🎙️ How Laura Dunlap Built Tumble 22's Inclusive Culture Through Personal Recovery and Restaurant Innovation

In this inspiring episode, Laura Dunlap, Director of Human Resources at Tumble 22, shares her remarkable journey from growing up in her family's Minnesota travel restaurant to overcoming personal struggles with abuse and addiction, ultimately finding purpose in developing people through the restaurant industry. Through powerful stories of recovery, inclusive workplace culture, and the unique 22-tumble chicken preparation process, Laura reveals how authentic human connection and second chances create both exceptional food experiences and transformative career opportunities in Austin's competitive restaurant scene.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Restaurant industry accessibility: No degree required to build successful careers through hard work and development

• Inclusive culture impact: Diverse teams create stronger connections and better customer experiences

• Hand-crafted food differentiation: Fresh-cut, 22-tumble chicken process sets Tumble 22 apart from competition

• Human connection over technology: Personal service beats automated ordering for memorable experiences

• Recovery as leadership strength: Personal struggles create empathy and passion for helping others succeed

• Employee development systems: Training books and growth paths from hourly to management across all levels

• Franchise vs. startup challenges: Building new systems while maintaining quality and culture standards

• Post-COVID restaurant reality: Managing negative attitudes while focusing on fun, positive experiences

• Benefits innovation needs: Small restaurant chains seeking competitive employee benefits packages

• Faith integration in leadership: Personal spirituality providing foundation for authentic workplace relationships

🌟 Laura's Key Mentors:

• Her Father (Nelson Brothers Restaurant): Taught hustle, work ethic, and how business changes lives through employment

• Doug Thompson (Former Texas Roadhouse COO): Recruited her to Tumble 22 and provided career development opportunities

• Recovery Support System: Faith community and family providing foundation for sobriety and personal growth

• Genuine Hospitality (Book): Resource for creating memorable experiences beyond basic service expectations

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about overcoming personal adversity, building inclusive restaurant cultures, and why authentic human connections matter more than technology in creating exceptional dining experiences.

🔗 Connect with Laura Dunlap:

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: Laura Dunlap Tumble 22 

Website: www.tumble22.com 

📄 Transcript Available: From Chicken to Culture: Why Tumble 22 Puts People at the Heart of Growth with Laura Dunlap

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

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