It was nice to chat with jon. His story sounded like the start of others I had heard, but jon is unique which in turn, so is his story. It was staggering to hear his moment when he put his foot in the ground and became an individual who would live without alcohol. I'm inspired by what he's done, how he talks to himself, and the values that find their way into his business. Thanks for the honesty, jon.

Born and raised in the South, but a traveler at heart, Jon Murray is changing the hospitality industry for the better with the opening of his first concept, Noko, an Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant in East Nashville. With almost 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Murray and his Noko partners aim to create a more sustainable work environment for their employees, while offering guests a taste of the restaurants Asian-inspired comfort foods. 

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6