The Inspired Stories Podcast

🎙️ From Dishwasher to CEO: Scott Smith's Journey Leading Max Hospitality's 38-Year Restaurant LegacyScott Smith, CEO of Max Hospitality, shares his journey from washing dishes at 13 to leading a Hartford-based restaurant group with 10 unique dining concepts, a bar, golf simulator, and catering business. He reveals how chef-driven menus, proximity hiring rules, and consistency across locations built a legacy—and why bringing on 11 new partners secures the next generation's future.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Started washing dishes at 13, finding outlet for energy in restaurant workCIA graduate (1983) with apprenticeship at the prestigious Greenbrier in West VirginiaLearned critical line speed working solo at overnight breakfast place in ScottsdaleFounded Magdalian Management, consulting for Rich Rosenthal before joining Max full-timeRich's 20-minute proximity hiring rule shaped company culture from the startChef-driven concept: chefs put their name on dishes, creating ownership and retention10 concepts today spanning steakhouses, seafood, burgers, brewery, and Italian diningCaesar salad consistency challenge revealed how ingredient drift threatens brand standardsCOVID survival: company emerged stronger through disciplined crisis managementDecember 2024: bought out outside investors, welcomed 11 new partners from within🌟 Scott's Key Mentors:Rich Rosenthal (Founder): Established proximity hiring, vested partner model, and chef-driven philosophyGreenbrier Apprenticeship: Provided classical training foundation after CIA graduationScottsdale Breakfast Place: Taught solo line speed and cooking confidenceMagdalian Management Clients: Seven years consulting built data translation and systems expertise11 New Partners: Next-generation employees who inspired the equity restructuring👉 Don't miss this conversation about building a multigenerational restaurant legacy through consistency, chef empowerment, and smart equity strategy.🔗 Connect with Scott Smith:LinkedIn: Scott Smith Company: Max Hospitality Website: maxrestaurantgroup.com📄 Transcript Available: From Dishwasher to CEO: Scott Smith's Journey at Max Hospitality📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From MTV Burnout to Hospitality Empire: Rob DelliBovi's Journey Building RDB Hospitality GroupIn this inspiring episode, Rob DelliBovi, Owner and CEO of RDB Hospitality Group, shares his remarkable journey from working grueling 12-hour days at MTV wanting to become a barefoot bartender like Tom Cruise in Cocktail, to opening the Hotel Gansevoort—the coolest hotel on planet Earth in 2005—and ultimately building a dual-sided hospitality empire serving both high-net-worth travelers and hotel properties. Through candid stories about industry backlash when competitors accused him of client-stealing, hiring too slowly while sales exploded causing client losses, navigating New York's aggressive residency tracking through GPS and Walgreens loyalty cards, and discovering that reality stars are pickier than A-list celebrities, Rob reveals how relationship management at scale became his superpower—and why the companies that survive AI disruption will be those providing value beyond what chat bots can deliver in one second.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Career pivot from MTV television production to New York City hotel sales within weeks of startingOpening Hotel Gansevoort in 2005: first major property in Meatpacking District, attracting global attentionDiscovering underserviced celebrity travel: hotels unprepared despite high-profile reservations arrivingFour-year side hustle building travel agency while working full-time hotel job with 18-hour daysRisk-averse launch strategy: only quit day job when side income matched salary exactlyIndustry-first VIP hotel greeter program: checking rooms, private entrances, bypassing front desk chaosDual-sided business model: representing both travelers and hotel properties simultaneouslyVirtuoso top 1% producer distinction: elite buying power translates to upgrades for all clientsZero fees for travel services: paid 10% commission on backend, only $50/person charge for flightsMajor competitor backlash during launch: accused of client-stealing, required year of reputation repairSales infrastructure success without operations: losing clients from being unable to service demandMicromanaged hiring process: changing interview times, requesting follow-up emails, testing attention to detailNew York State residency tracking: GPS monitoring, Walgreens purchases, cell phone pings for tax complianceHotel management services expanding from small consulting favors to full property oversight29 employees across travel agency, concierge, recruiting, training, and hotel consulting divisionsAI disruption threat: travel agents offering only online rates face obsolescence within 5-10 yearsRelationship management superpower: maintaining connections at scale through consistent check-ins and genuine care🌟 Rob's Key Mentors & Influences:Hotel Gansevoort Experience (2005)Early Hotel Clients in New YorkEmployees Hired During Growth CrisisVirtuoso CommunityCelebrity Clients Requesting Unusual ServicesReal Estate Investors and Hotel Owners👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building buying power through volume, managing reputation crises through direct engagement, hiring with military precision, and why AI will eliminate travel agents who only quote online rates while those providing genuine value will thrive.🔗 Connect with Rob DelliBovi:Website: rdbvip.com 📄 Transcript Available: Rob DelliBovi's Hospitality Revolution: From NY Boutique Hotelier to Dual-Sided Travel and Consulting Empire📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Eye Care Clinics to Healthcare Staffing Leader: Amanda Hoffman's Journey at Favorite HealthcareAmanda Hoffman, CEO of Favorite Healthcare Staffing and COO of US Healthcare Staffing, shares her journey from eye care clinics to leading a 45-year-old staffing company through post-pandemic transformation—revealing why sustainable workforce architecture beats quick-fix staffing solutions.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Counterintuitive career move: Left large practice for smaller clinic, unlocking leadership growth impossible at corporate levelCareer pivot to staffing: Pharmaceutical sales led to St. Louis branch director role at Favorite HealthcareDual brand structure: Favorite Healthcare (nursing/allied) + SUMO (locum tenens physicians) under US Healthcare StaffingService evolution: Per diem coverage expanded to contract labor, permanent placement, and international sourcingManaged Service Provider model: Acts as general contractor with 100% fill guarantee using own and affiliate resourcesWorkforce Architecture approach: Data analytics identifying root causes like overtime-driven burnout versus simply adding staffEmergency response capability: 15-year track record mobilizing resources within 24-48 hours for hurricanes and COVIDNurse shortage reality: Many travel nurses are experienced professionals seeking flexibility—not inadequate performersLocal market philosophy: Team members' own families receive care at partner hospitals, creating ownership beyond transactionsAI implementation strategy: Freeing recruiters from administrative burden to focus on human connection and relationships🌟 Amanda's Key Mentors:Early Ophthalmology Physician: Emphasized education over task completion, created lifelong love of learning in healthcareMedical Device Sales Boss: Championed helping others grow careers, opened pharmaceutical sales opportunitiesHer Father: Taught independence through hands-on learning, never putting bounds on her capabilitiesBonus Dad (Stepfather/Pilot): Taught holistic systems thinking and empowerment through engine work and flight trainingSenior Leadership Team: Balances her thinking, prevents echo chamber, provides partnership during CEO isolation👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about how tragedy shaped empathetic leadership, why smaller companies unlock bigger growth, and how one CEO is disrupting healthcare staffing with sustainable workforce solutions.