Lance Dawson took a chance on an up and coming business, Jimmy John's, in 2003. That chance took him places he never knew he would be able to flourish and succeed. Currently, Dawson is the owner of the Portage Jimmy John's and has been an owner of the store location for almost two decades.
Dawson’s ownership of one of the most well-known sandwich restaurants in the Northwest Indiana area branched from a quick phone call with his uncle. His uncle asked Dawson if he thought opening a Jimmy John's in NWI was for him.
After visiting the Jimmy John's where his uncle worked, which was in Illinois, Dawson had a gut feeling that bringing the first Jimmy John's to the area was a smart business endeavor. Today, Dawson still feels like that decision was the right business play.
“I decided to take a chance on Jimmy John's because they were a pretty new and young company. I read up on them on the National Restaurant News and everything I read was very favorable, like their clean environment, great atmosphere, and super fresh food," said Dawson. "I had worked in the fast food industry when I was a teen. I just didn’t want to deal with greasy foods and fries. I just knew that Jimmy John's was the best fit for me. Now Jimmy John's has over 3,000 store locations and the Portage location was store number 370. Looking back I know it was a smart business decision."
As the owner of Jimmy John's, Dawson deals with a variety of responsibilities like keeping both the crew and managers happy, making sure the products are of the highest quality, keeping a positive influence in the store, paying his staff, and keeping involved in the community in every way possible.
Dawson believes that the best part about being an owner is meeting new people everyday and putting a smile on their face. He loves when he gets to sit down with customers and swap stories.
“I thrive on seeing recurring customers. It really brings a smile to both their faces as well as mine. Just being able to see recurring and new customers come into his stores make me feel happy,” Dawson said.
When considering a business or restaurant endeavor, Dawson always felt that at some point he would be able to own a store or franchise. Therefore, being the owner he is now makes him very proud. Not only is Dawson the owner of the previously mentioned Jimmy John's location, but he’s helped pave the way for the Valparaiso, La Porte, Munster, Chesterton, and Kent State, Ohio locations.
Dawson helped develop and open with those locations by decorating, delivering and placing all the products in the store, interviewing personnel to work at the locations, and even working in those locations.
Dawson would love to thank the Portage and community for their continuous support and commitment to them.
Besides being a business franchise owner, Dawson spends his time golfing and going to car shows. He also is an active member of the Dunes Lodge 741, Chesterton Moose Lodge 1623, and the Portage Exchange Club.
“I have always loved the city of Portage and love working for it as well. I’ve lived a tremendous life and I’d like to thank everyone who’ve helped me get to where I am today,” said Dawson.