Membership isn’t a title. It’s a platform
By Brian Hernandez, Associate Editor, PMQ Pizza & Dir., U.S. Pizza Team
There’s something stirring in the flour. A new energy. A fresh batch of ambition, camaraderie and crust innovation. After 25 years of spinning dough and snagging trophies across the globe, PMQ’s U.S. Pizza Team is entering a new chapter—one built on unity, mentorship and a coast-to-coast calendar of culinary clashes.
At the time of this interview, the team was in the final stages of electing a new wave of leadership—a 
process that has since wrapped. With the elections completed on July 1, the U.S. Pizza Team now stands stronger, more unified, and ready to roll into a new era with purpose. The collaborative spirit behind this transition can’t be overstated: Leadership wasn’t handed down, it was voted in—by a team that’s always believed in rising together.
To get a sense of what’s cooking, we sat down with longtime Team Captain and Master Pizza franchise owner Michael P. LaMarca. While LaMarca serves as the team’s voice to the public—and to future members—the new direction of the U.S. Pizza Team has been a collaborative effort from the entire crew. Together, this group of passionate pizzaioli has helped reshape the team’s mission and structure, aiming for something far greater than medals—something that smells a lot like progress (and maybe garlic knots).
“The mission of the U.S. Pizza Team is to promote pizza through sportsmanship,” LaMarca began simply. But it’s clear this new mission goes far beyond just good vibes.
The U.S. Pizza Team Mission
Promoting pizza through sportsmanship has always been the foundation of the U.S. Pizza Team. Our members strive to lead by example in competition, professionalism and community. We follow the core values of our Team Mission written by member Rico Lunardi of Slice on Broadway; C.R.U.S.T.: Compete. Respect. Unite. Support. Teach. These five principles guide everything we do—on the floor, in the kitchen and across the industry.
Pizza, With a Purpose
So, who is this team really for? Just the elite upper crust?
“This team is designed for everyone—from those who are new to the world of pizza competitions to the best of the best!” LaMarca said. “What makes this team so special is that every member has something to contribute, everyone is willing to learn from anyone.” In short, the USPT is less like a gated pizza club and more like a family reunion—if your family throws flour, debates hydration levels, and has members across the country.
New members aren’t just welcome—they’re essential. “To become a new member, you need to stay informed with the U.S. Pizza Team by following the team on all social media and checking in frequently on the website (uspizzateam.com) to see when and where the next competition will be taking place,” LaMarca advised. “New members should compete in every pizza competition they possibly can and introduce themselves to each competitor to start making relationships with fellow competitors.”
What’s the Points System, and How Does It Work?
“Each member will be required to earn a certain number of points, for both consideration for membership, actually becoming a member, and then maintaining your active status as well as ascending in the ranks,” said USPT Director Brian Hernandez. “For example, attending a competition but not even competing may gain a small number of points, but competing in that event will get you so many more. And if you place? Forget about it. Most members could knock out their annual point requirements in two competitions.”
Not Just Compete—Connect
Sure, the U.S. Pizza Team features champions, medalists and seasoned pros. But titles don’t make the team—the people do. And what makes a good teammate? “A good fit is someone who is willing to learn, willing to teach and willing to put the U.S. Pizza Team and their teammates first,” LaMarca said.
He speaks with reverence about the knowledge being passed around by the team, like a bowl of table bread at a family dinner. “This team is made up of unselfish professionals with a wide range of experience and experiences. Newer and or rising talent can tap into these unbelievable resources to gain knowledge and apply it to the path they are on.”
That’s the extra cheese on the slice. Whether you’ve got trophies in your case or just your grandma’s dough recipe and a dream, you’re surrounded by a network of seasoned pros who have your back.
“The real value of having 50-plus industry peers in your corner is that at any point you could tap into these pizza professionals and get their point of view on any issue you might have or be going through,” LaMarca added. “It also gives you access to recipes, techniques and advice from some of the best of the best that the pizza industry has to offer.”
Membership Has Its Layers
Like any good pie, the USPT has structure. As LaMarca explained, there are two key member tiers: Competing Members and Premier Members. Competing Members are members who must compete every year, get invited to all national U.S. Pizza Team competitions and have access to upcoming events before they are released. Premier Members are Competing Members that have won a, or multiple, national or international competition. Premier Members have full access to all U.S. Pizza Team national and international competitions, special events and media exposure.
