Podcast appearances and mentions of mike mcfall

Today's guest is a big deal. He's the CEO of software company Menlo Innovations and the author of two highly recommended books—Joy Inc., and Chief Joy Officer, and he joins us today to share some of the incredible insights he has gained during his impressive career. From his definition of joy at work and how he has built a very unique professional environment and culture at Menlo to the unusual interview experience at Menlo, our conversation is expansive and detailed, giving you the tools you need to adopt some of the same principles in your own leadership journey. Richard shares how he has cultivated an environment where feedback is welcomed, why he has chosen a transparent remuneration structure at Menlo, how he has set this up, and much more. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with today's deeply intentional and revolutionary guest. Thanks for tuning in! Guest Bio:Rich Sheridan is on a mission to end human suffering in technology. As CEO and Co-Founder of Menlo Innovations, he built a workplace driven by collaboration, experimentation, and joy.Once a fear-driven leader who micromanaged every detail, he discovered that joy at work isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. With a background in software and engineering (U-M BS '80, MS '82), his true passion is process, teamwork, and organizational design.Through his books, Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy Officer, Sheridan shares Menlo's story to help others create intentional cultures of joy. Because when joy leads, success follows.Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] Welcome and introduction to this episode and a catch up with your hosts.[06:40] Richard Sheridan from Menlo Innovations.[10:31] What Menlo Innovations does.[15:05] Richard's definition of bringing joy into work and how he measures it. [24:59] Why the work environment that he has built at Menlo would not be suited to everyone.[28:24] How Menlo approaches interviews differently.[34:47] The rewarding, promotion, and progress process at Menlo.[42:25] A story of how Richard realized that Menlo has excellent gender equity.[47:07] Navigating hesitation around salary transparency.[54:20] Why Richard is not transparent about his own compensation.[47:07] Managing the feedback process and making it easy for others to communicate how they feel.[01:03:58] How to book a tour at Menlo.  Quotes: “We launched Menlo in June of 2001 with a crazy mission: we wanted to end human suffering in the world as it relates to technology. We've been doing that now for almost 24 years. It worked!” — @menloprez [0:09:33] “I don't think unjoyful people can make joyful results.” — @menloprez [0:16:44] “We have an interview process where we're actually trying to weed you in, not weed you out.” — @menloprez [0:31:06] “Humans are incredibly adaptable when they are given clear expectations.” — @menloprez [0:33:21]RESOURCES: [01:03:58]Menlo Innovations Tours and Workshops FOLLOW: Follow Richard Sheridan:LinkedInXMenlo InnovationsJoy, Inc.Chief Joy Officer  FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

Leadership isn't a static role. It's a balancing act. In this heartfelt season finale of Love in Leadership, Laura and Mike reflect on the highs and challenges of leadership, personal growth, and building meaningful connections in business and life. From stories of transformative company retreats to candid reflections on maintaining work-life balance, this episode dives deep into the evolving roles leaders must play to keep organizations thriving. Whether you're leading a team, navigating a personal leadership journey, or simply seeking insight into workplace culture, this episode offers valuable takeaways to carry into the new year and beyond. Be sure to tune in for an inspiring discussion on vision, trust, and the importance of authentic relationships in leadership! Key Points From This Episode: [0:03:58] Reflections on the growth and evolution of the podcast.[0:06:20] Finding fulfillment and inspiration through leadership conversations.[0:07:57] How the LoveJoy leadership retreat property brought a long-time personal and professional dream to life for Mike.[0:13:07] Laura's reflections on balance and stepping into an expanded leadership role.[0:15:37] Personal and professional highs and lows (or challenges) from the past year.[0:21:27] Why success is about so much more than being in the right place at the right time.[0:24:07] The significance of a frog and Mike's hopes and aspirations for 2025.[0:31:22] What it means to be the leader your organization needs right now and build trust through personal connections.[0:35:38] Laura's dreams for the high-performance “engine” at BIGGBY and LifeLab in 2025.[0:38:48] The importance of improving connections between teams and leadership structures.[0:41:18] How trust, communication, and genuine relationships drive effective leadership.[0:48:36] Looking ahead to Season 3 of Love in Leadership! Quotes: “It's about finding something you're passionate about, understanding where your talents collide with that passion, [and] finding ways to grow and improve and move forward. That can happen to anybody.” — Laura Eich [0:21:31] “You need to be the leader your organization needs you to be today, tomorrow, this week, this month.” — @mikejmcfall [0:32:53] “We have – brilliant minds that have eyes on what we need them to have eyes on, solutions in mind for how to solve things, and because of – poorly-formed connections or not connecting to the right place, – it gets lost in a game of translation or telephone.” — Laura Eich [0:40:07] “If you really, truly can build a relationship with somebody, even if you've got different views on the world, – you can learn from them. And that's the point.” — @mikejmcfall [0:48:10]RESOURCES: [31:30]Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)[32:46] Grow by Mike McFall[44:57] Creating An Ecosystem feat. Tara Millburn[51:40] Email us with your feedback and suggestions for future guests! FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

The landscape of the business world is changing for the better and to help people prioritize family, personal life, and passion. Not only do these changes make for better employees, but they also improve the overall quality of their lives. Today's guest is an incredible entrepreneur whose mission is to help other business leaders lead with purpose! Meghan French Dunbar joins us today to discuss her impressive career, the book she's just written, self-care, and so much more! Join us as we delve into the power of women in the workplace, even touching on the often feared ‘P' word (patriarchy), and discuss what men can learn from female leaders in business. We go on to talk about how workplace culture is evolving with younger generations before Meghan shares her suggestions for helping people be more vulnerable in group networking settings. Meghan even tells us what to expect from her in the near future. Finally, our guest tells us where to find her online. To hear all this and even be reminded of the power and importance of listening, be sure to tune in now!Guest Bio:Meghan French Dunbar is a purpose-driven business leader and the founder of Conscious Company Magazine. She launched the magazine in 2015 with the mission of highlighting businesses that make a positive impact. After navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including burnout, she sold the company in 2017 and served as CEO until 2020. Meghan now leads Tide Turn Labs (formerly Women Led), a community for purpose-driven business leaders, co-founded Stakeholder Business, and has written her first book, This Isn't Working, set for release in August 2025.Key Points From This Episode: [00:19] A quick catch-up with Mike and Laura and what their holiday plans are.[09:15] Welcoming Meghan French Dunbar to the show and a bit about what she does. [11:14] Meghan tells us about what led her to start her business magazine. [15:35] A breakdown of her book and what inspired her to write it. [21:09] How Meghan takes care of herself in between creating her work. [29:21] What women bring to leadership, how men can learn from them, and the dangers of patriarchy. [42:01] How the landscape of workplace culture is evolving with younger generations. [46:36] Where to pre-order Meghan's book and what's next for her career. [51:02] Meghan shares some suggestions for helping people open up at group networking events. [59:33] Where listeners can interact with Meghan online. [01:02:52] Some key takeaways from today's conversation.  Quotes: “We feel like we don't have permission in society to, like, take time off and be with our families and like, do these sorts of things, and sometimes, when one person does them, then someone else feels like it's okay to do them.” — Meghan French Dunbar [0:26:09] “[Women] have to learn how to express all of the traits that men have been brought up to express. So, we learn how to. – We speak masculine traits and feminine traits, which in reality is just human traits – that we all should have learned how to express in the beginning.” — Meghan French Dunbar [0:32:29] “The number one predictor of longevity in human life is social connections, meaningful, deep, rich social connections.” — Meghan French Dunbar [0:52:24]RESOURCES: [12:42] Conscious Company Media on LinkedIn[46:37]Preorder This Isn't Working[47:18] Tide Turn Labs[52:21] Harvard Longitudinal Study[57:20] Susan Griffin-Black on LinkedIn[59:41] Stakeholder Business FOLLOW: Follow Meghan French Dunbar:WebsiteLinkedInInstagram  FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

No matter what industry you are in, swag is everywhere and, when used correctly, can be a very effective vehicle for marketing. Today's guest is a leader in this field and has made it her mission to create a human-centric ecosystem in her business. Tara Milburn joins us today to discuss her career, her business, Ethical Swag, and the importance of putting people first in leadership. Tuning in, you'll hear all about her career, what drew her to swag, what Ethical Swag has looked like from opening until now, and so much more! Our guest goes on to talk about how she manages and prioritizes people and relationships before discussing navigating having employees all over the world while still bringing love into her leadership. We even discuss some of the biggest errors she sees when companies try to create a human-centric culture, how she keeps her mission, vision, and values alive in her company, and why being ethical is prioritizing progress over perfection and being entirely transparent. Finally, Tara tells us about her incredible father and what he taught her about leadership. To hear all this, and even be reminded that it takes time to build a sustainable business, press play now!Guest Bio:Tara Milburn is an accomplished business executive with expertise in building partnerships and driving strategic initiatives. She has played key roles in high-profile projects, including co-writing the successful bid for the NBA's first international expansion and contributing to Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics. With a focus on social and ecological sustainability, Tara founded Ethical Swag to promote equity in the corporate merchandise supply chain. She is also an active volunteer, having held leadership positions with the CIBC Run for the Cure, Celtic Colours International Festival, and Cape Breton University. Key Points From This Episode: [00:20] Why Mike absolutely adores frogs and a catch-up with our hosts. [11:03] An introduction to today's guest, Tara Milburn. [12:08] Tara tells us about the incredible biosphere that she lives in: Cape Breton Island. [13:54] What led her to create her company, Ethical Swag. [16:15] Tara walks us through the process of starting the business through to where it is now. [26:40] How she approaches people and relationships in her business. [31:31] Balancing her family and work life and bringing love into leadership. [37:39] How she manages to lead employees all over the world. [41:24] The mistakes she sees companies make in trying to create a human-centric culture. [44:56] How Tara keeps her mission, vision, and values at the forefront of Ethical Swag. [47:54] What being ethical actually entails. [51:44] Tara shares her bigger goals for the swag industry as a whole. [54:41] How Tara's father has shaped her as an entrepreneur. [59:54] Some key takeaways from this episode.  Quotes: “I sort of see swag as almost a far more economical sponsorship of what you stand for as a brand.” — Tara Milburn [0:14:32] “It's a technology-driven, human-centered company that we're creating.” — Tara Milburn [0:21:37] “[Being Ethical means] progress over perfection and – transparency.” — Tara Milburn [0:47:54] “It's not what you say, it's what you do that matters.” — Tara Milburn [0:51:48]RESOURCES: [10:08]Ethical Swag FOLLOW: Follow Tara MilburnLinkedInEthical Swag on FacebookEthical Swag on Instagram  FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

If you want to be a successful leader, you need to be present with each person you interact with, prioritize the growth of your team, and meet people where they're at. Today on Love In Leadership, we are joined by BIGGBY® COFFEE partners, Brandon Cruise and Jeff Konczak to discuss what has brought them success in their leadership journeys. Hear all about their effortless partnership, how they define the BIGGBY® COFFEE culture, and what they love about the brand. As the conversation progresses, we dive into the nitty gritty details of our guest's leadership styles. Jeff and Brandon humbly share their strengths in building and maintaining relationships before discussing the importance of finding balance by doing what you love. We even hear about what we can look forward to from the two of them in the future. Finally, Brandon tells us how faith has made him a better leader and Jeff reminds us to make the most of our limited days on earth. To hear all this and so much more, tune in now!Guest Bio: Brandon Cruise is a BIGGBY® COFFEE franchise owner based in Marysville, Ohio, where he lives with his wife, Laura, and their four young children. Since signing on for their first franchise in 2018, Brandon and his family have successfully grown their business, now owning two locations (556 and 1048) since 2020. Brandon's parents, Sandy and Clancy, play a crucial role in the business. Sandy manages the essential administrative tasks, including payroll, while Clancy, a former pastor with over 30 years of experience, is a certified espresso machine technician who handles equipment maintenance and repairs. Together, the Cruise family's teamwork and dedication have been key to their business's success.Jeff Konczak is an entrepreneur and founder of BCubed Manufacturing, specializing in modular drive-through BIGGBY® COFFEE shops. Based in his hometown, Jeff has built a diverse business portfolio, including four BIGGBY Coffee franchises and extensive real estate holdings, such as VA clinics and historic properties. Starting with a single prototype in 2017, BCubed has since grown to 77 locations. Jeff is also deeply involved in local development, acquiring and revitalizing properties, including cinemas and waterfront buildings. His innovative approach combines business growth with community revitalization, making a lasting impact both locally and beyond.Key Points From This Episode: [00:35] A brief catch-up with our hosts and a little of what they've been up to. [08:48] Introducing our guests, Jeff Konczak and Brandon Cruise. [13:04] How Jeff and Brandon got to know each other. [14:48] Brandon tells us what his role is and how he defines the BIGGBY® COFFEE culture. [19:05] What drew Jeff to BIGGBY® COFFEE and what he loves about it.[24:19] Our guests describe their leadership styles and tell us what works for them. [40:10] How Brandon and Jeff balance their work with their personal lives. [44:38] What our guests are excited about for the future of their businesses. [50:07] Brandon tells us how his faith impacts him as a leader. [54:19] Key takeaways from today's inspirational conversation.  Quotes: “We want the best for the brand. I've fallen in love with [it].” — Jeff Konczak [0:21:04] “There's nothing that isn't possible if you put your mind to it and work hard.” — Jeff Konczak [0:31:44] “The people that work for you are everything. – If you don't have [them], then you do become unbalanced really quickly because then it feels like it's up to you to do everything.” — Brandon Cruise [0:43:21] “I'm all about letting people make mistakes and move forward and try to get better every day.” — Brandon Cruise [0:51:46]RESOURCES: [10:48]BCubed Manufacturing[26:05] How to Win Friends and Influence People[51:18] Switchfoot FOLLOW: Follow Brandon Cruise:FacebookInstagram Follow Jeff Konczak:LinkedInFacebook  FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