🔗 Connect with Amanda Hoffman:Email: amanda.hoffman@favoritestaffing.comPhone: 888-427-7019Website: Favorite Healthcare StaffingLinkedIn: Amanda Hoffman📄 Transcript Available: How Amanda Hoffman Transforms Healthcare Staffing Through Sustainable Workforce Architecture📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Education to Lifestyle Director: Margaret Wang's Journey Elevating Residential Communities at LIVunLtdIn this inspiring episode, Margaret Wang, Director of Amenity and Lifestyle Operations at LIVunLtd, shares her remarkable journey from education to PR to real estate, driven by curiosity and relationship-building. Starting as a communications professional in Philadelphia education system, moving into marketing and events for real estate firm, then recruited to first sales role through partnerships and collaborations, Margaret discovered consultative sales combined speaking skills with relationship nurturing—though she had to learn tough skin managing rejection and abrasive personalities daily.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Curiosity drives career path: education to PR to real estate to sales, relationships and client-facing high-visibility rolesSales tough skin: rejection constantly, abrasive personalities, pivot quickly, detach from negative energies, bounce back confidenceHigh-functioning anxiety: productive to manage it, sales years manifested physically, panic attacks anxiety attacks mid-day unexpectedSelf-care healing journey: Reiki acupuncture meditation breath work talk therapy, research born from desperation, exploring inner realmManaging emotions over solving problems: safe non-judgmental space for people to release frustrations immediately diffuses situationsLifestyle director role: human touch softening sterile environments, third spaces for community connection, resident advocates understanding demographicsActivated amenity spaces: health clubs wellness studios children's playrooms rooftop clubs package rooms, curated programming eventsLIVunLtd holistic approach: experiential side consultative side hospitality-trained teams, one-stop-shop for developers owners boardsWellness expo success: sound bath breath work acupuncture ear seeding headshots, visible positive impact great turnouts collecting dataCommunication superpower: mindful intentional studying styles and personalities, naturally direct learned adaptable, same content received differently based delivery🌟 Margaret's Key Mentors & Influences:Colleagues in Education (Philadelphia): Thought presence and energy could be strength in PR marketing events, led to internship discovering love for field Real Estate Marketing Colleagues: Partnerships and collaborations on initiatives resulted in recruitment to first sales role, loved consultative sales Senior Level Leader (Real Estate/Hospitality): Alerted to lifestyle director role early 2024, felt strengths skills personality well-aligned high-visibility client-facing creative Reiki Meditation Breath Work Facilitators: Healing journey community, could speak vulnerably without shame, found paths from similar backgrounds LIVunLtd Team: Collaborative environment, constant communication, taking insights learning from each other's events strategies, peers supporting initiatives👉 Don't miss this conversation about overcoming high-functioning anxiety through holistic healing, why managing emotions is more effective than solving problems, and how lifestyle teams activate amenity spaces creating third spaces for community connection.🔗 Connect with Margaret Wang:LinkedIn: Margaret Wang (LIVunLtd) 📄 Transcript Available: From Education to Lifestyle Director: Margaret Wang's Relationship-Building Career Path📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Sweeping Floors at a Two Michelin Star Restaurant to Global F&B Consultant: Christophe Chatron-Michaud's JourneyIn this inspiring episode, Christophe Chatron-Michaud, founder and president of F&B Concept Development, shares his remarkable journey from working as a 14-year-old golf caddy to becoming a sought-after restaurant consultant. After dropping out of medicine school in Paris, his father connected him with La Mandier de Moujda, Roger Verger's two Michelin star restaurant in the south of France where Alain Ducasse was chef.Starting with tasks nobody wanted—polishing silverware, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms—Christophe worked his way up from busboy to captain within two years. Through candid stories about his most humiliating moment (massacring a duck carving tableside and being sent home), heartbroken at 21 and moving to New York, learning immersive dining from David Boulet (wooden doors from France, apple crates at the entrance creating atmosphere, chocolates for ladies), spending six years with Jean-Georges Vongerichten opening restaurants monthly, and moving his teenage family to the Philippines in his biggest challenge (survival mode for a year), Christophe reveals how he built F&B Concept Development specializing in Michelin star openings and restaurant refreshes.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Two Michelin star start: polishing silverware, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, working up to captain in two yearsDuck carving disaster: massacred the duck tableside, cut himself, sent home, became greatest teaching lessonDavid Boulet's immersive dining: wooden doors from France, apple crates creating smell, chocolates for ladiesJean-Georges six years: one restaurant opening monthly, Culinary Concept with Starwood Hotels partnershipThird-party F&B solutions bring celebrity chef names to hotels, driving traffic and keeping guests insidePhilippines move with teenagers: biggest challenge, survival mode first year, daily family meals saved themF&B Concept Development: specializes in Michelin star openings and refresh for struggling restaurantsRefresh process: one week observation, report with images, identify management, food cost, or culinary issuesFront-of-house management most common problem: communication, leadership, morale, administrative and social skillsCoaching replaced throwing plates: 40 years ago chefs yelled and threw things, now it's about motivation🌟 Christophe's Key Mentors & Influences:Father: Taught work ethic young, connected him to two Michelin star restaurant, drove no-comeback determination Roger Verger & Alain Ducasse: La Mandier de Moujda, quality food and beautiful presentations attracted him to career David Boulet: First great US chef collaboration, taught immersive dining experiences and attention to detail Jean-Georges Vongerichten: Six years together, monthly openings, Culinary Concept Starwood partnership, met wife during research Greg Koontz: Hong Kong restaurant partner, third-party F&B concept development, talented New York chef👉 Don't miss this conversation about turning a duck carving disaster into teaching philosophy, learning immersive dining from David Boulet, and why coaching replaced throwing plates in modern restaurant leadership.🔗 Connect with Christophe Chatron-Michaud:Email: christophe@fnbconcept.com Website: fnbconcept.com Company: F&B Concept Development📄 Transcript Available: How Christophe Chatron-Michaud Built F&B-Concept-Development After David-Boulet-Jean-Georges📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Accidentally Acing Accounting to IRS Enrolled Agent: Diane Hagerty's Journey Through Divorce, Starting Over, and Simplifying Tax NightmaresDiane Hagerty, IRS enrolled agent and owner of Grassroots Taxes in Springdale, Arkansas, shares her journey from teenage musician forced into accounting class by nun with no other options available—tried failing, got hundreds instead—to discovering natural talent balancing checkbooks and explaining financial concepts, through divorce at 35 walking away with nothing starting from scratch, to solving $898,000 IRS bill reduced to zero for client with addiction issues and acres of broken-down tractor trailers. Through stories about government losing payments and forms constantly, debunking internet tax myths about putting houses in LLCs, and rising from ashes giving valedictorian speech at University of Phoenix after rebuilding life one knuckle pushup at a time, Diane reveals how consistency beats year-end panic (10 minutes weekly versus giant pile in April), make money first before expensive business structures, and finding your people plus staying busy helping others transforms adversity into superpower simplifying thousand-page legislation into actionable plans.