Digital Hospitality

Mentorship can be a transformative force, shaping careers, personal growth, and perspectives. Whether through long-term relationships or small, impactful moments, having someone invested in your success can make all the difference. In today’s Rising Tide episode, guest host Richard Liverman, Strategy, Branding, and Sales Mentor, leads a discussion on the essence of mentorship—how it differs from coaching, the invaluable lessons it provides, and the role of community in building these connections. Through shared stories, we uncover how mentorship inspires, guides, and empowers individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more

Dynamic pricing has long been part of the restaurant industry through practices like Happy Hours and Early Bird Specials. At the 2024 MURTEC Summit, Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ, shared how implementing dynamic pricing increased revenue by $1,200 monthly. However, when The Wall Street Journal labeled it “surge pricing,” public perception shifted, sparking criticism during his News Nation feature. Shawn emphasized the importance of language in shaping customer trust and explained why dynamic pricing feels more personal in restaurants compared to other industries. His insights highlight the balance between innovation, transparency, and maintaining generational business values.

Interview Takeaways:

Dynamic Pricing vs Surge Pricing - Dynamic Pricing has been used in the Restaurant Industry forever, in all different types of ways from Happy Hours to Early Bird Specials. The goal isn’t to surge people, but to fill seats at all times of the day.

A Battle of Words - The language used to convey an idea, concept, or theory is crucial to how it's understood, especially when amplified by the media. When The Wall Street Journal labeled dynamic pricing as 'surge pricing,' it shifted everyone’s perception of its meaning.

Dynamic Pricing in Our Everyday Lives - Pricing changes all the time, from hotel rooms and flights to the groceries we buy. So why does it feel so complicated when it comes to setting prices for our own business?"

Episode Links:

Shawn Walchef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

Cali BBQ: https://calibbq.media/

Cali BBQ Media: https://betheshow.media/

Murtec Summit: https://www.murtecsummit.com/2024

Wall Street Journal Cali BBQ Article: https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/surge-pricing-is-coming-to-more-menus-near-you-66a245f3

Juicer Pricing Online: https://juicerpricing.com/

Stub Hub Online: https://www.stubhub.com/

Game Time Online: https://gametime.co/

Wendy’s: https://www.wendys.com/

News Nation Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFKVHpyxk18

Uber Eats: https://www.ubereats.com/

Door Dash: https://www.doordash.com/

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more

Working is challenging enough—with deadlines, meetings, and the constant pressure to succeed. Adding kids into the mix takes it to another level. Balancing work, managing time, and staying present for your family, all while navigating the demands of parenting, can feel overwhelming. In today’s Rising Tide episode, we dive into the realities of working with kids around and explore how parents balance professional responsibilities with family life.

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more

Mike Fishman, VP of Sales at Commerce7, shares his journey from restaurant tech to running acclaimed Chicago hotspots and thriving in hospitality-focused sales. Mike discusses key partnerships, especially with Dan Diaz of F3 Tech, and how F3’s support has been essential to his business. From a viral LinkedIn post on career vulnerability to lessons learned in tech and hospitality, Mike’s story blends resilience, passion, and people-first values. Tune in for insights on sales, the power of industry connections, and Mike’s unshakeable love for restaurants and memorable dining experiences.

Interview Takeaways:

Modern Commerce for Wineries: Mike Fishman, VP of Sales at Commerce7, brings decades of experience in the restaurant industry to his current role, where he now drives and promotes modern commerce solutions for wineries

Support from Industry Leaders like Dan Diaz  - Mike Fishman has played an integral role in restaurant management and understands the importance of quality IT and support. He appreciates the dedication of Dan Diaz and the entire F3 team.

F3 Is There When You Need Them - Great partnerships are essential for any successful business. When challenges arise, having reliable partners to provide timely support is not just a bonus—it’s a necessity. F3 offers this hands-on support and guidance to people like Mike Fishman and restaurants across the country.

