Christina Martin, the owner of Manizza’s Pizza in Las Vegas, is an unexpected entrepreneur in the pizza world. Her journey from the fitness industry to the food business was anything but conventional. As a former personal trainer and gym owner, Martin never envisioned herself running a pizzeria. “I was in the fitness industry for years, running gyms and working as a personal trainer,” she said. However, after having her daughter, Martin found herself preparing healthy meals at home, which led her to launch a meal prep business. “After three years in the meal prep business, I opened a pizza business just for fun. It was a small part of the business but quickly became my passion.”
Martin’s leap into the pizza industry was both swift and creative. Operating out of a market that also served her meal prep business, she initially set out with a small team and minimal pizza-making knowledge. “I thought, ‘How hard can it be? Pizza is awesome!’ With the help of a manager who had run a Domino’s and support from her stepdad, a pizza enthusiast, Martin dove into the world of pizza. “I made my first pizza less than two weeks before we opened,” she recalled. Although the space was unconventional for a pizzeria, Martin used her existing network in Henderson to build awareness, inviting customers from her meal prep business to a pizza tasting event. “Two hundred people showed up, and we posted photos on social media to help build excitement.” The community response helped spread the word, and word-of-mouth growth followed.
Despite the challenges of running two businesses, Martin’s passion for pizza grew quickly. The pizzeria operated mostly on takeout and delivery from the start, and Martin’s hands-on approach was key in navigating early obstacles, such as inadequate kitchen equipment. “We were using a tiny four-deck oven that barely fit in the space,” Martin said, laughing. “We pushed it to its limits until we could afford to upgrade.” But even with these struggles, Martin’s leadership and commitment to both her businesses never faltered.
When the pandemic hit, Martin was faced with difficult decisions about the future of her businesses. Managing both a pizza company and a meal prep service was taking a toll on her time and energy. “I realized that I could delegate more with the pizza business and get my life back. I decided to sell the meal prep company, which allowed me to focus entirely on the pizzeria.” Martin’s decision wasn’t easy, especially as she had to move locations to find a space better suited for her vision of a pizza business. “We weren’t visible enough at the old location. With pizza, we needed high traffic and visibility,” she explained.
Opening her new pizzeria came with its own set of challenges, but Martin was determined to build momentum. She gave her staff a paid month off so they could transition smoothly to the new location. “I didn’t want to open with a brand-new team. I wanted seasoned workers who knew the business,” she said. Martin also knew the importance of marketing in drawing in customers. She used social media and direct mail to promote her new location, offering free pizza for a year to the first 100 customers. The promotion paid off in ways Martin couldn’t have imagined. “We had people camping in the parking lot. The lines wrapped around the block—it was wild,” she recalled.
Aside from using creative promotions, Martin is also passionate about the people side of the business. “Pizza is a people business. I love the craft of pizza, but it’s the people who make this place special,” she said. Christina Martin has built her business not only by creating a great product but by fostering a strong, loyal team. “I’m big on leading by example,” she shared. “If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. I try to always be the last to eat and the last to get paid.”
Martin’s management style centers on building a team that thrives through learning and growth. “I hire for personality, not experience,” she explained. “I can teach the skills, but I want people who fit with the vision of the business.” She has created an environment where employees are constantly learning, both in terms of skills and personal development. “We have a library in the lobby with books on personal development and business biographies. To be promoted, you need to finish two books and write reports on them,” Martin said. Her passion for people development extends beyond technical skills, as she encourages her team to grow personally and professionally.
Teamwork and learning are core values for Martin, and she has systems in place to ensure every team member has the tools they need to succeed. “I track everything during the onboarding process, from making sauces to handling the register,” she explained. “If someone is struggling in one area, I can pinpoint where they need more training and help them focus on improving.”
Martin’s approach to leadership is simple: Make things easy for your team so they can be confident and excel at their jobs. “I try to make everything as clear as possible so my staff can use their brains for other things. When they don’t have to guess, they’re happier and more productive,” she said. Her transparency and commitment to setting clear expectations help maintain a positive work environment, even when challenges arise.
Even with her success, Martin’s focus on maintaining strong customer relationships remains a top priority. “Our customers are the backbone of the business,” she said. Martin employs technology like the Ovation app, which allows customers to leave real-time feedback via emojis, which are linked to online reviews. “We get a lot of reviews, and it’s great to see the positive feedback,” she noted.
One of Martin’s key philosophies is to “make your problems boring.” She applies this mindset to both her personal life and her business. “I try to be proactive, not reactive,” she said. “If I can anticipate problems before they become crises, I can focus on the things that are beyond my control.” She even uses tools like Bluetooth thermometers and automated systems to help manage the logistics of her restaurant. This proactive approach has allowed her to scale the business while ensuring quality and consistency.
In addition to using technology and systems to stay ahead of potential issues, Martin stresses the importance of mentorship. “You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Find someone who’s been there, done that, and is willing to teach you,” she said. She credits much of her success in the pizza industry to mentorship, particularly from industry experts like Mike Bausch, who has been a guiding figure in her entrepreneurial journey. “Find people smarter and better than you and learn from them. That’s how you grow.”
Despite being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Martin has never felt that her gender has been a hindrance. “It’s been a positive experience. The pizza community is welcoming, and I think people connect with me because I’m relatable. I’m a mom, a wife, and a business owner,” she said. “It’s been nothing but a blessing.”
Christina Martin’s journey from fitness trainer to successful pizzeria owner is a testament to her ability to adapt, lead with purpose, and foster a supportive environment for both her team and customers. Her story proves that with passion, perseverance, and a focus on people, any challenge can be overcome—making even the toughest problems feel “boring” in the best way possible.
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