And if you’re wondering if you can just throw a couple of ‘za’s and call yourself active—think again.
“All members must attend a certain amount of U.S. Pizza Team events/competitions as well as hold media events and participate in team discussions/meetings to maintain their active status each year,” LaMarca said.
It’s not about showing up once; it’s about showing up consistently—online, in person and in spirit. “All U.S. Pizza Team members are expected to be the example of what it is to be a pillar of the pizza community, a professional and a leader in the industry,” LaMarca said. “Members do not only represent themselves when competing or at an event nationally or internationally, but they are representing their local communities, state and country.”
Can Members Access Discounts and Perks Through Team Sponsors?
“They absolutely can,” Hernandez said. “The USPT sponsors have all jumped on board to make sure each member—old and new—knows exactly what they can get from whom. From who? No, whom sounds cooler.”
Geography and Growth
With competitions now anchored on both the East and West Coasts through a partnership with the Pizza Tomorrow Summit and the Florida Restaurant Show and California Restaurant Show, plus a potential third showdown brewing in a major pizza city (no spoilers yet), the team’s footprint is growing. “Being a part of a coast-to-coast competition gives you an opportunity to see other pizza makers in their element,” LaMarca noted, “to see their local, regional and unique style of pizzas they produce. This gives you a chance to make and produce other styles of pizzas in your own shop and offer your customers what you have experienced in your travels.”
As for that third big city event? “A potential third ‘major-pizza-city’ competition would give the team and its members another opportunity to get recognized as a premier pizza maker. It will also give the team a chance to meet more potential teammates.”
Tools, Access, and the Path Forward
Why should someone care about early access to events? Because when registrations fill up faster than a Detroit crust in a blue steel pan, timing is everything. “These competitions sell out faster and faster,” LaMarca warned. “Having the chance to hear about them first and have access to early sign-up could make the difference between you having the chance to win a competition that could change your business—or be sitting outside looking in!”
The USPT is also strengthening its relationships with key industry partners to explore new opportunities in education and professional development. Discussions are underway to create formal programs that allow members not only to learn new skills, but also to teach and share their own expertise. The idea is simple: Education and mentorship must go hand-in-hand with competition.
How Is the Team Investing in Education and Mentorship This Year?
“We’re building out a library of resources for our members—and honestly, that library is our members,” Hernandez said. “They’re the ones with the knowledge, and now we’re just making it easier to check each other out and learn from the masters of the industry…who just so happen to be your new teammates.”
That peer-to-peer structure is at the heart of the team’s mentorship approach—and it’s already in motion. “We’re making sure the members who know, teach those who don’t,” LaMarca said. “That goes for everything—from dough handling to marketing to life balance. If someone’s figured something out, they’ll be tapped to help others do the same. And they’re leaping to do it—no strong-arming necessary.”
That kind of open exchange—between newcomers and veterans alike—is exactly what fuels the team’s growth and cohesion. “There are endless opportunities to network, discuss issues and ideas with other teammates,” LaMarca continued. “This team is built on its members teaching, learning and sharing their experiences and knowledge with each other. It builds a network of experts that have gone through or are doing what you are trying to do.”
Looking Ahead
Elections for new council members and the next wave of team leadership are already underway.
“We are currently working on electing our new USPT Council and Team Captain!” LaMarca shared. “We have a super deep and impressive roster and are really excited to see where the new wave of talent will take this team!”
The vision is clear: This isn’t just a competition team—it’s a movement. “This team has brought on so much new talent and is about to make some really exciting moves and reintroduce a new vision of the United States Pizza Team,” LaMarca said.
And if you’re on the fence about joining or sponsoring? “I hope that people see that there is a great excitement about the U.S. Pizza Team,” LaMarca said. “There is a new wave of talent, drive and ideas that will take this team to levels we have been hoping for!”
Whether you’re a pizzeria operator looking for inspiration, a rising dough-slinger trying to find your tribe, or a brand seeking the best of the best to represent your values—now’s the time to rise. Because this isn’t just about pizza. It’s about passion, partnership and pushing each other to be better. One pie at a time.
