He wants to inspire other young people into business ownership.
Singh got his first job at another pizza franchise at 16, and in five years has moved up the ranks.
Now managing the business alongside his 18-year-old brother Ikamjot and his team of staff aged 16 to 20, Singh said the team’s young age gave it an upper hand.
“Everyone’s pretty young normally in a pizza joint, so it helps with managing everyone and getting to know staff on a more personal level as well.
“Everyone’s trying to make it the best store in Hastings, so everyone’s on board with the plan and the goal.”
Singh said he and his brother grew up working in his family’s dairy, which he credited for shaping their work ethic and customer service skills.
It gave him peace of mind to know he had invested in a long-term brand that people enjoyed.
Despite his team’s young age, he said everyone at Hell Pizza and the surrounding businesses had been supportive.
Although he hadn’t worked at a Hell Pizza before buying into the franchise, he was a regular customer.
His favourite from his shop is the vegetarian pizza Purgatory, which has feta cheese and a salty taste.
He had a simple piece of advice for any young people thinking about buying into a business or starting their own.
“Go for it. There’s nothing stopping you.”
He also wants to develop the next generation of young business owners in Hastings.
“I want to continue investing in the community that’s given me so much ...
“If our staff leave with skills and confidence they can use anywhere, that’s a win for them and for Hastings.”
Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and has worked in radio and media in the UK, Germany, and New Zealand.
