Andrew Dana is the Founder and Co-owner of Timber Pizza Company and Call Your Mother Deli. He started both successful restaurant concepts in Washington, D.C., establishing them as local favorites known for their high-quality and creative food offerings. Prior to launching his two restaurant brands, Andrew served as the Director of Business Development at Everfi, a company that powers social impact through education. He prides himself on being a new dad, a Washington D.C. native, and an encyclopedia of carbohydrate knowledge.

Opening just one successful restaurant takes passion, persistence, and a focus on creating an unforgettable customer experience. But what are the primary factors in building a whole brand of thriving restaurants?

According to Andrew Dana, Co-owner and Founder of Call Your Mother Deli and Timber Pizza Co., the key to building a successful restaurant brand involves a few core elements. First, it's crucial to have a deep passion for the product — developing a unique, high-quality menu item through trial-and-error and a focus on quality ingredients is vital. However, Andrew emphasizes that the experience is just as important as the food itself — creating a fun, memorable atmosphere through factors like music, ambiance, and exceptional customer service. At the heart of Andrew's approach is cultivating a vibrant, engaged work culture. He prioritizes hiring people who will have fun and enjoy coming to work every day, offering them perks like gym memberships, language classes, and opportunities for career growth to incentivize his team and show they are valued.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Andrew Dana, Co-owner and Founder of Call Your Mother Deli and Timber Pizza Co., chats with Rise25's Chad Franzen about keys to building successful restaurant brands. Andrew shares his passion for carbohydrates and how it inspired his pizza concept. He explains how starting with a mobile pizza oven allowed him to learn the business before opening his first brick-and-mortar location, and emphasizes the importance of creating a memorable customer experience.

Sharon Seivert is the CEO of CORE Coaching & Consulting, LLC, a global professional services organization that provides customized one-on-one coaching for business leaders and owners. With a distinguished background as CEO of a Group Health Plan, Sharon's expertise lies in guiding leaders and businesses to sustainable growth strategies. Her acclaimed book The Balancing Act serves as the cornerstone of CCC's six-point system, emphasizing holistic success. Through her pragmatic approach and international perspective, Sharon elevates individuals and organizations to new heights of achievement and well-being.

Building an inclusive workplace is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity in today's diverse world. Fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and respected both enhances employee satisfaction and drives innovation and productivity. How can organizations proactively address challenges to create a culture of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?

Leadership coach Sharon Seivert offers a transformative approach to leadership development and workplace well-being. Through her holistic coaching methodologies, she guides leaders to reclaim their power, cultivate inclusive environments, and navigate challenges with resilience. Through her transformative approach, Sharon also helps leaders align their core values with their professional endeavors, fostering sustainable success and personal fulfillment. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, she believes in creating workplaces where every individual's voice is valued and respected. To cultivate a more inclusive workplace culture, prioritize values-based leadership, actively promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, and empower employees to voice their perspectives without fear of reprisal.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen sits down with Sharon Seivert, the CEO of CORE Coaching & Consulting, LLC, to talk about navigating challenges to build an inclusive workplace. Sharon discusses common reasons people are suffering in the workplace, why diversity and inclusion matter in coaching, and how to be a holistic leader.

Jason Ogden is the President and Partner at Syrup, a marketing agency specializing in fostering revenue and maturity for B2B companies. With a robust background in finance and operations, Jason spearheads revenue-generating initiatives, account services, and financial operations at Syrup. Prior to his role at Syrup, Jason served as the Director of Finance at Codesmith Development, where he established core financial and accounting practices and managed various financial functions, including reporting, forecasting, and cash requirements. A graduate of The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, Jason brings a wealth of expertise in economics to his endeavors.

Crafting a winning marketing strategy is the cornerstone of business success in today's competitive landscape. It involves meticulous planning, creative execution, and a deep understanding of target audiences. How can your business leverage innovative approaches to stand out and captivate your audience in the ever-evolving digital marketplace?

