With last year's announcement that Papa Romano's and Mr. Pita will team up to offer co-branded stores, the companies are poised for growth, said Casey Askar, chairman and CEO.

They will still open single-brand stores but have the opportunity of dual stores that take advantage of the mostly daytime business of Mr. Pita and the evening/weekend business of Papa Romano's, Askar said.

In addition, he said, both specialize in catering, another area that will help diversify the business and bring in additional revenue.

Askar said they plan to open a new co-branded flagship store in the Compuware building this year, and have plans to open stores in Florida, North Carolina and New York.

Askar, formerly with Jet's Pizza, has assembled an experienced management staff, drawing former executives from Domino's Pizza and Little Caesars.

Background Education: While attending college, left to support the family by concentrating on business. Family: Wife Susan; children Isabella, Alexander, Sebastian, Christian and Valentina. Residence: Orchard Lake Village.

Askar said he's been working closely with Mr. Pita founder and President of both companies Frank Lombardo, and has been seeking advice from former Domino's pizza magnate Tom Monaghan on strategies for growth.

He has said the chain could grow by as many as 50 stores in several states in the next two years but also noted that they're paying close attention to the 53 Papa Romano's and 35 Mr. Pita stores as well.

"As far as expansion, we are looking for aggressive expansion in Detroit and out of state, especially where there are healthy markets for both brands," he said. "Also with the challenges in Detroit, we are looking at fine-tuning our operations and brands before we look at a fast expansion at home."

INSIGHTS

Guiding principle: Always be focused, determined and handle all responsibility that I have taken on.

Best way to keep competitive edge: Stay on the cutting edge of my industry, be aware of economic conditions and always be at least one step ahead of the competition.

Mentor: My father for his courage, and Thomas Monaghan for his devotion, benevolence and beliefs.

Yardstick of success: My children's motivation, dedication, success and the future of my family as a whole.

How do you motivate people: By creating opportunities.

Goal yet to be achieved: Personally, seeing my children excel with their education, and in business, taking our companies and holdings to global recognition.

Best advice you ever got: Don't ever lose your temper, because diplomacy goes much further.

Best advice for others: Always think twice before acting; your mistakes will come back to haunt you. Your reputation speaks louder than words.

JUDGMENT CALLS

Best business decision: Acquiring Papa Romano's Enterprises.

Worst business decision: Investing my money into a product/venture, and not being in control. Others will not spend your money as you would.

Biggest missed opportunity: Backing out of a good business deal because I lost my temper rather than being diplomatic and working out the changes with the other party.

Biggest management myth: Mistaking effort for results.

Most-respected competitor: Mike Illitch, Little Caesars, for his entrepreneurship and diversity.

Word that best describes you: Passionate.

CONFESSIONS

What keeps you up at night: Planning and analyzing decisions that I've made and have to make that will influence my company and my family's best future.

Pet peeve: Thinking textbook. Not speaking your mind or thinking outside the box, and not being creative.

What did you eat for breakfast: Glass of orange juice and a health bar.

Guilty pleasure: Peanut butter and chocolate.

Person most interested in meeting: President Bill Clinton.

Three greatest passions: Family, God and country.

First choice for a new career: Politician.

TREASURES

Favorite quote: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country," by John F. Kennedy.

Favorite cause: St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Most influential book: "The Art of the Deal"ß by Donald Trump.

Favorite movie: The Good Shepherd.

Favorite restaurant: CJ's Brewing Co.

Favorite vacation spot: Florida.

Favorite way to spend free time: With the children.

What you drive: Land Rover Discovery and a Town and Country Minivan