In this episode, Bryan chats with Billy Downs about the ins and outs of the restaurant industry, from building a strong team culture to maintaining a clear vision and core values. Billy shares his inspiring journey from his early days in hospitality to becoming a successful restaurant entrepreneur, including the evolution of Ford’s Garage. They dive into the challenges of leadership, the power of mentorship, and the potential of franchise opportunities in shaping the industry. Billy also discusses the importance of servant leadership, identifying your superpower, and balancing fun and love in work. Tune in to uncover key insights on creating a thriving business culture and achieving long-term success in any industry.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Passion for Hospitality and Team Culture
• 05:12 Journey into the Restaurant Business
• 09:56 Building a Team-Oriented Culture
• 14:54 Vision and Values in Business
• 20:07 Franchise Opportunities and Growth
• 27:10 The Evolution of Ford's Garage
• 29:04 The Importance of Servant Leadership
• 32:27 Culture and Hospitality in Business
• 34:51 Identifying Your Superpower
• 37:14 Navigating Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
• 40:34 The Difference Between Fun and Love in Work
• 42:02 Maintaining Culture Through Transitions
• 46:54 Key Takeaways for Building a Strong Culture
• 50:39 Future Aspirations for Ford's Garage

Connect with Billy:

• Facebook: @BillyDowns
• LinkedIn : @BillyDowns

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

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Bryan chats with Jason Okroy about his journey from soccer player to entrepreneur, building a purpose-driven company that hires veterans and creates a strong culture. They discuss the transition from sports to business, the power of curiosity, and the challenges of scaling a business. Jason shares insights on leadership, mentorship, and leaving a lasting legacy through meaningful work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on passion, growth, and making an impact.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Entrepreneurship
• 03:00 Transitioning from Sports to Business
• 06:13 The Importance of Curiosity and Feedback
• 09:05 Building a Business with Purpose
• 11:50 Navigating Challenges in Hiring Veterans
• 15:12 Establishing Company Values and Culture
• 18:00 Creating a Movement in Veteran Employment
• 20:53 Legacy and Impact Beyond Business
• 25:11 Navigating Business Growth and Partnerships
• 30:10 The Role of Private Equity in Scaling Businesses
• 35:20 Embracing Data and Board Dynamics
• 39:14 Post-Transaction Reflections and Humility
• 45:19 Future Aspirations and Mentorship

Connect with Brad:

• LinkedIn: @jasonokroy

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan interviews American soccer legend Brad Friedel, who shares his incredible journey from playing in the English Premier League to leading as a sporting director in Turkey. Brad opens up about the unique challenges American players face in European leagues, the rapid evolution of soccer in the U.S., and the art of building a strong, resilient team culture. Dive into powerful insights on leadership, selecting the right talent, and balancing work-life demands in high-pressure sports environments. Friedel also highlights his approach to winning, the importance of character in player recruitment, and his commitment to inspiring the next generation.

Key Moments

• Chapter00:00 The Journey of an American Soccer Pioneer
• 05:49 Transitioning from Player to Sporting Director
• 11:56 Building a High-Performing Team
• 20:04 Leadership and Culture in Sports Organizations
• 26:22 Winning Trophies and Authentic Leadership
• 31:11 Character Assessment in Player Recruitment
• 36:29 Scouting and Preparing for Success
• 42:11 Lessons from a Storied Career
• 48:22 Legacy and Inspiring Future Generations

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.