Good Time Tommy

Tonight, I am very excited to have Shawn Hackinson as our guest on the Level Up with #GTT podcast. He is the owner/operator of my favorite restaurant, The Alley on Main, located at 223 W Main Street in Murfreesboro, TN. (Chicken Parm in the House)
Shawn began his career with Darden Restaurants, starting off with their Red Lobster chain. “Regardless of the company, I worked with people. I enjoyed developing people and getting folks to see the bigger picture. Managing and developing people is my biggest passion. I enjoy coaching and training our staff to see how systems work in the restaurant.”
He has found that when guests fill out those satisfaction surveys, it is no win or loose for them. We should listen to what they say. Less than 1 percent of complaints in the restaurant industry complain to get something free. “If you take it personal every time someone says something negative about your business (or what you do) and blow it off as they are complainers or they just want something for free, you will struggle. You have to look at the complaint, whether big or small, and make sure your staff are abiding by the standard.”
The vision for The Alley on Main is to be a community place that offers high quality food, in a non pretentious, kid friendly atmosphere. “Christy and I wanted you to say “lets go see Shawn and Christy,” and not “lets go to The Alley.” The type of atmosphere they create is lost in the corporate restaurants where you become just a number. Owners and managers never stop by your table to have a conversation with you. “We wanted to offer something different, we wanted to make a connection. We wanted to be that neighborhood restaurant that offered an atmosphere whether you sit for an hour or four hours. We want you to come in and enjoy your time.”
Many owners struggle with managing a staff. Shawn and Christy find implementing systems and holding people accountable works. They feel that checking back with your standards and implementing coaching helps. “It is easy to write someone up, but will they really change, more than likely no. If you put the time in and coach and explain why we do this or that is far more effective. The “whys” are the most effective. You have to give clear direction (see it, hear it, do it), follow up, and hold your team to accountable.”
“We look for like-minded people. We will pass on talent if they dont have the right attitude. We look for integrity, performance, and attitude. If you have a good work ethic and positive attitude, working at The Alley on Main will be the best job you ever had. You will always treat the staff you are working with respect, no matter your position. Our crew does this 100% of the day. We have an incredible staff.”
I believe that The Alley on Main has an unbelievable culture. Shawn mentions that it starts with you, the owner. “You have to do what you say. If you have a policy in place, then you must abide by that policy as well. You need to hold people accountable. Everything starts with you. You need to weed the negative culture out. Your team wants structure, they want the policies to be put in place. No one comes into work wanting to fail. People want to achieve and be recognized for their hard work. You have to live and breathe the culture, it can’t just be words in a policy book.”
Shawn and Christy’s generosity and giving has caught the communities attention. They believe in developing your employees and giving back. “There were people who were there for me, even when I didn’t deserve it or appreciate it. Give time to your community. It doesn’t have to be about cutting a check. Give from your heart and for the right reasons...

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. John Floyd on tonight’s podcast, with my Level Up Nation. He is the co founder of  the #1 builder in Tennessee, Ole South Properties.
If you live in Tennessee, you are aware that Ole South Properties “builds homes in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Gallatin, Fairview, Clarksville, and Spring Hill.”  (http://www.olesouth.com)
Mr. John Floyd is a self made man. He was a man who went from borrowing all the money off his credit cards, to taking so many chances to parlay one deal into another. He didn’t have anyone that could sign a note for him. John found a way from working at Winn Dixie (an old grocery store here in Murfreesboro) to a man who is now “Top 100 Builder in the nation and the largest homebuilder in Tennessee for 15 plus years” (http://www.olesouth.com).
“I am a management company that just happens to build houses.” John Floyd
There is something very cool about being around John Floyd. I have looked up to him for 25 years. Tonight, on Level Up, we are not going to talk about building house but we are going to talk about ways that we can build our own wealth.
Click right here to join in on the podcast.
#GTT
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? Everything we do, we believe in challenging status quo-We believe in thinking differently.
We combine our bold marketing movement with our ability to assist in regulating your emotions as we help navigate you through the process.
Our mission is to take you from confusion to clarity and to position you in a point of leverage whether you’re buying or selling a home.
We are CERTAIN our system works.
What’s stopping us from working together.
Hi. I am Tommy Davidson, aka GoodTimeTommy #GTT, and I am a real estate and self improvement entrepreneur in Murfreesboro, TN. I have over 14 years of experience in real estate sales and the past 5 years I have started playing up to my level.