Key Points From This Episode: [00:45] Catching up with your hosts, Mike  McFall and Laura Eich.[03:00] Mike shares details about his son's program, Class Afloat.[05:40] The need for organizations to consistently change and evolve over time.[09:20] Navigating change as someone who seeks stability and consistency.[11:30] The impact on the culture of an organization and its approach to dealing with change.[12:10] Laura reflects on her comment about Mike “still being there” during the reorg.[14:30] Mike unpacks the idea that the culture of your organization is the summation of the relationships within the organization.[16:50] We look at the possible processes of forming the culture within an organization.[20:00] Can you force culture in an organization?[25:40] Laura shares about reintegrating the new Life You Love laboratory team.[31:10] Our take on layoffs and people losing their jobs.[38:50] We talk about the things that we are grateful and thankful for. Quotes: “There's a need to evolve regularly. We have to be changing. We have to be working and improving, and we have to be getting better. That does mean a significant amount of change.” — @MikeJMcFall [0:07:23] “I think how companies deal with change is important to the culture of the organization.” — @MikeJMcFall [0:11:34] “The culture of your organization is the summation of the relationships in the organization — Focusing on the relationships and building the relationships, building the trust is how you build a safe culture.” — @MikeJMcFall [0:14:20] “Building an environment where relationships can occur is the job of ‘leadership.'” — @MikeJMcFall [0:15:30] “If you desire to be part of the [organization's] culture, you have to offer some part of yourself to be part of that culture as well, and the culture evolves with your participation.” — Laura Eich [0:18:38] “We want to utilize the people in our company to the best of their ability and the company's ability because it's also not respectful to leave people in a role where they're not doing something great.” — Laura Eich [0:32:12]RESOURCES: [03:07]Class Afloat[16:30] LifeLab[22:50] Grow: Take Your Business from Chaos to Calm[42:20] Des Linden on X[45:40] Meghan French Dunbar  FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

Guest Bio:Ed Buison is an Area Representative of BIGGBY® COFFEE in Oakland County, Michigan. He's a B.S. graduate in Computer Science and a Master's recipient in Business Administration from Wayne State University, with a decade of experience in computer programming. Together with his wife, Eileen, Ed has two other businesses—Avalon Care, LLC and CuCenTech—and the pair now have their third and fourth BIGGBY® COFFEE branches in development. Ed's love languages are words of affirmation and physical touch. Key Points From This Episode: [01:26] Laura and Mike's current thoughts and feelings about AI in business.[09:43] Welcoming Ed Buison as he explains who he is and what he does.[11:15] How he found BIGGBY®, and why he decided to join the community.[16:16] Why he and his wife Eileen chose entrepreneurship in a time of financial unrest.[18:41] The pros and cons of going into business with your spouse.[20:37] How Ed went from shy to confident, and why he prioritizes caring for his staff.[26:30] Ed and Eileen's protocol for cultivating their unique and inspirational office culture.[33:47] Why their colleagues handed them the BIGGBY® COFFEE Purpose Award for 2024.[35:26] Bringing experts to the office and other ways Ed helps his staff succeed.[38:51] A closer look at how he develops leaders at work.[43:06] Ed details his primary love language.[46:31] Why office personality tests are an important work-in-progress for Ed and his team.[47:55] Using Megan as a case study for how Ed and Eileen support and reward their staff.[50:40] Ed's biggest goals and how he hopes to achieve them.[54:38] Key takeaways from today's conversation. Quotes: “What really drew us [into BIGGBY®] was the idea of supporting your community, because we do believe that as a business, you are – obligated or you have to give back to the community because those are your customers; they're the ones supporting you.” — Ed Buison [0:14:20] “[As] you do things more and more, you get more comfortable, and then maybe you even start to enjoy it.” — Ed Buison [0:24:47] “I always believe that the people within an organization are a reflection of the culture of the organization, which is truly established and nurtured by the owner; by the leader.” — @MikeJMcfall [0:26:33] “We hate to lose good [staff members] but we're so happy that we've been a part of this connection to get them to the next step.” — Ed Buison [0:30:10] “We don't do it for the recognition but it is nice when you're recognized.” — Ed Buison [0:44:48]RESOURCES: [04:12] ‘How To Lead Through AI Anxiety: Strategies For The Modern Workplace'[16:16] Eileen Buison on LinkedIn[16:16] Avalon Care, LLC[16:16] CuCenTech[27:39] The 5 Love Languages[42:51] The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace[50:50] The Moonshot Guidebook[55:56] PNC Bank FOLLOW: Follow Ed Buison:LinkedIn  FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

Rick Loera is a dedicated BIGGBY® COFFEE franchise owner and the 2024 BIGGBY Cup Winner, recognized for his commitment to fostering a positive work environment. With a background of nearly 30 years in restaurant management, including roles with Bob Evans and Outback Steakhouse, Rick brings a wealth of experience in leadership and team development. Now leading multiple BIGGBY locations in Ohio, he emphasizes speed, customer experience, and BIGGBY's core values to create a thriving, community-focused business. Key Points From This Episode: [06:56] Rick Loera, franchise owner of BIGGBY® Coffee Elyria and BIGGBY Cup winner.[09:45] A history of the BIGGBY® Cup, what it is, and how it's awarded.[12:04] Rick's time working at Bob Evans and how he became a BIGGBY® franchise owner.[15:55] Powerful leadership lessons from Rick's years of restaurant management experience.[19:32] Unpacking the distinctions between management and leadership.[21:22] How Rick makes sure he engages in growth and continuous learning.[23:08] The number one factor in creating a workplace where people want to show up.[29:25] Tips for creating a fun, engaging, and creative work environment.[31:35] Rick's thoughts on the concept of love in the workplace.[36:06] BIGGBY®'s PERC philosophy and other similar guiding principles.[42:35] An anecdote about BIGGBY®'s Farm-Direct certification and environmental ethos.[45:27] Rick's dream to expand the BIGGBY® locations in Lorain County.[48:46] Reflections on today's conversation and Rick's leadership lessons. Quotes: “People get in that position and think, ‘Okay, now, I'm a leader because I'm a manager.' — There is just so much more to leadership than [there is to] management. — Leadership is truly about growing people.” — Rick Loera [0:19:57] “Managing is just managing processes. Leadership is all about growing people. And if you don't grow your people, you're not growing yourself.” — Rick Loera [0:20:46] “We have to create a positive work environment for our people.” — Rick Loera [0:23:35] “Sometimes, as leaders, you think that you may know everything, right? You don't. Embrace feedback.” — Rick Loera [0:27:36] “You have to love what you do. And if you don't love what you do, then it is not going to filter down to your team, to your managers, and even to your customers.” — Rick Loera [0:31:39]RESOURCES: [22:25] Rick's recommendations for continuous growth and learning Switch and Raving Fans.[46:46] Check out Rick's BIGGBY® Coffee location at 831 Cleveland Street in Elyria, Ohio. FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

Guest Bio:Alisha Beck, originally from southeast Michigan, has a rich background in people-oriented roles. Starting her career at Dunkin Donuts, she transitioned to BIGGBY® COFFEE, where she has held various positions at store and home office levels, including personal development mentoring, culture development, and employee coaching. Alisha currently holds the title of People Development Mentor and is a key part of the LifeLab team. Outside of work, she is a mom, wife, and dog mommy and lives in Farmington, Michigan. Key Points From This Episode: [05:16] Alisha Beck's career journey to People Development Mentor at BIGGBY® COFFEE.[11:35] Her transition from traditional operations to The Life You Love Laboratory.[14:00] Alisha's leadership superpower and what she learned from her time at Dunkin Donuts.[17:28] The origins of the Life You Love Workshops and how Alisha helped develop them.[20:46] How these workshops benefit and impact the lives of participants.[24:01] Inspiring stories of transformation and connection from the Life You Love Workshops.[29:01] Key lessons from the Harvard case study on the Life You Love Workshops.[30:51] How these workshops would need to change for greater adoption among franchisees.[32:48] The value of these workshops for young people.[36:23] BIGGBY'®s Vision Store program and its goal to improve workplace culture in the US.[37:56] What Alisha and Laura would wish for if they had a magic wand.[41:56] Top challenges in getting people to take part in non-traditional programs.[46:23] An overview of today's episode and Alisha's passion for her work. Quotes: “Our purpose is to support you in building a life you love. And I am just so naturally drawn to that as a person because I have always wanted to inspire people to do exactly that.” — Alisha Beck [0:11:57] “When we started building what we call the boost sphere, I felt really passionate about what that work was going to be turning into, and I wanted to have a seat at the table to help build it and help create it and help grow it.” — Alisha Beck [0:13:10] “Part of [our quest] and that we're trying to prove is that this work is how you are going to be profitable. – It can feel like an afterthought, and it can feel like something that can happen later, but when we keep waiting until after, we might miss that [opportunity].” — Alisha Beck [0:32:12] “If I could wave a magic wand, it would somehow be finding a way to engage the owner-operators more. And that is a lot of the work that we are focused on this year.” — Alisha Beck [0:38:49]RESOURCES: [16:27] Discover LifeLabTM: The Life You Love LaboratoryTM[16:57] Learn about the Life You Love LaboratoryTM Workshop Series.[36:23] Gain insights on BIGGBY'®s Vision Store program.[42:29] Find out how to take the Life You Love Assessment.Follow Alisha BeckLinkedInInstagramLinketree  FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

‘Having a vocation is like falling in love, and it works out,' says writer, anarchist, and philosopher, Paul Goodman. Ari Weinzweig holds the title of co-founder and CEO at Zingerman's, but he is also an anarchist and philosopher. During this episode, he joins us in conversation to tell his story and share the guiding principles behind his life philosophy and business journey. Tune in to hear him challenge perceptions about anarchism and synergy, positive belief in human beings, and what it means not to think hierarchically about your achievements. Making the distinction between data and culture, Ari unpacks his leadership style and why he believes that building culture is the true work of leadership. Going deeper, we discuss the relationship between belief, company health, and the imperfect art of working with people. We touch on the simple legacy Ari would like to leave behind, how he has managed to go off the grid with his business in order to live his values, and how Ari manages to truly be himself so much so that he is a rebel against expectation. Join us today to hear all this and more. Guest Bio: In 1982, Ari Weinzweig and Paul Saginaw founded Zingerman's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Michigan, using a $20,000 bank loan. Weinzweig, equipped with a Russian History degree and four years of kitchen experience, opened the deli with two employees and a small range of specialty foods and sandwiches. Today, Zingerman's has evolved into a nationally recognized food brand, expanding into the Zingerman's Community of Businesses, which includes 11 distinct entities such as Zingerman's Bakehouse and ZingTrain, employing over 750 people and generating more than $65 million in annual revenue. Each business operates uniquely, but they all adhere to a shared Vision and Guiding Principles, collectively delivering “The Zingerman's Experience” with passion and commitment. Key Points From This Episode: [02:25] Ari Weinzweig, co-founder and CEO of Zingerman's and his journey to success.[12:29] How his choice of major, Russian history, illustrates an important principle.[13:54] The story of Zingerman's as told by the 12 Natural Laws of Business.[20:05] Moving forward and prioritizing growth whilst staying true to their original vision.[23:13] How he has trained himself not to think hierarchically about his success.[26:30] The evolution of his leadership style and relationship to anarchism and synergy.[31:37] A description of the legacy he would like to leave behind.[38:26] Why he believes that building culture is the true work of leadership.[44:56] What motivated Ari to go off the grid with his business endeavors and book publishing.[49:31] An overview of this episode and how Ari lives his business values. Quotes: “Do what you want, not what everybody else wants you to do.” — Ari Weinzweig [0:12:51] “I've tried to train myself to appreciate the little things because that's really all there is.” — Ari Weinzweig [0:23:24] “[Anarchism] is really about a way of being in the world, not about taking power.” — Ari Weinzweig [0:29:33] “The thing about dignity is, it's all free, and we don't need permission, and we don't need anyone else to do it, we can just do it.” — Ari Weinzweig [0:31:20] “All day long, we're all contributing positively and negatively to the culture and none of us get it right all the time.” — Ari Weinzweig [0:38:59]RESOURCES: [04:46] Read poetry by David Whyte.[06:26] Learn more about anarchist and philosopher Paul Goodman.[14:15] Unpack Zingerman's 12 Natural Laws of Business.[21:12] Find out about the work of Ruth Benedict. [26:59] Explore Stephen Covey, Peter Drucker, Max De Pree, Robert Greenleaf, and Margaret Wheatley. [26:59] Read Ari's essay, Jewish Rye Bread. [29:41] Immerse yourself in the work of Howard Ehrlich.[46:22] Unveil Ari's thoughts on Dignity and Working Through Hard Times.   FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