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Accidentally discovered accounting talent: lazy teenager waited until day before school, nun said only accounting class open, tried failing but got hundreds on every assignmentNatural financial gift emerged early: balancing friends' checkbooks, reading letters, explaining concepts without studying while everyone else failed accountingDivorce at 35 starting from scratch: walked away with nothing to avoid fighting, lost kids/business/friends, hadn't worked in years, no college degree finished$898,000 IRS bill reduced to zero: client with addiction issues, broken-down tractor trailers everywhere, IRS made up numbers when he stopped filing, took 3.5 years solvingGovernment clerical errors constant: Arkansas Department of Finance loses payments, never credits forms, charges late fees despite filed extensions—just overwhelmed with volumeIRS representation requires credentials: only attorneys, state CPAs, or enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before IRS during tax issuesTax preparation industry largely unregulated: anybody can prepare returns at big box places after taking class, no credential standards requiredConsistency principle beats panic: 10 minutes weekly recording receipts/mileage prevents giant pile in April, know how business performs before accountant tells youMake money first philosophy: test business idea before expensive LLCs/structures/fees, see if people buy product before paying state/setup costs annuallyVacation tax deduction requirements: must do business activities daily that require physical presence—meetings, networking, visiting similar businesses—not just checking email🌟 Diane's Key Mentors & Influences:Catholic School NunEx-Spouse (14 Years)University of Phoenix FacultyRandom Helpers Throughout Life👉 Don't miss this conversation about accidentally discovering hidden talents when forced into discomfort, walking away from everything at 35 to start over, and transforming adversity into superpower simplifying government complexity for people scared of letters they don't understand.🔗 Connect with Diane Hagerty:Email: dianne@grassrootstaxes.comLinkedIn: Diane Hagerty Company: Grassroots Taxes Website: grassrootstaxes.com📄 Transcript Available: How Diane Hagerty Solved $898,000 IRS Bill and Helps Small Businesses Navigate Tax Nightmares📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Newspaper Journalism Identity Crisis to Building Million-Play MedTech Podcast Network: Tom Salemi's DeviceTalks JourneyTom Salemi, host and editorial director of DeviceTalks, shares his journey from Boston Herald newsroom fascination at 16 to deliberately choosing journalism over cubicle life, working through newspaper identity crisis when transitioning to business journalism, getting laid off and using it as transformation opportunity rather than setback, to building DeviceTalks from zero to 11-podcast network with over one million plays. Through stories about overcoming stage fright by realizing audiences want you to succeed, launching podcasts during COVID shutdown when conferences canceled, and discovering Mike Mahoney's bathroom mirror CEO decision moment, Tom reveals how genuine human connection over transactional networking, saying yes to help others without expecting payback, and meeting someone every day during unemployment creates community-building superpower that transformed medical device industry conversations.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:High school newspaper exploration sparked journalism career: saw newsroom energy, chose field requiring human interaction over cubicle isolationNewspaper identity crisis transitioning to business journalism: felt like selling out for year until connecting mission to healthcare innovation impactStage fright solution: realized audiences want you to succeed, reframed from "me versus them" to "we're all in this together"Laid off recognition: Sunday night without Monday job felt weird but saw it as unencumbering freedom for transformation not recoveryCOVID pivot strategy: conferences canceled March 2020, immediately launched DeviceTalks Week podcast rather than waiting, created webinar businessPodcast growth through one or two right guests: LinkedIn promotion creates wildfire moments, listeners learn to trust brand and returnFirst-third storytelling approach: unpack guest's path, right-turn versus left-turn decisions, humanize senior leaders' vulnerability and uncertaintyBoston Scientific CEO Mike Mahoney bathroom mirror moment: consultant said don't leave J&J, looked in mirror Saturday imagining Monday regret, took struggling company CEO jobNetworking philosophy: be kind, give first without expecting payback, creates energy propelling you forward through genuine human connectionMeet someone daily during unemployment: coffee or lunch every day, don't act out of fear, value yourself enough to say no strategically🌟 Tom's Key Mentors & Influences:Boston Herald Newsroom Team: High school explorers program showed exciting newsroom energy sparking journalism interest and career direction decision Girlfriend-Then-Fiancé-Then-Wife: Tired of weird night meetings absence, supported newspaper exit, listened through identity crisis year, encouraged transformation Venture Capital Healthcare Newsletter ContactsDeviceTalks Guests (Mike Mahoney, Others)WTWH Media Leadership: Hired November 2019 for conferences, trusted COVID pivot to podcasts/webinars when events canceled, supported editorial independence👉 Don't miss this conversation about deliberately choosing discomfort for growth, transforming layoff into freedom rather than setback, and building million-play podcast network through genuine human connection over transactional networking.🔗 Connect with Tom Salemi:LinkedIn: Tom Salemi Company: DeviceTalks / WTWH Media Website: devicetalks.com📄 Transcript Available: Tom Salemi's DeviceTalks Journey: From Newspaper Identity Crisis to Million-Play MedTech Podcast Network📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Slumberland Motel to 700-Employee Family: Sean Riley's Journey Building People-First Hospitality CultureIn this deeply inspiring episode, Sean Riley, CEO of Main Course Hospitality Group, shares his remarkable journey from teacher working summer job at 19-room Slumberland motel earning $4,000 annually with wife running everything to general manager navigating savings-and-loan crisis watching hotel turned over to bank in lieu of foreclosure, then joining two bachelor restaurant owners ("Dorks R Us" corporate name) who discovered hotels made more money than all their restaurants combined. ✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Teaching career with special needs students taught taking people from where they are individualized approach no two alikeSlumberland motel 19 rooms summers-only operation wife and Sean doing plumbing accounting housekeeping learning ground-level everythingSavings-and-loan crisis forced career uncertainty moving family 40% pay cut then bank foreclosure working two years under bank controlMain Course beginnings: two bachelor restaurant guys ("Dorks R Us" corporate name) buying first hotel making more than all restaurantsChristmas tradition calling every hotel three shifts 28 hotels thanking associates working holidays some saying "15th year we've talked"Birthday card discipline: 1,000 handwritten cards annually including 700 current associates 300 former employees who left and returnedPopsicle program delivering 29-cent treats personally to housekeepers on hot days contractors crying over gesture "it's not about cost it's about CEO saying thank you"COVID crisis shutting down 14 of 18 hotels taking 50% pay cut laying off wife first example making all leaders whole with insuranceGrowth strategy unique approach: prioritize culture protection over investor returns asking "will acquiring 10-pack hotels damage who we are"Succession planning six-month process interviewing 10 leaders asking "what are you afraid of" protecting culture deeper than Sean's identity🌟 Sean's Key Mentors:Maine Course Restaurant Founders (Bachelor Partners): Discovered hotel income exceeded all restaurants combined pivoting business strategy toward hospitalityFormer Company President: Great mentor inspirational positive guy leaving Sean scared filling big shoes but teaching leadership foundationArnie Sorensen (Marriott CEO): Pen pal relationship during cancer and COVID crisis writing back personally wisdom-filled emails inspiring Sean while dying👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about handwriting 1,000 birthday cards annually, delivering popsicles proving human gestures matter more than cost, and protecting culture asking "will this damage who we are" before every growth decision.