At PAR Technology, the culture thrives on a simple but powerful foundation: Five Core Values: Act with Urgency, Own It, Deliver Outcomes, Win Together, Never Settle. These values, championed by CEO and President Savneet Singh, are more than buzzwords, they are the driving force behind the company’s remarkable turnaround.
“When a customer emails us, we have to act like it’s the most important thing in the world,” Savneet explained. “Urgency isn’t about rushing, it’s about showing that we care.” Combined with a commitment to “data over anecdotes” and “outcome over output,” PAR’s core values empower employees to solve problems effectively and deliver meaningful results.
But this culture wasn’t always PAR’s reality. When Savneet joined the company in 2018, PAR was struggling. A legacy hardware manufacturer for over 60 years, facing dissatisfied customers and a demotivated workforce. “How could we claim to care about employees and customers when our customer NPS was negative and so few employees had equity in the company?” Savneet asked.
He knew change had to start from within. By embedding strong cultural values and leading with purpose, Savneet initiated a transformation that would redefine PAR’s future.
Rebuilding PAR with Vision
Savneet’s background as an entrepreneur and investor, shaped by insights from mentors like Warren Buffett, prepared him for the challenges ahead. “I’ve always admired how Buffett focuses on building for the long term,” he shared. This perspective guided his approach to reinventing PAR—not as a short-term fix, but as a sustainable leader in restaurant technology.
When Savneet stepped in, he focused on positioning PAR to meet the evolving needs of the restaurant industry. Recognizing that restaurants were being overwhelmed by fragmented technology solutions, PAR shifted its focus to integration and simplification.
Today, PAR offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including point-of-sale systems, loyalty programs, online ordering, and back-office management. “Our job is to unify these technologies so operators can deliver the experiences their customers deserve,” Savneet said. By addressing operators’ pain points, PAR has become a trusted partner for restaurants navigating digital transformation.
A Culture That Grows With the Company
For Savneet, rebuilding PAR meant more than just fixing products or processes—it required reshaping the company’s identity. “Culture isn’t about slogans or posters,” he emphasized. “It’s about driving real business value.” As PAR grew, so did its culture, proving that scaling a company doesn’t mean diluting its values. “People often say, ‘Remember when we were a small team? The culture was great back then,’” Savneet reflected. “But why can’t the culture be even better now? Growth should enhance the culture, not weaken it.”
Two principles stand out in PAR’s culture: Data Over Anecdotes—“Data is honest,” Savneet said. “It helps us make smarter decisions and avoid being swayed by isolated complaints or opinions,” and Outcome Over Output—“If a problem isn’t solved, it doesn’t matter how much effort you put in,” he noted. “We reward results, not busy work.” This focus has created a high-performing, aligned workforce where employees understand their mission, and customers see the difference in PAR’s dedication to delivering value.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Savneet’s leadership offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. His first piece of advice? Love the problem you’re solving. “If you’re not passionate about the problem, it’s hard to stay motivated when things get tough,” he said.
He also stresses the importance of being deliberate about culture. “Define your values early and make sure they’re lived, not just talked about,” Savneet advised. “Culture is what drives alignment and success.”
Finally, he urges startups to start narrow. “Solve one problem exceptionally well before you expand,” he said. “Focus builds trust, and trust creates opportunity.”
Leading in the Arena
Savneet’s approach to leadership reflects the wisdom of Teddy Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” For Savneet, being in the arena means making bold decisions, staying true to core values, and delivering outcomes that matter. By leading with purpose and focus, Savneet Singh has positioned PAR not only as a leader in restaurant technology but as a shining example of how values-driven leadership can drive lasting success.
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