The coffee industry is indeed one of the most thriving in the world, but it has a darker and rarely discussed aspect: the plight of its farmers. They constantly face low commodity prices and get little to no support, making them highly exploited by middlemen and at risk of climate change. Bob Fish and Michelle Fish share what they are doing to salvage the coffee industry through their business, Biggby Coffee. Joining Corinna Bellizzi, the couple shares how their direct-buying model guarantees coffee farmers fair prices and helps promote regenerative farming practices. Bob and Michelle also emphasize the importance of building emotional connections between consumers and producers through their Full Circle Program.Message From Bob:My name is Bob Fish. My wife Michelle and I are on a journey to discover and unite us with the lands and the people that make this unbelievably great and natural product that we all love. We will examine and verify that what we are consuming is being produced in a humane, sustainable, and quality matter. We invite you to be right there with us as we meet the families and learn their names and their stories. Together, we will explore what it means to be on our ”One BIGG Island in Space”… oneness without boundaries.About Guests:Michelle Fish began her life as part of a family that lived in many places in the United States and Europe. By the age of 17, when she started college at Michigan State University, she had moved 13 times. She put herself through MSU by working at a local family style pancake house restaurant. By the time she graduated, she was the General Manger of that restaurant and two years later, after helping them grow from one to four locations, she owned the third one. Michelle took a year off and created with co-founder Mike McFall the concept BIGGBY COFFEE. They started with one location in 1995, added a second in 1997, and started franchising in 1999. Today, they are 100% franchised and have 408 units open in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Idaho.Bob Fish and his wife Michelle are travelling the world in search of coffee farms and farmers that are taking exceptional care of their people and the planet. Their goal is that 50% of the 2,000,000 pounds of coffee that BIGGBY COFFEE sells in a year will be farm direct by 2013. The couple tells the stories of those farmers and their journeys in a blog: ONEBIGGISLANDINSPACE.comGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biggbybob/Guest Website: https://www.biggby.com/https://www.onebiggislandinspace.com/Guest Social: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_guvQGVUpohttps://www.facebook.com/BiggbyCoffee.Bhappyhttps://www.instagram.com/biggbycoffee/JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE:

BIGGBY Coffee feels more like a family than a typical franchise. In this live-recorded episode from the BIGGBY Nation Summit, we dive into the power of community in business. Hosts Mike McFall and Laura Eich, joined by a live audience of franchisees and staff, use the BIGGBY brand as a lens to discuss how to foster relationships and culture within a franchise network. They explore the core elements of a successful franchise system and emphasize the importance of authentic relationships for long-term success.Laura shares her insights on the unique bonds within the BIGGBY community, while Mike opens up about his franchising journey. Together, they discuss the value of attending annual conferences, building strong community ties, and why collaborative decision-making is key to organizational success. The episode wraps up with a Q&A session where Mike and Laura address common challenges faced by franchise owners, offering solutions rooted in mutual support and mentorship. Don't miss this insightful discussion; tune in now! Key Points From This Episode:[01:02] Outline of what to expect from today's episode in front of a live studio audience. [03:21] BIGGBY Nation Summit and how building relationships leads to business success.[07:35] Laura and Mike talk about their biggest takeaways from this year's summit. [09:41] How to approach the process of decision-making within a franchised business.[10:32] Hear about the progress and impact of BIGGBY's Farm-Direct Coffee program.[13:01] Discover the difference between the importance of self-care and community care.[14:23] Surprise giveaway for our live audience: LifeLab team-building kits.[15:30] Mike and Laura unpack the concept and power of human-centric leadership.[20:05] Tips and recommendations for getting your team excited for networking events.[25:03] Find out what makes the BIGGBY brand and culture different from its competitors.[29:55] Laura shares how BIGGBY has supported her in her new endeavors as a mom.[33:18] Mike explains the idea of fluidity in leadership and provides examples.[37:48] Learn about the benefits of becoming a franchisee and how to get started. Quotes:“When you are part of a franchise system, or at least part of what I consider to be a healthy franchise system, you've got a whole bunch of people doing the same thing you're doing day in and day out that have a vested interest in your success.” — @MikeJMcFall [0:04:02]“[BIGGBY is] selling a coffee that improves communities.” — Laura Eich [0:12:18]“Your organization should start with taking care of people as its basis.” — @MikeJMcFall [0:15:37]"Aggregate time is important. I get it, but perception to me is more important."— @MikeJMcFall[0:27:16]RESOURCES:[00:00]BIGGBY Nation Summit.[05:43] See the International Franchise Association (IFA) for more information.[10:03] The Disney movie Frozen 2 and the song The Next Right Thing.[13:18] Learn more about LifeLab and how it brings people together.[25:03] Other coffee franchises: Scooter's Coffee and 7 Brew.[28:00] Another coffee brand, Dutch Bros. FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

Welcome back to Love in Leadership! In the season two premiere, Laura and Mike dive into how BIGGBY® COFFEE is doubling down on leadership rooted in love and personal growth. They discuss recent shifts, from Mike's return to a day-to-day focus to Laura's expanded role that includes leading the BIGGBY COFFEE Operations team as well as the Life You Love Laboratory™, a leadership incubator designed to foster personal and professional development. Reflecting on past challenges, such as integrating external hires with BIGGBY®'s unique culture, they share how these lessons have shaped a stronger, more aligned vision for the company.Looking ahead, Mike and Laura reveal their plans for the LoveJoy Retreat Center, designed to deepen connections and encourage leadership growth. They also share their vision for the podcast, a restorative, people-first workplace, and an exciting live podcast recording at the 2024 BIGGBY® Nation Summit, plus so much more! Packed with insights on leadership, culture, and leading with heart, this episode is not to be missed!Key Points From This Episode:[00:34] Catch up with Mike and Laura: what has changed at BIGGBY® and LifeLab™.[09:45] Lessons for CEOs on integrating external hires with a company's unique culture.[12:01] Reflections on our recent leadership retreat and why it was so great.[14:32] Grind and Grow: insight into Mike's book series project and what's to come.[16:58] Exciting news about the highly anticipated Love Joy Retreat Center.[20:48] A sneak peek of what to expect at the 2024 BIGGBY® Nation Summit![28:06] The vision for Season 2 and beyond of the Love in Leadership podcast.[30:17] What it means to be a restorative organization that develops its employees.[38:19] Why a supportive, people-first workplace isn't all sunshine and rainbows.[42:02] Your invitation to share the amazing business leaders you want to hear from.Quotes:“[The new leaders] all brought their understanding of what a culture should be – We didn't powerfully introduce them to our culture – What should have happened was – there should have been an amalgamation of all of that into something new that's even better and more powerful.” — @MikeJMcFall[0:06:26]“It's so powerful to get people out of their norm, out of their comfort zone, and into a place where you can just be: – be a person, be together, be vulnerable, and be authentic.” — Laura Eich [0:19:51]“[BIGGBY®'s] differentiator is going to continue to be a people-centric company, where [people are] creating your cup of coffee, greeting you at the window, probably by name, and asking about your kids – That's our biggest difference maker in the world.” —  Laura Eich [0:22:09]“The big fantasy for [this podcast] is that we are able to compel people to be powerful in their own lives and make decisions to work for employers who are supporting them in their development.” — @MikeJMcFall[0:28:36]“It doesn't have to be that work leaves you worse than it found you. It can leave you better than it found you.” —  Laura Eich [0:31:24]RESOURCES:[13:15] Beyond High Performance: What Great Coaches Know About How the Best Get Better[14:32] Grind and Grow by Mike McFall[42:02] Email us about the business leaders you want to hear from on the podcast! FOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTM ABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.com ABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early-stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's in-house culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers.

It's been a busy week up at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. But what are some of the things happening that could impact you? State Representative Mike McFall of the 8th District stopped by and talked about what's moving through Landing and made the Governor's proposed budget. We'll dive into the latest policy discussions and legislative efforts impacting Metro Detroit and beyond. In this episode, we cover: Redistricting Changes: Representative McFall discusses the recent redistricting that will see him campaigning for House District 14, which includes parts of Madison Heights, Hazel Park, and Warren. Learn how these changes are reshaping local representation. Public Transit Initiatives: McFall, co-chair of the Public Transit Caucus, shares insights on the new bill package aimed at expanding public transit, affordable housing, and placemaking efforts across Michigan. Discover how $2 billion over ten years could transform the state's transit landscape. Affordable Housing Crisis: Addressing the housing shortage, McFall talks about initiatives to create consistent funding for affordable housing, targeting the "missing middle" and ensuring more Michiganders can find affordable places to live. Retirement Savings Legislation: Learn about the "MI Secure Retirement" bill, which aims to provide retirement savings options for Michigan workers, particularly those employed by small businesses, to help them avoid financial hardship in their later years (and save the state taxpayers money in the long run). Future Prospects: McFall shares his vision for the next year, hoping for the successful passage of critical legislation and a statewide focus on housing and transit issues that have traditionally been seen as regional concerns. I hope you find this an insightful episode on the policy efforts shaping the future of Metro Detroit and Michigan. Our all-local daily podcast is on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify Join us as a member at: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit

After starting as a barista in 1996 to becoming the co-founder, owner, and Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, this week's guest on Insight Out is Mike McFall, a growth-minded entrepreneur that believes in the power of self-awareness, positivity, and conscious capitalism as the core values of a successful business.  His book, Grind: A No-Bullshit Approach to Take Your Business from Concept to Cash Flow, focuses on the importance of revenue and practical ways to build cash flow in a budding company. He also explores his philosophy that business requires us to be aggressive and simultaneously self-aware.  In this episode, Mike and I discuss the road to becoming CEO of a successful corporation, why conscious capitalism and company culture are at the core of employee retention, why focus is a critical component in building a business, and more. In this episode, we discuss: The key lessons that sailing around the world at 16 taught Mike (3:40) Mike's journey as a Red Wings fan and the importance of visioning work (5:43) A breakdown of the visualization process (10:06) How Mike was introduced to conscious capitalism and the way it transformed his business (13:10) How Mike became partners with Bob Fish (23:44) The importance of competition in business (27:28) Why self awareness is a critical component of your business (29:43) How to ask for valuable feedback (33:10) The biggest contributor to Biggby Coffee's success (35:41) Mike's advice for aspiring or current business owners (38:26)  Why entrepreneurs need to be like the sun (44:30)  Mike's approach to fostering a people-first company (48:07) How to develop company culture that respects the employees (51:37) Where to find Mike McFall and his final word of advice (56:35)  Notable Quotes: “When you say something enough, you begin to hear yourself say it, other people hear you say it, and they can support you. And it helps to reaffirm that you're on the course to go where you want to go.” – Billy (9:26) “The real root of conscious capitalism is that it's an inclusive environment where you don't make tradeoffs between these different components and that you make decisions that everyone benefits from.” – Mike (20:29)  “Your self awareness is the most critical component to the success of your business.” – Mike (30:31)  “In the end it's not about revenue. What it's about is it's about improving, and it's an obsession with improvement. And when we obsess with improvement… the revenue generation, the growth, is a subset of the obsession with improvement.” – Mike (42:34) “Leadership is about setting the example and then living within that constantly.” – Mike (47:16) “In the end, people just want to be around other people who they relate to and they feel a connection to as another human being.” (59:19) Resources & Links: Mike McFall  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall Biggby Coffee: https://www.biggby.com/  Billy Samoa Saleebey  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billysamoa  Email: billy@podify.com and saleebey@gmail.com  Insight Out  Website: https://insightoutshow.com/ This is an encore episode and was originally published on December 30, 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Michigan House and Senate are creating their versions of the budget for the 2025 fiscal year. MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, and Gongwer News Service's, Alethia Kasben, sit down with Rep. Mike McFall to discuss what items he would like to see on the agenda.

The Michigan House and Senate are creating their versions of the budget for the 2025 fiscal year. MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, and Gongwer News Service's, Alethia Kasben, sit down with Rep. Mike McFall to discuss what items he would like to see on the agenda.

April 29, 2024 ~ State Rep. Mike McFall joins Kevin and Marie to discuss why he wants to be re-elected as a State Representative.