🔗 Connect with Sean Riley:Website: mchg.comPhone: 207-865-6105Company: Main Course Hospitality Group📄 Transcript Available: Sean Riley on People-First Culture: Delivering Popsicles, Protecting Values, and Positively Impacting Lives📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Accidentally Shot to Faith-Based Accounting: Katie Cox's Journey Building Dublin's Most Compassionate Tax FirmIn this deeply inspiring episode, Katie Cox, owner and enrolled agent at Katie Cox & Company, shares her remarkable journey from childhood dreams of FBI special agent inspired by Miami Vice to leaving a 25-year partnership during COVID to build a faith-based boutique tax firm in Dublin, Ohio. Through candid stories about praying for clients when she started the firm with no customers, receiving 30 corporate clients within weeks through seemingly miraculous circumstances, getting accidentally shot by her father with a Glock 45 hollow point that shattered her tibia, battling spiritual warfare in the hospital while fighting to breathe, and using vision boards with prayers of gratitude before events happen, Katie reveals how her connection to God transformed her practice from transactional tax preparation into compassionate advisory services where she holds clients' hands through six-hour business planning sessions complete with bourbon and prayer.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Career inspiration from Miami Vice at age 11 sparked FBI dreams leading to accounting degree pathwayPassed FBI entrance exam and prepared for Quantico but chose partnership offer over special agent career25-year tenure at same firm learning what type of leader and environment to create before leavingStarted firm during COVID in expensive Bridge Park location investing entire retirement savings without penaltyPrayer breakthrough moment: asked God for help then met clients at Pince Mechanicals receiving 30 corporate accounts within weeksSix-hour business advisory sessions: educating owners on entities, deductions, financial statements, and customized tax strategiesIncome shifting strategy that most business owners implement incorrectly costing significant money annuallyChanged C Corp client's entity status saving $22,000 first year plus $18,000 through tax planning implementationAccidental shooting by father with hollow point bullet shattered tibia requiring rod and screws in legSpiritual warfare in hospital: devil's voice saying "stop breathing" versus angel saying "take deep breath"🌟 Katie's Key Mentors:Husband During Recovery: Got in her face saying "you will not be defeated" when wheelchair-bound creating daily mantra Terry Saval-Foy (Author): Taught vision board principles and five successful morning habits rooted in scriptures FBI Civilian Academy Instructors: Provided weapons training, SWAT experience, and charity partnership opportunities connecting victims with resources Glenn Harper (Former Firm Owner): 25-year mentorship showing both what leadership to emulate and what environment to avoid God Through Prayer: Direct connection providing clients, healing, clarity, and direction for business decisions daily👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about surviving physical trauma through faith, building businesses on prayer rather than traditional marketing, and why compassionate accounting means holding hands and praying with crying clients.🔗 Connect with Katie Cox:Website: boutique-tax.com LinkedIn: Katie Cox Company: Katie Cox & Company 📄 Transcript Available: The Tax Advisor Who Prays, Hunts, and Took a Bullet — Katie Cox’s Story📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Busing Tables at Cousin's Italian Restaurant to Leading Forbes Five-Star Coast: Scott Pinocci's Culinary Excellence JourneyScott Pinocci, Director of Food & Beverage at Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, shares his journey from busing tables at his cousin's Northern Italian restaurant to leading one of only 14 Forbes Travel Guide triple five-star properties worldwide. Through stories about opening Cook & Brown Public House on a shoestring budget earning James Beard recognition, choreographing seamless bread service with single-cow butter, and asking "why not us?" while comparing to San Francisco and Paris rather than across town, Scott reveals how consistency differentiates good from great and luxury means having what you want when you want it without asking.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Cousin's Northern Italian BYOB restaurant sparked passion through executive chef's techniques and thought process behind each dishJohnson & Wales Providence: Monday-Thursday classes enabled Friday-Saturday-Sunday industry work matching hospitality sector needsCook & Brown Public House 2010 shoestring budget philosophy: compare to world's best asking "why not us?" versus local competitorsJames Beard recognition: Esquire Magazine top new restaurants, semi-finalist best new restaurants, two consecutive years outstanding cocktail programsConsistency principle: little processes create seamless transitions differentiating one-star from two-star from three-star MichelinNetworking through genuine human connections: breaking bread creates professional relationships based on personal foundation versus transactionsOcean House triple five-star achievement: one of 14 Forbes properties worldwide with hotel/spa/Coast restaurant all five-starChoreographed bread service ballet: homemade brioche with single-cow butter appears seamlessly between courses without menu listingCoast restaurant seasonal approach: local New England sourcing balanced with world's best Japanese Wagyu, Belgian caviar, Piedmont trufflesLuxury service philosophy: having what you want when you want it without asking creates effortlessly wonderful experiences🌟 Scott's Key Mentors & Influences:Cousin and Executive Chef: Sparked early passion through Northern Italian cuisine techniques, gave first busing tables job, demonstrated thought process behind dishesJohnson & Wales Faculty: Reinforced working through positions, structured curriculum enabling weekend industry work during educationMatthew McCartney (Jamestown Fish Chef): Master of Wine candidate, Food and Wine Magazine top chef, provided 10-year mentorship with Italian-based foodCook & Brown Partners: Chef-owned shoestring budget taught "why not us?" approach comparing to San Francisco/NYC/Paris best-of-bestOcean House Wine Director: Networked at Jamestown Fish, offered opportunity when closure announced connecting Scott to Forbes triple five-star property👉 Don't miss this conversation about comparing yourself to the world's best asking "why not us?", networking through genuine human connections, and choreographing seamless luxury experiences where guests reflect "that was wonderful" without knowing why.🔗 Connect with Scott Pinocci:LinkedIn: Scott PinocciCompany: Ocean House - Watch Hill, Rhode IslandWebsite: oceanhouseri.com📄 Transcript Available: From Northern Italian Roots to Forbes Five-Star Excellence📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom lineWebsite: addbackbenefits.com#LuxuryHospitality #ForbesFiveStar #JamesBeardRecognition #Finedining #HospitalityLeadership #RhodeIslandDining #CulinaryExcellence #NetworkingAuthentically #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From COVID Layoff to Leading 84-Year Hospice Legacy: Jeff Thorne's 30-Year Networking JourneyJeff Thorne, President and CEO of Our Lady of Peace Hospice and Home Healthcare, shares his journey from discovering healthcare leadership through college career center informational interviews to COVID layoff recovery in three months, culminating in leading Minnesota's largest no-charge hospice residence—an 84-year mission founded by Dominican sisters where no patient receives a bill and every fundraising dollar stretches further than industry standard.