Meet New Franchise Owner Michael Dapolite
Meet Mike Dapolite, one of our newest Voodoo brewing franchise owners. He recently opened a location in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the Voodoo family.
Mike has a degree in Business Management and has always had the itch to own a business of his own. He’s had some franchise experience in the past but was really searching for a positive atmosphere where he and his future employees can thrive. Outside of work, Mike enjoys anything and everything outside. From hiking and fishing to camping and quading: you name it!
We knew Mike was adventurous and was ready to start his next adventure with brewery franchise opportunities with Voodoo Brewing Co.!
From Baked Goods to Brews
Mike Dapolite spent 19 years of his career with George Weston Bakeries as the Regional Sales Manager. After that, he spent 11 years as the Director of Operations for the City of Danbury Housing Authority. He’s not new to the franchise lifestyle: He’s previously owned several small businesses and one franchise. Now, he’s on to his newest adventure: starting his very own Voodoo Brewing.
“I have been a part-time entrepreneur for about 30 years. I have decided to find a business that I would truly enjoy working at every day and do it full time,” Mike said when we asked him why he wanted to become an entrepreneur.
Why he chose Voodoo Brewing Co.
Mike had been searching for a business to start or purchase that he would enjoy working at. He didn’t want just any ol’ business. He wanted a business he was passionate about. One he would enjoy working at, express his individuality, and create an unreal experience for his customers. He no longer wanted to be the part-time entrepreneur he had been for 30 years. He was ready to take the plunge and turn his passions and motivations into a full-time career.
That’s where our Voodoo brew pub franchise business model comes in. Our business model is unlike any other franchise you’ve ever seen. It’s crafted with the franchise owners in mind, with an “anti-franchise” mindset and tight operations. The Voodoo business model attracted Mike to learn more. He mentioned to us, “I believe that the personal interests of the company-owned employees will be an extremely valuable asset, and they pass along their experience and expertise to help get you started in the right direction.”
Mike then went on to say, “I believe most Franchises see you as a number and not a person. I believe Voodoo treats you like you are part of a team.” By this point, we knew Mike Dapolite was going to be a great addition to the franchise.
Discovering Voodoo
We invited Mike to Voodoo Discovery Day. Where he got to meet the corporate team in person and see the breweries in action. During this time, he was able to connect with everyone on a different level and appreciate the passion we all have for Voodoo. “After Discovery Day is when I realized that I definitely wanted to be a part of this team,” Mike said. And we were happy to have him! Throughout the experience, he was able to connect with all of us on a deeper level and decide for himself if Voodoo Brewing was going to be a good fit.
There’s not a doubt in our minds that Mike will go on and be successful. After Discovery Day, we were also able to witness firsthand the passion and drive he has for life. We knew he was a great fit for our anti-franchise business model, and he’d do great things as a franchise owner.
Mike is ready to take on the experience and bring delicious brew to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. With a bit of hard work, dedication, and support from the team at Voodoo, he’ll be able to take his career to new heights.
Now It’s Your Turn
We can’t wait to see Mike’s Voodoo brewpub in action, and neither can he! He looks forward to creating a positive and creative atmosphere for his customers, employees, and himself to enjoy. Mike’s advice to future franchise owners, “Do your research for the area that you would like to open your brewery in and pick your location for business reasons (high volume and the right clients) vs personal reasons (closer to home, etc.)”
Now, it’s your turn. If you’re looking for a sign to join Voodoo Brewing Co, this is it. If you’ve always wanted to own a craft beer franchise, we have the perfect opportunity for you. Request more information today to learn more if you’re ready to start looking into a beer franchise for sale.