****You can watch this episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsRDDzikEosoUrV-3_HxWNwThis episode sponsored by Popmenu. Popmenu specializes in transformative online and on-premise technologies that help restaurants increase brand visibility, guest engagement, revenue and profitability. We currently work with over 10,000 independent restaurants and hospitality groups and are helping them get the most out of their most powerful marketing tool: their menu.It's also sponsored by Kickfin. Thousands of restaurants, bars and breweries use Kickfin to tip out their employees instantly — no cash required. With Kickfin, tips go directly to your employees' bank of choice, the second their shift ends. It's a really simple solution to a really big problem — because if you're still paying out credit card tips in cash, it's costing you. Time-consuming bank runs and cash counting take managers away from work that matters. Cash is hard to track, which leads to accounting headaches — and it creates the perfect opportunity for theft, human error, and compliance issues. Bottom line: there's never been an instant, secure way to pay out tips — until Kickfin. It's an easy-to-use software that sends real-time, cashless tip payouts straight to your employees' bank accounts, 24/7/365. Kickfin gives managers hours back in their day, makes reporting a breeze and protects your business from risk. Most importantly: employees love it. Restaurants can have Kickfin up and running overnight. Employees can enroll in seconds. No hardware, no contracts, no setup fees. Visit kickfin.com for a personalized demo and see how restaurants across the country digitizing tips with Kickfin. Giving Kitchen is a James Beard Award-Winning nonprofit that provides emergency assistance to food service workers nationally. GK has served over thirteen thousand food service workers and awarded over nine million dollars to food service workers in crisis. Giving Kitchen helps food service workers that get hurt or sick, lose a family member or suffer a housing disaster like a flood or fire by offering financial assistance to cover rent and utilities. If you know someone that works in a bar or restaurant that is in crisis, tell them: Ask for help from Giving Kitchen by clicking here.Want to get involved and support Giving Kitchen? Join Dining With Gratitude in October, Giving Kitchen's month-long campaign, where the food service community pledges to raise critical funds and spread the word about their mission. Learn more by clicking here.

GUEST BIO:Ryo Zsun is the culture maestro for the Zappos family of companies, as well as a keynote speaker and thought leader on the power of cultivating healthy workplaces. Everywhere he goes, he shares Zappos' message of putting people first.LinksLinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[0:35] - Back to Work (Without the Awkwardness)Comparing sabbatical and the end of maternity leave Laura discusses her return to work post-maternity leave, comparing it to her previous experience returning from sabbatical. Despite significant personal changes, including a new baby, she was happy to ease back into the company more smoothly than expected. This underscores the company's supportive culture and flexible work environment, highlighting how a strong people-first culture facilitates easier transitions for employees undergoing significant life changes.[0:45] - Embracing Shifting PrioritiesLeveraging life changes to enrich work and personal lifeLaura expresses initial concerns that her shift in priorities towards her child might impact her passion and performance at work. However, her positive experience upon returning illustrates how personal changes can enrich one's professional life rather than detract from it. Embracing life's transitions and harnessing them to bring new perspectives and passion helps lift everybody around you.[10:00] - Company Culture the Zappos WayExploring Zappos' commitment to serviceRyo shares details about his multifaceted role at Zappos, including his contribution to promoting the company's unique culture and exceptional customer service. The conversation sheds light on how Zappos prioritizes being a service company as the foundation of its business model, emphasizing the importance of each employee's role in fostering this environment. The result? Every team member is an ambassador of the values that define Zappos. [18:00] - A Journey Through ZapposRyo's journey is quintessential Zappos supportRyo shares his personal journey at Zappos, starting as a barista and evolving into a role where he now wears multiple hats, including that of a concierge and the company's official tour guide. His story is a testament to Zappos' culture of nurturing employee growth and encouraging exploration of diverse roles within the company.RESOURCES:[50:00] Build a Life You LoveFOLLOW:Follow Ryo:LinkedInFollow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

Bridging VisionsWorkplaces, parenthood, and the quest for fulfillmentCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[1:49] - The Power of VisioningLooking forward to look backwardLaura shares a personal story about how a visioning exercise led her to reconsider her stance on having children, illustrating how professional tools and exercises can profoundly influence personal life choices. This story highlights the unexpected ways in which professional development activities can spur personal revelations and lead to significant life decisions.[9:30] - Parenting and the WorkplaceHow a parent and a manager alignMike offers his perspective on parenting and workplace culture, including the evolution towards providing growth opportunities and supportive, encouraging environments in both areas. This comparison sheds light on the shift towards nurturing environments more broadly, whether in the context of raising children or fostering employee growth. When you want to be a great leader, ask yourself: what would a parent do?[24:00] - The Ongoing Challenge of Remote WorkThe new norms bring new barriers to overcomeThe conversation arrives at the continued complexities and adjustments required in the era of remote work, including balancing workloads and helping employees manage their time effectively without the traditional office environment. Mike and Laura agree that we must acknowledge both the benefits and challenges of remote work, emphasizing the importance of self-care and effective work habits for holistic success.[41:30] - Companies that Support the IndividualGetting to the heart of “Love in Leadership”Mike shares his vision for companies to actively engage with employees' aspirations and work together to support their achievement. It's essential to find a balance between individual responsibility and organizational support, a model where companies take a proactive role in encouraging — and actively developing — employee growth and satisfaction.RESOURCES:[55:01] Build a Life You LoveFOLLOW:Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

Start Running & Keep Running (featuring Caitlin Townsend Lamb)Discussions on where inspiration meets disciplineGUEST BIO:Caitlin Townsend Lamb is the Director of People Advancement and Continuous Improvement Systems at Cascade Engineering, where she has dedicated over 14 years to putting people first. Starting her journey as an executive assistant, Caitlin has gone on to play a pivotal role in developing employee engagement methods that have transformed her organization. She's an incredible example of treating people as the focus of our organizations, not profits.LinksLinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[1:31] - The Power of Personal MotivationInternal is Better than ExternalThe team discusses their experiences and insights on the importance of understanding our unique personal motivations. Discovering what drives us is how to determine what will make us feel alive. It pushes us to pursue our goals, and it has a massive impact on our interactions with others. The discussion revolves around the idea that recognizing and nurturing our internal drives is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.[5:09] - Discipline & Inspiration: Perfect PartnersCreativity and Structure Can CoexistCaitlin explores the relationship between discipline and inspiration, using her experience with running as a powerful example. She suggests that inspiration can often follow the establishment of discipline, highlighting how committing to a routine, such as a consistent running habit, can lead to a deeper sense of accomplishment and connection to your goals. Too often we expect things to move in the other direction — we wait for inspiration to give us the motivation to act. In fact, it's often the opposite.[7:02] - Unlimited Vacation Isn't for EveryoneNavigating the Structure and Freedom BalanceWho would ever think that an unlimited vacation policy would be a bad thing? A discussion on the unexpected challenges of an unlimited vacation policy reveals the diverse needs and motivations of employees, even when it comes to things you might not anticipate causing challenges. Caitlin recounts a memorable interaction with a team member who thrived on the structure provided by traditional vacation policies, showing how even well-intentioned policies need to be flexible and considerate of individual preferences and work styles. We have to know the people we work with before we can try to serve them.[17:01] - Getting Proactive About Social JusticeBuilding an Inclusive Workplace CultureCaitlin describes Cascade Engineering's longstanding commitment to creating an inclusive workplace by actively engaging in anti-racism work. This involves fostering open dialogues around bias, privilege, and systemic racism, with the aim of continuous learning and improvement. The initiative isn't a one-off effort or “token” program — it's an integral part of the company's culture. RESOURCES:[1:11:45] Build a Life You LoveFOLLOW:Follow Caitlin Townsend Lamb:LinkedInFollow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

A Mission Beyond Coffee (featuring Jon Sell and Norma Pyscher) Two franchisees discuss leadership, legacy, and leaning on employees for wisdomGUEST BIO: Jon Sell is a seasoned entrepreneur and a passionate advocate for positive workplace culture. With a background as an environmental scientist, Jon transitioned from the corporate world to become a successful franchise owner of BIGGBY® COFFEE.LinkedInNorma Pyscher is an inspirational business leader and co-owner of multiple Biggby Coffee franchises. With roots in nonprofit work, particularly in supporting at-risk youth, Norma has seamlessly integrated her passion for social impact into her entrepreneurial experience. LinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS: [51:53] - When Change Equals GrowthFrom previous careers to franchise ownership Both Jon and Norma come from unique backgrounds before their time as franchisees. Jon was an environmental scientist, while Norma worked in the nonprofit sector. They shared a commitment to meaningful work, which is what attracted them to BIGGBY® COFFEE. Their stories underscore the courage required to pivot into entrepreneurship and fulfillment found in creating positive workplaces. As Jon says, “don't wait to make a change.” [32:09] - More than a WorkplacePutting employee growth and wellbeing first A workplace is not a family. But why can't it feel like one a bit more often? Jon and Norma emphasized the importance of supporting their employees' growth and well-being, treating their teams like family. They highlighted the significance of providing second chances and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued. This also means setting clear expectations and encouraging personal development.[59:28] - The Vision of LeadershipSetting new standards for workplace culture Jon and Norma discussed their commitment to improving workplace culture, not only in their franchises but through their example in the wider corporate landscape. By setting high standards for how employees are treated and engaged with, they hope to be positive influences for other workplaces. It's not about the bottom line — it's about being remembered for creating positive work environments and being willing to step up on behalf of employees.[50:47] - Be Vulnerable FirstThe power of authenticity in leadership Norma and Jon discussed the outdated idea that leaders are meant to always appear infallible and all-knowing. Instead, they advocate for a leadership style that embraces vulnerability, encouraging open communication and authenticity within their teams. As we've seen time and time again, this approach fosters a deeper connection between employees and management, creating a more cohesive and supportive team dynamic.[46:47] - When Leaders Learn from EmployeesIncorporating employee feedback for lasting success The importance of listening to employees and incorporating their feedback into business decisions was a key theme, as it always is when it comes to BIGGBY® COFFEE.. Norma and Jon (as well as cohosts Mike and Laura) believe that great ideas can come from any level within the organization and that acknowledging and acting on employee suggestions leads to better business outcomes and a more engaged team. Better people and a better bottom line — what's better than that?[1:01:02] - More than CoffeeEnvisioning a future in alignment with personal values Both Norma and Jon shared their aspirations for their personal and professional legacies, emphasizing the impact they hope to have beyond the success of their BIGGBY® COFFEE franchises. Norma spoke of her children, of wanting them to inherit a legacy of social and emotional intelligence, coupled with a business acumen that prioritizes people first. Jon expressed a similar thought, hoping his employees would measure future workplaces by the positive experiences they had working for him.RESOURCES:[1:10] Live You Love LaboratoryTM[9:01] BIGGBY COFFEE Franchising®FOLLOW: Follow Jon: LinkedIn Follow Norma: LinkedIn Follow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagram Follow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagram Follow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast. Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS: Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization. Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow. Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS: In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together. Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

HR: Human Revolution (featuring Katrina Ghazarian)Putting the human back in human resourcesGUEST BIO:Katrina Ghazarian is a dynamic CEO of Gameday HR, known for her innovative approach to human resources and workplace culture. With a background that spans from banking to HR, she brings a unique blend of practical experience and insightful leadership to her role. Katrina is recognized as one of the top HR consultants in the nation, driven by her deep passion for people and commitment to employee success. Katrina advocates for proactive change in corporate America, focusing on holistic development and the power of a positive and inclusive workplace environment.LinksLinkedInInstagramCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[0:30] - Insecurity: From College to the Job HuntFlipping the script on the employer-applicant relationshipMike McFall opens the conversation by discussing his recent interaction with college students. He observes their insecurity regarding employment, noting their perception of employers as all-knowing entities. Mike remarks, "They're so insecure about the process... like the employer is this all-knowing czar." The truth, he says, is much different — employers are often trying to figure things out as they go, and in new employees they're looking for a partner to help them do it.[23:55] - There Is No “Traditional” WorkweekLonger hours don't add up to better performanceMike and the gang question the conventional 40-60 hour workweek in corporate America, proposing that optimal performance doesn't necessarily correlate with longer hours. He challenges the notion of hard work equating to actual output. We tend to assume that the people who work the hardest make the most impact, but this isn't always the case.[33:10] - Flexibility, Autonomy, and JoyHow work life has changed in the last decadeThe team highlights how the evolution of workplace flexibility, particularly the shift towards hybrid work environments, has made the professional world much more human-friendly. Katrina emphasizes the importance of adapting to modern work demands, and how the last ten years has seen a monumental shift in flexibility of schedules and the physical places people can work and work from — though there's still a long way to go.[42:12] - HR as Human Growth AdvocatePutting the “human” back in “human resources”Katrina discusses the significance of HR in facilitating not just professional but personal growth of employees. She shares her belief that love in leadership means “accepting everyone for who they are as they are now,” combining this acceptance with the ambition to be a true resource for spiritual growth for every individual at your organization.[1:00:57] - Busting Stereotypes in HR and BusinessHow Katrina is helping change the game in HRKatrina challenges the traditional perceptions and stereotypes in HR and business, particularly regarding women in leadership roles. She advocates for a more inclusive and understanding approach, saying: "You have to be a good person, which means you have got to do a lot of your inner work." This flies in the face of the profits-first, people-second approach of many companiesRESOURCES:[11:24] Gameday HR[59:52] Loving What Is, by Byron Katie[1:00:57] Women Who Run with the Wolves, by Clarissa Pinkola Estés[1:02:06] Letting Go, by David R. HawkinsFollow Katrina Ghazarian:LinkedInInstagramFollow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