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Veterinary medicine pivot to healthcare leadership discovered through college career center informational interviews with executivesNonprofit versus for-profit decision: chose strong mission and servant leadership over financial emphasis after intentional internships30-year networking arc: lunch invitation at 23 led to CEO opportunity decades later through persistent relationship building84-year Catholic mission founded 1941 serving everyone regardless of faith—less than half patients Catholic21-bed no-charge model: largest in Minnesota with special legislation covering costs sisters never billed forFundraising efficiency: 15-18 cents per dollar raised versus industry standard 24-25 cents through lean operationsCOVID layoff recovery in three months through wife's support and 30-year professional network checking inHire for mission fit over technical skills—culture alignment first, teachable skills secondEmployee wellness priority: bereavement programs, EAP support, donor-funded break room remodel for caregiver sustainabilityCollaboration over expertise: surround yourself with people smarter than you, practice active listening🌟 Jeff's Key Mentors:Dad and Grandfather: Taught collaborative leadership, rolling up sleeves to help people, and including key stakeholders in decisions30-Year Lunch Contact: 23-year-old received phone call welcoming him to area—relationship took 30 years to fruition as CEO opportunityEarly Career Mentor: Advised during informational interview to surround yourself with really good people smarter than youWife and Kids: Provided assurance during COVID layoff while professional network reached out checking in👉 Don't miss this conversation about how one lunch invitation at 23 became a 30-year relationship arc leading to CEO role at mission-driven hospice where sisters never charged patients and fundraising efficiency sets industry standard.🔗 Connect with Jeff Thorne:Email: jefft@ourladyofpeacemn.orgLinkedIn: Jeff ThorneCompany: Our Lady of Peace Hospice and Home HealthcareWebsite: ourladyofpeacemn.org📄 Transcript Available: From COVID Layoff to Leading 84-Year Hospice Legacy📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom lineWebsite: addbackbenefits.com#HospiceLeadership #NonprofitHealthcare #MissionDrivenLeadership #HealthcareNetworking #ServantLeadership #EmployeeWellness #CatholicHealthcare #MinnesotaHospice #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Sexual Assault Survivor to Real Estate VP: Anna Jane Stanley's Journey Building Community-Focused Development in MississippiIn this deeply inspiring episode, Anna Jane Stanley, Vice President at Bellamare Development, shares her remarkable journey from planned law school path to events manager creating revenue streams from scratch at Mulberry Vicksburg, then general manager driving operations, and finally VP of Development managing 130 properties grossing $3 million while expanding into Kentucky. Through candid stories about being called "most likely to become someone's boss" at kindergarten graduation, creating Las Vegas-inspired pool parties with zero playbook for hospitality, CEO Sunny Sethi recognizing she needed therapy support after eight months of silence about sexual assault at Ole Miss, discovering EMDR therapy that allowed trauma processing through eye movement techniques, and realizing her superpower is discernment for reading rooms and people patterns, Anna Jane reveals how Bellamare's mission of transforming communities extends to revolutionary employee mental health support including free therapy sessions and building roles around people rather than forcing people into rigid job descriptions.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Career pivot from law school LSAT preparation to events manager role four days after Ole Miss Business School graduationAtmosphere modeling experience at Mulberry Vicksburg grand opening caught CEO attention through natural leadership demonstrationCreated entirely new revenue stream hosting pool parties, Italian wine dinners, murder mysteries without hospitality backgroundPromoted to interim general manager after one month in development role by offering operational solutionsManaging 130 properties at age 24 requiring speed over expertise responding to tenant maintenance within 24 hoursBellamare's vertically integrated model: development company, construction arm, management company, and eight owner-operated hotelsCommunity feedback strategy using Facebook groups and social media comments for site selection and tenant placementCEO Sunny Sethi recognized mental health crisis offering free therapy becoming company-wide benefit for all employeesEMDR therapy breakthrough: eye movement desensitization processing sexual assault trauma through finger-following question techniquesCreative analyst hybrid role combining strategic vision, branding experience, and financial analytics for transformational projects🌟 Anna Jane's Key Mentors:Mother (Single Parent Through Master's School): Demonstrated strong independent woman model teaching self-reliance without depending on others Sunny Sethi (Bellamare CEO): Met her where she was during mental health crisis, implemented free therapy, built roles around strengths Fiancé (Met in Rome, Italy): Provided calming grounding presence reminding "bad day not bad life" through career challenges EMDR Therapist: Unlocked trauma processing through eye movement techniques allowing emotional unpacking with logical brain activation 👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about surviving sexual assault through therapy, building companies that follow employees rather than forcing location choices, and why meeting people where they are transforms communities more than chasing volume.🔗 Connect with Anna Jane Stanley:LinkedIn: Anna Jane Stanley Company: Bellamare Development 📄 Transcript Available: Building A Company That Values Employees: How Bellamare Challenges the Status Quo of Corporate America with Anna Jane Stanley📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Vegas Bartender to Philly Hospitality Director: Dana Canalichio's Journey Building 14 Bars and Restaurants Across PhiladelphiaIn this inspiring episode, Dana Canalichio, Director of Operations at FCM Hospitality, shares her remarkable journey from college bartending discovering it was her happy place to managing Ghost Bar at Palms Casino Las Vegas (hottest lounge in the world when Real World filmed there), watching bartenders count money while she struggled managing on minimal pay, returning to Philadelphia running Lincoln Financial Field bars for Eagles before 2009 recession layoffs, then joining FCM where she transformed Morgan's Pier into 500-seat seasonal waterfront destination open April through Halloween. Through candid stories about pandemic riots smashing Rosie's Taco Bar window creating accidental takeout business doubling revenue, coaching 600 employees through post-COVID behavior patterns where guests forgot how to socialize becoming narcissistic and mean, adapting to drinking trends shifting from craft beer to RTD cans and mocktails, and using ChatGPT to filter Philly f-bombs from one-star review responses into professional replies, Dana reveals how FCM's 14 Philadelphia concepts from nightclubs to Mexican restaurants to Parks on Tap pop-up beer gardens moving weekly through city neighborhoods create social spaces for community connection rather than volume game chasing profit.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Career started college catering and cafeteria work leading to bartending becoming "happy place" behind barVegas Palms Casino opportunity networking with Nine Steakhouse GM during visitor dinner turning into three-year stintGhost Bar management position paying less than bartenders watching them count money leading back to barEast Coast versus West Coast culture clash: Vegas transient lifestyle lacked family history community connections Philadelphia offersLincoln Financial Field dream job managing Eagles stadium bars until 2009 recession layoffs forcing career pivotMorgan's Pier seasonal 500-seat waterfront restaurant-by-day nightclub-by-night busiest Philadelphia summer spot locals don't flee shorePandemic riot smashed Rosie's Taco Bar window converted to takeout generating 50% business spawning dedicated takeout locationFCM portfolio strategy: 14 different concepts including three Mexican restaurants, two nightclubs, Craft Hall brewery with dog park playgroundPost-COVID guest behavior crisis: people forgot how to socialize becoming narcissistic mean refusing accountability expecting instant gratificationDrinking pattern evolution: craft beer dwindling, RTD cans dominating, people starting earlier leaving by 1AM instead of closing bars 2AM🌟 Dana's Key Mentors & Influences:College Catering Experience: Launched hospitality career discovering social bartending environment combining people interaction with money making Palms Casino Leadership Team: Provided opportunity managing Ghost Bar despite minimal pay teaching bartending generates more income FCM Owner (Single Visionary): Finds spaces first then builds concepts around locations prioritizing employee welfare during pandemic 400-600 Employee Team👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about choosing bartending income over management prestige, building 14 Philadelphia concepts focused on social spaces over volume, and coaching hospitality teams through post-pandemic guest behavior where common human decency disappeared.🔗 Connect with Dana Canalichio:Website: fcmhospitality.com📄 Transcript Available: How Dana Canalichio Built FCM Hospitality Managing Morgan's Pier and Parks on Tap Beer Gardens📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

