The Pineapple Perspective

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper speaks with Laura Wilber, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Dinova, about the business dining landscape and how restaurants can tap into the lucrative market of corporate dining.  Laura shares her journey from custom boot fitting and radio ad sales to becoming a trusted partner for over 600 global companies through Dinova’s extensive restaurant network. She highlights the impact of corporate travelers on midweek traffic, growing trends in catering, and how experiential dining and entertainment options like pickleball and mini golf are shaping team-building events. The conversation also dives into the economic realities of restaurant operations today and the importance of providing a seamless, responsive experience for corporate clients. Topics Discussed in the Episode Laura’s path from radio advertising to strategic partnerships at Dinova What hospitality means in both business and personal life Business dining trends and insights from Dinova’s upcoming report How corporate clients are driving growth in catering and team events The role of responsiveness and communication in winning corporate dining business Connect with Laura Wilber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramwilber  www.dinova.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/dinova https://www.instagram.com/dinova_marketplace/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw1cY4n9zQtzr9NEyEROC-Q https://www.facebook.com/Dinovanetwork/   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper sits down with tech industry veteran Davi Dubinski, co-founder at Momos. They unpack the critical role of customer data and engagement tools in today’s hospitality landscape. Davi shares his journey from international relations and ad tech to co-building a platform designed to streamline guest feedback and lifecycle marketing for restaurants. The conversation dives into the challenges of fragmented systems, the operational and financial benefits of centralized intelligence, and how brands like Pepper Lunch are using data to recover dissatisfied customers, drive repeat visits, and build community. With real examples and performance metrics, this episode offers actionable insights for hospitality leaders looking to understand their guests better and scale with intention. Topics Discussed in the Episode Davi’s background in advertising tech and path to founding Momos The complexity of customer data across fragmented hospitality systems How Momos supports feedback, recovery, and loyalty from a single platform Leveraging surveys and review platforms to generate insights and engagement Real-world results from using integrated data for smarter operations Connect with Davi Dubinski: http://www.momos.com https://www.facebook.com/momos.restaurants https://www.instagram.com/momos.restaurants https://www.linkedin.com/company/momos-com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dubinski-88471a54/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper welcomes Mehdi Zarhloul, founder of Crazy Pita, to discuss the evolution of hospitality, business resilience, and brand-building in the restaurant industry. From humble beginnings as a teenage immigrant to becoming a multi-concept restaurant operator and franchisee, Mehdi shares his journey, philosophy, and the values that guide his team. He emphasizes kindness, sincerity, and consistency in customer service while integrating technology to streamline operations.    The conversation covers overcoming COVID-19 challenges, expanding into Walmart locations with micro-concepts, and embracing social media as a personal and professional branding tool. With humor and candor, Mehdi illustrates how community engagement and strong systems can fuel sustainable growth in a tough market. Topics Discussed in the Episode The foundational role of sincerity and kindness in hospitality Mehdi’s journey from Casablanca to launching Crazy Pita in Las Vegas Navigating operational challenges during COVID-19 and adapting through technology Expanding through Walmart micro-concepts and launching new virtual brands Leveraging social media and personal branding for business growth Connect with Mehdi Zarhloul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-zarhloul-39625916  https://www.instagram.com/mehdi.zarhloul/  www.crazypita.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/crazypita/ https://www.instagram.com/eatcrazypita/ https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.pita http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crazy-Pita/45151338236  www.thechickengenius.com  https://www.tiktok.com/@chicken.genius/  https://www.instagram.com/Chickengeniss/  www.thesaladmadness.com  https://www.instagram.com/salad.madness/ https://www.tiktok.com/@salad.madness/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper welcomes Kathleen Wood—industry veteran, consultant, and founder of Kathleen Wood Partners—for a dynamic conversation about hospitality, founder-led businesses, and the future of leadership in the restaurant space. Kathleen shares her journey from dishwasher to CEO, discusses the philosophy behind transforming transactions into human connections, and offers practical insights on building scalable, founder-led companies.  