Words, Actions, and Where They Meet (featuring Alisha Beck, Jeremy DeRuiter, & Brie Roper)A dive into the principles guiding the Life You Love LaboratoryTMGUEST BIO:Alisha Beck, originally from southeast Michigan, has a rich background in people-oriented roles. Starting her career at Dunkin Donuts, she transitioned to BIGGBY® COFFEE where she has held various positions at store and home office levels, including personal development mentoring, culture development, and employee coaching.LinkedInJeremy DeRuiter's journey began as a barista at Michigan State University, leading to various roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE. With an initial ambition to become a high school teacher, he found his calling in training and operations within the company. His experience covers a broad spectrum, including training, operations, and marketing. Jeremy is now a key figure in the Life You Love LaboratoryTM, focusing on leadership development and improving workplace culture.LinkedInBrie Roper made her way from a job at TGI Fridays to a significant role at BIGGBY® COFFEE. Beginning as a barista, she moved through various positions including store leadership and business coaching, and now is a part of the home office team. Brie is loved at BIGGBY® COFFEE for her enthusiasm, commitment to positive workplace culture, and her role as a people development mentor.LinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[1:00] - The Power of the Words We UseWhy it's more than just semanticsOne thing that sets BIGGBY® COFFEE apart from some other organizations — and may seem at odds with its unconventional, progressive approach — is its emphasis on using the right language. As Laura says: “It's really freaking hard to keep language straight within an organization.”So, why does language matter? Because language shapes culture. The collective understanding and use of specific terms play a crucial role in defining the values and beliefs that underpin the organizational culture.[13:48] - Empower Individuals, Empower OrganizationsFocusing on the one elevates the manyIf you want to make your organization more successful, you have to focus on making your people more successful — not as employees, but as human beings. When you develop people from a holistic perspective, helping inspire personal growth, you ultimately enhance workplace culture and create a sense of well-being that leads employees to genuinely love working for your organization.[48:26] - Engagement: More Than a BuzzwordWhy employee engagement should be a top priority for any companyJeremy brings us back to basics with a simple, unavoidable question: “Are your people engaged, yes or no?”This might seem like an oversimplification, but the truth is that employee engagement might just be the #1 most effective measurement of success at an organization. Why? Because engaged employees indicate a culture of trust and psychological safety, both critical for a thriving work environment.[1:10:06] - What We Expect from Our WorkplacesIt's not 1920 — or even 2020 — anymore.Too many companies are still trying to give their employees what people were asking for a hundred years ago — or even five years ago. But what people want now is flexibility and openness. They want reasonable work arrangements, nurturing environments, open communication, and genuinely fulfilling relationships within their organization.Great human-centric leaders focus on giving them those things. As Mike says, “I want every employee to walk into work and demand human-centric leadership.” The goal is to transform workplace culture into one where leaders genuinely care for the well-being and development of their team members.RESOURCES:[9:21] BIGGBY COFFEE Franchising®[10:11] Live You Love LaboratoryTMFollow Alisha Beck:LinkedInFollow Jeremy DeRuiter:LinkedInFollow Brie Roper:LinkedInFollow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

Reading Between the Lines (featuring Tom Belongia)A franchise owner shares the simple power of listeningGUEST BIO:Tom Belongia is an influential franchise owner and area representative for BIGGBY® COFFEE in Wisconsin. His journey from working at Pilot Travel Centers to becoming a key player at BIGGBY® COFFEE showcases his dedication to community-centric business practices. Over 15 years, Tom has significantly expanded BIGGBY® COFFEE's presence in his state, emphasizing a leadership style rooted in personal growth and empowerment.Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Tom overcame educational challenges with the support of his family and mentors, an experience that deeply influences his approach to nurturing young leaders within his business. Links:LinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[29:39] - When Weaknesses are StrengthsFrom discouragement and frustration to resilience and empathy Tom opens up about his personal struggles with dyslexia as a child. He recounts how he was discouraged early in life but found strength through supportive teachers and family members, and that now in his role at BIGGBY® COFFEE and beyond he wants to be that influence for others. This experience also shaped his remarkable resilience and informed his empathetic leadership style, teaching him the value of supporting and believing in others' potential — no matter their surface-level weaknesses.[42:31] - Sometimes Work is Just WorkTom on finding balance in personal and professional goalsTom shares insights on how maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life is a common concern among his staff. Too often, managers and leaders make the mistake of thinking that managing work-life balance is up to individuals. But when they take a proactive stance on helping them with that balance, employees are inspired to give their best when they are at work. Tom emphasizes the necessity of creating an environment where employees feel valued and can manage their personal needs alongside their professional responsibilities.[43:21] - Listening Speaks Louder than WordsWant to know what your employees think? Ask them.Tom recalls the time he asked his employees directly what would make them feel appreciated, no strings attached. They told him in no uncertain terms that they wanted time off. This led to the implementation of a paid time off (PTO) policy that had employees literally applauding. This shows the simple yet powerful significance of listening to employees' needs and how simple acts of understanding can lead to transformative leadership decisions.[54:16] - Loving the Ones Who LeaveWhen great people leave, consider it a successTom talks about the importance of celebrating employees' growth, even when it leads them away from the company. He believes that supporting employees' career aspirations and life, including when it means they leave the organization, creates a positive work culture and fosters goodwill and community respect. This is what makes this such a wonderful place to work —people who genuinely care about the individuals beyond their value to any bottom line.RESOURCES:[8:49] About BIGGBY® COFFEE FranchisingFollow Tom Belongia:LinkedInFollow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

Don't Wait for Perfect (featuring Jodi Latuszek)The best way to end up with a great culture is to start tryingGUEST BIO:Jodi Latuszek is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Vice President of HR, Legal, and ESG Programming. In her own words, her job is to “help our company support people better.” She's responsible for ensuring that all of BIGGBY® COFFEE's practices and metrics are good for the environment and people, and that the company is being governed ethically.Links:LinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[3:33] - When Leading Gets ComplicatedNavigating the transition from individual contributor to managerThe trio discusses the complex journey from being an individual contributor to taking on a managerial or leadership role. It's not just a change in job title — it involves a fundamental shift in responsibilities and mindset. Many people find themselves unprepared for the nuances of managing teams, balancing administrative duties, and the emotional labor that accompanies leadership. Jodi shares that excelling in a previous role doesn't automatically translate to success in leadership, highlighting the need for support and training in this transition and beyond. Leaders don't just happen — they're cultivated.[22:03] - Progressive HR and Employee FreedomEmpower your employees and watch them thriveJodi walks the walk when it comes to enacting a progressive approach to HR, advocating for policies that go beyond traditional norms. She shares her focus on empowering employees through autonomy and choice, fostering a workplace culture that respects individual needs and preferences. This approach challenges the conventional top-down, one-size-fits-all policy model, proving that more customized and flexible HR practices can lead to a more dynamic and inclusive workplace.[31:48] - People First, Employees SecondWhen people are happy, businesses are successfulThe heart of an organization's success lies in the health and happiness of its employees, not just its bottom line. People's satisfaction at work isn't only about financial compensation or “perks” — it's about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and psychologically safe. The team agrees that when employees are well-cared-for, they're more engaged, productive, and loyal to their organization, which directly impacts the organization's overall performance and morale. If you want your company to succeed in business, help your people succeed in life.[33:23] - It All Begins and Ends with LeadersAccountability and role modeling in leadership rolesA key point is the need for leaders at all levels to not only preach but actually practice the company's core values. Jodi points out a common gap in many organizations where leaders aren't held accountable for living out these values in a meaningful way. BIGGBY® COFFEE has enacted a culture where leaders are expected to be role models, demonstrating the behaviors and attitudes they expect from their teams. The result? A trustworthy and transparent leadership environment that's reflected throughout the organization.[46:50] - What Are Your Values?Don't just “be good.” Choose and follow your values.Mike, Jodi, and Laura agree on the crucial role core values play in defining an organization's culture. These aren't fancy words you put on a website —  they're the guiding principles that should inform every decision, interaction, and strategy within the company. Jodi suggests that when employees understand and resonate with these values, and when they see them reflected in their leaders' actions, it creates a cohesive and authentic culture that drives both employee satisfaction and business success.RESOURCES:[12:20] What is ESG?Follow Jodi Latuszek:LinkedInFollow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

Today on the show, my guest is State Representative Mike McFall. The 8th House District he serves spans from Madison Heights, through Hazel Park, and into Detroit down into Midtown. Our conversation is wide-ranging and talks about bridging divides between the city and suburbs, transit, changes in our region in the last couple of decades, and a lot more. Before going to Lansing, Mike served as a councilperson in Hazel Park, with one of his focuses being on improving the downtown district. The Rundown: 03:02 - The issue with calling Hazel Park "Hazeltucky" 04:15 - It's not your fathers Hazel Park 07:35 - New residents coming in 08:13 -  Where young professionals are really going - Hazel Park, Madison Heights, etc. 10:51 - In many ways, the intersection of I-696 and I-75 is a huge draw say realtors 12:10 - With so many changes, it's time to update the mental map about Metro Detroit 13:54 - How do you handle the responsibility of a house district spanning so many communities with differences in their needs 17:46 - The inner ring areas have changed dramatically 18:37 - Starting a transit caucus in the state legislature 22:46 - What would you say to a constiuent who is against transit? 23:38 "I don't know how else we're gonna move our region forward without transit" 24:10 - Do you have a vision of what that could look like? 24:40 - What about public-private partnerships to fund transit? 27:26 - What are things you're looking forward to in 2024? 29:14 - What do you say to people frustrated with legislative progress in 2023? Thanks to today's sponsor, City Bird Detroit. Support the businesses that support us this holiday season. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211 Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple  Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify  Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  Or those who do a one-time contribution: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/dailydetroit

If You Want to Change the World (featuring Nathan Havey)Nathan Havey on conscious capitalism, leadership caps, and moreGUEST BIO:Nathan Havey is on a mission to redefine success in the business world. He's also the mastermind who helped transform BIGGBY® COFFEE into a beacon of conscious capitalism. He's since developed a network of over 65 top-tier consultants worldwide through his work with Conscious Capitalism Inc. Nathan's passion for storytelling shines through in his award-winning film, "Beyond Zero," which has been a hit with heavyweights like KKR, UPS, and academic stalwarts like Yale and the University of Michigan, all using it to champion the expanded game of business.At the Institute for Corporate Transformation, Nathan co-founded, he's the voice behind the hit podcast series "10 Things You Should Know About Stakeholder Capitalism." He's also the brains behind the Intrapreneur Accelerator, a cutting-edge change leadership program. Nathan's also speaker and trainer, collaborating with visionaries worldwide to create a future where business benefits everyone.Links:LinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[1:57] - Make a Mess FirstMake a mess, then clean it up betterLaura discusses the annual planning phase in businesses, likening it “pulling all the clothes out and dumping them on the ground” when you clean your closet out. This represents the discomfort and uncertainty businesses face during strategic planning, emphasizing the emotional and psychological impacts of business processes. It's uncomfortable when your company's dirty laundry is dumped on the ground for all to see — because then it has to be dealt with. But this is the beginning of positive transformation.[3:07] - Anxiety, Stress, and LeadershipThe upside to anxietyMike and Nathan discuss how anxiety and stress, often seen as challenges to be overcome in leadership, can actually be critical and productive elements in leadership and business. This conversation shifts the perspective on these emotions, suggesting they can be drivers for success and growth. After all, anxiety and stress are often our brain trying to tell us something — and can even give us the critical energy that makes the process of transformation effective and worthwhile.[9:08] - When Business is More than BusinessIf you want to change the world, start with companiesNathan believes that society undervalues the importance of businesses and corporations in positively impacting society. He talks about expanding the role of business beyond traditional metrics to enhance this social aspect further. When we adopt a more holistic view of business in society, it not only increases the potential for transformation — it also puts positive pressure on corporate leaders to do more than just turn a profit.[21:49] - Your Culture Doesn't Stop at the OfficeEmployees take cultures homeWe often think about workplace cultures ending outside the workplace. But research shows that your employees take your workplace culture home with them — and, more importantly, into their communities. Workplace environments significantly influence not only employees' professional growth but also their personal lives and community interactions. By fostering positive workplace cultures that emphasize listening and support, businesses can contribute to healthier societal dynamics, even reducing issues like marital stress and improving overall community well-being.[47:46] - The Dreaded Leadership CapWhat to do when your leaders reach their potentialNathan introduces us to the idea of 'leadership caps', suggesting that every leader has a limit to their capabilities. When team members reach this cap, they either leave or disengage, highlighting the need for ongoing growth and development in leadership to prevent stagnation and maintain team motivation. Basically, it means that you can't simply assume leaders will keep growing and developing simply by doing their jobs.As Nathan says: "If you don't have structures for you to get served that stuff, then you stop growing."RESOURCES:[11:30] Conscious Capitalism, Inc.[12:07] Nathan's Film: Beyond Zero[8:24] Nathan's Podcast: 10 Things You Should Know About Stakeholder CapitalismFollow Nathan Havey:LinkedInFollow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

