EP 15: Building Your Company's Culture: Derrick's Steakhouse with Ross Derrick

Ross Derrick is the owner of Derrick’s Steakhouse, a 1950s-inspired steakhouse with a modern flair. Entrepreneurs are driven by the desire to create value and contribute to the world, and that's exactly what Ross does. After a decade of side hustles, his entrepreneurial journey wasn't a choice—it was a necessity. When faced with a major holiday where he couldn’t get the day off to spend time with his daughter and was unable to find a babysitter, he knew he had to make a change. So, he took a bold step, secured an investment, and launched what is now a restaurant group known for its renowned culture of positivity.

Ross admits, “I’m not great at anything, but I’m good at a lot of things,” which allows him to rely on the expertise and creativity of his employees. His approach of listening to his staff fosters a sense of cohesiveness and empowerment within his business. By prioritizing a positive work environment over just delivering a great customer experience, Ross has built a company where people actually enjoy working. You might wonder—what’s his secret formula? Ross credits his leadership style to a heavy dose of empathy, leading with his heart, trusting his intuition, and believing in his team. He cares about people, and they can feel that.

The hospitality industry is unique. Some employees build lifelong careers, while others are just passing through. But regardless of the path, it’s a field where you can learn a lot about professionalism and life. You can enjoy this atmosphere at any of Ross's establishments: Broken Anchor Kitchen, Broken Anchor Catering, Globe Café and Restaurant, and, of course, Derrick’s Steakhouse.

What’s Inside:

• An entrepreneurial journey born through drive and necessity.
• The major impact of empathy and positivity in leadership.
• The unique possibilities of the hospitality industry
• A restaurant group with renowned culture and guest experience.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Derrick's Steakhouse
MBA CPA