As vice president of purchasing for Marco’s Pizza (Marco’s Franchising, LLC), Don Vlcek oversees and educates store operators in the areas of product purchasing, distribution and pricing. He joined Marco’s Pizza in 2007, recognizing the potential to achieve the same success and rapid growth Domino’s Pizza Corporation (Domino’s) experienced when Vlcek was a member of the executive team.
Vlcek held a dual role with Domino’s for more than 15 years, as senior vice president of the corporation and president of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Domino’s Pizza Distribution Corp. He was part of a team responsible for corporate strategy and international expansion; retail store operations and franchise relations; marketing and advertising; new product implementation and other operational areas.
During Vlcek’s tenure, Domino’s Pizza Distribution Corp. enjoyed an annual sales increase from $5 million to $600 million, and 14 consecutive years of record operating profits. Domino’s Pizza, Inc. grew from 168 to 5,600 stores and sales increased to $2.5 billion. Vlcek was named Franchisee Person of the Year by Domino’s franchisees, as well as Corporate Regional Person of the Year.
Previously, Vlcek was general manager of Great Lakes Steak Co., which he helped turn into the most profitable division of Popps, Inc.
Vlcek retired in 1994 and started his own small business consulting group, Don Vlcek & Associates, Ltd., helping every one of his clients achieve record sales and profits. Vlcek became a highly sought-after keynote speaker and workshop presenter. He wrote an award-winning book, “The Domino Effect,” produced an audio tape set called “SuperVision: The Roadmap of a Leader’s Brain” and wrote the “Job Planning & Review” manual.
Vlcek was a member of the National Speakers Association and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. His favorite Marco’s Pizza topping is Italian sausage.