In this episode, we talk with BOBBY WILLIAMS, the Chairman of Lizard’s Thicket, a South Carolina based, family-oriented restaurant concept, who lays out why it is more important to give than to receive.

THOUGHT #1

Givers Gain; Takers Lose

THOUGHT #2

There is a Huge Difference Between Intentional and Deliberate Intention.

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BRAND & RESOURCE MENTIONS:

BOBBY WILLIAMS BIO:

Bobby Williams is the Chairman of South Carolina-based Lizard’s Thicket, a family-owned & operated restaurant concept.

Bobby oversees the operations of the 15-unit brand in Columbia and Florence with over 600 employees serving abut 4.6 million customers a year. Opened by Bobby’s parents, Bob and Anna Williams in 1977, the company is now owned and managed by their children and grandchildren.

Bobby graduated from Jefferson State Community College with a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management in 1973 and has worked since age 13 in the family’s restaurant, first in Birmingham, Alabama and then moving to Columbia with the first Lizard’s Thicket.

Bobby is very active in his community and dedicated to the hospitality industry. He has won many prestigious awards such as Restaurant of the Year, Restaurant Neighborhood Award National Finalist, Dean’s Circle of Friends Award from USC, Mayor’s Award on Employment of People with Disabilities, SCRLA’s Community Service Award and Central Carolina Community Foundation Best of Philanthropy Award. In 2018, Bobby was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, which is the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster.

Bobby also serves as Board Member Emeritus on the National Restaurant Association, Chairman of the SC Restaurant and Lodging Association, HRSM of University of South Carolina board member, Town Theatre board member and former board member for Providence Hospital.

For the past 40 years, Bobby has actively supported Carolina Children’s Home, Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter, SisterCare, HomeWorks, Prisma Health Midlands Foundation, Epworth Children’s Home, Cooperative Ministries, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia, Sharing God’s Love, Special Olympics, Heroes in Blue and the SC Junior Gold Association.

Bobby and his wife, Barbara, have been married for 45+ years. Together, they have four children and ten grandchildren. They are active members of St. Joseph Catholic Church and have been for over 35 years. In Bobby’s spare time, he enjoys boating on Lake Murray, entertaining with his wife and golfing.

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In this episode, we talk with NOAH GLASS, the software developer and visionary founder & CEO of Olo…the leading provider of digital ordering and delivery solutions for the restaurant industry.

THOUGHT #1

Predicting Rain Doesn’t Count; Building Arks Does - Warren Buffet

THOUGHT #2

To Achieve Great Things, Two Things Are Needed: a Plan and Not Quite Enough Time. – Leonard Bernstein

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NOAH GLASS'S BIO:

Noah Glass is the Founder & CEO of Olo (www.olo.com), the leading provider of digital ordering and on-demand interfaces for the restaurant industry. Glass is an industry visionary whose mobile ordering work pre-dates the iPhone, beginning with text message ordering on feature phones in 2005. His work in the foodservice industry began nearly twenty years ago, serving as a cashier, server, bartender, and delivery driver.

His passion for entrepreneurship was ignited by his time in Johannesburg, South Africa with Endeavor, a non-profit promoting high-growth entrepreneurship in emerging markets around the globe. There, he opened the first affiliate Endeavor office in Africa by leading fundraising, building the Board, hiring the management team, and finding the inaugural class of Endeavor Entrepreneurs in South Africa. After returning to the states, he founded Olo and sits at the helm of the company as it leads the E-Commerce awakening in the restaurant industry, still in its early days. Today, over 50 million consumers use the Olo platform to Skip the Line® and have food delivered from restaurants they love. Olo’s clients include Applebee's, Baskin-Robbins, Chili’s, Chipotle, Denny’s, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Jamba Juice, Noodles & Company, Shake Shack, sweetgreen, Red Robin, Wingstop, and more.

Noah’s accomplishments have been recognized by Businessweek and Business Insider, and thought leadership featured by “ABC World News,” Advertising Age, CNBC, CNN, Entrepreneur, “Good Morning America,” Inc., The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

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In this episode, we talk with the Executive Director of the Women’s Center of Jacksonville, TERESA MILES, who is a passionate and dedicated advocate for the rights of women and girls.

