Little did John Kreuter know when told to, “Get out and get a job,” by his father four years ago, that his driver position with Papa John’s would lead to fame, fortune, and nationwide acclaim. Kreuter was named Franchise Manager of the Year, Northeast Region, U.S. Not bad for this youngster that started driving because he had to get a job.

 

John Kreuter
 

 When asked about his meteoric rise to Papa John’s stardom, Kreuter said, “After about a year of driving, I asked our operations manager, Ray Sears, if there was a way I could earn more money.” As it turns out, there was. Kreuter was hired as an assistant manager of the Prince Frederick store in 2005. By 2006, he moved to the Leonardtown Store #2997 as an assistant manager. In 2007, he took the reigns as General Manager.

 Kreuter stated when asked how he achieved such an honor, “It’s all about growth and ‘PRIMSERV’.”

 PRIMSERV is the acronym used by Papa Johns managers for Product, Image, and Service. The affable General Manager reported that he was able to achieve his award because of his customers. “I love my customers,” he announced. “They are the reason I was able to succeed. When my grandmother passed and I was away from the store for more than a week, customers left messages for me and wanted to give me their condolences and comfort.”

 Any observer can tell, Kreuter, award or not, loves Papa Johns, loves the job and the people. “It’s like home to me,” he beamed. “Now I’ve set the bar pretty high, so I’ll have to work harder to make the grade this year.” At least the award comes with an all-expanse-paid trip to Papa John’s annual conference in Las Vegas.

 Papa John’s founder, John Schuatter, sees to it that each of his franchises act to contribute to their local communities. For Kreuter and the Leonardtown store, that translates to “Spirit Nights” for some lucky schools.

 At Leonardtown, Oakville, Dynard, and Banneker elementary schools, along with Father Andrew White School, Spirit Nights are something looked forward to with eager anticipation. “Spirit Nights are where we bring in “Mr. Slice” and the school children get to sell our pizza as a fund raiser for their schools.” Kreuter stated that the schools average about a $100 or more at these fun events.

   
Kids Love Mr. Slice