Albi Zogaj didn’t wait for permission to start telling his story—he just hit record. The San Antonio-based restaurateur, who co-founded Albi Italian Kitchen with his mother, is proving that you don’t need a fancy production studio to build a real media brand. With a smartphone, a clear brand identity, and the willingness to show up […]

In this session, we explore the impact of location selection and why making strategic real estate decisions is essential for entrepreneurs, restaurant operators, and hospitality professionals. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group discusses how physical location, community presence, and digital strategy intersect to shape business success. The conversation features firsthand insights […]

Building a media company used to sound like something only celebrities or big brands could do. But in 2024, if you’ve got a phone and Wi-Fi, you already have the tools. According to Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, the only real barrier is mindset. “You’re already telling stories every day,” he says. “You just […]

In this session, we explore the power of sales funnels and why designing them with intention is crucial for businesses, entrepreneurs, and hospitality professionals. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group unpacks how B2B and B2C brands are building smarter, more efficient sales systems. The conversation features real-world strategies from restaurant […]

Mike Bathurst didn’t set out to work in restaurants. The chemical engineer found his way into the fast food business thanks to a call from his best friend in first grade. That call led him to Barney Enterprises, a Wendy’s franchise group based in Northwest Indiana that was growing fast and needed fresh leadership. Bathurst […]

In this session, we explore the power of personal tech stacks and how the tools we use shape the way we communicate, create, and collaborate. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community dives into the devices, apps, and digital habits that fuel productivity, connection, and creativity in both personal […]

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation centers on the power of YouTube Shorts and how restaurant brands can use the platform to improve local SEO, brand visibility, and content strategy. Guest Claudia Tomina, CEO of Reputation Arm, brings insights from her work in citation management, review automation, and local search optimization. Joined […]

Chef Paul Natrall, the founder of Mr. Bannock Indigenous Cuisine in Vancouver, is on a mission to showcase Indigenous foods through storytelling, tradition, and bold leadership. Chef Paul has become a recognized voice in the Indigenous culinary movement, helping to lead national conversations around food sovereignty and cultural preservation. Indigenous Foods “I specialize in Indigenous […]

In this session, we dive into the creative and practical world of mind mapping—a simple but powerful tool for organizing ideas, breaking through mental blocks, and bringing clarity to both personal and professional goals. In this episode of Rising Tides Live, guest hosts Laura Wilber, Restaurant Guest Acquisition & Retention Expert at Dinova, and Jason […]

One of the biggest myths entrepreneurs fall for is the old saying, “If you build it, they will come.” Inspired by Hollywood fantasy, it’s a dangerous lie in the real world of business. Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, breaks this idea apart with one clear message: If you don’t promote yourself, no one […]