Former audio engineer, radio personality, and insurance claims adjuster, Jody Bailey Newman took a stab at the food an beverage industry with husband, Steve Newmen, in 2009 with their unique concept, The Friendly Spot. 10 years later, Jody is a leading craft beer entrepreneur and Chief Friend behind The Friendly Spot Ice House, B&D Ice House Hills and Dales Ice House. In addition, Jody often mentors future small business owners and female business owners through Launch SA, and as an SA2020 Ambassador.

Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra:

"Have faith. Dive in."

In today's episode with Jody Bailey Newman, we discuss:

• Just diving into what scares you.
• What made San Antonio a city of opportunity.
• The role freedom has on happiness and the state of one existence.
• The importance of having an operating agreement.
• Doing what gives you peace.
• Not getting caught up in the past.
• Why Jody has chosen not to fire people who have stolen from her in the past.
• How to stay true to who you are.
• Making decisions that are not just best for your business, but other businesses in your community.

Today's sponsor:

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BentoBox helps restaurants grow their business through a connected suite of tools, offering them an integrated website to connect with their guests and drive revenue online. Restaurant owners and operators are able to easily update menus, promote specials, take catering and event inquiries, sell merchandise, gift cards and more.

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Will try anything twice.
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • People taking advantage of her good nature.
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • Hiring the wrong people.
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Getting her children to say, "You're good, solid, Mom."
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Jody encourages her people to look up and open their eyes.
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • No questions asked, "tap out" policy.
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
   • Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
   • You can learn just as much from good people as you can from good books
8. What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough?
   • Most small business owners are doing what they can, and they should continue doing it.
9. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations?
   • Find a way to communicate with your staff. Let them choose the channel.
10. If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?
    1. Your family.
    2. Quality and diversity in the work place.

Contact info:

[email protected]

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Jody Bailey Newman for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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