Today our CEO students had the opportunity to hear from Ben Sperry, owner of Joe's Pizza Mount Vernon and Centralia. Ben shared his journey of becoming a business owner at a young age and the determination it took to build his business.

At just 21 years old, Ben purchased his first building and began growing Joe’s Pizza. Over the years he has expanded the space, added a party room, improved the kitchen, and continued investing back into the business. Before opening Joe’s Pizza, he moved to Mount Vernon without having friends or family nearby, simply because he saw an opportunity.

Ben also shared how adapting and staying committed helped him navigate challenges like COVID, and how strong work ethic and persistence have been key to his success. In addition to running the restaurant, he also owns a bar connected to the location and has built a team to help keep operations running smoothly.

Beyond business, Ben emphasized the importance of giving back. Joe’s Pizza regularly supports the community by providing food for local schools, celebrating student achievements, and participating in community events.

Thank you, Ben, for sharing your story and showing our students what dedication, resilience, and community support can look like in entrepreneurship! 🍕

✍🏻 Post content written by CEO student Anna Bousman