08/21/2008
Apparently, no one ever told Michael Shepherd not to play with his food. It paid off. As owner and operator of Michael Angelo's Pizza, Shepherd makes a living throwing around ingredients, but in the end it's more than just a show. Started in Kenton in 1997, Michael Angelo's Pizza has built upon the principles of excellence and service.
"We started with a foundation based on top quality pizza, top quality service and community involvement," Shepherd says. "And since opening, we've seen business grow ten fold keeping those principles in mind."
Currently they have a workforce of 27 employees. In addition to serving quality pizzas, Michael Angelo's also offers services in pizzeria consulting and acrobatic dough throwing performances at events, festivals and fundraisers within the community.
It's this sense of fellowship that Shepherd found appealing about NFIB. "The focus on small and independent business was what first interested me," Shepherd recalls.
Now in his 10th year of NFIB membership, Shepherd finds new difficulties arise almost every year, most in the form of government mandates. "It seems like every year it's something new. From mandated wage increases to paid sick leave, the government keeps upping the costs of labor," Shepherd contests. "NFIB helps us stay up to speed on important issues, and we pass that on to other business owners."
In 2004, Shepherd helped found the World Pizza championship team, a group of pizza operators from all across the country that compete internationally, performing acrobatic dough throwing at events worldwide. To date, Shepherd has taken home seven gold medals while being featured on the Food Network several times, ABC's Master of Champions, Discovery Times and many more.
But make no mistake about it, Michael Angelo's is more than just fun and games. "We pride ourselves on serving award-winning pizza, pasta and more," Shepherd says. Quality is a paramount interest to Shepherd, signified by their hallmark Ultimate Pizza Guarantee.
"If you ever purchase an unsatisfactory pizza from any local pizzeria, call us and we will immediately exchange the uneaten portion of their pizza with a Michael Angelo's pizza," Shepherd says. "Everyone makes mistakes. We just want you to know we've got you covered."
For more information on Michael Angelo's Pizza, Inc. and to see photos of the World Pizza Championships, please visit www.michael-angelos.com.
