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Columbus, OH – The esteemed Ulrey family, the visionary force behind the iconic Flyers Pizza & Subs, will deliver a highly anticipated keynote address at Pizza Expo Columbus on Monday, October 12, at 8 a.m. This significant engagement comes as Flyers Pizza & Subs celebrates its remarkable 50th anniversary, a half-century milestone marked by continuous innovation, unwavering commitment to quality, and a pioneering transition to a 100% employee-owned structure. The Ulreys are expected to share invaluable insights into their enduring success, detailing their journey from a single pizzeria in West Jefferson, Ohio, to a thriving regional chain, and offering a compelling case study on navigating the complexities of the modern foodservice landscape through employee empowerment and community engagement.
A Golden Anniversary and a Legacy of Leadership
Flyers Pizza & Subs, a household name across Central Ohio, is currently commemorating its 50th year in business with a series of community open houses, strategic restaurant renovations, and an ambitious expansion plan across the region. Founded in 1976 by Wayne Ulrey, who acquired a local pizzeria in West Jefferson, the company quickly established a reputation for quality and customer service. For four decades, it flourished as a quintessential family-operated enterprise, a testament to the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of the Ulrey clan. However, a pivotal moment in the company’s history occurred in 2016 when the Ulrey family made the forward-thinking decision to transition Flyers Pizza & Subs into a 100% employee-owned company, implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This move, described by the company as "more than just a benefit program – it is a strategic advantage," fundamentally reshaped its operational philosophy and employee culture.
The keynote address at Pizza Expo Columbus will feature Wayne Ulrey, the venerable founder, alongside his sons Steve Ulrey, now Chairman of the Board, and Mark Ulrey, who, while having stepped away from day-to-day operations, remains a significant figure in the company’s legacy. Their collective experience spans the entire evolution of Flyers, offering a unique perspective on generational entrepreneurship, business transformation, and sustained growth in a highly competitive market. Their presence at such a prestigious industry event underscores the relevance and impact of their business model on the broader pizza sector.
The Power of Employee Ownership: An ESOP Success Story
The transition to an ESOP in 2016 marked a defining chapter for Flyers Pizza & Subs. An Employee Stock Ownership Plan is a qualified defined-contribution employee benefit plan that gives employees ownership interest in the company. Through an ESOP, companies essentially hold their assets in trust for their employees, distributing shares to them over time. This structure aligns the interests of employees directly with the company’s performance, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and shared success.
For Flyers, the ESOP was not merely a change in ownership structure but a cultural revolution. It empowered every qualifying employee with a vested interest in the company’s profitability and long-term viability. This ownership stake has translated into tangible benefits: enhanced employee engagement, improved retention rates, and a heightened commitment to operational excellence. In an industry notoriously challenged by high turnover and labor shortages, Flyers’ ESOP model has provided a robust framework for stability and motivation. Data from organizations like the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) consistently shows that ESOP companies often outperform their traditionally structured counterparts in terms of productivity, profitability, and employment growth. They also tend to exhibit greater resilience during economic downturns, a characteristic that has proven invaluable in recent years.
Co-president Scott Ulrey, the last of the original brothers still actively involved in the daily operations, often speaks to the profound impact of the ESOP. "When every team member truly feels like an owner, the level of dedication, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving elevates significantly," he is known to state. "It’s not just about sharing profits; it’s about sharing the responsibility and the vision, which ultimately translates into a better experience for our customers and a stronger company overall." This intrinsic motivation among employee-owners is a critical differentiator for Flyers, especially when facing external pressures.
A Family’s Enduring Involvement and Generational Stewardship
While the company transitioned to employee ownership, the Ulrey family’s involvement remains deep-seated and instrumental to Flyers’ continued success. This blend of legacy leadership and employee empowerment provides a unique governance model. Steve Ulrey now chairs the board, guiding the company’s strategic direction, while his brothers Mark and Dave have transitioned away from day-to-day operational roles, contributing their vast experience in an advisory capacity.
The third generation of Ulreys is now actively stepping into leadership roles, ensuring the continuity of the family’s vision and values within the employee-owned framework. Scott Ulrey’s three sons, along with two of Dave Ulrey’s sons, are deeply involved, learning the business from the ground up and bringing fresh perspectives while upholding the core principles established by their grandfather. This multi-generational involvement is rare in today’s fast-paced business environment and speaks volumes about the family’s enduring commitment to the brand they built. Furthermore, Linda Ulrey expertly manages the company’s catering operations, a crucial growth segment, and Mike Ulrey serves as the director of marketing, shaping the brand’s public image and outreach strategies. This continued family presence provides a stable anchor, blending decades of institutional knowledge with the dynamic energy of a shared ownership model.
The Recipe for Success: Quality, Community, and Resilience
The longevity and success of Flyers Pizza & Subs are not merely a function of shrewd business decisions but are deeply rooted in a foundational commitment to product excellence and community service. From its inception, the Ulrey family instilled a philosophy centered on providing customers with "the best products and service at a fair price." This simple yet powerful mantra has guided every decision, from sourcing ingredients to customer interactions.
At the heart of every Flyers pizza lies a signature dough and sauce, both based on cherished family recipes that have been perfected over five decades. This commitment to proprietary, high-quality base ingredients sets Flyers apart. Building upon this foundation, the company meticulously sources the finest meat toppings, premium provolone cheese, and blanched mushrooms, ensuring uncompromising quality and consistency across all its offerings. In an era where many establishments cut corners to maximize profits, Flyers has steadfastly maintained its dedication to superior ingredients, understanding that product integrity is paramount to customer loyalty.
