Franchisee Glenn Mueller Passes the Torch – And the Lessons He Learned Along the Way
Long before founding RPM Pizza in 1981, brothers Richard and Glenn Mueller were already building and planning together– designing intricate model train sets as children and carefully mapping out every detail. Their passion for trains continued and as teenagers they created one of the largest model train sets in their home state, Ohio, measuring 12 ping pong tables long. Their passion taught them how to dream big and think at scale while focusing on fine details.
As they grew older, the brothers applied those skills, along with values rooted in family, faith and sports, to build one of Domino’s largest franchise systems in the United States. Over the course of 45 years, RPM Pizza helped bring new innovations to Domino’s, guided more than 155 RPM Pizza team members to become franchisees and supported their surrounding communities during times of immense need.
RPM’s Origin Story
Richard P. Mueller Jr. (the “RPM” in RPM Pizza) began his career with Domino’s in 1967 as a part-time driver while studying engineering at the University of Michigan. As he grew within the brand, he left college to pursue the business full time.
In partnership with Tom Monaghan, he went on to open 60 stores in Ohio before age 30, later merging with the company and becoming a 10% owner and vice president of operations.
“He really fell in love with pizza and Tom Monaghan’s vision of having the busiest and best pizza place and delivery company,” shared Glenn. “He ended up dropping out of school, borrowed some money from our parents, and bought his first Domino’s store and then went on to open about 61 stores.”
Over time, Richard began to envision building a business of his own, bringing family and friends into that vision. Glenn began supporting the Domino’s brand as a part time delivery driver while attending the University of Michigan. After earning his college degree, MBA and CPA, Glenn was working at a well-known accounting firm at age 25 when Richard approached him with an opportunity.
“He came to me and said, ‘Why don’t you help me look into businesses? I am about to get a check for more than $1 million and we can do anything,’” Glenn reminisced. “We explored other franchise options and I ran cost-benefit analyses, but in the end, we came back to Domino’s. It was the best fit for us and the opportunity was impossible to beat.”
In 1981, Richard sold his stock in Domino’s Pizza Inc. and received franchise development rights to Mississippi and Louisiana, with the requirement to build 120 stores in less than 10 years, something they quickly achieved within five years. Together, Richard and Glenn co-founded RPM Pizza, and with support from their brother-in-law, Tom Holliday, they went on to open hundreds of stores.
Torches that Lit Up RPM’s Darkest Times
One priority that has remained at the forefront of RPM Pizza’s business, even during times of exponential growth and crisis, is putting their team and people first.
“Putting people first is the right thing to do, and it also goes back to Tom Monaghan’s golden rule: treat others the way you wish to be treated,” said Glenn. “Bo Schembechler also influenced how we did things. He inspired us to be very team focused and to come together to support each other– there is no 'I' in TEAM.”
In 1985, Glenn helped establish Domino’s Partner Foundation, a nonprofit that supports team members in need. He served as the foundation’s first president.
“Everybody experiences a setback in life,” Glenn shared. “Domino’s Partners Foundation supports team members during those times, whether it’s natural disasters or medical hardships. Today, for every dollar donated, the funds go back to team member in need.”
In the early 1990s Glenn contributed to creating the Domino’s Franchisee Association and Domino’s FORUM, where he served as president for 22 years. He is known for his high safety standards and created many measures and procedures that are used today throughout Domino’s stores.
RPM Pizza experienced steady growth but faced a storm in 1992 when the banks wanted out of the pizza business and called all $20 million of their loans at 21% interest. They quickly regrouped and “panned for gold”– a phrase they often use within their organization to brainstorm and look toward each other and fellow franchisees for answers. In collaboration with the Domino’s brand and other franchisees, they discovered a way to move forward and worked for the next five years to pay off all debts.
“Everyone at Domino’s is so brilliant: the franchisees, team members and corporate. When we pan for gold, we know that somewhere in the room there is a golden nugget or solution to whatever problem it is that we are working on,” Glenn said. “Sharing and collaborating is at the heart of both the FORUM and the Domino’s Franchisee Association. That exchange of ideas and information with the goal of lifting each other up, especially during challenges, strengthens the brand and builds resilience. It’s a unique connection others externally may not always see, but it remains one of our biggest hidden strengths.”
In 2003, Richard Jr. retired from RPM Pizza and Glenn became the official franchisee with Richard Mueller III, Richard Jr.’s son, serving as chief operating officer.
Though the bank was satisfied and business was turning around, the storms RPM faced were not over yet, as Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005. It claimed lives and livelihoods; 86 RPM stores were damaged, with 16 completely destroyed.
“There was no power, water or means of communication, so we posted a piece of paper at stores checking on everyone. We realized every business was closed – including our competitors,” Glenn said. “So, to start I said we are going to do the right thing and guarantee our team members food, clothing, shelter and a paycheck.”
Not only did Richard return to support his brother during this time of need, but also various Domino’s franchisees from different states traveled in to offer aid with donations, water, clothing and free pizza. Partners Foundation also showed support by helping over 400 team members find housing.
“I think it tested our brand and character, and Domino’s showed up. It taught us that in times of adversity, we are going to roll our sleeves up and do the right thing – take care of our team, help the community and then serve our customers,” said Glenn. “We will make sure we’re safe of course, but we are going to be the first to open and the last to close.”
Despite the adversity, RPM continued to grow and innovate. At one point the franchise built or acquired more than 510 stores in three countries and 11 states.
Passing the Torch
As Glenn reflects on RPM’s journey, he remains focused on preserving the family legacy and putting people first.
“From the time Richard and I formed our partnership and launched RPM Pizza on Feb. 6, 1981, we wanted to be the best franchisees at Domino’s,” Glenn shared. “Richard and I also wanted to keep RPM Pizza in the family, and we hoped that one day, there would be a successor who would take RPM Pizza boldly into the next phase.”
RPM Pizza currently operates more than 137 locations across Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Indiana, continuing its family-led legacy as Glenn passes the torch to his son, Rogers. Glenn’s daughter, Merrin Mueller-Wells, is also increasing her ownership stake in the franchise and will expand her role as senior vice president of people and business development. Glenn will still play a role within RPM as chief safety and growth officer.
“While I will be working less hours, I will be there to help coach and mentor. I will be supporting team member safety, reducing crashes and lowering insurance costs,” said Glenn. “I also want to continue helping people franchise. We have a road map to success and will continue to help guide them through that process. Many people fall in love with the business, and through our Pizza College training center, we help them build skills, make connections and take the next step in their careers. Each step along the way we try to help them hit their goals.”
Glenn is also focusing his time on coaching youth sports teams and leading TrainTastic™, the world's largest model railroad museum. The museum, located at 615 Pass Road in Gulfport, Mississippi, was built by Richard and Glenn to inspire joy and childhood memories for all ages. The 50,000-square-foot museum offers more than 30 interactive model train layouts as well as STEM training and train rides.
To learn more about becoming a Domino’s franchise owner, visit biz.dominos.com/about-us/franchising/.