The two dive deep into the evolution of hospitality, the importance of blending digital and physical experiences ("phygital"), and why the next wave of growth in restaurants will be driven by leadership development, not just technology. Kathleen also highlights recurring challenges she helps brands solve—like operational absorption and leadership gaps—and why staying curious across industries is essential for innovation. Topics Discussed in the Episode Kathleen's early career and inspiration for entering the restaurant industry Founder-led growth and the Power of One framework Applying cross-industry best practices to hospitality The shift toward “phygital” guest experiences Addressing the leadership deficit in restaurant operations Connect with Kathleen Wood: Email: Kathleen@kwoodpartners.com  Website: kwoodpartners.com  Facebook: Facebook.com/KathleenWoodPartners  Instagram: Instagram.com/Kwpfounders  LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/KathleenWoodPartners   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper sits down with Andrew K. Smith, co-founder and managing partner of the Savory Fund. They explore the principles of servant leadership, authentic partnership in franchising, and how discipline, transparency, and an abundance mindset can shape the future of the hospitality industry. Andrew shares lessons from both tech and restaurant sectors, emphasizes the importance of operational excellence before scaling, and outlines how the Savory Fund supports emerging restaurant brands not just with capital, but with people and systems. Topics Discussed in the Episode The difference between lifestyle and legacy businesses How hospitality fosters a sense of belonging The importance of sharing failures and building trust Savory Fund’s operating model and investment criteria Franchising philosophy and building true partnerships Connect with Andrew Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewksmithsavoryfund https://savoryfund.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/savoryfund https://www.instagram.com/andrewksmith/  https://www.instagram.com/savoryfund/ instagram.com/savoryrestaurantfund/  https://restaurantologysummit.com/  https://open.spotify.com/show/4BqfX79kiM9uy53yfcaxnA   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper talks with Cameron McNie, co-founder and executive chairman of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, about leading with values in the fast casual restaurant space. Cameron shares how he and his brother have scaled the brand from its roots in Kansas City to more than 60 locations while prioritizing employee well-being and embedding the Aloha spirit into every aspect of the business.  His approach includes fully covered healthcare for key employees, creating “winnable policies,” and rethinking digital customer experience through intentional hospitality design. The conversation also touches on growth strategy, delivery challenges, and how staying grounded in values supports long-term scalability. Topics Discussed in the Episode: Building employee-first culture with full healthcare coverage Creating “winnable policies” that align employer and employee goals Adapting hospitality to digital and delivery-based service models Rapid franchise expansion and growth strategy Embedding the Aloha spirit into operations and customer experience Connect with Cameron McNie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-mcnie-8524a91a2/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawaiian-bros/  https://www.instagram.com/hawaiianbros/ https://www.facebook.com/HawaiianBros https://twitter.com/hawaiianbros https://www.tiktok.com/@hawaiianbros?lang=en This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper speaks with Wade Allen, President of Costa Vida, about his unique journey from a digital and tech background to leading a fast-casual restaurant brand. Wade shares his philosophy on hospitality, the importance of leadership over management, and how Costa Vida is scaling while maintaining a strong food culture.  He also discusses the use of AI and technology in improving restaurant operations, from scheduling to order accuracy. The episode includes behind-the-scenes insight into the creation of “It’s Just Wings” at Brinker and ends with Wade’s vision for Costa Vida’s growth and market expansion. Topics Discussed in the Episode: Wade Allen’s transition from CIO to President of Costa Vida Defining hospitality through personalization and value Using AI and digital tools to improve scheduling and order accuracy Building leadership culture and retaining talent in hospitality The backstory behind the success of “It’s Just Wings” virtual brand Connect with Wade Allen: linkedin.com/in/wade-ryan-allen  Costavida.com https://www.instagram.com/costavida https://www.facebook.com/CostaVidaFreshMex/ https://twitter.com/CostaVida https://www.tiktok.com/@costavidafreshmex  This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Tony Smith, co-founder and CEO of Restaurant365, a SaaS platform transforming restaurant back office operations. Tony shares the story behind R365’s founding and its evolution from a niche accounting software to a comprehensive operational platform used across the industry.  He provides a data-driven view of the current state of the restaurant sector, highlights the top concerns of operators—especially labor challenges—and outlines how R365 is tackling these issues through acquisitions, training tools, and AI integration. The conversation also explores the increasing role of consolidated tech platforms, AI’s potential in restaurant management, and the company’s philanthropic commitment to restaurant employees through CORE. Topics Discussed in the Episode: The founding and growth of Restaurant365 Current economic health of the restaurant industry Labor cost challenges and staff retention Technology consolidation and AI in restaurant operations Corporate citizenship and R365’s partnership with CORE Connect with Tony Smith: https://www.restaurant365.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/restaurant365-cloud-erp-for-restaurants/ https://www.instagram.com/restaurant365/ https://www.facebook.com/restaurant365software/ https://twitter.com/restaurant_365  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-t-smith/  This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.   

