Thoughts That Rock

In this episode, we talk with Florida's "Tourism Person of the Year (2011), KEITH OVERTON, the President & COO of Tradewinds Island Resorts in beautiful St, Pete Beach, FL.

THOUGHT #1

Perseverance trumps all other attributes and skills.

THOUGHT #2

What you have to do and the way you have to do it is incredibly simple. Whether you are willing to do it, that’s another matter. – Peter Drucker

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KEITH OVERTON'S BIO:

Keith Overton is President and COO overseeing TradeWinds Island Resorts – the TradeWinds Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort St. Pete Beach and RumFish Grill. Keith oversees all 1,100 employees, the company’s operations, sales and marketing efforts, accounting functions, human resource functions and capital improvements projects at the resorts, as well as ensuring the resorts uphold the standard of service consistent with the TradeWinds name. He has led the TradeWinds family since 1995 and is a 31-year veteran of Florida's hospitality industry.

Keith Overton was named Tourism Person of the Year in 2011 by the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. Keith currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Hotel & Lodging Association and is a member of its prestigious Resort Committee. He served as the 2004 and 2008 chairman for the Hospitality Alliance Scholarship Foundation of Tampa Bay and has been a director on the foundation’s board since 1998, as well.

Keith is an avid outdoorsman and conservationist and serves as a member of Tampa Bay Watch’s Board of Directors, the Board of Visitors for the Florida Institute of Oceanography and previously served on the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Board of Directors.

Keith is actively involved with many charities in the Tampa Bay area, including the Ronald McDonald Houses of Tampa Bay. He founded Athletes for Hearts, Inc., in 2007, which raises money for families with children with life-threatening heart conditions. His daughter MacKenzie, now 24 years old, was the recipient of a heart transplant at just 17 days old.

A native of Kissimmee/Orlando, Florida, Keith Overton is a graduate of Concord University, West Virginia, and the University of Central Florida, Orlando. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Travel Industry Management and received his MBA in International Hotel and Tourism Management from Schiller International University and has been designated as a Certificated Hotel Administrator (CHA) since 2001.

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In this episode, we talk with DAVID CANTU, the Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of HotSchedules, which is a revolutionary restaurant technology company, supporting over 31,000 different businesses comprised of over 3 million users and one of the greatest internal cultures we know.

THOUGHT #1

Be the same person you are at work and at home.

THOUGHT #2

Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand; the sun's rays do not burn until brought into focus. - Alexander Graham Bell

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DAVE CANTU'S BIO:

At HotSchedules, David Cantu is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with customers by engaging with them at all levels to collect and disseminate customer feedback throughout the company.

Dave's 17+ years of restaurant operations experience have contributed to HotSchedules' product development and innovative solutions to improve restaurant operations scheduling efficiencies, labor management, and increased employee engagement.

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In this episode, we talk with SERAH MORRISSEY, the current President of CHART (an association of hospitality trainers); she talks about being transparent and helping others deal with a wide range of issues, including mental health, homeless youth, sexual assault and huge life changes. 

THOUGHT #1

What would happen if you let things be as easy as they want to be?

THOUGHT #2

Your inner critic can have a seat on the bus, but it can never touch the wheel.

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SERAH MORRISSEY'S BIO:

After being born and raised in South Dakota, Serah attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with honors from the school of Psychology (with no help from her Vocal Performance scholarship). Her hospitality career began in 2000 at The Saint Paul Hotel, a historic luxury full-service property in downtown St. Paul, MN, where she spent 10 years in HR, ultimately taking on the additional role of Corporate Director of Talent for 2000 hotel and restaurant employees. After serving in various hospitality HR and Training executive roles, she is now the Senior Director of Human Resources for the Intercontinental Hotel – Minneapolis St. Paul Airport.

Serah is the current President of CHART: A Hospitality Training Association. She is passionate about people development and enjoys writing training columns for Hotel Management Magazine, an opportunity she was given through involvement in CHART. Serah is a curriculum consultant for the hospitality programs at two local colleges and on the employer advisory board for several employment agencies in the Twin Cities.

Outside of hospitality training, Serah is most passionate about being a mom, exploring the world with her son and working to help the disadvantaged through volunteerism and advocacy. Serah has served on the board for YouthLink in Minneapolis and continues to be an advocate for homeless youth and mental health awareness. In 2015, she co-founded Green Ray Entertainment, a movie production company focusing on documentaries and family films. An adventurous spirit, Serah can sometimes be found jumping out of airplanes, walking on fire or horseback riding in Iceland.

As an assault victim herself, Serah took solace in connecting with the awesome folks at RAINN - the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. Whether you're looking for support, information, advice, or a referral, their trained support specialists are ready to help. Go to www.RAINN.org or call 1-800-656-HOPE.

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In this episode, we talk with COL. LARRY BROADWELL, who works at the Pentagon, currently serving as the Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, but was recently promoted to Brigadier General-Select. He talks about leaders who understand that purpose and people define organizational cultures.