THOUGHT #1

Do What You're Good at, Not What You Would Love to Do.

THOUGHT #2

There is No Passion to Be Found Playing Small; in Settling for a Life that is Less than the One You Are Capable of Living. 

- Nelson Mandela

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TERESA MILES BIO:

Teresa Miles is a passionate and dedicated advocate for the rights of women and girls. She began her career in direct service work with at risk children, and has spent the past 30 years in the field of social services. Prior to moving to the Jacksonville area, Teresa was the Executive Director of Children’s Home Society on the Space Coast of Florida, where she served for 14 years. Teresa also spent 10 years working for Father Flanagan’s Boys Town, where her innovative spirit and hard work took her from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific. She is credited with starting the first emergency shelter for abused infants and toddlers in Central Florida, as well as helping to build an emergency teen shelter in Compton, California. Teresa is a Certified Sexual Assault Victim’s Advocate and has been recognized many times over for her ability to provide positive leadership in the challenging field of human services. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s of Social Work from Florida State University.

Teresa relocated with her family to Northeast Florida in 2016, taking on the role of Executive Director for the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. Since that time she has been instrumental in raising funds and creating the community’s first stand-alone Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Center. The SAFE Center offers a healing environment for survivors of sexual assault where they are supported by a trauma informed, professional staff who are available 24 hours a day. In 2018, Teresa was recognized for her efforts as she was honored with the Ultimate CEO of the Year award in Jacksonville.

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In this episode, we talk with MOLLY FLETCHER, who is an extremely popular keynote speaker (the master of storytelling), an accomplished author with 5 books, and was initially one of the world’s first female sports agents…commonly referred to as the “Female Jerry Maguire.”

THOUGHT #1

Negotiation is Just a Conversation.

THOUGHT #2

If We Can Share Our Story with Someone Who Responds with Empathy and Understanding, Shame Can’t Survive. – Brene Brown

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BRAND & RESOURCE MENTIONS:

MOLLY FLETCHER’S BIO:

Molly Fletcher is a trailblazer in every sense of the word--a rare talent of business wisdom, relationship brilliance and unwavering optimism. A popular keynote speaker, she shares the unconventional techniques that helped her thrive as one of the first female sports agents in the high stakes, big ego world of professional sports and now a successful entrepreneur. 

Formerly, as president of client representation for sports and entertainment agency CSE, Molly spent two decades as one of the world’s only female sports agents. She was hailed as the “female Jerry Maguire” by CNN as she recruited and represented hundreds of sport’s biggest names, including Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, PGA TOUR golfer Matt Kuchar, broadcaster Erin Andrews, and basketball championship coaches Tom Izzo and Doc Rivers. As she successfully negotiated over $500 million in contracts and built lasting relationships, she also observed and adopted the traits of those at the top of their game.

Molly shares her proven approach to negotiating in her company’s Game Changer Negotiation Training workshops, teaching people how to close more deals faster, while strengthening the relationship. 

Molly has been featured in ESPN, Fast Company, Forbes and Sports Illustrated. A sought after motivational speaker, she delivers game changing messages to top companies, trade associations, and teams worldwide.

Molly is the author of four books: 

Molly currently serves as a National Trustee member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and on the board of directors for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) and the national advisory board for the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA). Molly earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Michigan State University while captaining the women’s tennis team.

Molly’s energy and passion for life shines through everything she does. She finds her greatest joy at home in Atlanta with her husband Fred and their three daughters.

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In this episode, we talk with veteran, professional stand-up comedian, LOUIS RAMEY, who is regularly featured on TV shows like “Last Comic Standing”, “Comedy Central Presents” and “Comics Unleashed w/ Byron Allen”.

THOUGHT #1

Put Blinders On and Don't Compare Yourself to Others.

THOUGHT #2

Imitation Doesn’t Require Courage, Innovation, Risk or Vision…Be Original.