 🎙️ From Nearly Losing Life Savings to Building $4 Billion Venture Firm: Seth Levine's Journey Through Foundry and Redefining CapitalismIn this deeply inspiring episode, Seth Levine, partner at Foundry and co-author of Capital Evolution, shares his remarkable journey from investment banking through the internet bubble burst to co-founding a Boulder-based venture capital firm that almost didn't happen. Through candid stories about investing his entire life savings in Foundry only to face near-certain failure by May 2007, his wife's unwavering belief when he came home admitting defeat, the single LP who changed everything by saying yes to emerging managers, and learning Brad Feld's give-first philosophy that transformed his approach to business and life, Seth reveals how neoliberal capitalism has extracted too much from labor—and outlines his vision for dynamic capitalism that creates more capitalists rather than maintaining the division between capital and labor classes.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Career evolution from investment banker through data comms company to running $55 million P&L in twenties before joining SoftBankMeeting Brad Feld in 2001: four other partners wanted Seth hired despite Brad preferring different candidateSeptember 11th timing: joined SoftBank September 7, 2001 just days before attacks and deeper venture downturnFounding Foundry in 2006: invested entire life savings only to face near-certain failure by May 2007Lindel Ekman breakthrough: University of Texas Investment Management executive who believed in emerging managers thesisBrad Feld's equal partnership structure: could have commanded half economics but insisted on equal four-way splitGive-first philosophy impact: receiving without expecting one-to-one quid pro quo but trusting community reciprocityNeoliberal capitalism failure: Milton Friedman's shareholder-only focus extracted from labor while slowing economy and concentrating wealthDynamic capitalism framework: long-term thinking, ownership economy empowerment, limited government role, and respect for rule of lawCreating more capitalists: employee ownership programs exist in only couple dozen companies among 33 million US businesses🌟 Seth's Key Mentors:Brad Feld (Foundry Co-Founder): Modeled give-first philosophy and insisted on equal partnership structure that changed Seth's life trajectory Seth's Wife: Believed in Foundry when Seth came home admitting failure in May 2007 saying "give it more time" Lindel Ekman (University of Texas Investment Management): First major LP who said yes based on emerging managers thesis Seth's Grandfather: Incredibly entrepreneurial—one of 11 children who dropped out of middle school but created middle-class life Annie Duke (Thinking in Bets Author): Framework for judging decisions by information available at time rather than outcomes👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about perseverance through near-failure, evolving capitalism to work for everyone, and why creating more owners is the single biggest economic lever we can pull.🔗 Connect with Seth Levine:Email: Available at sethlevine.com and foundry.vc Website: thecapitalevolution.com Company: Foundry Blog: sethlevine.com📄 Transcript Available: Is Capitalism Failing? With Seth Levine from Foundry Venture Capital📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From $2 Million Exit Mistake to Helping 100+ Businesses Scale Through Private Equity StrategiesIn this inspiring episode, Joe Carter, Founder of Twin Flame Group, shares his journey from scaling his first business to 12 retail locations in three years but leaving $2 million on the table due to owner dependency gaps, buying mom-and-pop landscapers achieving private equity exit in 18 months versus planned five years, then working inside PE seeing 400 deals totaling $14 billion learning business valuation multiplier range (1.5X to 4.5X) matters more than revenue. Through stories about his son's suicide seven years ago channeling grief into Suicide Awareness Foundation, operating with ADHD requiring three simultaneous thoughts to maintain focus, and helping clients add millions through systemization, Joe reveals how owner independence and accrual accounting determine valuation position—because private equity overpays for one company having systems to copy-paste onto underpaid others.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:$2 million mistake: First business sold but owner dependency cost significant exit value—created webinar teaching others avoid same pitfall18-month landscaping exit: Nine territories six states, estimating platforms landed commercial contracts, PE came knocking versus five-year planPrivate equity insider view: Nine months post-acquisition seeing 400 deals $14B+ providing unique buyer-seller lensSon's suicide grief: Channeled into Suicide Awareness Foundation helping hundreds through third-party vantage conversations showing impact on familyADHD strategy: Three simultaneous thoughts maintain focus—Christmas decorations peripheral, client documents, podcast conversationOil field $6M lift: Client doubled revenue from $7.5M in 100 days replacing handshakes with estimating platformValuation multiplier critical: Owner independence, accrual accounting, geographical footprint determine where you fall in 1.5X-4.5X rangePE acquisition strategy: Overpay one company having systems, copy-paste onto 7-10 underpaid businesses, bundle resellTwin Flame mission: Help 1,000+ clients minimum double EBITDA within six months by 2030🌟 Joe's Key Mentors:Private Equity Leadership: Nine months due diligence seeing 400 deals $14B+ teaching buyer strategiesWife and Family: Supported through son's suicide, drove decision stopping travel for kids/grandkids eventsFaith Foundation: Nightly Bible reading (Jobs, Psalms) centers ADHD brain preparing next daySon (Deceased): Passing catalyzed suicide awareness advocacy, still connects through 1994 Corvette project👉 Don't miss this conversation about leaving $2 million on table, channeling suicide grief into helping hundreds, and why valuation multiplier position matters more than revenue.🔗 Connect with Joe Carter:Website: TwinFlameTX.comLinkedIn: Joseph Carter, Twin Flame GroupPodcasts: "Franchise Bro Show" and "Lead, Manage, Thrive"📄 Transcript Available: Joe Carter on Private Equity Readiness: Why Valuation Multiplier Range Position Beats Historical Revenue📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency:AddBack Benefits Agency - Employee benefits that improve well-being while optimizing your bottom lineWebsite: addbackbenefits.comKeywords: Twin Flame Group, business exit strategy, franchise consulting, private equity, owner dependency, ADHD entrepreneur, suicide awareness, business valuationMeta Description: Joe Carter shares leaving $2M on table, son's suicide channeling grief helping hundreds, 18-month exit versus five years, why valuation multiplier position matters more than revenue—PE overpays companies with systems.#TwinFlameGroup #BusinessExit #FranchiseConsulting #PrivateEquity #SuicideAwareness #BusinessValuation #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Sales at the Cavaliers to Sobriety and Success: Taylor Evans's Journey Building Rust Belt RecruitingIn this deeply inspiring episode, Taylor Evans, founder and president of Rust Belt Recruiting, shares his remarkable journey from sports industry sales with the Cleveland Cavaliers through personal crisis to building a thriving manufacturing recruiting firm. Through candid stories about quitting his job the day after learning his wife was pregnant, confronting his relationship with alcohol just three months into launching his business, spending his first sober weekend at a bachelor party during the Waste Management Open, and receiving a life-changing client call four days after his daughter's birth, Taylor reveals how sobriety became the foundation for both his business success and his ability to give back—from housing homeless families to leading Cleveland's small business community.