From busboy to brand builder, how Clay Dover brings create opportunities and joy in the hospitality industry!

We’re back for season four of Bring More Joy to the Table. I spoke with Clay Dover, CEO, President, and Taco Maker at Velvet Taco! It was an incredibly fun conversation in which we covered so much ground...

>>>Clay’s early experience in the industry, and how his early love for hospitality begun with magical (I love that word!) family dinners with his grandfather

>>>Velvet Taco’s ‘tribe’ led culture — their employees found values they identified with such as being relentless, staying rebellious, kicking ass and taking names

>>>The lessons Clay learned from industry founders and icons such Todd Graves and Doug Brooks, and the lessons he picked up from his time working with so many incredible brands

Those of you who have tried it know just how yummy Velvet Taco is! And for those who haven’t, just know, you’re missing out!


Thanks again Clay, it was a blast!

Boost sales, boost Guest satisfaction…. AND fight hunger…

It’s a perfect real world example of the Business of Joy in action!

Meet Andrew Glantz, CEO and founder of GiftAMeal! For this episode of Bring More Joy to the Table, I spoke with Andrew about his amazing company that is elevating restaurant experience… and creating a BIG social impact along the way!

His company has already partnered with thousands of restaurants to donate funds for more than 2.2 million meals to those in need!

You guys know I love data… in a case study, GiftAMeal led to:

>guests returning 39% more

>spent 20% more per visit

>tipped 32% more

Listen to the full episode to learn more! Restaurant operators, this is one you don't want to miss!

Your mom was right! It’s not what you say but how you say it!

For the finale of Season Three, I spoke with the legendary Mac Brand!

From his early days working with his father in downtown Los Angeles, to his time working at big companies like PepsiCo and Mars, to his experiences traveling around the world, Mac has so many valuable insights.

Emotional intelligence & 55/38/7: Mac explains the Mehrabian model of communication and how communication is about much more than words!

The importance of culture: Whether it’s learning Spanish from the locals, or sharing experiences with classmates while taking a course at Oxford University, Mac emphasizes the value of culture and the countless lessons you can learn by just listening.

Tending To Your Garden: Mac’s latest book, Tending To Your Garden, emphasizes the importance of relationships in business and in life.

He also shares a ton more great business lessons and practices, such as a protocol that allows employees to self-select out of the organization.

Mac, thank you for coming on the show!

Get his book!