Leadership of James Lenon

Hello, Mr. Lenon!

Let’s start with you:

• What is your business?
  

Magic Wings and Things. There are two locations. We have the best chicken wings, burgers, cheese Steaks, and more, in town! Oh, you should try our home-made lemonade and Pineapple-Lemonade! 

• How long have you been in restaurant business?

More than 20 years. 

• What inspired you to start your business?

I knew how to cook for a long time and had worked as a chef in a couple of restaurants. Before, starting these restaurants I was a real estate agent. When the real estate market took a downturn in 2000, I decided to go into the food business. I started with a food trailer at a nightclub. Later I purchased a restaurant that was not doing well. Now I have two locations!

• So, you are entrepreneurial minded person?

I think so! I always look for ways of doing anything better and the opportunities out there. There are a lot of opportunities out there. You have to find the once that fit you the best.  

• What motivates you every day? Life.

Spending time with my wife. Travels. Since I spend so much time in my businesses perhaps retiring one day (he laughs).  

Let’s talk business:

• What has been the most surprising challenge you have faced so far (other than Covid19)?

The mindset of the young workers. When we were growing up, we had to work to get what we want. But the new generation gets what they want from their parents. Their parents take care of them. Their parents provide for them. So, there is a lack of need to work at a young age. So, the young workers, high schoolers, will delay their employment. They no longer have to work at restaurants, warehouses… Unfortunately, they fail to see the value of work experience at that level. Because their parents provide for them. They will wait for something bigger. So, as business owners, we have to recalibrate hiring practices. Also, the rise of food prices has been an unexpected issue. 

• On that thought, what advice do you have for small business owners in order to make a successful new hire an employee?

Right now, it feels like a roll of the dice (he laughs). Honestly, it boils down to the mindset of the workers. I have a relative who pays his employees $22 an hour. Still, he has difficulties hiring dedicated people. We need to rethink who we hire and how we hire.

• As a business owner, what are your top (three) priorities? I have two priorities.

1. I want my businesses to be operating with minimum supervision from us, my wife, and me. I want my staff to know this business thoroughly, so I don’ have to be here all the time.
2. Open a third location.
 

• Are mentors in business important? (If so, whom do you seek advice from for your business)

Yes, it is important to have mentors or people who know the business, industry. I didn’t have anyone like that when we started this business. I had to earn my experience the hard way. I had to learn everything…even simple things as filling business forms. Reliable mentors are a necessity.

• Have you ever failed? If yes, how did the failure set you up for later success?
  

I went from real estate agent to being a restaurateur is not because I wasn’t successful in real estate. I was successful as a real estate agent. I made a ton of cold calls! Most of them said no. But some said yes. Yes became a profitable transaction. Unfortunately, the real estate market went sour in 2000, and I’m not the type of person who walks around moping. No one hands you anything for free. I have always wanted to be a business person. As a business person, I looked for a different venture. I looked at my strengths, skillset. I knew how to cook, and I capitalized on it. So, I started with a food trailer!

• How do you manage two business at the same time?

I have synced the method of management in both restaurants.
 

• Your restaurant is closed on Sundays! I find that remarkable and admirable. 

We put in a lot of hours at our businesses, and we need a rest! We have even talked about closing on Monday. Taking a break is very important. Also, I have realized that when you take time off, customers miss you.

Let’s wind things down:

• Who or What shaped who you are?

At the age of 8 years, I cut grass. I washed neighbors' cars. Worked at Omni at the age of 13. I sold cassettes and CDs downtown Atlanta. I used to sell socks at a corner street, just to watch a restaurant that I want to buy. The owner wanted to sell it at a higher price than what I had offered. I told the owner that he doesn’t have enough customer traffic to support his claim. He refused my offer. But my mind was set that he eventually, has to sell it to me at my price. So, I decided to sell socks at the corner, just to keep an eye on his business. That is the attitude, the mindset I have. I guess it was the mindset I'm born with.
 

• My daughter has completed the first year of her high school. What advice would you give yourself if you had been taken back to the second year in high school to prepare yourself for the future? What advice should you ignore?

I tell him to concentrate on his work. I will tell him to stay away from kids and adults who are not positive and don't have goals. If you don’t have goals you will end up mediocre. The most important thing is to stay away from kids and people who are not positive. Because they are the ones who will bring you down. They don’t want to look stupid by themselves. So, they bring others to look stupid together. 
It is not an easy thing to raise kids. I ask you to stay close to your children. Don’t be a friend. Be the parent. Be close to your daughter. There is too much going on in this world.

• What do you do to take your mind off business? Or to relax? Or to have fun?

I never take my mind off business. Even on Sundays. There is always something business on my mind. There are so many things you can do in business.

• Let’s end this session with a philosophical answer. Truly knowing yourself requires serious effort. How did you find yourself (i.e., what you are capable of) and what questions should we ask ourselves?

Enjoy life, enjoy who you are, and enjoy what you are doing. If you miss any one of these things, then you are not going to have a happy life. You have to strive to find that balance. So, have a goal to find those three things in life and enjoy your life. Be happy. Also, understand that you are very fortunate.

Mr. Lenon,  I appreciate your time. Thank you very much. I wish you all the best.

Magic Wings and Things
https://www.ordermagicwings.com/

Locations:
2235 Hwy 34 E, Newnan, GA 30265
47 E Newnan Rd, Newnan, GA 30263