I hired a coach and surrounded myself with those who were better than me. I have read over 1,000 hours of sales training and constantly improving myself daily.
If you would like to learn more about Good Time Tommy, subscribe to my web page @ www.GoodTimeTommy.com and to my youtube page @ bit.ly/goodtimetommy.
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Are you lacking in self confidence? Are you having trouble starting the day? How would you rate your internal self confidence?
The topic on the Morning Grind (a daily podcast and Facebook Live show where we aim to give you 15 minutes of positivity to begin your work day) this morning was how to build self confidence. Confidence is the one thing that affects everything.
I believe that confidence is an inner belief in yourself that you can do whatever you have your focus on. The Weatherman (aka Steven Weathers) says that the best way to produce confidence is encouragement. For most people, there is a fine line between arrogance and confidence.
The question is how do you build this inner confidence. The Weatherman says you must remove everything from your past and scrap it. You need to start with a clean slate of mind. Your past is what tears you down.
Your past will effect your future, if you allow it. So, how do you scrap the past? First off, you have to quit speaking it says The Weatherman. Whatever you speak, you walk in. For instance, if you say you are mediocre or average, that is the quality of work you will end up producing. Exhale your past and inhale your future.
Confidence all starts with what you are telling yourself. It all starts with what you are feeding your mind. At first, you are not going to really believe what you are speaking. You have to be speak it over and over till your mind believes it. The most certain person will always win at life. When uncertainty drops in a salesperson, clients will start to shop.
When you are confident, you will build others up and not tear them down. You have got to stay true to their roots. Pretending to be someone else, you will rise fast but in return have a harder quicker fall.
If your child is lacking confidence, what can we do to build their self esteem? I believe surrounding your children around confident adults and confident children.
If you are leading a team, you will have to find ways that work to motivate your staff. Not everyone will be motivated in the same way.
How do you build and maintain your inner confidence?
Go out today and tell yourself that you are going to win. Tell yourself that “I can and I will.”
#GTT
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? Everything we do, we believe in challenging status quo-We believe in thinking differently.
We combine our bold marketing movement with our ability to assist in regulating your emotions as we help navigate you through the process.
Our mission is to take you from confusion to clarity and to position you in a point of leverage whether you’re buying or selling a home.
We are CERTAIN our system works.
What’s stopping us from working together.
Hi. I am Tommy Davidson, aka GoodTimeTommy #GTT, and I am a real estate and self improvement entrepreneur in Murfreesboro, TN. I have over 14 years of experience in real estate sales and the past 5 years I have started playing up to my level.
I hired a coach and surrounded myself with those who were better than me. I have read over 1,000 hours of sales training and constantly improving myself daily.
If you would like to learn more about Good Time Tommy, subscribe to my web page @ www.GoodTimeTommy.com and to my youtube page @ bit.ly/goodtimetommy.
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When do you start planning for your week? Are you prepared when you show up Monday morning to start grinding?
The topic on the Morning Grind (a daily podcast and Facebook Live show where we aim to give you 15 minutes of positivity to begin your work day) this morning was how to plan a MONSTER week. GTT (aka Good Time Tommy, Tommy Davidson) explains the steps it takes to plan a busy week.
If you want to start a productive week, know that it does not start on Monday, it begins on Sunday. In a business cycle, the week should never stop. But a lot of people reset over the weekend. I believe that you really need to charge up, refuel, and get fired up for your upcoming week. This will help you to make really big bold decisions internally on what you will do in the week ahead.
When you start the day without it being planned out the night before, your emotions will get a hold of you and tell you not to do the hard work. “Let’s not go that hard. Let’s not do this.” The night before, when you are sitting there thinking and planning, you know you have till tomorrow. “This diet can start in the morning.” You can do everything tomorrow or Monday.
Our emotions control us in the moment. It is very hard to fight through that. The same thing happens when you plan your day. Your emotions are going to find the easiest way to get you through the day. “We don’t need to call that many people.”
Before the start of the week (which is usually Sunday for most people), plan out your week. Make very BOLD decisions. Be very specific with your target. Make sure your activity comes first. After your activity will come your results.
If you are down on your results, “don’t lower your target just upgrade your activity.” Cousin Charlie Raise your commitment, raise your activity if your behind on your goals.