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Sports management career evolution from Ohio University to Cleveland Cavaliers sales during post-LeBron era and NBA lockoutStarting Rust Belt Recruiting in November 2017 without business plan—choosing between coffee shop or recruiting firmStopping drinking in late January 2018 after three months of entrepreneurship while business and family life spiraledFirst sober weekend at Waste Management Open bachelor party using "five days to get to 10 or back to five" mantraLife-changing client call four days after daughter's birth: 86-person third shift hiring project opened business doorsSpecialization strategy: focusing exclusively on manufacturing roles rather than broad recruiting creates stronger client relationshipsHousing homeless family living in minivan between job placement and first paycheck as reinvestment of placement feeProfessional "citizenship grade" philosophy: opportunities find you when you demonstrate integrity and work ethic consistentlyADD/ADHD as superpower for connecting people and building community rather than viewing as disabilityBecoming COSI chair and National Small Business Association board member on eight-year sobriety anniversary🌟 Taylor's Key Mentors:Wife Jenna: Entrepreneurial family background enabled Taylor's leap into business ownership and supported year one financially Jason Geyer: Made introduction resulting in first client just before Thanksgiving 2017 launch Recovery Community Members: Provided life-saving support during first year of sobriety through meetings and accountability Counselor During Early Sobriety: Explained neural pathway redevelopment when senses became vibrant during recovery Ohio University Sports Administration Program: Founded sport management degree and created disproportionate alumni network in industry👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about how personal adversity became professional foundation and why giving back matters more than making money.🔗 Connect with Taylor Evans:Email: taylor@rustbeltrecruiting.com LinkedIn: Taylor S. Evans Company: Rust Belt Recruiting Website: rustbeltrecruiting.com📄 Transcript Available: Building Community Through Business: Taylor Evans's Path to COSI Leadership and National Advocacy📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com#ManufacturingRecruiting #SobrietyJourney #EntrepreneurshipStory #ClevelandBusiness #SmallBusinessAdvocacy #RecoverySuccess #IndustrialStaffing #PurposeDrivenBusiness #CommunityLeadership #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Calgary Winters to Arizona Sunsets: Lloyd McBean's Journey Transforming Las Sendas Golf ClubIn this inspiring episode, Lloyd McBean, Executive Director and Managing Partner at Las Sendas Golf Club, shares his remarkable journey from becoming the youngest head golf professional in Alberta at age 21 to transforming a near-bankruptcy Arizona golf course into a top 10 Phoenix destination. Through candid stories about mortgaging his home at 25 to buy Lakeside Golf Club with his NHL brother, raising $5 million from 50 Canadian members in just 19 days during the 2009 economic crisis, discovering that mountain-desert golf requires $150,000 in seed alone each year to regrow the entire course, and building restaurants generating equal revenue to golf operations (including the only golf course in America ranked top 100 for alfresco dining), Lloyd reveals how two Canadian brothers proved skeptics wrong—turning a community eyesore with porta-potties and broken promises into a transitional private club embodying family values, exceptional customer service, and proof that listening to your wife is humanity's greatest superpower.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Youngest head pro: hired at age 21 in Alberta, bought club at 25 by mortgaging home with brother's NHL retirement funds19-day miracle: raised $5 million from 50 members ($100K each) during 2009 crisis when Canadian economy was strongDual-grass challenge: $150,000 annually in seed alone regrowing entire course (fairways, greens, rough) fence-to-fence with ryegrass overseedFood & beverage parity: generates 50% of $8 million revenue, unprecedented for golf operations typically 80/20 weighted toward golfTop 100 alfresco: only golf course in America ranked OpenTable's top 100 outdoor dining experiences (3 years running)Transitional hybrid model: Monday revenue/maintenance days preserve public access while building private membership Tuesday-SundayCommunity transformation: acquired course with 18 members, porta-potties, broken promises; now top 10 Phoenix golf destinationRobert Trent Jones Jr. design: 900-foot elevation changes, mountain-desert layout, no parallel fairways, breathtaking Camelback views🌟 Lloyd's Key Mentors & Influences:Wayne Bygraves (Cananascus Mentor): First mentor teaching resort operations, recommended Red Mountain Ranch membership, lifelong friendLloyd's Brother (NHL Fourth Overall Pick): Partnership across 40 years, bought Lakeside together, Las Sendas vision, handles Calgary operationsLas Sendas 50 Original Investors: Canadian members who trusted Lloyd/Wayne with $100K each in 19 days during economic crisisLloyd's Wife: Strategic partner who risked mortgage at age 25, guides major decisions (Lloyd's admitted superpower)Alice Cooper: Weekly golf partner, close friend for 16 years hosting annual charity concert raising millions for Solid Rock Teen Center👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about customer service obsession spanning 40+ years, building sustainable golf operations through economic downturns, embracing community values discovered moving from Canada to Arizona, and why separating responsibilities with strong partners prevents fights you'll never win.🔗 Connect with Lloyd McBean:Website: lassendas.comPhone: 480-396-4000 (human answers!) 📄 Transcript Available: Raising $5 Million in 19 Days: Lloyd McBean's Journey Acquiring Las Sendas Golf Club📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com#GolfClubManagement #ArizonaGolf #HospitalityLeadership #CustomerService #GolfOperations #PrivateClub #CommunityValues #GolfCourse #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Law School Food Network Therapy to Leading Hawaii's Farm-to-Table Restaurant Empire: Sara Connery's JourneyIn this inspiring episode, Sara Connery, CEO of Handcrafted Restaurants, shares her remarkable journey from law school student who cooked to cope with stress while joking "restaurants have lawyers? That's what I want to do!" She earned her bar admission in Hawaii but never practiced law. Instead, she cold-called a restaurant owner after a mediocre Mexican restaurant experience in college helped her understand that chaos and wonderful heathens make up her favorite humans. ✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Decision framework: "Who do I want to be a year from now that I'm proud of?" became North Star during divorce at age 38Spiritual practices collected through 20s-30s prepared her for biggest emotional challenge and bring workplace empathy understanding grief's impactCOVID shutdown March 2020 required closing all restaurants then reopening Thanksgiving 50% capacity mediating mask tensions protecting staff firstMonkey pod tree metaphor: sustainable profitability means nitrogenating soil so ecosystem thrives together, not giving tree chopped to stumpValues-based hiring focuses personality over skills: 40 managers stayed 10+ years starting as dishwashers, prep cooks, or bussersPeter Merriman pioneered Hawaii regional cuisine 1980s farm-to-table telling farmers "you grow it, I'll buy it"High volume tourist locations enable front-of-house great tips, back-of-house $18-20/hour Hawaii wages with profit sharing quarterly payoutsJim Collins hedgehog concept: passion plus best at plus economics drives employee retention strategyWalking together processing hard conversations somatically prevents emotions getting stuck in the bodyLive music 2-4 times daily, everything made from scratch, signature Mai Tais with honey lilikoi foam create memorable customer experience🌟 Sara's Key Mentors:Food Network Chefs: Inspired cooking during law school, exposed her to diverse cuisines and ingredients, made law school survivablePeter Merriman (Co-Founder): Hawaii regional cuisine pioneer, created 1980s farm-to-table movement telling farmers "you grow it, I'll buy it," merged high quality with high volumeBill Terry (Co-Founder): Moved to Maui as infant with hippie parents in 1970s, brought high volume restaurant and business expertise👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about framing major decisions around who you'll be proud of a year from now, collecting spiritual practices that prepared her for divorce at age 38, and why the monkey pod tree metaphor means nitrogenating the soil so the ecosystem thrives—not being the giving tree chopped to a stump.