Welcome back to Build Your Culture Brand! In today’s episode, Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Eddie Brown, Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Rialto, California, for a candid conversation on what it takes to lead through a major transition.

Eddie shares his journey into ownership and the unique challenges of merging two leadership teams into one cohesive culture. From creating buy-in to implementing fast changes, he opens up about the decisions that shaped the store’s direction—and what he might have done differently. Eddie also unpacks the practical strategies he used to reset store culture, drive accountability through leader involvement, and empower team members by living out shared values.

Whether you’re an aspiring operator or a business leader navigating change, this episode is full of tactical insight on how to build trust, lead with visibility, and fuel momentum from the inside out.

For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

Connect with Eddie on Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-brown-6a75732b9/

Guest: Eddie Brown (Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Rialto, California)

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:12) Intro

(01:13 - 05:22) Eddie’s Journey with Chick-fil-A

(05:23 - 09:03) Merging Two Leadership Teams Together

(09:04 - 11:57) If Things Could Have Been Done Differently

(11:58 - 14:06) Making Changes Fast

(14:07 - 22:04) Instilling Buy-In in the Team

(22:05 - 29:56) Strategies for Revamping Store Culture

(29:57 - 32:19) Stepping on the Gas

(32:20 - 35:36) Leader Involvement with Metrics

(35:37 - 37:51) Impact of Values on the Restaurant

(37:52 - 43:40) Investing in Leaders

(43:41 - 45:39) Closing

Build Your Culture Brand has a brand new, thought provoking episode! Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Abram Moon, Executive Director at Chick-fil-A Portsmouth VA, to speak about how he utilizes systems-driven leadership and authentic vulnerability to transform struggling teams into championship performers.

Drawing on his powerful personal journey from losing his father at age 8 to becoming a successful restaurant leader, Abram unpacks the essential elements of building sustainable culture through systems rather than personalities. From his signature philosophy that "operations is marketing" to his real-world strategies for entering existing teams with empathy, he and Dr. Jay explore the transformative moments when authentic leadership isn't just helpful—it's critical for organizational survival. Through compelling stories like taking an underperforming $6.8 million restaurant to over $11 million in sales while raising average wages from $13 to $17.80 per hour, Abram demonstrates how focusing on genuine relationships and systematic processes creates a foundation for lasting success. This episode reveals how vulnerability and accountability work together to build trust, and why the best leaders don't just rescue shifts—they develop people who can lead them.

For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

Connect with Abram on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abram-w-moon-b1303a70/

Guest: Abram Moon (Executive Director, Chick-fil-A, Portsmouth VA)

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 1:52) Intro

(1:53 - 9:27) Abram’s story

(9:28 - 18:15) How Abram achieved success in his first leadership position

(18:16 - 19:43) Creating a system that can go forever

(19:44 - 22:41) System for building systems

(22:42 - 26:18) “Operations is Marketing”

(26:19 - 27:43) Back to the basics

(27:44 - 34:53) Abram taking over another location and building his network

(34:53 - 39:02) Advise to other leaders to help their team members through tough seasons

(39:03 - 40:31) Rescuing a shift vs. showing up for your employees

(40:32 - 40:55) Closing

Hashtags:

#BuildYourCultureBrand, #AbramMoon, #ChickFilALeadership, #SystemsDrivenLeadership, #AuthenticLeadership, #VulnerableLeadership, #OperationsIsMarketing, #RestaurantManagement, #TeamTransformation, #CultureBuilding, #LeadershipDevelopment, #ServantLeadership, #StandardOperatingProcedures, #BusinessSystems, #ExecutiveDirector, #PortsmouthVirginia, #LeadershipPodcast, #WorkEthic, #FromTragedyToTriumph, #FirstGenerationCollege, #TeamBuilding, #CustomerService, #FastFoodLeadership, #BusinessGrowth, #PeopleFirst, #QSRLeadership, #LeadershipLessons, #BuildingTrust

Welcome back to the Build Your Culture Brand podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jay Raines sits down with Randy Gravitt, an author, speaker, and thought leader passionate about helping leaders win both at work and at home. Randy shares valuable insights on how emotional health, intentional leadership, and personal accountability shape success in all areas of life.