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper welcomes longtime hospitality leader Andrew Parr to discuss his journey from operator to consultant and coach. Drawing on his experiences with Applebee's franchisees, major hotel groups, and independent restaurants, Andrew shares how a guest-first mentality shaped his view of hospitality.  He breaks down the distinctions between consulting, advisory, and coaching, and explains why he pivoted toward executive coaching to help hospitality leaders unlock mindset shifts, define culture intentionally, and drive long-term business results. The conversation also touches on leadership development, the loneliness of ownership, and the need to ask better questions to build effective teams and lasting culture. Topics Discussed in the Episode The origin of Andrew Parr’s hospitality philosophy Differences between consulting, advisory, and coaching Challenges hospitality leaders face when transitioning to ownership The role of intentional culture-building in driving results Strategies for leadership development and communication Connect with Andrew Parr: https://www.angryoliveconsulting.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewparr  http://instagram.com/angry_olive_consulting  https://www.facebook.com/angryoliveconsulting/   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.   

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper interviews Kelly Esten, CMO of Toast, live from the National Restaurant Association Show 2025. They discuss the role of technology in enhancing hospitality, including how Toast integrates tools to empower staff and improve guest experiences without losing the human touch.  Kelly shares insights on the use of AI for personalization, Toast’s expansion into the enterprise market, and upcoming innovations in point-of-sale systems. The conversation highlights how restaurants can leverage technology to build guest relationships, drive operational efficiency, and unify systems for growth. Topics Discussed in the Episode Kelly Esten’s personal definition of hospitality How Toast integrates technology to enhance hospitality AI personalization applications in the restaurant industry Toast’s expansion into the enterprise market Future innovations in point-of-sale and operational systems Connect with Kelly Esten: https://pos.toasttab.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/toast-inc/ https://www.instagram.com/toasttab/ https://www.facebook.com/ToastTab https://www.tiktok.com/@toast_tab https://www.youtube.com/@Toasttab https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellysennatt/  Certain products and features discussed in this podcast are currently under development, and may be subject to change without notice. This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Amy Hom, Chief Operating Officer at Barcelona Wine Bar, live from the National Restaurant Association Show 2025. Amy shares her journey from starting at McDonald's to leading major brands through culture transformation. They discuss the power of authentic hospitality to change lives, the importance of building trust within teams, and strategies for increasing employee retention through development, recognition, and gamified training. Amy also highlights how investing in team culture directly impacts guest experiences and business outcomes.   Topics Discussed in the Episode Amy Hom’s hospitality journey and leadership roles Defining hospitality as connection and life-changing impact Building team trust and culture for operational excellence Strategies for employee development and retention Empowering staff through recognition, gamification, and authentic connection Connect with Amy Hom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhom17/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/barcelona-wine-bar/ https://barcelonawinebar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/barcelonawinebar   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper sits down with sales coach and Founder of Facetime Coaching Company, Mandi Graziano for a deep dive into the principles of hospitality, sales strategy, and venue optimization. Mandi shares insights from her 27-year career in the hospitality industry, including lessons from her book Sales Tales and her hands-on work with venues and sales teams.  They discuss the importance of listening to both customers and staff, actionable strategies for monetizing restaurant event spaces, and the critical role of contracts in today's uncertain climate. Mandi also talks about her work with students in hospitality and her mission to bring sales education to younger generations.  Topics Discussed in the Episode The three pillars of hospitality: welcome, serve, and build lasting relationships Why response time is key to capturing private event and catering business Marketing event spaces by highlighting people, not just the venue Sales coaching tips on time management and product passion Understanding and negotiating contracts in uncertain times Connect with Mandi Graziano: www.mandigraziano.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandigraziano/ https://www.facebook.com/mandigraziano    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpAzXuugQUhPNgbcW_b3cwQ  https://www.instagram.com/Mandi_Graziano/    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy chats with Matt Wampler, co-founder of ClearCOGS, to discuss the evolving role of predictive analytics and AI in the restaurant industry. Matt shares his journey from owning Jimmy John’s franchises to launching ClearCOGS, which helps restaurants optimize prep, inventory, and labor decisions using advanced data forecasting. The conversation covers the importance of hospitality, practical use cases of predictive analytics, and the growing integration of AI in restaurant operations. Troy and Matt also explore how franchisees and operators can benefit from real-time data to improve profitability, reduce waste, and make smarter labor and inventory decisions. Topics Discussed in the Episode: Defining hospitality through customer experience Matt Wampler’s career journey from franchisee to tech entrepreneur The founding and mission of ClearCOGS Predictive analytics for prep, inventory, and labor scheduling The future of AI in restaurant operations Connect with Matt Wampler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjwampler/ https://twitter.com/w_a_m_p_l_e_r  https://www.threads.net/@matthew.wampler  https://www.instagram.com/matthew.wampler/  https://www.tiktok.com/@matt.wampler   And the company, ClearCOGS: https://www.facebook.com/ClearCOGS/  https://twitter.com/ClearCogs  https://www.instagram.com/clearcogs/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearcogs/  https://www.threads.net/@clearcogs  https://www.tiktok.com/@clearcogs   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

