In this episode we sit down with Jorge Hernandez, a seasoned operations leader with a career spanning iconic brands like McDonald's, Burger King, and New England Foods. Jorge has held high-profile roles, from Director of Operations at FF&G to Vice President of Operations at New England Foods, and he brings a wealth of knowledge on team leadership, performance improvement, and employee morale.

Join us as we explore Jorge’s journey through the food and beverage industry, the strategies he’s used to elevate team performance, and the impact of his strategic training programs on employee development. Whether you're in HR or operations, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

In this episode, we sit down with Lydia Gwin, the creative force behind Gwin's Tiny Kitchen, a unique culinary venture that’s all about bringing people together through food. From cooking classes to custom-made spice rubs and granola, Lydia has created a vibrant space where families and food enthusiasts can discover the joys of cooking. We’ll explore how Gwin's Tiny Kitchen offers engaging recipes, hosts events, and provides family-friendly programs, all with the mission of fostering a sense of connection and discovery through culinary experiences.

Tune in to hear Lydia’s journey and insights on making food more than just a meal—it’s an experience!

Jasna Ostojich is the visionary Founder of Podular Inc., an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food and beverage stand industry through cutting-edge technology and stunning design. With Podular's patented IoT-integrated stands and proprietary software solutions, Jasna has empowered businesses to streamline their operations, enhance customer engagement, reduce third-party order and delivery dependencies, and significantly boost profits. By focusing on real-time management of inventory, food safety, orders, and staff, Jasna's leadership has helped businesses achieve operational excellence and fuel growth.

Explore more about Podular Inc. at www.podular.us.

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Nelson, the Food & Beverage Director at DoubleTree by Hilton, a globally recognized brand known for its signature warm hospitality and top-tier dining experiences. With over 600 locations across nearly 50 countries, DoubleTree continues to set the standard in hospitality. Paul will share how DoubleTree maintains consistency in its food and beverage operations while catering to diverse guest needs. We’ll explore what it takes to lead in a competitive industry and how the brand, alongside Hilton, has helped generate an impressive $9.5 billion in revenue in 2023. Don’t miss Paul’s expert insights on balancing quality and innovation to keep guests coming back.

Tune in for an inside look at one of the most trusted names in global hospitality!

Sit down with Jason Kennedy, the dynamic Executive Director and Head Chef of Infinite Wonder Productions, who also happens to be a 7th-grade science teacher!

We dive into Jason's hands-on experience with Denny's, where he was tasked with transforming underperforming locations, rallying his team, and putting in countless hours to turn these restaurants around. We also explore his time with WKS Restaurant Group and the quirky yet memorable experience of working at Karen's Diner STL. Jason’s passion for fixing broken systems and motivating his team shines through as we discuss leadership, resilience, and the grit it takes to elevate restaurant operations.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about balancing multiple roles and bringing struggling restaurants back to life through hard work and effective team leadership.

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Chris Nevins, an Assistant Restaurant Leader for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.

Raising Cane’s was founded by Todd Graves in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has since expanded to over 700 locations across 37 states and internationally in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. With a workforce of 50,000 employees, Raising Cane’s achieved a revenue of $1.5 billion in 2023.

Join us as Chris Nevins shares valuable insights on how Raising Cane’s has scaled to such impressive heights, along with tactical tools to help you improve your own restaurant!

I had the honor to speak with Adam Peters on his podcast. The Strategic Veteran Podcast is the go-to resource for veterans transitioning to civilian life. They feature in-depth interviews with successful veterans, expert advice on career and personal development, and guidance on entrepreneurship. Their mission is to empower veterans with the tools and knowledge needed for a successful civilian life. Join them for inspiring stories, practical tips, and a supportive community.

Connect with Them:

LinkedIn

⁠linkedin.com/in/thestrategicveteran⁠

⁠twitter.com/thestrategicvet⁠

⁠thestrategicveteran.com⁠

https://youtu.be/NnYSeI94YxU?si=chUEU82WklbsrGi0

https://open.spotify.com/episode/67iddjsXDpCmULdn04A9FG?si=b4090c50bed4472a

We welcomed Craig Dunaway, COO of Penn Station, East Coast Subs today!

Penn Station opened its first store back in 1985 and grew to 320 locations in 14 states. They have around 5,000 employees and a revenue of 415 million.

Learn about this massive franchise and tactical tools to improve your own restaurant!