Today we’d like to introduce you to Mali Yilmaz.
Mali, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I came to the United States in 2002 to represent my country (Turkey) in the World Championship of Taekwondo, being held in California. During the competition, I was not able to communicate with any of the other participants because I was unable to speak any English. Until that time, I considered myself successful as a highly accomplished athlete. I realized then that there was so much more than I was capable of doing and learning. I decided that when I returned to Turkey, I would complete my degree in Physical Education, and return to the U.S. to learn English.
In 2005, I returned to the United States and settled in Boston. I immediately enrolled in a local language immersion program; to advance my language skills. I also began working as a delivery driver for Upper Crust Pizzeria in Harvard Square. This was an amazing experience for me. I had the opportunity to interact and speak with local residents all day, learning so much about the American culture and language. I loved regularly helping new college students, and tourists find their way around the area. Four years later, while still employed full time as a delivery driver for Upper Crust; I enrolled in Cambridge College to pursue my master’s in Business Management.
Then, in 2013, Shawn Shenefield, my first manager who hired me as a driver, offered me the position of Manager at Upper Crust’s South End location. I confidentially accepted because at this time I had been married for four years to my wonderful wife, and we were soon expecting our first child. I began my new role as Manager with much excitement because I loved the culture of the company, knew that we made amazing pizza, and I felt so proud of what I had accomplished over the past eight years.
My first step in my new role was to get to know my neighbors and establish a positive relationship with them. This helped me to get a feel of the neighborhood and potential customers really. I approached my role with an owner’s mentality while adhering to the rules and responsibilities of a store manager within a large company. I worked to put together a strong team of employees that I knew could all bring something positive to the table, and make the store a success. Working my way up from a delivery driver really helped me to understand the perspective of the other employees in the store.
Within a very short amount of time, the South End location became the most successful store among the other eight locations within the company. At this time, I also felt a sense of personal success. I bought my first home with my wife in the town of Wakefield, and we have two children- Lara, my five-year-old daughter, and Evrim, my four-year-old son. Now five years later, I have taken another step up within the company. In April 2018, Upper Crust announced a new joint venture for the pizzeria in Beverly Hills, California.
Along with my very first Manager, Shawn, I now own a majority stake in the restaurant, partnering with the ownership of the Upper Crust chain. It’s really special to be able to manage the South End location here in Boston while expanding the Upper Crust family on the west coast.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been an easy road for me, primarily because English is my second language. This has especially been a struggle within a business setting. I struggle to communicate my ideas and explain things in depth.
Additionally, for many of the other employees within the company, English is not their first language either, so that can be an obstacle at times as well.
However, my background in Taekwondo has ingrained in me a mentality never to give up, and persevere through any challenge. I believe that is why I am where I am today.
Please tell us about Upper Crust Pizzeria.
The business concept is a unique one which really lent itself to its success, and creating strong, lasting roots in the community. We delivered our pizzas, whenever possible by bicycle, which became our iconic logo. Our pizzas are always handmade with the freshest of ingredients right in front of our customers in our open kitchen.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I started taekwondo when I was seven years old. Most of my favorite memories involve competitions in Turkey. The most vivid memory is when I was 14 – I got second place in my first ever national competition, and I was so happy to be called up to the podium.
What I remember most, though, is seeing the first place finisher above me. It motivated me to get back and train even harder, so I could win and take home the first place medal next time. The very next year, I won.
This memory is something I remember and apply to my everyday life.
Contact Info:
- Address: 683 Tremont Street, Boston
- Website: www.theuppercrustpizzeria.com
- Phone: 617-543-2428
- Email: mali_yilmaz@theuppercrustpizzeria.com
- Instagram: @uppercrustpizza
- Facebook: facebook.com/uppercrustpizza
- Twitter: @uppercrust_la
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