B2B marketing expert Jason Ogden explores the importance of having a clear brand strategy, emphasizing the need for strategic planning over mere aesthetic appeal. This underscores the role of technology as a tool rather than a standalone solution. With this approach, organizations are less likely to adopt technology without clear objectives or strategies in place. Jason also explains the ethical considerations and potential of modern data and AI in shaping marketing strategies. To propel your business forward with marketing, ensure a strategic focus, harness technology wisely, and strike a balance between immediate gains and long-term capability building.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen sits down with Jason Ogden, the President and Partner at Syrup, to talk about crafting a winning marketing strategy. Jason discusses creating a successful brand strategy, how companies can effectively balance their marketing budget, and how to measure the success of marketing initiatives.

Octavia Gilmore is the CEO of Creative Juice, a minority and female-owned creative agency, disrupting marketing the millennial way. From discovering her passion for graphic design at 14 to founding her agency at age 23, Octavia's journey epitomizes creativity, determination, and entrepreneurship. With a mission to promote diversity and empower minority and female-owned businesses, she has transformed Creative Juice into a thriving enterprise while actively mentoring youth and advocating for leadership opportunities. Recognized as a Power 30 Under 30 recipient and honored with the Emerging Alumna award from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Octavia continues to inspire and lead by example in both the business world and her community.

Marketing and branding are indispensable pillars for businesses to establish their identity, connect with their target audience, and differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Effective marketing strategies not only generate awareness but also foster loyalty and drive sales. Similarly, a strong brand identity communicates values, builds trust, and ultimately influences consumer behavior. How can businesses harness the power of marketing and branding to unlock their full potential and stand out in today's competitive landscape?

Branding and marketing expert Octavia Gilmore, emphasizes the importance of understanding the target audience's pain points and delivering value through clear brand messaging. Octavia also shares the challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur, including breaking into the corporate space and earning the trust of renowned brands like Home Depot. Despite the obstacles, her dedication to learning, adapting, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, including the integration of AI, has been key to her success. Octavia’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to be resilient, embrace continuous learning, and not be afraid to pivot in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and branding.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen sits down with Octavia Gilmore, Founder and CEO of Creative Juice, to talk about how to elevate your brand marketing. Octavia discusses lessons she learned from running her business, the value of building trust with clients, and how to balance creativity with being strategic.

Markus Pineyro is oomi Digital Kitchen's Co-founder, a dedicated entrepreneur and visionary leader with 18 years of experience in the restaurant industry. His journey began with the founding of Dallas-based Urban Taco in 2007, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2020, Markus ventured into the world of digital innovation by co-founding oomi Digital Kitchen, a delivery-only kitchen that leverages technology to provide efficient and contactless dining experiences.

Restaurants are always looking for ways to improve their process and keep their menu fresh. What often-unappreciated data can be used to both improve day-to-day performance and lead to new menu ideas or even new restaurant brands?  

According to oomi Co-founder Markus Pineyro, customer feedback is of paramount importance to his brand's success. From personal interactions during food pickups to leveraging transaction data for targeted follow-ups, the strategy addresses positive and negative feedback alike. Markus emphasizes a hands-on troubleshooting process to identify and resolve issues, and he highlights the significance of turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons. Moreover, oomi actively listens to its customer base, whose feedback helps shape the brand’s offerings and innovations, exemplified by the creation of popular concepts like Love Bowls, Clucky's, and Hot Lips through customer polls and order analysis. 

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Markus Pineyro, Co-founder of oomi Digital Kitchen, joins Rise25’s Chad Franzen to discuss his restaurant journey, oomi’s unique approach as a delivery-only kitchen, its diverse menu crafted from customer feedback, and how to address negative reviews.

Jonathan Weathington is the CEO of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, a fresh seafood and cold beer concept with locations spanning the Carolinas, Georgia, Maryland, Florida, and Illinois. Featured on the cover of FSR magazine and making appearances on Good Morning America, Jonathan has garnered recognition in esteemed publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Nation’s Restaurant News. His no-nonsense approach to hospitality and business is reflected in the authentic coastal experience Shuckin' Shack offers, where customers are welcomed with a casual atmosphere reminiscent of a coastal dive bar. Jonathan's unconventional journey, from earning a master's in international relations to his diverse background in retail and customer service, uniquely positioned him to lead Shuckin' Shack to success.

