Steven Joseph Wolfe has built a remarkable career as a real estate investor and former restaurant franchise owner, retiring after decades of entrepreneurial success. Beginning his investment journey in 2013, he diversified his portfolio across various sectors. His investments include a 118-unit single-family rental housing community, several short-term vacation rentals, newly constructed apartments, two Marriott hotels, and a medical biotechnology startup. In 2021, he and his partners invested in his first senior living project in Durango, Colorado, which they sold in the spring of 2024. Since then, their investments have expanded to include seven additional senior living projects in Minnesota and Iowa.

His expertise spans restaurant and franchise operations, real estate investments in apartments, hotels, and vacation rentals, and, most recently, senior living facilities that offer assisted living and memory care services. His strategic approach to investing has allowed him to identify opportunities across different industries, contributing to his diversified portfolio.

Panera Bread Franchise Success

In 2000, he became a franchise owner and operator of Panera Bread, establishing six locations in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Over the years, he grew the franchise to employ over 350 people across two states. He sold the franchise in 2019, having consistently achieved annual sales growth while maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

As the franchise owner, Steven Joseph Wolfe oversaw operations, financial management, leadership, employee development, marketing, and multi-site management. He designed an effective personnel plan, hiring and retaining general managers for each location and bringing on a district manager to assist with regional strategic planning. He managed hundreds of employees, working closely with his HR director and accountant to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations regarding hiring, benefits, and employee plans.

Steven took pride in being a hands-on leader, often assisting in serving customers, greeting patrons in the store, and connecting with employees. His franchise consistently ranked in the top five among all national Panera franchisees in customer satisfaction surveys. Steven also collaborated with his regional training manager to ensure consistent training for onboarding and retaining managers and hourly associates. His management team included over 32 salaried and hourly managers, and he oversaw the production of significant bakery and bread products each month.

His marketing efforts involved maintaining the national brand while tailoring strategies to the local market. By working closely with national corporate marketing staff, he successfully increased sales and expanded the number of stores in the region. One of his proudest achievements was the high retention rate of his managers, who collectively had over 300 years of experience with Panera when he sold the franchise.

Early Career and Education

After graduating from university, he worked as an independent sales broker for an insurance company, selling policies primarily in the western suburbs of Chicago. Working entirely on commission, he consistently ranked in the top five in sales each year, selling over $1 million in supplemental insurance coverage.

During his college summers, he sold educational and Christian books, working over 80 hours a week on a commission-only basis. He finished in the top 100 sales representatives in three of the four summers, honing his skills in cold calling, resilience, and perseverance. He spent these summers in various states across the South, experiencing different parts of the country and meeting thousands of families. This experience taught him to handle rejection, be resilient in daily challenges, and develop a strong work ethic.

Steven was the sixth of ten children in Davenport, Iowa, and graduated from high school in 1988. In 1992, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Management and a minor in History from a university in Minnesota.

Dedication to Community and Volunteer Work

Throughout his life, he has been actively involved in volunteer work and community service. He participated in fundraising events for the Rochester Boys and Girls Club, donating his time and auction items. Through his Panera franchise locations, he donated over $300,000 annually in leftover bread and bakery products to local nonprofits and food banks.

As a franchise owner, he also sponsored the Salvation Army's "Taste of the Town" event in Rochester for 15 years, supporting the organization's mission to assist underserved communities with housing, medical and dental care, and food assistance. Steven Joseph Wolfe partnered with the Salvation Army's Thanksgiving Turkey Trot fundraiser race for seven years.

In addition, he participated in the Backpacks for Kids program at a local church and supported and volunteered with Next Chapter Ministries. He served on the board of PossAbilities, an organization that helps individuals with disabilities and hired and trained numerous employees during his tenure.

Additional Community Engagement Highlights

Honor Flight Initiative: Raised over $60,000 to enable WWII veterans from Minnesota and Wisconsin to visit the WWII Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Hurricane Katrina Relief: Collected $10,000 toward purchasing a replacement vehicle for a New Orleans taxi driver who lost their vehicle during Hurricane Katrina.

Support for Local Youth: During building renovations, the Rochester Boys & Girls Club received 400 weekly bag lunches, aiding in evening meals for children.

High School Support:

Donated time and food resources for high school events, including homeless awareness activities, mental health fundraising walks, and Homecoming and Prom events.
Participated as a judge at local high school DECA competitions, providing student feedback.
Delivered talks on entrepreneurship to high school and university business classes, sharing insights on running a business.
Personal Interests

In his spare time, he enjoys riding his road bike, attending sporting events and concerts, and watching movies. He values spending time with family and friends, hiking, and visiting state and national parks. His diverse interests reflect a balance between professional endeavors and personal well-being.

Steven Joseph Wolfe continues to exemplify a commitment to business excellence, community involvement, and personal growth through his diverse ventures and dedication to giving back to the community.

Steven Joseph Wolfe: From Franchisee to Real Estate Mogul