Institute for Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurial Education Partner
The Pizza Villa is known for their delicious food! Pizza, pasta, sandwiches and more fill their menu! If you’ve patronized them a few times, you probably also know that they are a generous, hospitable and community minded bunch who strive to not only fill our bellies but also fill our community with a place to gather and a work place that feels like family.
During Covid when much of the world shut down, Josh Stegle faced some career challenges. As he and his family spent time together, they tossed around some ideas and kept circling back to “buying the Pizza Villa”. Josh was inspired enough to visit the owner and founder, Mr. Rooney, and before you know it, he and his family were “in the business”! Along with sister and brother in law, James and Jodi Dillow, the Villa was quickly under new ownership.
Fast forward 3 years, and they have moved locations and expanded the business. They have successfully transformed an older business landmark previously owned by the Goddard family, into a beautiful and functional space that will serve their business and community well into the future.
We recently spent a morning with Josh and 2022 UCCEO alum and General Manager, Hunter Boyd, learning about the business and enjoying some of their delicious pizza! Current UCCEO team member, Cash Hodges, shared this about his experience:
“On Thursday, we visited The Villa and spoke to Mr. Josh Stegle and Mr. Hunter Boyd. On this visit we learned many valuable life lessons and tips on how to be a better worker. While all of the lessons were important, the one that stuck out to me, was how important connections are.
Already throughout the program, we have been told many times that keeping close business connections and relationships were the most important aspect of running a successful business, but now I think that the personal aspect of those connections are what is the most important. Hearing how both Josh and Hunter feel about their job and coworkers, as well as seeing them get emotional struck a chord within me.
Even though The Villa is a business, the employees and owners are more of family than anything else. I think the reason the restaurant has gotten to be where it is now, is because of Josh’s emphasis on making personal connections with everyone that works there. After hearing both of them talk, I think that if I run my own business one day, or even work at one, I hope I can have a work environment similar to The Villa’s where it is not just a workplace, but a place of friendship.”
Thank you Josh, Jodi, James, Hunter and the whole Villa Family for your delicious food, your generous spirit and your sincere efforts to provide a place for friends and family to gather! The work that you put into your community and its people is not unnoticed and is so very appreciated!!
Other News From Around The Same Time
Congratulations to Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour!!! What well-deserved recognition!!🎊🏆🎊
We had a fabulous Mentor Meet & Greet at The Villa-Pizza Villa this morning! If you haven’t tried their Breakfast Pizza, you should!!!