From the inspiration behind his book to practical advice on separating personal and professional life, Randy dives into what it means to lead with purpose and clarity. He emphasizes that true change doesn’t happen by chance but through consistent effort and planning. Whether it’s ensuring quality time with family or building a stronger team at work, Randy offers actionable strategies for leaders looking to create lasting impact.

Tune in to hear how hope isn’t a strategy, why winning begins at home, and how you can take control of your personal and professional journey today. 

For more information about intentionally building a culture that fits you, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

To purchase Randy’s book, visit https://shop.leadeveryday.com/collections/all-books-by-popularity/products/winning-begins-at-home 

Guest: Randy Gravitt, Author, Speaker, Thought Leader

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 01:33) Introduction

(01:34 - 05:17) Leadership Superpower & Kryptonite

(05:18 - 08:21) Winning Begins at Home

(08:22 - 14:14) The Inspiration Behind Randy’s Book

(14:15 - 17:24) Can It be Too Late?

(17:25 - 21:19) Emotional Health for Business Leaders

(21:20 - 29:44) Separating Personal and Professional Life

(29:45 - 37:25) Ensuring Quality Time with Family

(37:26 - 40:06) Where to Get Randy’s Book

(40:07 - 40:44) Closing

Welcome back to Build Your Culture Brand! In today’s episode, Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Consuela Jacobs, an owner/operator at Chick-fil-A, to talk about the do’s and don’ts when cultivating a culture of trust in a business. 

As a new Chick-fil-A owner/operator, Consuela shares her journey of learning to lead through trust: what it takes to build it, how to repair it, and why it’s essential on both sides of the relationship. She and Dr. Jay explore how internal culture impacts guest experience, and why winning the hearts of customers starts with winning the hearts of your team. Whether you’re an external candidate like Consuela or a seasoned leader, this episode offers practical wisdom on building a culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead with purpose.

For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

Connect with Consuela on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-kennard-jacobs-8735a07/

Guest: Consuela Jacobs (Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A RedBird, Dallas, Texas)

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:16) Intro

(01:17 - 04:44) From Fan to Guest

(04:45 - 12:24) The Journey to CFA

(12:25 - 18:24) The Do’s

(18:25 - 19:26) Extreme Comparison

(19:27 - 21:52) Taking A Breather

(21:53 - 29:16) Building Trust

(29:17 - 32:35)The Team in Me

(32:36 - 37:26) Leading with Care

(37:27 - 42:45) Do the Research

(42:46 - 44:48) Closing

Build Your Culture Brand has a brand new, thought-provoking episode! Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Jacob Jones, Executive Director at Chick-fil-A to speak about how he utilizes accountability in order to transform and lead his team.

Drawing on his hands-on experience transitioning from Seattle to Arizona, Jacob unpacks the essential elements of character-based leadership development, from the 9-value Culture Brand framework to real-world accountability strategies. Together, he and Dr. Jay explore the transformative moments when developing people isn't just helpful, it's critical for organizational success. Through compelling stories like Victoria's journey from shy team member to strong leader, Jacob demonstrates how focusing on character first creates a foundation for all other leadership growth.

For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

Connect with Jacob on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-r-jake-jones-41591781/ 

Guest: Jacob Jones (Executive Director at Chick-fil-A, Yuma Arizona)

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 3:05) Intro

(3:06 - 5:25) What is a culture brand, and how does Jacob make that possible?

(5:26 - 7:11) Recreating Jacobs idea of leadership

(7:12 - 9:12) Creating culture brands

(9:13 - 11:57) Defining the 9 values with employees

(11:58 - 14:37) Moving into an existing team

(14:38 - 16:50) Jacobs experience training new leaders

(16:51 - 20:14) Self evaluation as a leader

(20:15 - 26:22) Challenges with accountability

(26:23 - 27:41) Accountability playing a role in results

(27:42 - 30:28) Building trust

(30:29 - 33:23) Using culture brand in hiring

(33:24 - 35:42) Closing thoughts

The Build Your Culture Brand podcast is back with another insightful episode! This time, Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Jamie Schwarzmann, Founder and Chief Creative Strategist at Flux Branding, for a deep dive into the world of branding: what it really is, why it matters, and when it’s time for a refresh.