#GTT
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? Everything we do, we believe in challenging status quo-We believe in thinking differently.
We combine our bold marketing movement with our ability to assist in regulating your emotions as we help navigate you through the process.
Our mission is to take you from confusion to clarity and to position you in a point of leverage whether you’re buying or selling a home.
We are CERTAIN our system works.
What’s stopping us from working together.
Hi. I am Tommy Davidson, aka GoodTimeTommy #GTT, and I am a real estate and self improvement entrepreneur in Murfreesboro, TN. I have over 14 years of experience in real estate sales and the past 5 years I have started playing up to my level.
I hired a coach and surrounded myself with those who were better than me. I have read over 1,000 hours of sales training and constantly improving myself daily.
If you would like to learn more about Good Time Tommy, subscribe to my web page @ www.GoodTimeTommy.com and to my youtube page @ bit.ly/goodtimetommy.
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The topic on Real Estate 101 (a weekly podcast and Facebook Live show where we aim to give you tips on the Real Estate market in Rutherford County) this week was how to stack your offer so the seller cannot refuse. GTT (aka Good Time Tommy, Tommy Davidson) explains the all that it takes to win an offer in a sellers market.
Before we dig into this, please note that the example being used is on a $250,000 home listed for sale in April of 2018 in Murfreesboro, TN. So if you are going to go out and buy a house today, in this price range, and you are certain (without a doubt) that this is the house that you want be aware that a lot of people around you are going to tell you to NEGOTIATE. “Get it cheaper.” “You could save $1,000.” “You know they mark these houses up.”
Here is what you need to understand. Whenever you can get into the home before the market, you have a leg up. You have an opportunity to shut this deal down.
I have a list of 7 things you can do to stack your offer so the seller cannot refuse. Now some of these ideas will probably make your agent and you uncomfortable but I am going to be honest with you with what it will take in a Sellers Market right now if your home is priced in the range of $250,000.
*Please note that these ideas are just our opinions. We are not telling you that you must do this.
Remember this is for the house that you want. You need to be 100% certain this is THE HOUSE.
1.  You BETTER be using a Local Lender. This lender needs to have a reputation of getting things done. Using an online lender or an unknown lender will create doubt in the sellers’ mind that this deal will close or even close on time. The probability starts to drop and the seller might “shop” other offers.
2.  Don’t NEGOTIATE the Price. If the house is UNDER $200,000, you would be LUCKY to pay list price. If the house goes to “market,” the seller will get an ABOVE listing price offer.
3.  When bidding ABOVE list price, don’t include appraisal contingency. This allows you (the buyer) a way out of the deal.
4.  No Inspection. The market is dictating an offer with more money, better loan, and no contingency. If you’re house is under 20 years, use the money that you would have spent on an inspection and purchase a home warranty. If the house is over 50 years, then yes we would recommend a home inspection.
5.  Put up a NON REFUNDABLE Earnest Money. This shows the sellers that you are serious about your offer. The more certainty you can give the seller, the more likely you will win the deal.
6.  Have the Lender call. When the lender calls the listing agent, it creates certainty with the agent and the sellers.
7.  The Buyer Agent must SELL CERTAINTY. In a debate, whoever is the most certain wins. If the agent shows weakness, than that reflects that the contract is not stable.
#GTT
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? Everything we do, we believe in challenging status quo-We believe in thinking differently.
We combine our bold marketing movement with our ability to assist in regulating your emotions as we help navigate you through the process.
Our mission is to take you from confusion to clarity and to position you in a point of leverage whether you’re buying or selling a home.
We are CERTAIN our system works.
What’s stopping us from working together.
Hi. I am Tommy Davidson, aka GoodTimeTommy #GTT, and I am a real estate and self improvement entrepreneur in Murfreesboro, TN. I have over 14 years of experience in real estate sales and the past 5 years I have started playing up to my level.

Ever wonder who helps govern the city of Murfreesboro? Do you know what they stand for, what their beliefs are, or where they want to take the city to? Who is running for the Murfreesboro City Council?
The topic on the Morning Grind (a daily podcast and Facebook Live show where we aim to give you 15 minutes of positivity to begin your work day) this morning was meeting a candidate running for the 2018 Murfreesboro City Council.
