what makes you happy! ME

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