Beyond the kitchen, Flyers Pizza & Subs has woven itself into the fabric of the communities it serves through extensive philanthropic efforts. The company is a dedicated supporter of local schools, recognizing the vital role education plays in community development. They actively partner with the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, combating food insecurity, and are significant contributors to Autism Speaks, demonstrating a commitment to supporting families and individuals facing unique challenges. The employee-owned chain regularly hosts local "dine-to-donate" events and seasonal fundraisers, channeling resources to organizations focused on autism and other local causes. This profound sense of corporate social responsibility not only strengthens community ties but also resonates deeply with employees, who, as owners, take pride in their company’s positive impact.
Navigating a Turbulent Economic Landscape
The foodservice industry, particularly the pizza sector, has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. Rising wage pressures, escalating supply costs, persistent inflation, and fluctuating consumer behavior have created a complex and often volatile operating environment. Many businesses have struggled to maintain profitability while upholding quality standards.
Flyers Pizza & Subs, with its 10 units currently operating and plans for further expansion, has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of these headwinds. The Ulrey family and the ESOP model have cultivated a culture where every team member is intrinsically motivated to manage costs, maintain consistency, and ensure quality. This shared ownership instills a vigilance regarding operational efficiency and customer satisfaction that is often absent in traditional corporate structures. When employees have a direct stake in the company’s financial health, they are more likely to identify and implement cost-saving measures, minimize waste, and strive for operational excellence.
Industry analysts often point to employee-owned companies as having a distinct advantage in challenging economic times. With a workforce that is collectively invested in the company’s performance, there is a greater capacity for innovation and adaptation. This cultural stability has provided Flyers with a solid foundation to maintain consistency across its growing footprint and strategically invest in future growth opportunities, even as competitors grapple with the core challenges of labor and supply chain disruptions.
Pizza Expo Columbus: A Premier Industry Nexus
The invitation for the Ulrey family to deliver a keynote address at Pizza Expo Columbus underscores the event’s stature as a premier gathering for the pizza industry. Scheduled for October 12, this expo is specifically designed for pizzeria owners and operators, offering an unparalleled platform for education, networking, and sourcing new solutions. Whether attendees are seasoned industry veterans or aspiring entrepreneurs, the event promises tangible benefits and actionable strategies to enhance their businesses.
Pizza Expo Columbus serves as a critical hub where hundreds of industry manufacturers and suppliers showcase the latest innovations in equipment, ingredients, and technology. Attendees can engage directly with top industry experts and thought leaders in a series of classroom sessions, covering topics ranging from operational efficiency and marketing strategies to menu development and financial management. Crucially, the expo provides an invaluable opportunity for thousands of successful pizzeria owners and operators to connect, share best practices, and forge new partnerships, all under one roof. The bottom line, as consistently emphasized by the organizers, is that "there’s always something new at Pizza Expo Columbus that can improve your operation."
Adding to its appeal, attending Pizza Expo Columbus is recognized as a tax-deductible business expense. Both the cost of the event itself and related travel expenses can be written off, provided they are considered ordinary and necessary for one’s profession. This financial incentive makes the expo an even more attractive proposition for business owners looking to invest in their professional development and the growth of their enterprises.
Bill Oakley, Group Show Director for Pizza Expo Columbus, expressed profound enthusiasm for the Ulrey family’s participation. "Our commitment to our partners is to produce the biggest and best show ever, and securing speakers of the Ulrey family’s caliber is central to that mission," Oakley stated. "Their half-century journey, marked by innovation, community dedication, and the groundbreaking ESOP model, offers an inspiring and highly relevant narrative for every attendee. Their insights into maintaining quality and fostering a robust company culture amidst economic pressures will be invaluable." The Ulreys’ keynote is anticipated to be a highlight, providing practical takeaways and inspiring perspectives on sustainable business growth.
Broader Implications and a Model for the Future
The story of Flyers Pizza & Subs, culminating in the Ulrey family’s keynote at Pizza Expo Columbus, offers profound implications for the broader foodservice industry. It serves as a compelling case study for how traditional family businesses can evolve and thrive through innovative ownership structures like ESOPs, ensuring longevity and shared prosperity. Their consistent commitment to product quality, even in the face of cost pressures, highlights the enduring value of authenticity and integrity in a market often swayed by fleeting trends.
Furthermore, Flyers’ deep-rooted community engagement demonstrates that successful business models are not solely profit-driven but are intrinsically linked to social responsibility. In an age where consumers increasingly prioritize brands that align with their values, Flyers’ philanthropic efforts resonate strongly, building a loyal customer base that extends beyond the quality of their pizza.
The Ulrey family’s journey underscores that in an increasingly globalized and competitive market, the foundations of success often lie in local roots, empowered employees, and an unwavering dedication to core principles. Their story is a powerful reminder that "it’s all pizza," but it’s also about people, passion, and purpose. As attendees prepare for Pizza Expo Columbus, the Ulrey family’s address promises not just a historical account, but a roadmap for future success in the dynamic world of pizza.
For more information or to register for Pizza Expo Columbus, please visit PizzaExpoColumbus.com. It’s an opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired by the best in the business, ensuring that "it’s all for YOU!"
Sincerely,
Bill Oakley
Group Show Director
