After being part of Earls Restaurants for 30 years and the last 4 years in the construction business with Sarina Homes, I have practiced and developed an expert knowledge of culture and leadership. Those that know me, know these three things about me. I Believe in People, I Live in Possibility and I Thrive in Performance.

My leadership experience started in my youth. Being blessed with athletic ability, I played on many successful sports teams.  In sports I discovered: Being part of a Team, Love of Practice; Pride in doing my Best; and Patience in the pursuit of Perfection.

At 19 years of age, I found my way into the restaurant business and I excelled.  My experiences in sports were easily transferable. I was quickly promoted through the ranks and within 3 years became a Regional Manager. I became an expert at opening new locations, creating sales and profits. These successes were achieved through the engagement of my team, excellent training systems and most importantly a focus on personal growth and development. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to train and develop so many great people into General Managers and Head Chefs. And I am honored to say that everyone I work with develops themselves into a better person and leader, but I just facilitate their ability to realize their potential.

One key ingredient is ensuring Leaders were ready to persevere and focus their passion during those times when nothing is going right, and it seems that what you are going through is impossible.  I smile in these moments, knowing they will look back with pride on having work through the challenges and winning. If you are going to do anything worthwhile and meaningful in life you will experience this “stuck-ness”. Learn to embrace it and quickly shift to the creativity, grit and determination it takes to excel.

The foundation to success I found in my youth has been refined into a system of building culture and engagement that I adapt to employees, managers, and owners. This system is transferable to other businesses, groups, organizations and teams.