Some restaurants are known as staples within their communities. Even as a franchise, it’s possible to be known as a unique place to be. How can someone in an executive role shape the vibe in a franchise with multiple locations?

According to Jonathan Weathington, his executive leadership style at Shuckin' Shack is characterized by authenticity and hands-on engagement. With a no-nonsense attitude, he prioritizes clear messaging and a focus on exceptional customer service, shaping a culture that resonates with the concept's authentic coastal experience. His commitment to actively participating in new store openings, working in the kitchen, and maintaining a direct connection with frontline employees reflects a leadership approach that goes beyond the traditional CEO role. Moreover, Jonathan's dedication to values and charitable causes reinforces the culture of authenticity and community support that defines Shuckin' Shack.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Jonathan Weathington, CEO of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, for insights into his straightforward attitude towards hospitality. Jonathan details his unconventional journey, from a master's in international relations to restaurant CEO. He discusses the authentic experience at Shuckin' Shack, highlights the brand’s unique market positioning as the largest oyster bar chain, and delves into its commitment to community support.

Jeff Kennedy is Founding Partner at Moe's Original BBQ, a venture that began in 2001 as an effort to bring Southern flavors to the mountains of Colorado. Armed with a marketing degree from the University of Alabama, Jeff's journey has been a fusion of culinary passion and a commitment to creating spaces that exude comfort and inclusion. His focus on hospitality aligns with his belief in the importance of crafting not just meals, but experiences. When he’s not shaping the barbecue scene, Jeff enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife Meredith and two daughters, savoring good food and creating lasting memories together.

Within the competitive landscape of the restaurant industry, brands are always on the lookout for ways they can set themselves apart from the competitors within their niche. Of course great food is a must, but what else can keep a customer coming back?

According to Moe’s Original BBQ Founding Partner Jeff Kennedy, the unique family-centric approach that defines his brand is just as valuable as the food. The emphasis on treating both employees and customers as an extension of the Moe's family creates a distinctive and close-knit connection within the franchise. The atmosphere that permeates each restaurant makes Moe's more than just a franchise, Jeff says; it's a collective of friends and family. 

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25’s Chad Franzen welcomes Jeff Kennedy, Founding Partner at Moe’s Original BBQ, to discuss the reasons behind Moe’s two-decade run of success. Jeff shares how he and his partners introduced Southern-style barbecue to the Rocky Mountain region after moving west from Alabama. He also reveals how the brand has built on its food foundation by evolving with technology and maintaining a familial atmosphere which appeals to employees and customers alike.

James Choi is the Owner of Cafe Dulce and a seasoned entrepreneur with a unique journey. Initially aspiring for a career in the PGA Tour, James found himself on a different path, obtaining his CPA license and working at Ernst & Young. Drawing upon his entrepreneurial spirit, he assisted his mother in launching various small businesses, including a chocolate boutique in Zurich, Switzerland. Today, as the visionary behind Cafe Dulce, James has expanded the brand to five locations, and he's not stopping there — his other entrepreneurial endeavors include a new superette concept and a jiu jitsu fight club.

Employee turnover has been an issue for restaurant owners to contend with for years. Through a combination of a supportive culture, fair compensation, and dedicated leadership, some restaurateurs have been fortunate to retain a loyal and skilled team.

At Cafe Dulce, the commitment to building a strong team is evident in the longevity of key staff members. For instance, the manager of their second location has been with the brand for a decade. Owner James Choi attributes this remarkable employee retention to a focus on fostering a positive workplace culture. He emphasizes his personal dedication, working alongside his team and sharing the challenges with them. Financial well-being is also a priority, and James acknowledges the importance of fair compensation. He shares an example of an hourly employee without a college degree earning a six-figure income due to their indispensable role in the business. Additionally, Cafe Dulce's commitment to employee development and support echoes Tony Hsieh's philosophy, aiming to retain and coach staff rather than resorting to terminations.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, James Choi, Owner of Cafe Dulce, joins Rise25’s Chad Franzen for a conversation about the unique origin and evolution of his restaurant brand. James discusses the key factors in Cafe Dulce’s long-term staff retention and the lessons learned from the challenging early days after the restaurant first opened. He also provides insight into his other entrepreneurial ventures: a superette and a jiu jitsu fight club.