THOUGHT #1

Focus on purpose and people, rather than objectives and outputs.

THOUGHT #2

A good decision is one that is born from our values, considers all the facts, and honors what we are feeling at that moment.

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• Website: www.AirForce.com

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COL. LARRY BROADWELL'S BIO:

Col Larry Broadwell is the Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Col Broadwell received his commission in March 1996 from Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. He is a graduate of both Undergraduate Navigator Training, and Undergraduate Pilot Training serving as a rated officer in the C-130E, F-15C, and F-22. Col Broadwell is a veteran of Operations JOINT GUARD, JOINT FORGE, DESERT FOX, SOUTHERN WATCH, NOBLE EAGLE, and IRAQI FREEDOM. Prior to his current position, Col Broadwell was the Commander, 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

EDUCATION

ASSIGNMENTS

SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS

• July 2009–July 2010, Deputy Division Chief, United States Forces-Iraq / J-5 Strategy, Baghdad, Iraq, as a major, then lieutenant colonel

FLIGHT INFORMATION

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

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In this episode, we talk with PHIL GERBYSHAK, a phenomenal Sales speaker & coach, social media guru, author of 5 books, podcast host of "Conversations with Phil" and a real life pinball wizard. Currently the VP of Sales Training at Vector Solutions, Phil chats with us about being your true self.

THOUGHT #1

Be More YOU - Steve Farber

THOUGHT #2

Being Original Starts with Playing Your Favorite Covers and Making Them Your Own

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PHIL GERBYSHAK BIO:

Phil Gerbyshak is a sales speaker, sales expert, sales trainer, and the host of the podcast "Conversations with Phil". Phil trains his clients on the power of connection and how to best leverage the reach of social media, combined with the deeply personal work of nurturing 1-to-1 relationships, to grow profitable, long-term clients, transforming business and boosting revenue.

People matter - and they don’t scale.

Phil is the author of 5 books and his work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, Fortune, Inc. and countless other publications online and offline.

When Phil isn't speaking, training or coaching, Phil spends his time walking on the gulf beaches in Florida and playing pinball at the local pinball museum.

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In this episode, we talk with one of the most influential people in the country, DAWN SWEENEY, the President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association; the 2nd largest industry in the U.S., representing 15 million people and $863 Billion in sales.

THOUGHT #1

Life is a juggling act of glass and rubber balls; a great ‘juggler’ knows which ones can easily bounce and which ones to prevent from falling and shattering.

THOUGHT #2

If you are depressed, you are living in the past; if you are anxious, you are living in the future; if you are at peace, you are living in the present - Lao Tzu

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• Website: www.Restaurant.org

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DAWN SWEENEY'S BIO:

As president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association, Dawn Sweeney has been instrumental in focusing the mission of the Association through a unique, multi-year strategic plan, highlighting key areas of opportunity within the restaurant industry.

The National Restaurant Association’s members include quick service, fast casual, managed foodservice, casual and fine dining – along with manufacturers, suppliers and distributors. The American restaurant industry is composed of one million restaurant and foodservice outlets and 14 million employees. Since taking the helm at the end of 2007, Sweeney has led the Association in a wide-range of policy issues, while offering services and products that promote the industry and help individual operators and large multi-unit companies succeed.

Sweeney has realigned the Association’s priorities and structure to strengthen its core operations, including consolidating its Foundation around a mission to develop a strong workforce and build the next generation of industry leaders. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s major goal is to educate students on the restaurant business through the ProStart program – running in high schools nationwide – and to provide educational scholarships

Sweeney has led the Association to several major legislative victories, including achieving federal legislation on menu-labeling, and has launched the first-of-its-kind children’s menu initiative – Kids LiveWell. Under her leadership, the Association’s annual tradeshow – the largest restaurant and hospitality industry tradeshow in the U.S. – has seen growth both in revenue and impact.

Before joining the National Restaurant Association, Sweeney was president and CEO of AARP Services, the wholly owned taxable subsidiary of AARP. She grew annual revenues from $175 million to $785 million during her tenure – serving 11 million AARP members annually. Her 25+ years of marketing, advocacy and policy experience also include leadership positions at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, a membership organization of consumer-owned electric utilities, and the International Dairy Foods Association, the trade association for the nation's dairy foods industry, where she played a major role in the launch of the “milk moustache” advertising campaign.

Sweeney has been named one of the perennial top association CEOs in the country for the past several years. She serves on the boards the U.S. Travel Association and the Women’s Foodservice Forum, and is an active member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100, the International Women’s Forum, and the Committee of 200, an international network of female executives. She is also a charter member of Child Obesity 180, an initiative of private, public, non-profit and academic leaders committed to helping prevent childhood obesity through evidence-based initiatives.