Episode Links:

Mike Fishman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfishman/

Commerce7 Online: https://commerce7.com/

Commerce7 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commerce7/

Bar Kumiko Online: https://barkumiko.com/

Bar Kumiko Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barkumiko/

Jeong Chicago Online: https://jeongchicago.com/

Jeong Chicago Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeongchicago/

F3 Technologies: https://www.f3tech.com/

F3 Technologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f3inc/

Dan Diaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-d-diaz/

Toast Online: https://pos.toasttab.com/

Toast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toast-inc/

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more

Interview Takeaways:

The Best Way To Improve Public Speaking - David Meltzer is comfortable with public speaking; it’s something he’s been doing his entire life. He believes the best way to gain comfort is through repetition—practicing over and over. The saying "practice makes perfect" holds true, and he even shared a powerful example of how he taught this lesson to his daughter.

What Separates Good and Great Speakers - You don’t need to be an expert on a topic to be a great speaker about it. What you do need is context and a framework built around personal experience to elevate whatever you’re discussing.

Perfecting The Small Details - Focusing on daily tasks, the ones people sometimes overlook can be crucial to our success. David Meltzer doesn’t just practice these simple things; he’s perfected them.

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more

Dan Diaz’s company, F3, transforms hospitality IT through reliable, hands-on support tailored for restaurants, bars, and hotels. From managing complex networks to POS installations, F3 serves both major brands and small businesses across the U.S., Canada, and the UK. With a commitment to service, Diaz and his team go above and beyond, handling issues anytime to keep businesses running smoothly. Rooted in Diaz’s dedication and resilience, F3’s unique approach prioritizes infrastructure and exceptional customer care, making them a trusted partner in hospitality tech.

Interview Takeaways:

Understanding Clients Needs - F3 understands the restaurant business inside and out. CEO Dan Diaz knows how to support clients of all sizes, driving growth and expansion for the company.

Why Restaurants Need F3 - Technology issues can arise in the restaurant industry, especially at night. However, by proactively partnering with F3, you can significantly reduce the frequency of these challenges and get in front of them.

Creating Systems That Work - Beyond their excellent on-call support, F3's true value lies in their effective system implementations. They don’t just show up, they bring solutions that work and get issues resolved efficiently.

Episode Links:
 

F3 Technologies Online: https://www.f3tech.com/

F3 Technologies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f3inc/#

F3 Technologies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/f3techinc

Dan Diaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-d-diaz/

Dan Diaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f3diaz/

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more

Interview with Jeremy Collins, VP of Operations for Bojangles and Georgia Foods, about Bojangles’ expansion, his career growth, and the importance of building strong teams in the hospitality industry.

Interview Takeaways:
Bojangles is a Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in "craveable" Southern chicken, biscuits and tea made fresh every day.

The company was founded with a single location in 1977.

They now operate more than 800 restaurants in 17 states.

Episode Links:

Jeremy Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-collins-va/

Bojangles: https://www.bojangles.com/

Bojangles YouTube: @ItsBoTime

Restaurant365 Demo: https://www.restaurant365.com/demorequest/

R365 Events: https://www.restaurant365.com/resource-category/events/

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more

Trying to be in two places at once is always challenging…Ok it’s impossible. Sometimes multitasking can feel the same way. Is multitasking on work assignments truly a good idea? Can it realistically be done efficiently and effectively? In the latest Rising Tide recording, the group shares its best advice on multitasking strategies and discusses whether this approach is genuinely effective for productivity.

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 PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on LinkedIn. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.

About Our Sponsors

DAVO:

DAVO automates every step of the sales tax process — from collecting to filing to paying. It works seamlessly with your POS, so there’s nothing you need to do. And because DAVO guarantees your taxes will be paid on time and in full, there’s nothing to worry about either.

Click here to learn more

Marqii:

Digital Hospitality doesn't have to be complicated and our partners at Marqii live that every day. Marqii is designed to create unforgettable customer experiences from first search to latest visit with their one-stop digital operations platform built for hospitality operators.

Click here to learn more