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BRAND & RESOURCE MENTIONS:

LOUIS RAMEY’S BIO:

Louis Ramey is an American stand-up comedian from Atlanta, Georgia. He started performing comedy while in college after being dared to perform by his friends

He was featured in his own episode of Comedy Central Presents in 2001. It was filmed at the Hudson Theatre, in New York City. In 2008, he was a finalist on Last Comic Standing 6. On July 31, he was voted into the top 5. He finished in 5th place. He was then the host of the Last Comic Standing tour, in which he performed along with the 4 other finalists.

He briefly worked for Nickelodeon as a member of the Nick at Nite "Road Crew".

Comedian and former Daily Show correspondent Wyatt Cenac named Ramey as one of his comedy influences, saying that "I remember seeing guys like Vince Morris and Louis Ramey do stuff that wasn’t what you saw on ComicView".

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In this episode, we talk to MELISSA WIGGINS, the founder of an awesome non-profit called, Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation, which funds innovative, accessible research for children fighting cancer with better treatments, quality of life and options for those told they have run out of options.

THOUGHT #1

Highlight & Delete - Don't Spend Energy on Stuff that Doesn't Deserve It.

THOUGHT#2

Hope Deals the Hardest Blows.

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BRAND & RESOURCE MENTIONS:

MELISSA WIGGINS BIO:
Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation was founded in 2014 with the mission to fund innovative, accessible research for children fighting cancer to provide better treatments and quality of life, and educate for change.

Melissa and her husband, Michael Wiggins, founded Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation on June 16, 2014 with a mission to eradicate kids' cancer.

Melissa Wiggins is mum (mom) to Cannon, who was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer when he was 20 months old. They were told he had a 50% chance of survival.

During Cannon’s year and a half of treatments, Melissa saw the horrific effects first-hand. They watched Cannon suffer through surgeries and “diluted” chemical treatments meant for adults, which caused him loss of hearing and decay to all of his teeth. They watched their son bleed from the inside out and be dragged to death’s doorstep in their quest to save him. They know this tragic reality all too well. They know there has to be a better way. They know that no other child should have to suffer the same as their child.

This experience motivated her to spend hundreds of hours researching and learning about the enormous lack of funding and research dedicated to pediatric cancer and effects, such as secondary cancers, that occur as a result of antiquated treatments.

Out of their unwavering faith and commitment, they founded Cannonball Kids’ cancer. Out of their anger, they became determined to be a part of the solution. Out of their persistence, they know funding research will unlock the cure. Research Is the Key!

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In this episode we talk with our friend, KT BLOEDORN, a Global Opening Restaurant Trainer for Hard Rock International, a competitive Roller Derby Skater and the Community Manager for Thoughts That Rock.

THOUGHT #1

Everything Will be Okay in the End; if it’s Not Okay, it’s Not the End.
– John Lennon

THOUGHT #2

We are Created for Adventure, and if We Cannot Find One, We Start Blowing Things Out of Proportion So it Feels Like We Have One.
– John Eldredge

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KT BLOEDORN'S BIO:
Katie Bloedorn has been a Corporate Trainer with Hard Rock International over the past 14 years. With her passion, knowledge and storytelling she assisted in pioneering a new position called the V.I.B.E Host (Visionary Individual Behind Energy), which is based on preserving company culture. Opening over 25 locations worldwide, she continues to travel the world spreading the spirit of rock 'n roll. Working several different positions such as V.I.B.E Host, Special Events Catering, Server, Bartender, Host, Venue Host, Retail Sales Associate, Roadie....and in an exciting role as a Hard Rock Live Tech, taking care of the artist’s hospitality when they play the venue. This has earned her several awards, milestones and recognition, such as 2015 Employee of the Year, Overall Top Performer, and voted as a finalist for Orlando’s Favorite Bartender.

KT's travels also bring her throughout the U.S.A as a competitive Roller Derby Skater. Skating both flat and banked track, she has earned several tournament MVP’s as Blocker and Jammer. She skates with several leagues across the state of Florida, but you can currently find her skating with her home league, Orlando Roller Derby.

KT's newest role is working as Community Manager for the Thoughts That Rock podcast, where she helps "Turn it Up to 11.”