Drawing on his extensive experience and knack for storytelling, Jamie unpacks the essential elements of a brand, from identity and values to voice and promise. Together, he and Dr. Jay explore the strategic moments when evolving or rebranding isn’t just helpful, it’s critical. Whether you’re adjusting a few pieces or undergoing a full transformation, branding can be the difference between thriving and falling flat. Tune in to gain practical insights and fresh perspectives on building a brand that truly reflects your culture.

For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

For access to Jamie Schwarzmann’s website and tools, visit FluxBranding.com 

Or contact Jamie directly through his email, [email protected] 

Connect with Jamie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieschwartzman/ 

Guest: Jamie Schwarzmann | Founder and Chief Creative Strategist at Flux Branding

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 02:25) Introduction

(02:26 - 08:10) What is Branding?

(08:11 - 11:26) Tweaks in Brand Identity

(11:27 - 16:11) Brand Immersion

(16:12 - 20:35) Emotional Connection 

(20:36 - 28:19) Telling the Story

(28:20 - 29:43) Branding Archetypes 

(29:44 - 35:49) Red vs Blue Ocean

(35:50 - 38:26) Brand Promise

(38:27 - 41:46) Value in a Brand

(41:47 - 43:21) Closing

Welcome back to the Build Your Culture Brand podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Luca Caraba Chit , Owner Operator at Chick-fil-a at Oswego, Luca dives into her journey of operating a Chick-fil-A. As well as the challenges she has faced along the way to get where she is now. They discuss the importance of employee well being, and dive into methods that help build the employee relationships.

Luca Chit shares insights on the role of Owner Operator in multiple different locations. From challenges faced, to methods used to grow her operation Luca gives valuable insight on leadership. She also discusses the importance of community for female leaders. Luca discussed the annual female retreat that she has the opportunity to be on the planning committee of. Don’t miss the conversation on leadership methods, importance of community, and growing business opportunities. 

For more information about intentionally building a culture that fits you, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

Connect with Luca on Linkedin:

Guest: Luca Caraba Chit, Owner Operator at Chick-fil-A Oswego

Time stamps: 

[00:00 - 01:45]: Intro

[01:46 - 02:36]: Leadership superpowers

[02:37 - 04:45]: Logistical interests in Chick-fil-A

[04:46 - 07:05]: Markers that led to owning and operating a Chick-fil-A

[07:06 - 09:30]: Challenges faced 

[09:31 - 11:52]: Knowledge gained from other locations 

[11:53 -14:51]: “How do you develop people”

[14:52 - 18:30]: Creating opportunity to give feedback to leaders 

[18:31 - 22:12]: Occasional reviews to intentional review 

[22:13 - 25:18]: “Domino Decisions” 

[25:19 - 28:30]: Female leadership

[28:31 - 30:00]: What was unique about the retreat center 

[30:01 - 31:45]: Importance of female business retreats  

[31:46 - 34:22]: Where can you sign up for/ benefits of the retreat 

[34:23 - 35:50]: Incorporating feedback

[35:51 - 36:30]: Inside look to guest speakers 

[36:31 - 37:27]: Other retreat planning committee members 

[37:28 - 38:24]: Outro 

Hashtags: 

#Leadership, #Team, #Faith, #Covid, #BusinessSuccess, #LeadershipTips, #WorkplaceWellbeing, #CultureMatters, #BusinessGrowth, #ProductivityBoost, #TimeManagement, #Leadership, #balance, #DominoDecisions, #CompanyCulture, #LeadershipMindset, #Mentorship, #BusinessMentorship, #BusinessLeader, #Growth, #ChickfilA, #OperationalExcellence, #GoalSetting, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #WorkLifeBalance, #FemalOwner #FemaleOperatorGroup #IntentionalReview a

Welcome back to the Build Your Culture Brand podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Troy Luster, Director of Training and Development at San Antonio Wings. Troy sits with Jay to discuss his methodology for creating and building a great team through management, and how he is preparing his team to become leaders themselves in the future.

Troy discusses his time in leadership at 3 major companies in the food industry (Chick Fil A, Whattaburger, and Wingstop) and the tools he learned throughout his career. He discusses how both his leadership style and his management style have reflected 3 main principles: Business Leader Mindset, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and the notorious “Serve Model”. Through these, he works to build up not only his locations, but his people as well to accomplish the most success in both areas. You won’t want to miss this!