🔗 Connect with Sara Connery:Email: info@handcraftedrestaurants.comWebsite: handcraftedrestaurants.comCompany: Handcrafted Restaurants (Hawaii-based restaurant group)Locations: Four Monkey Pod Kitchen locations plus Moku, Ulu, and Beach House📄 Transcript Available: From Law School to Leading Hawaii's Restaurant Empire: Sara Connery's Journey📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency:AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom lineWebsite: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Ugandan Refugee Dishwasher to Award-Winning Chef: Karim Lakhani's Extraordinary JourneyIn this inspiring episode, Karim Lakhani, Executive Vice President of Food & Beverage and Procurement at Northwood Hospitality, shares his remarkable journey from losing everything overnight when Idi Amin expelled 80,000 Ugandan Asians in 1972. He landed in Regina, Saskatchewan at age 12 with his mother after witnessing dead bodies at checkpoints, looting, and violence. His father had already passed away when Karim was 7. At age 13, he became a dishwasher when his mother needed surgery, then completed his Canadian culinary apprenticeship in two years instead of three. He trained under one-star Michelin chef Jean-Louis Paladin at the Watergate Hotel and rose through Trust House Forte's 400-hotel empire before leading food and beverage strategy across boutique luxury properties. ✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:1972 Idi Amin expulsion: 80,000 Ugandan Asians stripped of citizenship in 90 days, family separated, Karim and mother landed Regina Saskatchewan after witnessing checkpoint horrorsAge 13 dishwasher job: took over when mother needed surgery, chef allowed him to work while attending grade school, helped family financiallyCanadian apprenticeship structure: 8 months practical work under master chef (paid), 4 months theory (unemployment pay), government-funded tuition, completed in 2 years instead of 3Family friend accountant opened door: Windsor Arms Hotel master chef interview became critical connection changing life trajectoryJean-Louis Paladin mentorship: one-star Michelin chef at Watergate Hotel taught open mind, creativity, and taking constructive criticism from those operating at higher levelsAge 28 first executive chef: Palace Hotel Philadelphia under Trust House Forte, learned P&L management, food/labor/beverage costs, profitability incentivesPushed into front-of-house: CapStar president forced transition from executive chef whites to suit-and-tie GM role in San Francisco, learned wine inventory/vintages/pricing/pilferageAI predictive purchasing: demand forecasting, contracted pricing through GPO, weekly vendor monitoring for tariff impacts when coffee prices jump 30% and beef escalatesTeaching juvenile detention kids: 10-week knife skills program, brought kids to rooftop Citronelle for graduation (first time in hotel), judges and teachers attendedGiving back motivation: came from challenged refugee background where family struggled, reminds him marble pillars and fine dining aren't where everyone starts🌟 Karim's Key Mentors:Mother (Single Parent): Well-educated in fashion and business, started as dishwasher as refugee despite background, raised children with strong respect-for-elders values, asked chef to let 13-year-old son work during her surgeryJean-Louis Paladin👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about growing up fast after losing everything overnight, respecting constructive criticism in military-style kitchen training, balancing creative cuisine with P&L management, and why teaching knife skills to juvenile detention kids who've never been in hotels reminds you that marble pillars aren't where everyone starts.🔗 Connect with Karim Lakhani:Company: Northwood HospitalityPortfolio: 9 hotels/resorts + 2 standalone restaurantsProperties: Palace Hotel NYC (900 rooms, $140M renovation), London West Hollywood, Conrad Nashville, Luxury Collection BallantyneHeadquarters: Denver, Colorado📄 Transcript Available: From Ugandan Refugee Dishwasher to Award-Winning Chef: Karim Lakhani's Journey📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ From Beige Food Palette to Fourth Generation CEO: Ryan Wilson's Journey Leading Lawry's 90-Year LegacyRyan Wilson, fourth generation CEO at Lawry's Restaurants, shares his journey from eating only "shades of beige" until college, to training in Michelin-starred Italian restaurants, to becoming CEO July 2020 when all restaurants shut down during COVID. Through stories about grandfather's 17-year licensing battle with McCormick (resolved December 2023), managing 18 family shareholders across three generations with no controlling interest, and navigating divorce while co-parenting three minutes apart, Ryan reveals how transparency, quarterly board rigor, and balancing nostalgia with relevance became his foundation for leading 90-year legacy.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Fourth generation CEO of 90-year family business: great-grandfather Lawrence Frank founded 1938, radio announcer mispronounced "Lori's" as "Lawry's"1979 sold Lawry's Foods to Lipton after building multinational brand from single SKU, McCormick purchased 2009, 17-year licensing battle resolved December 2023Ate only beige foods until college: watched cooking shows age 8 (Jacques Pepin, Julia Child), light switch moment Australia junior yearSix years outside business: La Toque Napa, two-star La Bastiglia Italy, opened first restaurant for Tuscan butcher Dario CecchiniStanford Executive MBA 2017-2018 while working 30% time, lost father to aggressive prostate cancer same periodBecame CEO July 2020 three months after COVID shutdown, ran business from Five Crowns private dining room two years18 shareholders across three generations no controlling interest—quarterly board meetings with outside directors provide public company rigor11 international licensed locations: Shanghai, Osaka, Bangkok, Gulf States/UK exploration—20-year deals upfront fees plus residual percentageMarch 2025 China stopped purchasing US beef threatening Shanghai operations, licensing versus franchising provides lower oversight costsManaging nostalgia versus relevance: how occasions changing, what legacy means to guests today, Joel Peterson wisdom "walk towards problems like firefighter"🌟 Ryan's Key Mentors & Influences:Lawrence Frank (Great-Grandfather): Founded Lawry's 1938, created Beverly Hills flagship concept, established prime rib as signatureRichard Nathan Frank (Grandfather): Built Lawry's Seasoned Salt from single SKU to multinational brand, took Lawry's Foods public in late 1960s, opened 13 Southern California restaurant concepts, established quarterly board rigorMary Alice Frank (Grandmother): Matriarch who influenced hospitality culture, Ryan lived with them four years during later life stageRyan's MotherLa Toque Chef (Napa): Sent Ryan to Italy for first international culinary experienceDario Cecchini (Famous Tuscan Butcher): Opened first restaurant Solo Ciccia with Ryan's involvementMike Tusk (Quince, San Francisco): John Heil (Outside Board Director, 25 Years): Scott Barnett (Outside Board Director): Joel Peterson (Stanford Professor): 👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about managing family shareholders without control, negotiating multinational licensing agreements across volatile markets, becoming CEO during COVID shutdown, and why protecting the Lawry's name intellectual property is the most valuable asset on the balance sheet.🔗 Connect with Ryan Wilson:Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/romwilson/Website - https://www.lawrysonline.com/📄 Transcript Available: Managing Memories, Not Menus: How Ryan Wilson Leads the Fourth Generation at Lawry’s📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com