Jack's Shack Owner Shares Life Lessons
with NSHS Business Students
Introduction to Business students got to hear what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur from someone who knows all about it. Mr. William “Jack” Degel, owner of Jack’s Shack in Glen Head and Uncle Jack’s Steak House Restaurants in NYC, shared his experiences as a business owner and restaurateur. Mrs. Kornberg, Business Education teacher, said “ Mr., Degel was able to add real life spin to our Entrepreneurship and Franchise units. He inspired everyone in the room to be passionate about what they do and to believe in themselves .“
Here are some excerpts from Mr. Degel’s conversation with students:
Why did you pick Glen Head for the location to open your first Jack’s Shack restaurant?I live in the district and wanted to be close to my customers. It was important to me to hear what people say and think about Jack’s Shack so I could keep improving and doing things better. I like to get to know my customers and at Jack’s Shack that means families, teenagers and kids. You have to live it, love it, and be there to make a business like Jack’s Shack work.
How did you get started as an entrepreneur?
I first learned about accountability, success and failure when I had a paper route as a kid. I was constantly trying to figure out how to do things better. First I collected money from customers on Friday nights but many people weren’t home. So I started collecting on Thursday nights instead and had a much higher success rate. When I got a job as a bartender in Queens I worked hard to bring new customers into the restaurant. Bartenders don’t usually do that but I knew that more customers meant more money for the restaurant and more tips for me.
What is your biggest challenge as a business owner?
Finding the right people. Employees are the foundation of any business. They are what makes a business come to life, like a beating heart. It’s my job to motivate them to love what they do and care about the things I care about - making the best burgers and sandwiches out of the best ingredients around. You make sure your employees have the passion, dedication, and the training to do the job right. And you motivate them and challenge them to do their best.
How do you manage all of your restaurants?
As you expand into multiple locations it gets harder. I have 200 employees and I can’t be everywhere. That’s why it’s important to build a management structure that’s like a pyramid. Make sure there is accountability and an incentive to succeed at every level. Franchising is a great way to expand because shared ownership means shared goals and visions.
What advice do you have for our students and other young people who are thinking about their future?
It’s hard to know what you want to do in life. But find out what you’re good at and challenge yourself. Put your heart and soul into it and don’t be afraid to take a chance. Learn from your mistakes and turn the negativity of those that doubt you into positive fuel to help you achieve your goals.