This week, Troy welcomes Hildee Isaacs, a seasoned expert in promotional products, swag, and branded merchandise. Hildee shares her inspiring journey from her early days in New York’s film industry and her entrepreneurial ventures in Atlanta to becoming a leading consultant in the promotional products space.  Hildee shares her thoughts on the true meaning of hospitality; of how it goes beyond service to include thoughtful branding and product choices that leave lasting impressions. Hildee explains that when selecting branded items, it’s important to remember utility, quality and personalization. These factors enhance your brand’s visibility to create real connections. Another great idea Hildee discusses is how you can level up on your company’s gifting strategy by offering curated, and memorable gifts through a simple giveaway or using luxurious custom packaging. Before she goes, Hildee points out that working with a partner will help avoid common pitfalls so your promotional efforts stand out.  Topics discussed in the episode: The true meaning of hospitality and its correlation with brand experience Hildee’s background and journey into promotional products and swag The importance of utility, quality, and personalization in branded items Strategies for elevating brand gifts with curated, high-end packaging Working with experienced partners for maximum impact Connect with Hildee Isaacs: http://www.hildee.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hildee/  https://www.instagram.com/geigergetsit/ https://www.facebook.com/geiger/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/geiger https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_dTykc-_MO6NeqGqJdfH6A   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

This week, Troy welcomes industry leader Eric Knott to discuss his journey from childhood in upstate New York to becoming a prominent restaurant executive. Eric shares insights on the true essence of hospitality, making people feel welcome, and expands on the implementation of it throughout your business, from the staff to operations. Eric talks about how important culture, leadership, and empowering your staff is to create a resilient and connected team, especially as your company or restaurant grows and scales.  Eric also shares about his recent role at Tiki Taco, a vibrant fast-casual concept he is helping expand through strategic location placements, community engagement, and technological innovation. Important topics such as hiring principles, maintaining brand integrity, and envisioning future growth, including potential franchising and joint ventures are also discussed in more detail. This is a power packed episode you don’t want to miss! Topics discussed in the episode The true meaning of hospitality and its importance in business Eric Knott’s background and journey into the restaurant industry Building and maintaining company culture as the brand scales Strategies for hiring, empowering staff, and reducing turnover Tiki Taco’s growth plans, community focus, and future expansion Connect with Eric Knott: https://www.tikitaco.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tikitaco/ https://www.facebook.com/tikitaco/ https://twitter.com/tikitaco_ https://open.spotify.com/user/l8dhha2fmgtwi7xe6ugkcbd1s?si=qxwFUBHIT8um13cuiuZoMw https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-knott-96504973/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/tikitaco/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

This is a lively episode of The Pineapple Perspective, with Troy welcoming Jimmy Frischling and Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg from Branded Hospitality. While the episode opens with humor and banter, it transitions into meaningful reflections on hospitality, evolving dining habits, and the state of restaurant technology.  Jimmy and Schatzy share their roots in the industry, how Branded Hospitality blends investment, operations, and media, and why personalization and community are at the heart of hospitality today. They emphasize how operators can use technology not as a gimmick but as a tool to elevate the guest experience. The trio point out how Pepper Lunch's hospitality model provides a great example of how blending tech and human interaction can improve business outcomes.  Topics Discussed in the Episode Definitions of hospitality from different industry perspectives The origin and mission of Branded Hospitality Evolving consumer dining trends, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha Effective integration of restaurant technology (e.g., kiosks, loyalty tools, feedback platforms) Industry collaboration, influencer involvement, and events like RLC   Connect with Michael ‘Schatzy’ Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling: www.thehospitalityhangout.com  www.HospitalityHeadline.com  www.BrandedStrategic.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/branded-ventures/  https://www.instagram.com/brandedstrategichospitality/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesfrischling/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-%E2%80%9Cschatzy%E2%80%9D-schatzberg-9a16ba5/   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.   

