Row the boat and patch the holes: Tyler Perry’s guidance helped create Big Dave’s success

Derrick Hayes, who established and leads Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, attributes a transformative business insight to film director Tyler Perry, which has significantly influenced his entrepreneurial mindset. In a group discussion, Perry suggested Hayes should “sometimes get in the water, row the boat, and leave others on the shore,” highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s vision rather than trying to satisfy everyone involved. Hayes, whose journey began with a single Big Dave’s shop in a Georgia gas station in 2014, shared that this perspective has been central to his expansion strategy, which has grown the brand to 12 locations across the U.S. by 2025. Last year, just two Atlanta stores brought in between $1.1 million and $1.8 million in net sales, with the brand selling a cheesesteak roughly every 58 seconds. Now 38, Hayes has adopted a focus on essential objectives instead of spreading himself thin to please every supporter, crediting Perry’s advice for this shift. “Not everyone will grasp the mission,” Hayes told Fortune, pointing to the ongoing balance between ambition and inclusivity in business.

The company’s expansion is a result of both careful growth and a distinct brand identity. Starting from a modest 700-square-foot space, Big Dave’s now serves customers in prominent venues such as Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and aims to reach 100 franchise locations by the end of 2025. Hayes’s philosophy reflects a broader trend among entrepreneurs, with leaders like Aravind Srinivas of Perplexity and Carl Eschenbach of Workday also highlighting the value of steadfast focus. Despite the progress, Hayes has faced obstacles; for instance, a flood in 2020 temporarily shut down his flagship Atlanta location, but support from the community and collaborations—like with Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole—helped the business bounce back. The brand’s resilience is also seen in its commitment to underserved areas, with all franchisees identifying as Black or BIPOC and a workforce of 400 employees.

Perry’s own approach to business, which includes maintaining strict boundaries with family, further illustrates the lesson that Hayes has embraced. On Kirk Franklin’s podcast, Perry shared that he dismissed an aunt for unprofessional conduct and stopped financially supporting relatives after his mother’s passing, giving them 60 days to become independent. “You need to be wary of family members who might sabotage your efforts,” Perry advised Hayes, a metaphor that left a strong impression on the Big Dave’s founder. This principle of keeping personal ties separate from business matters is echoed in corporate leadership, such as Target CEO Brian Cornell’s focus on making decisions that align with core values. For Hayes, this has meant prioritizing scalable systems over short-term appeasement, a strategy that helped Big Dave’s become the first majority Black-owned company to appear on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers list in 2025.

The company’s financial growth is further highlighted by recent developments. According to PitchBook, Big Dave’s secured a late-stage venture capital investment in February 2024, with backers like the New Voices Fund. Although exact revenue numbers aren’t public, the brand’s presence in high-traffic areas and its premium pricing—sandwiches cost between $11.99 and $46.99—indicate healthy profit margins. Hayes’s focus on franchising, with a goal of 100 locations by year’s end, mirrors industry shifts toward decentralized expansion. This approach marks a significant change from the early days, when the business made less than $100,000 in its first year. A viral shoutout from rapper Eve in 2014 sparked initial momentum, showing how cultural relevance can drive brand growth.

Big Dave’s involvement in the community goes beyond economic contributions. Hayes has teamed up with Cole to provide meals during emergencies, including initiatives during the pandemic, and is a strong advocate for mentorship in underserved neighborhoods. “My talent is creating opportunities for others,” he said, emphasizing the blend of profit and purpose. This philosophy, shaped by Perry’s guidance, has made Big Dave’s a notable example of balancing growth with ethical leadership. As Hayes steers the company through rapid expansion, the lessons from Perry and other industry figures reinforce the importance of a clear vision—a principle that has propelled him from a gas station startup to a national fast-casual leader.

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