The golden rules of growth: Jay Gould

No one knows how to build a business better than the entrepreneurs behind some of Canada's most successful companies. These are their most powerful lessons. Jay Gould President & CEO New York Fries Brantford, Ont. You can't be all things to all people Keeping his eyes on fries has worked well for Gould, whose burgerless New York Fries chain boasts 185 locations in Canada, Australia, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. "Our aim from the start was to make the best fries around," says Gould, "and we have stayed very focussed on just that thing." It took 21 years for Gould to add burgers to his business menu. However, they're offered by a separate operation with a different brand: South St. Burger Co., launched in 2005. And there's an intense focus within South St. as well: homestyle beef burgers. "The temptation for entrepreneurs to have something for everybody can be overwhelming," says Jay Gould. "[Customers] will tell you they like veal burgers. While there might actually be a market for veal burgers, it's a different concept. You can't be all things to all people." —CC