3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Emily Chamberlain-Hall, General Manager of Jimmy John's Sandwiches in Ashburn,

Emily Chamberlain-Hall tells the Patch about how she became involved in the restaurant industry and explains how Jimmy John's stands out from the competition.

Patch: What is your definition of success?

Emily: I think success is more than just one big win. I think true success is a serious of little, consecutive, consistent wins that might have very little to do with monetary goals, but a lot to do with delivering a high quality, fresh, tasty product.

Patch: What’s the best piece of sales advice you’ve ever been given?

Emily: Celebrate the word "No" and change it into “Heck yes.”

Patch: If you had to recommend someone three books what would they be and why?

Emily: On a business level I would highly recommend The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard because I have seen measurable increase of profitability in both myself and our team as a whole by implementing the principles described in the book. On a general level I would recommend Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey because I have experienced better effectiveness in my business and personal endeavors by utilizing lessons taught therein. Lastly I would recommend The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis. I recently started reading this book and I believe it helps explain the different kinds of love we all need in our lives and helps us understand where to find that love and how to give appropriate love to others.

Patch: What is your favorite sandwich on the menu?

Emily: My sandwich is rather complicated. I follow a rigid diet so I have a lot of modifications! Right now I'm eating a #1 Pepe unwich, no cheese, easy bacon, extra avocado, no tomatoes, extra cucumbers, extra herbs. Jimmy John’s recipes are fantastic! I salivate over the #12 Beach Club. But the cool thing about our menu is that we do welcome people with special dietary needs, and are more than happy to discuss our menu modifications with you!

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about your catering services?

Emily: Jimmy John's has always had a desire to be involved in community events and cater to the budget (and quality) conscious consumer. That's why they designed such neat, organized (and flashy!) catering options. Our biggest sellers are the new Mini Jimmys and the convenient, affordable box lunches. We also offer party platters and a variety of tasty sides.

Patch: What is your favorite part about working at Jimmy John's?

Emily: The opportunity to build a business by being involved in my community and my family -- hands down.

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about your staff and their background?

Emily: Our staff is diverse! Everyone has their own story and special place on our team. Our mission is to guide and direct young adults from the pond of youth to the big ocean of adulthood. We try to create a bridge, if you will, from struggle to success. For example, my cousin Gavin is on the autistic spectrum, but he works with us daily at Jimmy John’s. Now that he has aged out of high school, he loves his “work family” at the store. We welcome him every week day, and he lights up our work. He digs his “Jimmy Job,” and that makes it special for all of us. We all have struggles. But that doesn't mean that, as a team, we can't be a success!

Patch: How did you get involved in restaurant industry?

Emily: My aunt started the Bridge Project three or four years ago, with the idea of helping young adults and people with special needs to learn skills and attitudes that school systems do not teach. She did not want to start a charity; young people – whether they have special needs or not – don’t need charity! They need a chance to succeed. The restaurant industry is particularly conducive to allowing workers with little training – but a lot of heart – to gain job skills that will be the foundation for their work achievements.

Patch: How does Jimmy John's standout from the competition?

Emily: We stand out from our competition because of our smiles, happy attitudes and desire to just make your day a little brighter. And the food is really good, too!

Patch: How fast does Jimmy John's really deliver?

Emily: By saying "Freaky Fast" we mean we are going to make your sandwiches in under a minute in the store, so you barely have time to salivate before the sandwich is in your hand. Nothing makes us happier than to have your sandwich ready before your change is counted out! Our slogan "Freaky Fast" in no way implies that we encourage our drivers to speed or break the law. It just means, we make it right, we make it fast, and we deliver within reason.

Patch: How can readers contact you or find out more about Jimmy John's?

Emily: Readers can call our store at 571-442- 8316, or contact Gavinsbridge, LLC dba Jimmy John's #2151 via email at gavinsbridge@gmail.com. Readers can learn more about Jimmy John's by going to www.jimmyjohns.com, where you can order one or one hundred sandwiches for delivery or pick up. Come on down and see us soon, we have your sandwich ready!