“In the mid-‘90s I was attempting to become the next Mr. Rogers and I wrote children’s music that can still be found on Spotify.”
—Dolf Berle, CEO, Nothing Bundt Cakes
In her monthly “Grab Bag” column, Editor in Chief Laura Michaels asks the tough questions—What superhero power would you most like to have? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?—to show a side of franchising execs you don’t normally see.
What’s your favorite franchise brand that’s not your own?
I’m a huge fan of franchise brands that are dedicated to bringing joy to people’s lives in ways that also bring joy to the franchisees. That’s why I joined Nothing Bundt Cakes. One in particular would be Dairy Queen, which also was just a beautiful part of my upbringing. It was the ultimate treat in my family.
What’s something not many people know about you?
In the mid-‘90s I was attempting to become the next Mr. Rogers and I wrote children’s music that can still be found on Spotify. ‘The Pancake Song’ continues to have a solid number of downloads each year, mostly in Europe.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I try to be in environments where there’s positivity, period. So I work hard to be with people and in communities that have really positive intentions, and I try to bring that positivity to my daily life. I have a low threshold for people and situations where negativity is the overriding mode.
What’s something you would seriously stockpile if you found out it wasn’t going to be sold anymore?
Track and field spikes. I’m the world champion in the pole vault at my age; I’ve won it at 50, 55 and now 60. I compete for the U.S. internationally as a Masters athlete. I’m going to Sweden to compete in the pole vault and decathlon. I competed on ‘American Ninja Warrior’ a few times, badly, but it wasn’t televised.
What’s one restaurant or food trend you wish would disappear?
I live more in a world where I think we should try to provide more opt-ions for people who want to eat healthier. For example, we’re expanding our line of gluten-free products at Nothing Bundt Cakes. So I think rather than trends being viewed in sort of a bad light, I think that sort of innovation should be encouraged.
If you could be a member of any TV show family, which would it be?
I would go for ‘Game of Thrones.’ I find it fascinating. I’m attracted to characters that are chivalrous but who live in a world where challenges and compromises are all around them.
Which time period in history would you want to visit?
The decades following the advent of the printing press. When an educated person could read every book ever produced, in any field. Mind you, this would be Western literature. My study was in history and literature as a student in college, getting my master’s, so that’s why I think of that time period.
What superhero power would you most like to have?
Captain America is my favorite superhero because I associate him with my father, who was in the Air Force. The superpower for Captain America is actually character.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
The gluten-free chocolate chip cake at Nothing Bundt Cakes. I have yet to take one taste and not finish the entire cake. I get the bundlet, which is two servings. If I ever got through an entire 12-inch cake, now that would be impressive.