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with consultant, coach, and mentor Richard Liverman. Broadcasting from the UK, Richard shares his perspectives on hospitality, branding, and the power of storytelling in business. Drawing from a diverse background from horticulture to luxury brands he illustrates how service and connection can define success across industries.  The conversation centers around Richard’s core mantra, “Don’t be boring,” which he uses as a lens to challenge clients’ thinking, brand execution, and communication. He introduces listeners to the concept of “scaffolding” for personal and professional growth, highlighting systems and support that help leaders and entrepreneurs perform at their best.  Topics Discussed in the Episode: Defining hospitality through meaningful connection and consistency The role of storytelling in branding and customer engagement “Don’t be boring” as a mindset for challenging assumptions and innovating Personal and business “scaffolding” for sustainable growth Staying fresh and relevant through clarity of brand DNA   Connect with Richard Liverman: https://richersolutions.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-liverman/  https://www.instagram.com/richer_solutions_global/  This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this milestone 50th episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper sits down with longtime friend and returning guest Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, for the podcast's first-ever on-location recording at Pepper Lunch in Las Vegas. They reflect on the journey of launching and sustaining a media-driven business strategy in the hospitality industry, discussing how consistent storytelling builds brand authority, trust, and growth over time.  Troy credits Shawn as the original inspiration behind starting the show, and they dive into topics such as overcoming fear of publishing content, building a personal brand through video and audio, and the power of showing up consistently. Throughout the episode, they offer practical encouragement for entrepreneurs to share their stories publicly, embrace imperfect content, and use digital media as a long-term investment in visibility and influence. Topics Discussed in the Episode The value of consistency and speed in content creation Storytelling as a strategy to build trust and brand awareness How media transformed Troy Hooper’s leadership and business reach Overcoming fear and self-doubt in publishing content Creating a content habit to drive long-term visibility and growth   Connect with Shawn Walchef: www.betheshow.media  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef https://www.instagram.com/shawnpwalchef/ https://www.instagram.com/calibbq/ https://www.instagram.com/calibbqmedia/ https://www.tiktok.com/@calibbq https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyKV0F1uggLgiPbBsnPSeUA https://twitter.com/CaliBBQMedia   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Tammy Billings, a seasoned marketing and technology advisor in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Tammy shares her journey from starting in hospitality at In-N-Out Burger to becoming a sought-after voice in MarTech and decision intelligence. She explains the evolution from traditional marketing roles into tech consulting, emphasizing how hospitality principles like listening and anticipating needs still apply in a data-driven world.  They also discuss SaaS fatigue, the complexity of vendor ecosystems, the role of POS systems in data access, and how SignalFlare.ai is using AI and external data to deliver more accurate pricing and marketing insights. Tammy’s blend of service-oriented mindset and technical knowledge offers valuable perspectives for operators navigating rapid tech shifts. Topics Discussed in the Episode: Tammy’s transition from marketing roles to technology advisory Challenges of SaaS pricing models and vendor consolidation SignalFlare’s data modeling and pricing tools for restaurants Importance of data access and ownership in POS systems Using composed external data for targeted marketing and site selection Connect with Tammy Billings: http://signalflare.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammykbillings/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/signalflareai/   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In Episode 048 of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Erin Levzow, a seasoned marketing and technology leader with more than two decades of experience in hospitality, restaurants, and consulting. Erin shares her insights on what hospitality truly means—emphasizing emotional connection over transactional service—and why every business, regardless of industry, should consider itself part of the hospitality sector.  The conversation explores current trends in marketing tech, including the tendency for brands to misdiagnose their marketing issues, the over-accumulation of disconnected tech tools, and the importance of consolidating tech stacks for efficiency and ROI.  Erin also breaks down her approach to fractional consulting, helping businesses uncover the real problems behind their perceived challenges and align their technology and brand strategy to drive revenue. The episode closes with her personal reflections on redefining career priorities and integrating work-life balance through her consulting practice. Topics Discussed in the Episode: The meaning and business value of authentic hospitality Common misconceptions in diagnosing marketing problems Evaluating and consolidating the tech stack Understanding data usage versus data accumulation Erin's consulting philosophy and work with fractional clients   Connect with Erin Levzow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlevzow/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.