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Rising Tides Live: Hooked On Hospitality

In This Episode

Interview Takeaways

  • Hospitality as a Calling: Many participants emphasized how their first jobs in hospitality sparked a lasting passion for the industry. From memorable early experiences like working in restaurants, bars, or even selling supplies, these foundational roles fostered an appreciation for the dynamic and people-focused nature of the field.
  • Empathy is Essential: Several speakers, particularly those in restaurant technology and sales, highlighted the importance of empathy and firsthand experience in hospitality. Understanding the challenges of restaurant operations is crucial for building trust and creating effective solutions that truly resonate with industry professionals.
  • Adaptation and Encouragement in Hiring: A recurring theme was the challenge of finding and nurturing young talent today. Participants discussed the importance of encouraging curiosity, embracing new technologies, and creating environments where employees feel supported to grow, ensuring the next generation thrives in the hospitality industry.

In this special episode of Rising Tides Live, Jordan Silverman, CEO of Starfish, steps in for Shawn Walchef to host a compelling conversation about the journey into the hospitality industry and what makes it so captivating. Jordan is joined by his special guest, Matt Hardoon, VP of Sales at Sauce, for an engaging discussion centered around people’s first jobs in hospitality and how they got hooked on this dynamic and demanding industry.

Matt shares his unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of working in restaurants, from his early days in a family-owned sports bar to his current role helping operators streamline delivery operations and enhance customer retention.

This episode highlights the value of community, perseverance, and empathy in the hospitality industry, offering a heartfelt look at why so many professionals remain passionate about it despite its demanding nature. Whether you’re new to hospitality or a seasoned veteran, this episode is filled with insights and inspiring stories.

Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed community service and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard

Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tides Live room streaming with Riverside on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.

The Big Quote

Homework Assignment



For this week’s homework assignment, take some time to reflect on your personal journey into the hospitality industry. Think about your very first job in the field—what drew you to it, and what made you stay?

Episode Links

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About Cali BBQ Media

Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.

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