Ernest M. Higa’s keen entrepreneurial sense dialed into the franchise business of Domino’s Pizza, America’s comfort food in Japan. His encounter with the CEO of Domino’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan - from the corporate helicopter that picked him up to the corporate jets, yachts, private island, golf course, classic car collection, etc., the vast display of financial success was impressive. Sticking to his philosophy of “think global, act local,” Ernie developed “takuhai pizza” with various local flavors to tailor Domino’s pizza for the Japanese market. He also created the first industry-wide organization that tied up with the police department to train drivers for safety. This feat earned him an award from the Prime Minister. Domino’s was a phenomenal success in the bubble era of the 1980s, and there are marketing strategies and corporate culture cultivation techniques that he divulges. Ernie then ventured to bring Wendy’s back to Japan for the third time by combining the brand with First Kitchen. Being an entrepreneur, he is an optimist. Ernie shares his thoughts on navigating through the Covid times and the resurgence of the Japanese economy. A content-rich episode worth multiple viewing for sure!! Thank you for listening if you haven’t done so already, please subscribe and click like. It’s all on loan, so keep reaching for the stars 🌟