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In this episode, we talk with DON YAEGER, a keynote speaker, business leadership coach, 11-time New York Times best-selling author and a long-time writer and Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated.

THOUGHT#1

You Will Never Outperform Your Inner Circle.
– Coach John Wooden

THOUGHT #2

Position Your Business to be Tattoo-Worthy.

CONNECT:

• Website: www.donyaeger.com

BRAND & RESOURCE MENTIONS:

DON YAEGER'S BIO:
As an award-winning keynote speaker, business leadership coach, eleven-time New York Times best-selling author, and longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, Don Yaeger has fashioned a career as one of America’s most provocative thought leaders. As a speaker, he has worked with audiences as diverse as Fortune 500 companies and cancer survivor groups, where he shares his personal story.

He is primarily sought to discuss lessons on achieving greatness, learned from first-hand experiences with some of the greatest sports legends in the world. He is also often retained by companies and organizations to coach their leaders, management teams, and employees on building a culture of greatness by studying great teams in sports and discerning the business lessons we can learn from them.

Additionally, as an Executive Coach, Yaeger has worked with a range of leaders from the president of the largest bank in the Caribbean to CEOs of financial services companies to technology executives. His coaching model is based on years of experience and study with those who have inspired championship-level teams.

Throughout his writing career, Don has developed a reputation as a world-class storyteller and has been invited as a guest to almost every major talk show – from The Oprah Winfrey Show to Nightline, from CNN to Good Morning America.

Few journalists can lay claim to as exciting and colorful a career as Don Yaeger. In the three decades since he accepted his first newspaper job in Texas, the breadth of his assignments has been astounding. He has traveled the world in pursuit of stories as diverse as:

Yaeger began his career as a reporter for the San Antonio Light where he rose through the ranks to pen investigative features for the daily. He later moved on to the Dallas Morning News. Following his time in Dallas, Yaeger worked as a political editor for the Florida Times-Union.

After four years, he decided to dedicate himself to the pursuit of writing books. Yaeger’s first book, Undue Process: The NCAA’s Injustice for All, was published in 1990. In the nearly 30 years since, he has penned 28 more books, including eleven New York Times best-sellers, including:

Yaeger also wrote A Game Plan For Life, with legendary coach John Wooden. It was published on Coach’s 99th birthday in October 2009. Movie rights to four of Yaeger’s books have been sold, with two slated for nationwide release in 2019.

After several years of freelancing for Sports Illustrated, Yaeger joined the magazine’s staff full-time in July 1996. Two years later, he was promoted to Associate Editor where his job was to cover not just sporting events but also the off-the-field happenings that affect the world of sports. He took an early retirement from full-time work at SI in 2008, but continues to freelance for the magazine.

Yaeger and his co-author William Nack were finalists for a 2000 National Magazine Award in the public interest category for their cover story “Who’s Coaching Your Kid?: The frightening truth about child molestation in youth sports.” This important piece triggered follow-up reports by programs such as Dateline, 20/20 and The Oprah Winfrey Show. It also resulted in changes to the law in several states and several youth sports organizations, including Little League of America, which changed rules to require background checks of coaches and volunteers.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Yaeger has traveled extensively and lived abroad in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Japan and Great Britain. A 1984 graduate of Ball State University, Yaeger currently lives in Tallahassee, FL. He also owns a political consulting business and a public relations firm. He and his wife Jeanette have a son and a daughter.

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In this episode, we talk with our dear friend, KATHLEEN WOOD, a keynote speaker, author, executive growth strategist and Co-Founder/CEO of Suzy’s Swirl, a frozen dessert concept based in Chicago.

THOUGHT #1

It’s Easy to Say "Faith Conquers Fear" in Business, Yet it is So Powerful and Challenging to Teach and Live it.

THOUGHT #2

The Key to Powerful Change is Commitment and Forgiveness.