Welcome to Love in LeadershipOur first episode introduces the themes and mission of this podcastCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[0:39] - BIGGBY® COFFEE and the LifeLabTMTelling the story of how we got here At the episode's start, Laura and Mike dive into a brief history of BIGGBY® COFFEE, LifeLabTM, and the concept of Love in Leadership. After a handshake agreement with an employer who hired Mike as a barista, the BIGGBY® COFFEE brand was born. As the company has grown, Mike and his partners developed an interest in going beyond just being a company that tried to turn a profit. They wanted to be the best place to work and help create the best people. After a company report showed that they were falling well short of this goal, they realized it was time to make a change.That's when they launched LifeLabTM, an internal department at BIGGBY® COFFEE dedicated to supporting the human being behind all of their employees. The principles developed and implemented through LifeLabTM form the basis for much of what will be covered in this podcast.[15:24] - The Culture You Want and the Culture You HaveWhen company values become a punchlineThe early part of the BIGGBY® COFFEE's story is a cautionary tale that shows how wanting your company to embody certain values doesn't always mean it will. BIGGBY® COFFEE's tagline for a time was: “Be happy, have fun, make friends, love people, drink great coffee.”But after a report showed that the reality was far different — and that people across the company were unhappy, unmotivated, and unsupported — Mike and his team decided the time for change was now. They read the report to the company's employees, and from that day forward determined to identify their true values and genuinely operate the company based around them.BIGGBY® COFFEE's new, simplified Purpose? “We exist to support you in building a life you love.”[21:30] - Finding the “Why”Simplifying BIGGBY® COFFEE's purpose to amplify its impactMike discovered that what he and his partners truly wanted was for people to feel empowered to show up to work and be their true, authentic selves. They wanted to support anyone that touched the company in building the life they loved.Then came the vision. That was where the “why” became the “how.” How are they going to support people? They started with workplace culture. They recognized just how responsible a company is for the wellbeing of the people they employ, particularly considering how big a percentage of their lives they spend in that employment. [31:32] - The Next PhaseTaking the message globalToday, LifeLabTM and the entirety of BIGGBY® COFFEE's unique approach to company culture is still a work-in-progress. It's an ongoing experiment. But the purpose of this podcast is to invite the world to participate in that experiment — to see employees as human beings before employees, as whole individuals with needs, desires, values, and goals. That will be the journey of Love in Leadership, and it starts now.RESOURCES:[1:02] BIGGBY® COFFEE[10:26] Upcoming Workshops[12:04] About LifeLabTM[21:30] Take the “Life You Love” AssessmentFollow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.Learn more at: loveinleadershippodcast.comABOUT THE HOSTS:Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, alongside business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY® COFFEE has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest that sell tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. But more importantly to Mike and BIGGBY® COFFEE, the company is a profoundly people-first organization.Mike is also the author of Grind, a book which focuses on early stage businesses and how to establish positive cash flow.Laura Eich is BIGGBY® COFFEE's Chief People Officer, having worked in a variety of roles at BIGGBY® COFFEE for the last 11+ years. She helped launch BOOST, the department at BIGGBY® COFFEE which ultimately became LifeLabTM — BIGGBY® COFFEE's inhouse culture cultivation team designed to help people be the best versions of themselves and help companies support them along the way. In her role, Laura helps people build lives that they love through the process of building profitable businesses and robust, growth-filled careers. PRODUCED BY DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown's processes to launch today's most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here's to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

At the Life You Love Laboratory and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we're out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren't two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren't miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they're joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the world's most innovative and people-centric companies. Get inspired. Get real. Get ready to transform workplace culture in America with us. This is the Love in Leadership podcast.

Opening a running a successful cafe is no easy task. I requires passion as well as attention to the details around systems, relationships, and being able to grow yourself as a leader in that environment. Today we are going to be exploring one owners journey who  not only has done this well, but has just published a book about her experience that gives others insights and tools to find success in their shops! Erin Young is the founder and CEO of Red Buffalo Cafe in Silverthorne, CO. A passionate small business owner and advocate, Erin has actively worked to build kind, conscious, and responsible communities. She has experienced the challenges and opportunities faced when considering improvements to business planning, recruitment and hiring, and other features that contribute to long-term business success. In addition to being a business owner, Erin is an active community leader who has served on several local non-profit boards and as a local elected official for various jurisdictions. Erin loves the outdoors and spending time with her family. Erin holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver, School of Public Affairs. Erin's new book, The CEOwner, is the chronicle of Red Buffalo Cafe from inception to today. Additionally, it is a checklist for starting and succeeding in a small business. The CEOwner will approach business ownership using the lens of conscious business techniques and community improvement. In it she also covers the process of building and planning your business profile from the very beginning; moves along to suggestions in ethical business management; and finishes with how to create a legacy beyond you as the business owner.  In this conversation we talk about Erin's journey and dive into the books main message and insights. I know this will be an encouraging episode!  Links: https://redbuffalocafe.com/ https://redbuffalocafe.com/order-shipped-1/ols/products/the-ceowner IG: @redbuffalocafe   Related episodes: 239 : 5 Best Practices for the Best Small Business w/ Henry Lopez 387 : Innovation and Building a Better Coffee Business w/ Miranda Caldwell 184 : Making Great Business Decisions w/ Dave Stachowiak 416 : People-First Principles for Growing Your Shop w/ Mike McFall of Biggby Coffee 414: Secret Ingredients for a Successful Coffee Shop Visit our amazing Sponsors! www.groundcontrol.coffee www.pacficfoodservice.com

Check out this powerful discussion between Sara and Mike McFall, leader, author, and co-CEO of Biggby Coffee.  Mike shares how personal experiences have shaped his approach to growing one of the Midwest's most successful and enjoyable coffee shops.  So grab a cup, sit back, and enjoy the conversation.Click HERE for Mike's book "Grind"Click HERE for Mike's book "Grow"Click HERE for Mike's LinkedIn profileHERE ARE MORE RESOURCES FROM REAL GOOD VENTURES:Never miss a good opportunity to learn from a bad boss...Click HERE to get your very own Reference Profile.  We use The Predictive Index as our analytics platform so you know it's validated and reliable.  Your Reference Profile informs you of your needs, behaviors, and the nuances of what we call your Behavioral DNA.  It also explains your work style, your strengths, and even the common traps in which you may find yourself.  It's a great tool to share with friends, family, and co-workers.Follow us on Twitter HERE and make sure to share with your network!Provide your feedback HERE, please!  We love to hear from our listeners and welcome your thoughts and ideas about how to improve the podcast and even suggest topics and ideas for future episodes.Visit us at www.realgoodventures.com.  We are a Talent Optimization consultancy specializing in people and business execution analytics.  Real Good Ventures was founded by Sara Best and John Broer who are both Certified Talent Optimization Consultants with over 50 years of combined consulting and organizational performance experience.  Sara is also certified in EQi 2.0.  RGV is also a Certified Partner of Line-of-Sight, a powerful organizational health and execution platform.  RGV is known for its work in leadership development, executive coaching, and what we call organizational rebuild where we bring all our tools together to diagnose an organization's present state and how to grow toward a stronger future state.

John Tuttle, born in Milford Michigan, has climbed to the top of the Financial Capital of the world ... the New York Stock Exchange. In this episode, we talk about how he started his career in finance, advice he would give others looking to work in his world, and what he thinks about the future. John was introduced to Total Michigan through another guest, Mike McFall, the CEO of Biggby Coffee.Links:Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jrtuttleListen to Mike McFall's Interview Here: https://youtu.be/4FZDf_TjZxo

Joining us today is Mike McFall, the Co-Founder/Co-CEO of BIGGBY Coffee. Mike's story is truly fascinating: in 1995, he and his friend decided to make a coffee chain, and their simple agreement has blossomed into one of America's largest coffee chains, a franchise operation with over 350 locations. It's clear that Mike is an “entrepreneur's entrepreneur”, and in this episode, he tells me something I'm truly envious of: that he doesn't suffer from crippling anxiety at 3am and rather has an innate sense that everything will always work out. I'm sure you're just like that. No? Must be nice, right? Well, even though his path has been slow and steady, everything has appeared to work out for this remarkable human, and he's documenting his unique, human-forward approach to business in a series of books. I know I'm about to get schooled in this conversation, and if you and a buddy ever thought about building something cool, you are too. ➡️ https://www.biggby.com/ ➡️ Highlights: https://rosspalmer.com/mike-mcfall ➡️ Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer ➡️ Subscribe on YouTube: @therosspalmer

After starting as a barista in 1996 to becoming the co-founder, owner, and Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, this week's guest on Insight Out is Mike McFall, a growth-minded entrepreneur that believes in the power of self-awareness, positivity, and conscious capitalism as the core values of a successful business.  His book, Grind: A No-Bullshit Approach to Take Your Business from Concept to Cash Flow, focuses on the importance of revenue and practical ways to build cash flow in a budding company. He also explores his philosophy that business requires us to be aggressive and simultaneously self-aware.  In this episode, Mike and I discuss the road to becoming CEO of a successful corporation, why conscious capitalism and company culture are at the core of employee retention, why focus is a critical component in building a business, and more. In this episode, we discuss: The key lessons that sailing around the world at 16 taught Mike (3:40) Mike's journey as a Red Wings fan and the importance of visioning work (5:43) A breakdown of the visualization process (10:06) How Mike was introduced to conscious capitalism and the way it transformed his business (13:10) How Mike became partners with Bob Fish (23:44) The importance of competition in business (27:28) Why self awareness is a critical component of your business (29:43) How to ask for valuable feedback (33:10) The biggest contributor to Biggby Coffee's success (35:41) Mike's advice for aspiring or current business owners (38:26)  Why entrepreneurs need to be like the sun (44:30)  Mike's approach to fostering a people-first company (48:07) How to develop company culture that respects the employees (51:37) Where to find Mike McFall and his final word of advice (56:35)  Notable Quotes: “When you say something enough, you begin to hear yourself say it, other people hear you say it, and they can support you. And it helps to reaffirm that you're on the course to go where you want to go.” – Billy (9:26) “The real root of conscious capitalism is that it's an inclusive environment where you don't make tradeoffs between these different components and that you make decisions that everyone benefits from.” – Mike (20:29)  “Your self awareness is the most critical component to the success of your business.” – Mike (30:31)  “In the end it's not about revenue. What it's about is it's about improving, and it's an obsession with improvement. And when we obsess with improvement… the revenue generation, the growth, is a subset of the obsession with improvement.” – Mike (42:34) “Leadership is about setting the example and then living within that constantly.” – Mike (47:16) “In the end, people just want to be around other people who they relate to and they feel a connection to as another human being.” (59:19) Resources & Links: Mike McFall  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall Biggby Coffee: https://www.biggby.com/  Billy Samoa Saleebey  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billysamoa  Email: billy@podify.com and saleebey@gmail.com  Insight Out  Website: https://insightoutshow.com/ This is an encore episode and was originally published on December 30, 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the En Factor.  I'm Rebecca White and I am pleased you have joined us today to hear another story of entrepreneurial perseverance.  As the Co-Founder/Co-CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE, the third-largest coffee franchise in the US, Mike McFall has amassed an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience in building a purpose-driven and sustainable business. In our conversation, Mike shares his personal philosophy of entrepreneurial leadership and the pathway he and his company have taken to cultivate a nurturing work environment that empowers individuals to thrive and adapt in the face of challenges.  

Here on “The Self-Employed Life,” we often focus on businesses with under five team members, and even one-person businesses. Consequently, we don't often talk about scaling. However, regardless of your business's current size, I want to provide you with the opportunity to think big – even “Biggby.” Today, I'm joined by Mike McFall as we delve into essential insights from his book Grow, exploring crucial facets of business leadership and growth. Mike's journey of co-founding Biggby Coffee reveals the power of practical experience and people-centric approaches over rigid business norms. Together, we unpack the significance of leadership consistency, nurturing a unified workplace culture, and mastering effective communication. Mike McFall is the co-founder and co-CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE, one of the fastest-growing coffee franchises in the United States. Despite not having an MBA or being a workaholic, McFall has built his career through hard work and real-world experience. He prioritizes people and purpose over business jargon and fancy presentations, and his pragmatic solutions are forged from this philosophy. McFall understands that people are the most important ingredient to any successful enterprise, and he helps employers create a purpose-driven business that will transform the world and improve people's lives. McFall is the author of Grind (2019) and Grow (2023), the first two books in a three-book series, which offer practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to turn their business concepts into successful ventures. He is also a Public Speaker, and teaches a class on entrepreneurialism at The University of Michigan Center of Entrepreneurship. In his free time, McFall plays and coaches hockey and has a Moonshot to one day own the Detroit Red Wings.   And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode. Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com.  Mike McFall, thank you so much for being here! Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world. Guest Contact  – MichaelJMcfall.com Grow: Take Your Business from Chaos to Calm by Michael McFall Mike McFall on LinkedIn (in/mike-biggby) Mike McFall on Facebook (@MikeMcFallOfficial) Mike McFall on Instagram (@mikejmcfall) Mike McFall on Twitter/X (@mikejmcfall) BIGGBY® COFFEE   Contact Jeffrey – SelfEmployedNewsletter.com Website Books Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!   Valuable complimentary resources to help you – ·       The Self-Employed Business Institute- You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! ·       Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that's keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You'll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. ·       Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

Mike McFall the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE, the U.S.' third largest coffee franchise, and author of the Inc. Original book, Grind and newly released 2nd book, Grow: Take Your Business From Chaos to Calm joins Enterprise Radio. The post Coffee Franchise Founder Discusses New Book and Advice for Entrepreneurs & Leaders on How to Grow appeared first on Enterprise Podcast Network - EPN.