For more information about intentionally building a culture that fits you, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

Connect with Troy on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-luster-8a8890127/ 

Host: Jay Raines

Guest: Troy Luster (Director of Training and Development, San Antonio Wings)

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 1:05) Introduction

(1:06 - 2:05) Working with Gerald Huggins

(2:06 - 3:50) Troys career path with 3 large restaurant chains

(3:51 - 7:25) Principles Troy brought with him from chick fil a

(7:25 - 10:45) Digging into Troy's “entrepreneurial spirit”

(10:46 - 12:46) Goal of the flavor expert

(12:47 - 13:46) Being an expert while making others experts

(13:47 - 14:53) Trust with your leadership

(14:54 - 16:12) How to coach and give feedback to your team

(16:13 - 19:44) Coaching vs. feedback

(19:45 - 22:45) Contextualizing feedback and trust

(22:46 - 23:33) Leading without authority

(23:34 - 28:53) Troy's philosophy of hiring

(28:54 - 31:54) Building your culture brand through your people

(31:55 - 31:45) The business leader mindset

(31:46 - 36:10) Outro

Welcome back to the Build Your Culture Brand podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Christy Tennant Krispin, Associate Certified Coach at LeadersQ Coaching to explore the intersection of AI and leadership. They discuss how AI can enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and even improve essential leadership skills like active listening and communication.

Christy shares insights on the role of AI in building effective systems that support leaders in their daily responsibilities while maintaining a strong human connection. From practical applications to the importance of prompt engineering, this conversation dives into how technology can complement—not replace—thoughtful, people-first leadership. Tune in to discover how AI can become a powerful tool for fostering a thriving and resilient workplace culture.

For more information about intentionally building a culture that fits you, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

Connect with Christy on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christytennantkrispin/ 

Guest: Christy Tennant Krispin, Associate Certified Coach, LeadersQ

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 01:15) Introduction

(01:16 - 05:04) Why AI?

(05:05 - 08:33) Acclimating to New Technology

(08:34 - 17:47) Using AI for Leadership

(17:48 - 22:45) Rapid Fire Examples

(22:46 - 25:26) Prompt Engineering

(25:27 - 28:17) Incorporating the Human Element

(28:18 - 30:31) The Tech is Here to Stay

(30:32 - 31:26) Closing

Hashtags: 

#Leadership, #Team, #God, #Covid, #BusinessSuccess, #LeadershipTips, #WorkplaceWellbeing, #CultureMatters, #BusinessGrowth,  #ProductivityBoost, #TimeManagement, #Leadership, #burnout, #balance, #ACC, #Guide, #CompanyCulture, #LeadershipMindset, #Mentorship, #BusinessMentorship, #BusinessLeader, #ChickfilA, #OperationalExcellence, #GoalSetting, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #MicroCulture, #FlatCulture, #WorkLifeBalance

Welcome to another episode of the Build Your Culture Brand podcast with Dr. Jay Raines! Dr. Raines is joined by Jordan Annis from reShift, a team management app catering to Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) like Chick-fil-A. Jordan shares his journey from studying marketing to venturing into tech startups and eventually founding his own business. 

Learn how reShift aims to streamline operations, enhance team productivity, and foster a culture of ownership within restaurants. Discover Jordan's insights on leadership, problem-solving, and the power of clear vision in driving business success. Explore the innovative features of reShift's app, including checklist management and performance tracking, designed to promote operational excellence and consistency in the restaurant industry. 

Learn more about the concept of ownership, leadership development, and the future plans of reShift in providing tailored solutions for organizational growth and leadership training. Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn and check out https://www.reshiftapp.com/ for more information. 

And also - don't forget to visit buildyourculturebrand.com for a free Culture Brand assessment and to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes on building a thriving organizational culture! For more information about intentionally building a culture that fits you, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com 

Guest: Jordan Annis, Founder of reShift

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 00:23) Introduction

(00:24 - 01:09) Guest Introduction: Jordan Annis

(01:10 - 03:05) reShift Overview

(03:06 - 06:43) Leadership Superpower and Kryptonite

(06:44 - 13:13) Jordan's Entrepreneurial Journey

(13:14 - 19:36) reShift's Checklist Features

(19:37 - 23:58) Defining Ownership

(23:59 - 29:07) Teaching Ownership

(29:08 - 35:10) Supporting Leaders with reShift

(35:11 - 37:10) Future Plans: Training and Onboarding

(37:11 - 38:05) Closing