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BRAND & RESOURCE MENTIONS:

KATHLEEN WOOD'S BIO:
Kathleen Wood, CEO and Co-Founder of Suzy’s Swirl. In August of 2012, Kathleen and her business partner and sister, Sue Tierno, launched their innovative frozen dessert company - Suzy’s Swirl. Suzy’s Swirl features sorbetto, gelato, and yogurt in multiple delivery styles. Their vision is to re-ignite the American Dream through swirling frozen goodness, swirling greatness and swirling gratitude. In January 2019, Suzy’s Swirl introduced it’s newest retail product line liquor-infused frozen yogurts and sorbettos - Suzy’s Swirl Spirits.

Kathleen also founded her own growth strategy firm over 20 years ago, cleverly named Kathleen Wood Partners. Today, her company guides Founders, Entrepreneurs and Business Owners with strategies to transform their visions to reality. Her practice focuses on providing practical strategies for accelerating growth, optimizing brand competitiveness and building high-performing teams.

Kathleen is a nationally recognized growth strategist, motivational speaker, and author, and a proven leader in business and non- profits. She blends her corporate sensibility and rigor with entrepreneurial vigor and innovation to deliver sustainable solutions. In 2010, she published her first book, The BEST Shift of Your Life – The Restaurant Manager’s Guide for Success Outside the Restaurant. In 2019, she will release her second book about Founders and how employees can excel with entrepreneurs.

Prior to founding her companies, Kathleen had a very successful executive career working for leading companies such as: The Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association, MasterCard International and T.G.I. Fridays. Kathleen also served as the President and COO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers from 2005–2007. During her tenure, she led the organization through the impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as the extensive recovery process that followed and through an unprecedented 100% growth in two years.

She is the co-founder of Foodservice Council for Women. Kathleen is a past president and board member of Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers. She is also a past Executive Committee Member and Board Member for Women’s Foodservice Forum and Bama International. Kathleen is the winner of the 2019 WBENC-PepsiCo Pitch competition for her pitch on Suzy’s Swirl liquor-infused frozen yogurts and sorbettos.

Kathleen holds a Bachelors of Science degree in hotel restaurant and management from University of Wisconsin – Stout and Master in Business Administration from Loyola University of Chicago.

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In this episode, we talk with restaurant industry veteran, DON FOX, the CEO of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands and one of the greatest internal cultures around.

THOUGHT #1

Take Every Advantage of the Opportunities You Have at Any Given Point in Time; Even if it is Not What You Envisioned for Yourself.

THOUGHT #2

Every Time Someone Joins or Leaves the Band (or Brand), the Culture Changes - Surround Yourself with, and Hold Onto, Rock Stars.

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BRAND & RESOURCE MENTIONS:

DON FOX’S BIO:
Don Fox is Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC, in which he leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands. He also serves as its chief spokesperson, sits on various boards of influence in the restaurant community, and is a respected speaker, commentator and published author.

Don’s restaurant career started 45 years ago as an entry-level employee for an independent Italian restaurant in New Jersey. In 1980, he relocated to Florida with Burger King Corporation, which led to a 23-year career with the national chain. Don served in a variety of positions, from restaurant management and field operations, to R&D and new concept development.

He joined Firehouse Subs in 2003 as director of franchise compliance. He was promoted to chief operating officer in 2005 and was named chief executive officer in 2009. Under his leadership, the brand has grown from 65 restaurants to more than 1,155 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and non-traditional locations, and is consistently recognized as one of the best franchises in the country.

Don is a mainstay at restaurant industry events and is often involved both behind the scenes and as an expert panelist and keynote speaker. He was named Operator of the Year by Nation’s Restaurant News in 2011, joining a long list of restaurant luminaries. Don was ranked No. 1 on FastCasual.com’s 2013 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list and received the prestigious Silver Plate award from the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA).

Fox gives back to the restaurant community through active participation on various boards of influence, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association (NRA). In 2013, NRA awarded Don with its Advocacy Leadership Award.

A published author, his most notable work is “Patton’s Vanguard – The United States Army Fourth Armored Division,” a history of General Patton’s most famed division.

Industry & Community Service:
Board of Directors, National Restaurant Association (NRA)
Advisory Board member, Technomic, Inc.
Chairman, Advisory Board, Flagler College
Advisory Board Member, Student Aces
Board of Directors, Army Historical Foundation
Advisory Board Member, Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation

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