In this captivating episode of The Teamwork Advantage, we are joined by Mike McFall, CEO of the prominent regional coffee house, Biggby Coffee, as he shares his incredible journey. Despite achieving financial success, he felt unfulfilled, prompting a profound realization. Mike's insights offer valuable lessons in personal success and cultivating a thriving team environment. From CEOs to team leads, his principles resonate deeply, guiding us from the GRIND to GROW.Purpose takes center stage in Mike's philosophy as he connects it to culture, driving a shared sense of meaning and mission within his organization. Genuine success, he believes, transcends financial gains, extending to a positive impact on employees and the community. Mike emphasizes conscious capitalism and demonstrates how businesses can responsibly thrive without compromising values.A conscientious leader, Mike empowers his team, understanding their aspirations and nurturing their growth. Practical strategies for establishing a purpose-driven culture are shared, emphasizing stakeholder involvement in decision-making. Mike's passion for people and commitment to principles inspire listeners to redefine success beyond monetary achievements.In a world fixated on financial milestones, Mike's journey reminds us of the true path to fulfillment. From financial success to profound contentment, his transformation ignites the pursuit of purpose and passion in work, propelling us to make a meaningful impact on the world around us. Let's unite, fueled by purpose, and brew success together.For more on Mike, visit his LinkedIn profile!

Turning a business concept into a successful venture requires constant focus and fearless execution. In today's episode, Allan welcomes Mike McFall. Mike is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE, one of the fastest-growing coffee franchises in the United States. Mike is the author of “Grind” and “Grow” which are the first two books in a three-book series, which offer practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to turn their business concepts into successful ventures. Allan and Mike discuss ways to help entrepreneurs through this process. Building a successful business takes time, effort, and perseverance. Entrepreneurs must be hyper-focused, goal-oriented and must be prepared to learn from both successes and failures along the way.Guest Links:https://www.michaeljmcfall.com/https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall/0:00 Teaser 2:26 What is it about grind?4:45 Adapting to market expectations.6:36 How to test the commercial viability of an idea?13:40 Always focus on one thing.18:29 We all want a chance at success.20:58 Don't take advice from people who are broke.

Mike starts his journey as a broke college student looking for a job. Starting at a barista and growing from there, the opportunity to be a part of something truly special was too much to resist. Now Biggby Coffee stretches across 13 states with well over 200 locations. This barista turned co-CEO and Co-Founder shares his story along with his newest book "Grow" with us.Links:Mike McFall's website: https://michaeljmcfall.comGet these amazing stories sent directly to your inbox: https://totalmichigan.com/join

Growing a small business, from chaos to calm, with entrepreneur Mike McFall. Mike is back on the show to share insights from his experiences as a successful entrepreneur on how to grow a small business, from common chaos to a calm business that is sustainable long-term. How to evolve from a bootstrapping entrepreneur, to leader and then to irrelevant. Mike McFall is the co-founder and co-CEO of BIGGBY® COFFEE, one of the fastest-growing coffee franchises in the United States. Despite not having an MBA or being a workaholic, McFall has built his career through hard work and real-world experience. McFall is the author of “Grind” and his new book “Grow: Take Your Business from Chaos to Calm”, the first two books in a three-book series, which offer practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to turn their small business concepts into successful ventures. Henry Lopez is the host of The How of Business podcast – helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

We catch back up with Mike McFall, author, entrepreneur, and Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, who walks us through his new book, "Grow: Take Your Business from Chaos to Calm", explains how the best-run business is one you're not a part of, hips us to the "most powerful productivity hack in corporate America since the microprocessor", and teases the conclusion of his leadership trilogy. Hear more from Mike in his original appearance on Episode 406 of The Action Catalyst.

Growing you coffee shop is about more than just adding locations. Growth has to do with developing internal resilience, culture, and practices that are life giving to those who work in the business and to you as the owner. Ultimately the path for sustainable growth is a people-first path and today we are talking with someone who has a lot of experience charting that path. I am thrilled to welcome back to the show, Mike McFall of Biggby Coffee! BIGGBY is a fast-growing coffee franchise with over 350+ locations across the U.S. Within the company, Mike has worked every position, from minimum-wage barista to his current role of Co-CEO. Grow, the second book in Mike's three-book series, picks up where Grind leaves off–when an entrepreneur is in the midst of the bootstrapping entrepreneurial phase and asking, “what's next?” The book offers a strategic blueprint for entrepreneurs trying to reach the promised land of stability and sustainability in their businesses. Filled with real-life examples from Mike's 26 years of experience, Grow plants the seeds to help readers recreate themselves as the leaders their organizations need them to be and take their business from chaos to calm. In this conversation we dive into some of the most critical element outlined in his book that, if applied and practiced, will definitely help you grow your business the right way.  We cover: How to recognize the lessons you learn in business Telling the truth Becoming irrelevant Providing emotional stability Cultivating trust  Mastering time management and prioritizing  Being a constant learner and helping others do the same Links: www.Michaeljmcfall.com www.biggby.com   Related episodes: 263 : Founder Friday w/ Mike McFall, Co-Founder of BIGGBY Coffee! 239 : 5 Best Practices for the Best Small Business w/ Henry Lopez 223 : Building a Financially Resilient Business w/ Andrew Carroll 194 : Encore Episode! Leadership in the Cafe: 10 Steps to being a People First Leader | Aired January 17 2017   Visit our awesome Sponsors! GROUND BREAKING BREWING MADE SIMPLE! www.groundcontrol.coffee   THE BEST PLANT-BASED BEVERAGES ON THE PLANET! www.Pacificfoodservice.com   30 years of resourcing you with the best products and education! www.coffeefest.com Use Code: "KEYS" for 50% General Admission  

Thank you for tuning into "Starting Small", a podcast about brand development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the modern world. In this episode, I am joined by Mike McFall, co-founder of BIGGBY COFFEE, an American coffeehouse franchise based in Lansing, Michigan Mike's journey began with a deep-rooted love for coffee and a vision to create a unique coffee experience that would bring joy to people's lives. In 1995, he co-founded BIGGBY COFFEE, a Michigan-based coffee chain that aimed to revolutionize the way we enjoy our daily brew. Despite facing initial challenges and setbacks, Mike's unwavering determination propelled BIGGBY COFFEE to unprecedented growth. With his co-founder, Bob Fish, they focused on creating a welcoming environment, providing exceptional customer service, and offering an extensive menu of delicious coffee beverages. Mike's innovative approach to business and dedication to customer satisfaction soon garnered attention, and BIGGBY COFFEE began to flourish. The company's unique branding, including their iconic orange logo and friendly baristas, became synonymous with a warm and inviting coffee culture. Today, BIGGBY COFFEE boasts a thriving network across the United States, serving millions of loyal customers each year. Make sure to check out BIGGBY COFFEE at: https://www.biggby.com Check out Mike's new book, "Grow" at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BNZR5L   Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle   Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Brightech, high quality indoor and outdoor lighting. They outfit all of their lights with energy efficient LEDs and were the first to make solar string lights and to add USB and wireless charging on their lamps. Like many of our brands featured on Starting Small, Brightech uses the same factories as your favorite retailers, but because they use a direct to consumer model, they bypass traditional retail markups and pass the savings on to you. Make sure to check them out at https://brightech.com/

This powerful episode is with Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Biggby Coffee, Mike McFall. Mike has such a powerful story of being an entrepreneur and building over an 8-Figure brand with his major superpower, Culture.  In this episode, we dive deep in the the business, family, and life. We discuss:1. The Top Reasons We Love Being an Entrepreneur2. The Importance of Focused Work3. Why Grind Culture Isn't The Answer4. The Importance of Being Family Focused.5. How Great Company Culture Can Help You Build an 8-Figure BrandAnd MUCH More!With over 25 years of entrepreneur experience and success, Mike is a wealth of knowledge. Buckle up and take notes, this one is GOOD!

After starting as a barista in 1996 to becoming the co-founder, owner, and Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, this week's guest on Insight Out is Mike McFall, a growth-minded entrepreneur that believes in the power of self-awareness, positivity, and conscious capitalism as the core values of a successful business.  His book, Grind: A No-Bullshit Approach to Take Your Business from Concept to Cash Flow, focuses on the importance of revenue and practical ways to build cash flow in a budding company. He also explores his philosophy that business requires us to be aggressive and simultaneously self-aware.  In this episode, Mike and I discuss the road to becoming CEO of a successful corporation, why conscious capitalism and company culture are at the core of employee retention, why focus is a critical component in building a business, and more. In this episode, we discuss: The key lessons that sailing around the world at 16 taught Mike (3:40) Mike's journey as a Red Wings fan and the importance of visioning work (5:43) A breakdown of the visualization process (10:06) How Mike was introduced to conscious capitalism and the way it transformed his business (13:10) How Mike became partners with Bob Fish (23:44) The importance of competition in business (27:28) Why self awareness is a critical component of your business (29:43) How to ask for valuable feedback (33:10) The biggest contributor to Biggby Coffee's success (35:41) Mike's advice for aspiring or current business owners (38:26)  Why entrepreneurs need to be like the sun (44:30)  Mike's approach to fostering a people-first company (48:07) How to develop company culture that respects the employees (51:37) Where to find Mike McFall and his final word of advice (56:35)  Notable Quotes: “When you say something enough, you begin to hear yourself say it, other people hear you say it, and they can support you. And it helps to reaffirm that you're on the course to go where you want to go.” – Billy (9:26) “The real root of conscious capitalism is that it's an inclusive environment where you don't make tradeoffs between these different components and that you make decisions that everyone benefits from.” – Mike (20:29)  “Your self awareness is the most critical component to the success of your business.” – Mike (30:31)  “In the end it's not about revenue. What it's about is it's about improving, and it's an obsession with improvement. And when we obsess with improvement… the revenue generation, the growth, is a subset of the obsession with improvement.” – Mike (42:34) “Leadership is about setting the example and then living within that constantly.” – Mike (47:16) “In the end, people just want to be around other people who they relate to and they feel a connection to as another human being.” (59:19) Resources & Links: Mike McFall  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-biggby  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall Biggby Coffee: https://www.biggby.com/  Billy Samoa Saleebey  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billysamoa  Email: billy@podify.com and saleebey@gmail.com  Insight Out  Website: https://insightoutshow.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike McFall, Co-CEO of BIGGBY COFFEE®, the US's third largest coffee franchise, talks about working towards being the eventual owner of the Detroit Red Wings (any day now), doing due diligence on yourself as an entrepreneur, and determining your “Grind Score” (pun intended?).Hear Mike's full interview in Episode 406 of The Action Catalyst.

Mike McFall, Co-CEO of BIGGBY COFFEE®, the US's third largest coffee franchise, recalls sailing around the world as a teenager and expounds on conscious capitalism, working towards being the eventual owner of the Detroit Red Wings (any day now), doing due diligence on yourself as an entrepreneur, determining your “Grind Score”, gut-checking your ego, why reading is fundamental, combating the Great Resignation, being a heretic to other CEOs, creating a "moonshot" for yourself, and emotionally connecting with your future.