A native of Maine, she is a graduate of Colby College and earned her MBA at George Washington University. Sweeney lives in northern Virginia with her husband and son.

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In this episode, we talk with ALLISON TROWBRIDGE, author of the book, Twenty-Two, and the Founder and CEO of Copper, a platform helping people gather in meaningful community through book clubs.

THOUGHT #1

When you don't know what to do, do the next right thing

THOUGHT #2

Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. - John Maxwell

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ALLISON TROWBRIDGE'S BIO:

Allison Trowbridge is the founder and CEO of Copper, a platform helping people gather in meaningful community through book clubs.

She published her first book, “Twenty-Two” in 2017 with HarperCollins / Thomas Nelson while completing her MBA at the University of Oxford.

Allison fell in love with the publishing world after witnessing a handful of books ignite the global anti-slavery movement, where she worked for nearly ten years leading marketing, fundraising, and international campaigns—at The Freedom Fund, Not For Sale, and as a partner at an impact investment fund, Just Business.

When not in a window seat searching for wifi, these days she's enjoying the weather in Los Angeles.

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In this episode, we talk with CHRIS TOMASSO, former CMO for Hard Rock International and Cracker Barrel, and currently the President & CEO of First Watch: The Daytime Cafe, which is the fastest growing breakfast concept in the country.

THOUGHT #1

It's not your Life and it's not your Wife.

THOUGHT #2

My Life has Been Filled with Terrible Misfortunes, Most of Which Never Happened. - Michel Montaigne

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CHRIS TOMASSO'S BIO:

Since joining First Watch in 2006, Chris Tomasso has led many strategic initiatives that have driven First Watch’s industry-leading growth, including the development and execution of a comprehensive multi-year re-branding effort. During his tenure, First Watch grew from about 50 restaurants to more than 375 while delivering double-digit annualized sales growth.

Prior to joining First Watch, Chris worked as an account executive for renowned PR agency Curley & Pynn before leading national and international marketing efforts for renowned brands such as Cracker Barrel and Hard Rock Cafe.

He was honored on Nation’s Restaurant News’ Power List in 2017, named a Top Private Company CMO in 2012 by ExecRank and currently serves on the University of Central Florida Foundation Board of Directors.

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In this episode, we talk with DANIEL BOTERO, who is an International speaker, host of the top-rated podcast called “Mastering College to Career”, amazon bestselling author of the book of the same name, and Founder of the Mastering College to Career Academy.

THOUGHT #1

The best way to reach any goal is to learn from someone who has already done it.

THOUGHT #2

Improving on Someone Else’s Idea is a Necessary Step to Becoming an Original.

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DANIEL BOTERO BIO:

Daniel Botero is an international speaker, top-rated podcast host, and author of the Amazon’s Best Selling "Mastering College to Career" book. His story is truly an example of the American dream. From humble beginnings to holding highly-successful roles in a Fortune 50 Company managing over 100 million dollars in annual sales, Daniel has shown that dreams really are attainable. His own dreams, however, were not enough for him. Daniel has dedicated himself to helping others to reach their goals.

He left the world of big business behind to focus on teaching college students how to attain career success after graduation. Realizing that many students leave college with a pile of debt and no dream job in sight, Daniel decided it was time to share the tools he has cultivated through education and experience. He doesn't think of himself as a teacher, however. He considers himself to be a perpetual learner always striving to become better than he was the day before. With his strategy of networking, Daniel brings a community approach to learning and works with students to help them achieve their dreams.

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In this episode, we talk with JOHN JANTSCH, the founder of the Duct Tape Marketing Consultant Network and an author with several books, including Duct Tape Marketing, The Referral Engine and his newest work, The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur. He is commonly known as the world's most practical small business marketing speaker and expert.

THOUGHT #1

Celebrate being fired.

THOUGHT #2

Change before you have to. - Jack Welch

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JOHN JANTSCH'S BIO:

John Jantsch is the founder of the Duct Tape Marketing Consultant Network, which trains and licenses small business marketing consultants around the world.​

John is also known as the world's most practical small business marketing speaker and expert. He is a veteran marketing speaker and workshop leader with over 200 successful events under his belt. Event organizers and attendees frequently comment on the nature of the practical, actionable “takeaway” value of his presentations.

He is equally effective facilitating a small group in a roundtable workshop format and on the stage presenting an inspirational keynote to thousands. His practical take on marketing strategy, growth, referrals, social media and all things online make his a great option for those wishing to tap a resource they can count on to deliver.

John is the author of Duct Tape Marketing, The Referral Engine, Duct Tape Selling, The Commitment Engine, and SEO for Growth. His newest work, The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur: 366 Daily Meditations to Feed Your Soul and Grow Your Business taps into the wisdom of 19th-century transcendentalist literature and the author’s own 30-year entrepreneurial journey to challenge today’s entrepreneur to remain fiercely self-reliant while chasing their own version of success.

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