Inside Domino's Operations with Aaron Dolkowski
Real-world tactics from a 36-store operator—staffing the rush, rerouting on the fly, and growing tomorrow's franchisees.
AJ Richichi
Founder & CEO, Sprockets + HourWork
Podcast HostAJ leads Sprockets + HourWork, the all-in-one platform that keeps franchise operators fully staffed. From sourcing to screening, scheduling, and post-hire engagement, AJ's team uses AI to fill calendars with quality interviews and help great people stick.
What Sprockets Does
AI Matching + Interview Automation
Keep shifts covered with intelligent candidate matching and automated interview scheduling.
Post-Hire Engagement
Lift morale and retention with post-hire texting and surveys that keep teams connected.
Franchise-Ready Rollout
Fast time-to-value with proven systems designed specifically for franchise operators.
Proven Impact
43% better retention, 21% lower sourcing costs, 30% faster time-to-hire
Proven Results
43%
Better retention rate
21%
Lower sourcing costs
30%
Faster time-to-hire
Visit Sprockets:
www.sprockets.aiAaron Dolkowski
36-Store Operator, AJD Pizza
14+ Years Domino's ExperienceFrom the Domino's Leadership Development Program to a 36-store operation, Aaron's path is equal parts hustle and clarity. He sets expectations early, pivots fast when the rush changes, and keeps drivers engaged with smart lanes and shift mixes.
Career Journey
Leadership Development Program
Jun 2011 - Feb 2016Ann Arbor, MI · Baltimore, MD · Indianapolis, IN
4 years 9 months developing operational excellence across corporate stores and franchise consulting.
Manager Corporate Operations
Jul 2012 - Oct 2013Baltimore, Maryland Area
Led 7 company-owned stores, driving profitability, recruiting talent, and exceeding service metrics.
Franchise Business Consultant
Nov 2013 - Feb 2016Indianapolis, Indiana Area
Coached franchisees across Indiana and Central Illinois on sales, operations excellence, growth, and compliance.
Franchise Owner, AJD Pizza
Mar 2016 - PresentSoutheast Michigan & Northwest Ohio
9+ years building and operating 36 Domino's stores across two markets with focus on multi-unit growth.
Key Takeaways
"The rush is where operators earn their stripes—you need Plan A, B, and C ready before the first phone rings."
"Driver retention isn't about pay alone—it's about tip density, lane assignments, and making every shift worth their time."
"Growing franchisees starts at the make-line. Show them the path from GM to multi-unit owner with real milestones, not slogans."
Background: Started in Domino's Leadership Development Program, progressed through corporate operations and franchise consulting, now leads 36-store operation.
What You'll Learn
Plan A/B/C for the rush: Who calls drivers, who owns the phones, and how to pivot when a car breaks down or a road closes—without chaos.
When things go sideways: Quick calls that keep delivery times steady—reroute, reassign, and reset ETAs fast.
Driver economics that retain: How tip flow, lane assignments, and shift mixes keep top drivers engaged.
From GM to owner: Turn the Domino's path into clear milestones and expectations your team can see.
Want to Keep
Every Rush Covered?
Domino's moves fast. Sprockets fills your interview calendar, reduces no-shows with reminders, and keeps day-of changes smooth—so makeline and drivers stay in sync.
Call me anytime at (401) 347-3974, or connect below:
Other Resources & Tools
Wizardline Webinar: Domino's Retention & Team Communication
Learn how HourWork helps operators segment outreach, automate touchpoints, and surface issues early—so teams stay informed and engaged.
Customer Spotlight: How Domino's Keeps Shifts Covered
A franchise leader shares real tactics using Sprockets + HourWork—faster interviews, better fit, and post-hire engagement that sticks.
Delay Action Plan Calculator
Enter your current queue and conditions to get a ranked action plan—ETA updates, staffing moves, and SMS templates ready to send.
Delay Action Plan Calculator
Model demand vs. capacity with weather/traffic penalties
Driver Throughput
0
Capacity
0
Gap (orders/hr)
0
Backlog Clear (mins)
0
Prioritized Action Plan
| # | Action | Owner | Impact |
|---|
Delayed Delivery — Customer Update
On-Call Drivers — Short Shift Ask
About the Hourly Podcast
Real conversations with operators and HR leaders on staffing, scheduling, and retention—what actually works on the floor and in the field.
























