Word of Wisdom: Managing Employees

Rob Chinsky
Brands/Units: 17 Penn Station East Coast Subs

How do you hire and fire?
I hire my general managers and they hire everyone else. For hiring a general manager, we do a very thorough process. When we have to fire, I make sure we have the proper documentation. Before firing, we try to salvage the employees.

How do you train and retain?
Penn Station has a thorough training program. We do an orientation every week and I personally go to the orientation so every employee meets me. Since all 17 of our stores are centrally located, we do one orientation. It shows a commitment from the employees to take the time to go to a different location early in the morning. To retain, we give proper raises and take care of our people.

How do you deal with problem employees?
Sometimes you know quickly whether they’ll make it or not. For someone we think we can work with, we sit down and try to work through problems. Every employee is different. I tell people if they don’t enjoy going to work more times than not, they should find something else. Ultimately, I want them to be happy.