Tribune Excerpts

The following article appeared in the March 2007 Edition of the Macedonian Tribune

Ilitch generosity makes us proud

Detroit – On Feb. 1, Mike Ilitch launched an innovative franchise program for veterans. The first franchise with Little Caesars Pizza, which opened in Paducah, Ky., went to Army Staff Sergeant Robbie Doughty, 32, and fellow veteran Lloyd Allard.

Both served in the 3rd Battalion 5th Special Forces Group in the Sunni Triangle, where Doughty lost both legs to an Iraqi roadside bomb in 2004.

Mike Ilitch called Doughty to thank him for serving our country, and was so impressed by his courage, commitment and upbeat attitude that he wanted to do something. Offering him a new career path in his hometown seemed like a good transition.

“He seems so upbeat. If I was in his position, I’d be a little bitter, maybe depressed,” Ilitch told The Detroit News.

Doughty’s story reminded him of his own struggles against lesser hurdles. Born the son of immigrants from Macedonia, he rose to play baseball in the minor leagues. His hopes to play in the majors ended with a knee injury, and he became a door-to-door salesman.

“I couldn’t get a job for a long time. I never forgot that. I never forgot that feeling of having a goal cut short by something out of my control,” Ilitch said.

“After a career in the military, I was open to a new venture,” said Doughty. “Our military background and familiarity with systems, processes and a teamwork management style make the Little Caesars franchise a good fit.”

The Little Caesars Veterans Program is open to qualified veterans, who have been honorably discharged, when they transition to civilian life or seek a career change. The program provides a $10,000 benefit for qualified veterans and up to $68,000 in benefits for service-disabled veterans.

For information, visit www.LittleCaesars.com.

Little Caesars is the world’s largest carry-out pizza chain and one of the top four international pizza chains with restaurants on five continents. Ilitch Holdings doubled its revenue in the past four years, hitting the $1 billion mark in 2004, according to The Detroit News.