GTT (aka Good Time Tommy, Tommy Davidson) explains the characteristics of Ronnie Martin (who is running for City Council), who is the BEST Commercial Lender in TN. “He has been a huge part in my transformation in life. Ronnie has taught me strategically on how to build wealth and what I need to do to position myself for a better future. He has done this with time and with effort.  He can sit down with me and acknowledge what is in my best interest.”
Ronnie Martin is a MASTER at Listening to you. Before he answers, he listens intently. Ronnie then acknowledges your perspective and then can flip it around to tell you how he feels. What ever issue you bring to him, he would look at it objectivley. He is not afraid to disagree. He has no fear when it comes to OPPOSITION of thought.
#GTT
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? Everything we do, we believe in challenging status quo-We believe in thinking differently.
We combine our bold marketing movement with our ability to assist in regulating your emotions as we help navigate you through the process.
Our mission is to take you from confusion to clarity and to position you in a point of leverage whether you’re buying or selling a home.
We are CERTAIN our system works.
What’s stopping us from working together.
Hi. I am Tommy Davidson, aka GoodTimeTommy #GTT, and I am a real estate and self improvement entrepreneur in Murfreesboro, TN. I have over 14 years of experience in real estate sales and the past 5 years I have started playing up to my level.
I hired a coach and surrounded myself with those who were better than me. I have read over 1,000 hours of sales training and constantly improving myself daily.
If you would like to learn more about Good Time Tommy, subscribe to my web page @ www.GoodTimeTommy.com and to my youtube page @ bit.ly/goodtimetommy.
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Tired of waking up in a bad mood? Tired of coming home at the end of the day worn out and miserable? Ever wonder what you can do to start the day off on the right foot?
The topic on the Morning Grind (a daily podcast and Facebook Live show where we aim to give you 15 minutes of positivity to begin your work day) this morning was how to have a great day. GTT (aka Good Time Tommy, Tommy Davidson) explains the FOUR Things You Must Do. So, if you do these four things, you are guaranteed to have a great day.
1.  Make a list. I believe that the night before, you should write down a list. Write down the 5 things you want to accomplish the next day. These things have to be something you are not in a habit of not doing. Meaning, if you are used to getting up and working out, then don’t put working out on your list. These should be 5 critical things that can help you in your life.
2. Learn something new everyday. You should force yourself to learn every single day. You can do this by listening to podcasts, reading blogs, watching YouTube videos, or even television shows where you can rob confidence from the actors. Imagine if you would force yourself to read just 10 minutes a day. Imagine how much you would learn.
3. Force yourself into gratitude.You need to have gratitude checks twice a day. When you wake up, you need to force yourself to have gratitude. The next time you should be grateful when you go home. You should not bring work stress to your home environment.
4. Do something that money cannot buy. As humans we have gotten a way from being outside, being outdoors. One of the fondest memories I have was when the family and I walked the Battlefield here in Murfreesboro. I really enjoy coming home after my morning workout, and having Lucky and Brittany Rene’ waiting on me at home.  We need to be around water, trails, petting animals, and around things that make us feel different.
If you want to force yourself into action, create a power list. A power list are those 4 things you need to do, they are the critical tasks that you are not in the habit of doing. Do not put down things that are easy for you to accomplish. The power list is designed for you to create a habit out of critical things that you are not doing. Once it becomes a habit, you move on to other things.
#GTT
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? Everything we do, we believe in challenging status quo-We believe in thinking differently.
We combine our bold marketing movement with our ability to assist in regulating your emotions as we help navigate you through the process.
Our mission is to take you from confusion to clarity and to position you in a point of leverage whether you’re buying or selling a home.
We are CERTAIN our system works.
What’s stopping us from working together.
Hi. I am Tommy Davidson, aka GoodTimeTommy #GTT, and I am a real estate and self improvement entrepreneur in Murfreesboro, TN. I have over 14 years of experience in real estate sales and the past 5 years I have started playing up to my level.
I hired a coach and surrounded myself with those who were better than me. I have read over 1,000 hours of sales training and constantly improving myself daily.
If you would like to learn more about Good Time Tommy, subscribe to my web page @ www.GoodTimeTommy.com and to my youtube page @ bit.ly/goodtimetommy.
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Ever feel like something is too good to be true? Be Aware of the Cheese.
 I don’t want the cheese anymore, just let me off the trap! Have you ever said that?
You know how mice just sneak right on up to the trap and then BAM! In life, the same thing happens to us. We make decisions based on our emotions because we want the CHEESE.