Today we chat with Michael McFall of BIGGBY Coffee about his journey from barista and co-founder to now being the Co-CEO of a huge coffee shop franchise. We chat about some of the big hospitality lessons that Michael has learnt in growing his business to the point of franchising. We also talk about the realities of running a franchise business and some of its unique challenges. We also discuss Michael's book, GRIND, which would be a great addition to any entrepreneurial friends. Mike McFall on Instagram Mike McFall on LinkedIn FREE Workshop - Leading With Purpose Join Andy for this free workshop on 23 November, where he will share key skills and strategies to get the most out of your business. Reserve your place now! Partners RotaCloud - the online rota and people management platform. Gone are the days of juggling shifts and availability with a spreadsheet pinned to your noticeboard. Check out RotaCloud and transform your team experience when it comes to shift and team member management. Visit www.thecafehustle.com/rotacloud to learn how RotaCloud can change how you lead your teams today with a 30-day free trial - no credit card required. Hustle Together Online Community Go to thecafehustle.com/together to join the waitlist and have the opportunity to be one of our first 150 Founding Members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so happy to share with you this Founder Friday episode that takes a hard look at what is possible when you want to offer excellence at scale in a cafe setting. I am joined by the founder of the iconic and standard setting company, WatchHouse, Roland Horne. Roland founded WatchHouse in 2014 after extensive experience running small-to-medium-size businesses, including luxury aquarium design consultancy Aquarium Architecture. He holds directorships with property development funds Verum Domus and Coutts & Partners and has a MSc in Economic History from the London School of Economics. Roland is currently pursuing his Executive MBA at the University of Oxford. Over the past seven years WatchHouse has grown from one cafe on London's iconic Bermondsey Street to ten sites, and in August celebrated the one-year anniversary of the WatchHouse Roastery at 36 Maltby Street. A CEO with formative experience outside the speciality coffee sector, Roland has a unique and ambitious perspective on the sustainable expansion of the brand throughout the London and beyond. In today's conversation we get to hear the story behind WatchHouse and how Roland has grown this brand through values and a desire to keep integrity of service and quality front and center. I think you will get a great deal from this chat. We discuss: From luxury aquariums to coffee Defining modern coffee and evolving Focusing on your unique value proposition Why you need to focus on the MLP Big concept in an initially small space Making hard financial decisions and listening to customers Beginning to roast Scaling and customizing for the community Living wage and following through on delivering value Getting better as you get bigger Staff structures Overcoming the assumption that big is bad Providing spaces for Happiness Links: www.watchhouse.com Instagram @watchhouse  Related episodes: 320 Founder Friday! w/ Francesco Sanapo of Ditta Artigianale, Florence, Italy 171 : Founder Friday w/ Matt Chitharanjan and Namrata Asthana of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters in India 348: Founder Friday! w/ Benito Burmudez of Cafe Unido, Panama City, Panama! 263 : Founder Friday w/ Mike McFall, Co-Founder of BIGGBY Coffee! 017 : Founder Friday w/ Jonathan Rubinstein of Joe Coffee: Entrepreneurship | Coffee Business | Hiring | Barista Culture | Growth   Visit our amazing Sponsors! www.groundcontrol.coffee www.pacficfoodservice.com

The process of visualization has always been an inspiration to Biggby Coffee CEO Mike McFall. Having started years ago as a barista, he purposefully forged a path to rise to the executive level. Mike believes the most effective skill one can acquire is the ability to visualize and actualize their future. He also stresses the importance of unwavering concentration and tenacity when setting out to achieve goals. In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Mike explains his unconventional method for growing a company and how hard work helps you build a successful business.  LEARN MORE: >> Read Mike's book, Grind (https://grindthebook.com) >> Connect with Mike on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-mcfall-11b7009), (https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall), (https://www.facebook.com/MikeMcFallOfficial), (https://twitter.com/MikeJMcFall)

The process of visualization has always been an inspiration to Biggby Coffee CEO Mike McFall. He shares that his success wasn't a surprise because he knows how hard he worked for it. Starting as a barista earning minimum wage, he forged a path to rise to the executive level. First and foremost, Mike believes the most effective skill one can acquire is the ability to visualize and actualize their desired future. Second, he stresses the importance of unwavering concentration and tenacity when setting out to achieve goals. In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Mike will explain his unconventional method for growing a company and how hard work helps you build a successful business.  You'll learn why Mike wrote Grind, why it's important to be brave, humble, and thoughtful, and why people need to buy into your vision. LEARN MORE: >> Read Mike's book, Grind (https://grindthebook.com) >> Connect with Mike on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-mcfall-11b7009), (https://www.instagram.com/mikejmcfall), (https://www.facebook.com/MikeMcFallOfficial), (https://twitter.com/MikeJMcFall) NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: >> Listen to the bonus episode to learn the most significant ingredient to Mike's success and the power of unwavering focus.(https://thens.ls/3RDuC8M)

Tips and advice for starting and growing a small business, based on Mike's 23+ years of entrepreneurship experience and co-founding Biggby Coffee. Michael J. McFall is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee - a fast-growing $200-million-dollar coffee franchise with 300+ locations across the Midwest - and the author of “Grind: A No-BS Approach to Take Your Business from Concept to Cash Flow”. Henry Lopez is the host of The How of Business podcast – helping you start, run and grow your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs.

The co-CEO and co-founder of Biggby Coffee, Mike McFall, talked with host Barbara Castiglia of the podcast “The Main Course,” about the rise of his coffee chain. Founded in Lansing, Michigan over 27 years ago, today Biggby Coffee is one of the most popular coffee chains in the Midwest region. McFall said decades ago he took a leap into an industry that was fairly new. Brewing a coffee business from the ground up took a lot of work, and more importantly, it took even more for two business partners to know they could expand and operate their company under the franchise model.“It was a natural fit for my partner and I. We both tend to lean into being teachers, we love working with other people as partners, and the franchise business model is very much that,” said McFall.Under the mentorship of Fred Deluca, the founder of Subway franchise, McFall added that they were able to see the positive benefits of franchising, and why the framework allowed them to significantly grow. Owners of Biggby Coffee franchises are equipped with their own skill sets in the making of a thriving business, and McFall said he favors that above all.“Franchise owners, locally, they're not your employees, that is for certain, and they're independent business people … all of them come with some degree of success in another arena,” said McFall. “They're very experienced people and we really like that. There's a lot of energy in the franchise business model that way.”Another highlight of Biggby Coffee's success was their take on menu item names, opting for creative terms for their lattes that often incorporate pop culture terms, such as Caramel Marvel. But a major highlight for the company came at the height of their business boom. Initially called Beaner's Coffee, about a decade into operations, McFall and his partner realized they needed to change the entire company's name. Unfortunately, the former portion of the original business name is also an ethnic slur for Mexican-Americans.“It was something that we obviously weren't aware of originally right when we formed it, we became aware of it very quickly.After much discussion between himself and his partner, McFall decided that the name change would occur and every location they had would become Biggby Coffee. He said his eyes were opened and “it just became very apparent that you don't want to have a name in any way derogatory toward anybody,” McFall said.However, the name change process contractually required the franchise owners to foot the bill of the cost of the change that needed to be reflected in signage, and the price tag was quite hefty. But it was a commitment he was willing to abide by and McFall shelled out almost $1 million to ensure that all Biggby Coffee franchises were under the new name.McFall stated that the franchise business model was the best decision for his company. Although he claims not every franchise owner can have a positive experience, and has had some challenges in the past, he added that to guarantee a lucrative franchise company is knowing the best types of partners to collaborate with.

Mike McFall is the Co-CEO of BIGGBY Coffee & author of Grind, a no BS approach to take your business from concept to cash flow. Michael McFall Launches "GRIND Score," a Self-Assessment & Leadership Coaching Resource for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To be better for yourself does not just imply progressing your career and achieving your goals; it may also imply taking on leadership positions and aiding others around you in becoming better versions of themselves while providing a better environment in which to flourish. In this episode, Michael McFall shares his journey from being a barista to becoming the founder of a coffee company to becoming a leader where helping others is a definition of success. Key Takeaways How did a Barista become a founder of a coffee company? How did Mike McFall foresee that the coffee industry will grow? Learn more about the Grind Score Assessment Experiences we encounter when managing a business   Importance of a healthy workplace with an engaging and empathetic culture   Quote Takeaways  It is not about what you can do and don't, it's about analyzing yourself and knowing your strengths and weaknesses and determining where you can help the business to become successful. - Michael McFall Creating a safe environment for people to be themselves develops loyalty, and loyalty no longer comes from a paycheck. - Michael Kurland Books and Websites Mentioned in The Episode Biggby Coffee  The Grind Score  Book Grind: A No-bullsh*t Approach to Take Your Business from Concept to Cash Flow Amazon | AbeBooks | Ebay Guests of this Episode Michael Kurland | Linkedin  CEO and Founder of Branded Group, Inc., Host of "Be Better with Michael Kurland" podcast www.branded-group.com Michael J. McFall | Linkedin Co-Founder/Co-CEO of BIGGBY COFFEE, Author of Grind www.biggby.com | grindthebook.com Time Stamp [00:00] Introduction [01:05] About the guest [04:35] How did a barista became a founder of a coffee company [06:11] Growth of the coffee Industry  [09:03] Writing books for entrepreneurs [14:30] Business management experiences [17:31] Building, supporting, and nurturing concepts in a workplace [24:01] A book about leadership and creating better support for people's lives [29:26] Things the guest wants to share [33:40] Conclusion  

Mike McFall is the Co-CEO of BIGGBY Coffee & author of Grind, a no BS approach to take your business from concept to cash flow. Michael McFall Launches "GRIND Score," a Self-Assessment & Leadership Coaching Resource for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Mike McFall is the Co-CEO of BIGGBY Coffee & author of Grind, a no BS approach to take your business from concept to cash flow. Michael McFall Launches "GRIND Score," a Self-Assessment & Leadership Coaching Resource for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Mike McFall is the Co-CEO of BIGGBY Coffee & author of Grind, a no BS approach to take your business from concept to cash flow. Michael McFall Launches "GRIND Score," a Self-Assessment & Leadership Coaching Resource for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Mike McFall is the Co-CEO of BIGGBY Coffee & author of Grind, a no BS approach to take your business from concept to cash flow. Michael McFall Launches "GRIND Score," a Self-Assessment & Leadership Coaching Resource for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Born and raised in Michigan, Mike McFall began his journey with BIGGBY COFFEE as a minimum-wage barista at the original store in East Lansing in 1996. Over the span of 23 years, with business partner Bob Fish, he has helped create one of the great specialty coffee brands in America. Today Mike is co-CEO with Bob, and BIGGBY has over 250 stores open throughout the Midwest. The company is in high growth mode, selling tens of thousands of cups of coffee each day. Mike joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand!

#138 - INTERVIEW with Mike McFall, Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee ***** This week's episode is brought to you by: SEVENROOMS With a full suite of products including reservation, waitlist and table management, online ordering, review aggregation, and marketing automation, SevenRooms is the perfect choice for helping you gain a 360-degree view of your guests across both on- and off-premise. Book a demo with SevenRooms today and receive an Amazon gift card for $50. Simply email to hello@trysevenrooms.com with "Restaurant Strategy" in the subject line. ***** This week's episode is also sponsored by STOCK MFG. With Stock you get all the style of retail, with the price, continuity, and customer service of a traditional uniform vendor. They offer an assortment of everyday items that are ready to ship with no minimum order quantity, and can also create custom uniforms to fit any aesthetic. Visit: stockmfg.co/chip to get get started. ***** Mike McFall is Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, a big-little brand with nearly 300 units across the United States. We're talking about what it takes to launch a brand, grow that brand, and then to let it evolve over the course of a couple decades. He shares the details about the new Biggby drive-thru concept, and gives away the secrets to building a brand that scales. Whether you're looking to franchise your own brand or just want to build a better restaurant, this episode is packed with great insights and ideas. IMPORTANT LINKS: Biggby Coffee - https://www.biggby.comBiggby Franchising Opportunities - https://www.biggbyfranchising.comGRIND by Mike McFall - https://www.amazon.com/Grind-No-Bullshit-Approach-Business-Concept/dp/1732510261 *****Curious about my new group coaching program, RESTAURANT ACCELERATOR? Click the link below, watch the video, and schedule a free call with me to learn more about it: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/thedailygrind

#138 - INTERVIEW with Mike McFall, Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee ***** This week's episode is brought to you by: SEVENROOMS With a full suite of products including reservation, waitlist and table management, online ordering, review aggregation, and marketing automation, SevenRooms is the perfect choice for helping you gain a 360-degree view of your guests across both on- and off-premise. Book a demo with SevenRooms today and receive an Amazon gift card for $50. Simply email to hello@trysevenrooms.com with "Restaurant Strategy" in the subject line. ***** This week's episode is also sponsored by STOCK MFG. With Stock you get all the style of retail, with the price, continuity, and customer service of a traditional uniform vendor. They offer an assortment of everyday items that are ready to ship with no minimum order quantity, and can also create custom uniforms to fit any aesthetic. Visit: stockmfg.co/chip to get get started. ***** Mike McFall is Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, a big-little brand with nearly 300 units across the United States. We're talking about what it takes to launch a brand, grow that brand, and then to let it evolve over the course of a couple decades. He shares the details about the new Biggby drive-thru concept, and gives away the secrets to building a brand that scales. Whether you're looking to franchise your own brand or just want to build a better restaurant, this episode is packed with great insights and ideas. IMPORTANT LINKS: Biggby Coffee - https://www.biggby.comBiggby Franchising Opportunities - https://www.biggbyfranchising.comGRIND by Mike McFall - https://www.amazon.com/Grind-No-Bullshit-Approach-Business-Concept/dp/1732510261 *****Curious about my new group coaching program, RESTAURANT ACCELERATOR? Click the link below, watch the video, and schedule a free call with me to learn more about it: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/thedailygrind

One of the hottest franchise concepts, co-founder Mike McFall joins the show to discuss their nationwide growth.

Mike McFall, CEO of Biggby, joins WML to talk about what they bring to West Michigan along with events they do and his book.

Guests: Mike McFall (BIGGBY COFFEE co-CEO and author of Grind ), Jack Meloche ( Narrator of Spiderman: The Darkest Hours ), Thais Rousseau (CADL Associate Director of Collection Services) and Linda Solomon (Author of The Queen Next Door ). Podcast hosted is by Scott Duimstra. CADL Digital Services Marvel Audiobooks Marvel Digital Comics Sign up for CADL Membership Episode note: After this podcast was recorded Macmillan agreed to allow each consortium member library to buy an initial release copy of new titles, rather than just one copy for the whole consortium. We are encouraged by this small step in the right direction for maintaining and hopefully eventually expanding equity to libraries in the digital marketplace.