Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Here are my 5 Things to Consider this week!
Culture – We need to be a “knowing company.” I have an old saying I like to talk about sometime that goes, “Always listen to new music.” It’s a metaphor for being aware of what’s current, trendy, popular, fashionable and/or news-worthy in the world. We adopted this way-of-being as a company years ago because it’s another way we can differentiate ourselves from the rest of the bars and restaurants out there. Being aware of what happening in our world allows us to connect with our customers on so many different levels. It allows us to speak directly to them because we’re aware of what’s important to them. Because we’re relevant to what’s going on in their lives, we can more easily become a part their lives. We are there for our customers to share a joke with, stand up next to, cry with and call out bullshit. When we tell our story and communicate who we are: an entrepreneurial, scrappy, fun-loving and people-centric company AND that we’re aware of the latest jokes, music, sports, politics, personalities and the latest cultural trends, we demonstrate our shared and connected values. Marketing for us has always been about standing next to and being there for our customers, not trying to sell them anything. Sales will come organically when we’re an extension of peoples everyday lives and every day values. That’s why we’ll always continue to be a “Knowing Company.”
Leadership – Cleanliness is part of the experience. We talk often about how, above all else, we’re an experience based company. We also often talk about the importance of cleanliness. Looking at these two critical components like the “heart” and “brain” of our organization will help us realize how important it is that we focus on them both every single day. If we adopt the mindset that one can’t survive without the other and both are critical to the survival of the organization, then we begin to see that having a clean restaurant is just as important as anything else the customer sees. A clean and organized place is the foundation of our operation. Without it, everything else crumbles. Cleanliness must be viewed as something we do for the customer experience, not because it’s a series of duties on a list, but because anything less is simply unacceptable. In a world-class organization, cleanliness is a given. It’s a basic expectation of daily operations. For our establishments to be world class, we must establish and enforce world class standards. Cleanliness must be seen as the foundation of our experience.
History – Dick’s Last Resort. Back when I was in my mid-twenties, I lived and worked in Myrtle Beach for a few months. During that time, I got a job at Dick’s Last Resort at Barefoot Landing. Dick’s is one of those places where the waiters are allowed to joke with and berate you. To this day, I consider it one of the most impactful places I’ve ever worked. It single handedly shaped the way I look at hospitality and the restaurant industry. It taught me about pushing the envelope, being cheeky, and not worrying about playfully pissing people off. In the end, people want experience. Something that isn’t their normal, everyday life. Dick’s taught me that and it’s reflected to this day in everything we do.
Motivation – “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What I’m Reading or Watching – Desk 88 by Senator Sherrod Brown. Senator Brown has always been one of the politicians I most admire. He’s served the people of North-Eastern Ohio well in various public capacities over the years and recently came out with a book about the history of his chosen Senate Desk; Desk number 88. It’s tradition for incoming Senators to engrave their names on the inside of their desks. In his book, Sen. Brown recounts stories of all the other Senators over the years who have sat at this particular desk. I just started it, but so far it’s pretty fascinating to hear about progressive Senate members and their stories.
Baby Update – There’s a balance with this little guy that I have yet to figure out. Perhaps this is the eternal struggle of the new parent; what to give, what to not to give. What to give in to, what to withhold. I’m I spoiling? Am I neglecting? Is it too early for a screen? Does it even matter? Is he eating too much? Are we using food as a pacifier? Usually, like any savvy and interested modern-day human I’d consult the internet for advice, but I’ve pretty much given up on that method when it comes to child rearing. Half the people tell you you’re doing it right, the other half think your child should be taken away and you should be sterilized. I guess the best advice I was given was some of the first advice I was given; do what’s best for your family. Now I gotta go give William his bottle of Mountain Dew Code Red. It’s his favorite!
Thanks for reading! Like or hate any part of this? Let me know! I really value your feedback.
Have a great week!
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