We want that flavor, just like the little mouse. And then when that metal clamp comes down and chokes us and we can’t breathe, we want out of the TRAP. “Heck with the cheese, just let me out of the trap.”
Be aware, be aware of every decision that you make because when you TASTE that cheese you have a big mouse trap coming down on you. Too often we make fast emotional decisions. When you get old like me, I have been in and out of so many traps that I have learned not to go here or not to go there.
Us old timers will tell you this is experience. One day, when you get old like me, you will see some of these traps that look so enticing and so good that with your experience will avoid them.
Make sure you are hanging around the right kind of people. Make sure you don’t have people with good tasting cheese. Become aware. Become aware of who you are with, who you are around, who is impacting your decisions, and your thoughts.
#GTT
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? Everything we do, we believe in challenging status quo-We believe in thinking differently.
We combine our bold marketing movement with our ability to assist in regulating your emotions as we help navigate you through the process.
Our mission is to take you from confusion to clarity and to position you in a point of leverage whether you’re buying or selling a home.
We are CERTAIN our system works.
What’s stopping us from working together.
Hi. I am Tommy Davidson, aka GoodTimeTommy #GTT, and I am a real estate and self improvement entrepreneur in Murfreesboro, TN. I have over 14 years of experience in real estate sales and the past 5 years I have started playing up to my level.
I hired a coach and surrounded myself with those who were better than me. I have read over 1,000 hours of sales training and constantly improving myself daily.
If you would like to learn more about Good Time Tommy, subscribe to my web page @ www.GoodTimeTommy.com and to my youtube page @ bit.ly/goodtimetommy.
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Ronnie Martin for Murfreesboro City Council
On tonight’s podcast with my Level Up Nation, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Ronnie Martin, who in my opinion, is one of the BEST Commercial Lenders.
Ronnie and I go way back. We grew very close during the recession in 2008. He allowed me to call him many many times and would give me the steps that I needed to follow. The times he spent with me on Saturday mornings were so valuable.
I was always chasing money, but it never dawned on me that I needed to get great at what I do until Ronnie Martin said “If you just focus on being great, on being really good at what you do; all the things you are chasing will find you. 
His parents believed that you could do anything you wanted to do, but you had to work hard. Ronnie was the first in his family to graduate high and then college. Because of his parents’ belief, he went to work on himself in order to find success.
Ronnie Martin is a big believer that transferring the commitment to greatness, that transferring what you do, transfers in every field of employment. “Focus on doing really well. If you aren’t working on being the best version of who you are, than what value can you create? Be who you are and be great at it everyday.”
If you are wanting to Level Up, if you are wanting to take it to the next level, Ronnie Martin says to “surround yourself with those who are greater than you, surround yourself with those who are smarter than you, who have different talents, and different skill sets that you do not have. They will challenge you. If you can find people in your circle that can be honest with you, that have your best interest in mind, that care about you and invest in you, and most importantly will find the time to have the real conversations is a rare thing. People don’t want to isolate you. People are FEARFUL of what you make think of them if you are truly honest. One must commit to life long learning and pushing to be great every single day. Focus on the things you do well and be proud of the things you do well. Surround yourself with those who are honest with you, push you, and want to help you do well.”
Ronnie Martin has the patience, the skill (he is a great listener), and is exceptional at acknowledging your belief and understanding why you are asking him. He is so good at defining his position.
“It’s humility for me, I don’t have all the answers. When you come to me, I immediately assume you are right. I keep listening and reserve judgment until you are finished and have formed a view of what you are saying. My responsibility in that is to come back and say I heard what you said, I want to make sure I heard what you said, here is my view on that, and I want YOU to help me on that. It really is a collaborative effort. I never assume I know everything.” Ronnie Martin
Ronnie never assumes he knows everything. “For me to serve you, to serve the community, I have to be willing to listen. I measure my success by your success. That is what lifts me up. If we are successful as a community, as a city, I am going to take great pride in that. But its not going to be because of I did something but because I listened, gathered as much information that I thoughtfully can.”
Mr. Martin has a unique belief in goal setting. To be the absolute great he can be today and everyday, Ronnie has to see the opportunity, do the absolute best he can to engage in that opportunity, and focuses on being good with people and building relationships.
“The way you treat people says a lot about who you are. People remember that.