Branded Hospitality Ventures’ Post

Happy New Year! I thought I’d start with a great and recent example of the power of story. On the first Dragons’ Den of 2024, two brothers, Joe and Ben Gallagher and friend Oliver Millar pitched for investment in their second-hand luxury retail business, Luxe Collective. Steven Bartlett ended up investing £100k for a 3% stake – he’d initially asked for 5%, was prepared to settle on 4%, yet the entrepreneurs held firm at 3%. It’s unheard of on the Den for a Dragon to drop their demands like that. Why this time? Simple…story. First, their story of how the idea for their business came about. Ben told the judges that his sister had wanted a pair of £400 trainers for Christmas, and he was impressed when his mum found a second-hand pair online for £100.  He explained that he became 'obsessed' with the website his mother had bought them on. Using savings and part of a car loan, the 23-year-old and his brother started buying up items from eBay and DePop, and now they have over half a million followers on Instgram, 1.6million on Tiktok and over £8m in revenue. But what I really loved, and what arguably swung it with Steven Bartlett, was Ben telling Steven when he was working as a trolley pusher, he had felt unemployable with few prospects, and how Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast was the inspiration and catalyst to be courageous and believe he could do so much more with his life. 🌟And there’s the classic narrative arc: 👉 Context (pushing trolleys in a supermarket) 👉 Conflict (feeling unemployable, lacking belief) 👉 Resolution (inspired by the “wise sage” Steven Barlett, and embarking on a journey which culminates in the set up and success of Luxe Collective. Steven Barlett ultimately invested in these guys because they had a great story underpinned by a great business. It came down to emotion at the end, and Ben was a genius to hold that story back about the impact of Diary of a CEO until the very end in the negotiations. He went for the heart there not the head, and it worked brilliantly. Well done Luxe Collective! 👏🍾👏 #thenarrativecoach #thepowerofstory #dragonsden #stevenbartlett _ 🌟 Hi 👋  I’m Mauro, and I’m a professional coach and I work with my clients to navigate the turbulence of personal and professional change by creating authentic stories to provide a North Star – I call this Narrative Coaching 📖. I like to share insights on wellbeing, performance and behavioural change, and as a huge film fan, I often share inspiring ideas embedded in our favourite movies 🎞 . Follow me to get regular insights. Drop me a DM if you would like to explore how we might work together to help you achieve your goals 😊

Unlock Your Inner Mogul - Learn From the Best & Forge Your Own Entrepreneurial Path Today's Story: Danny Meyer, founder of Shake Shack I still remember the first time I bit into a Shake Shack burger, I knew it was something special. I was in New York for work and stumbled upon what was then their newly-opened Theater District location. I sat down at one of their famous long tables, hip-to-hip with other New Yorkers. I got into a conversation with a group of strangers, only to find out one of them was from California. You should have seen the look on her face when I told her I preferred Shake Shack to In-N-Out! The burger joint has a back story that’s equally as shocking, and involves... - Carting ground meat out of a Michelin Star awarded kitchen and into a kiosk in the middle of an urban park - A hot dog stand as a four-year social experiment - A million-dollar failed attempt to create the world’s best french fry Here's my hot take-away from learning Danny’s story: 1. When he opened his first restaurant in 1985, he didn’t know anything about how to run one. What he did know was how to make people feel better when they left than they did when they came in. 2. He became a master at getting out of his own way. He’d seen others fail to do this, and it taught him to surround himself with people who could complement his strengths, and make up for his deficiencies. 3. Chasing perfection was a tough lesson. The company spent 2 years and $1M developing the best possible fresh-cut French fry, all because of one critic’s bad review. In the end, everyone hated them, and they had to abandon the idea. 4. He saw that top talent was drawn to a leader who made it fun to show up for work. He appointed Randy Garutti as CEO once he realized how committed he was to leaving the posh world of fine-dining behind and going all-in on burgers. This decision would set the stage for Shake Shack's enormous growth. #FounderStories #Entrepreneurs #SuccessStory #HowToSucceed #BusinessGrowth

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Recognize him? Most don’t and here’s why… Last week, I spent a few days at Disney World with my family and was struck by the entrepreneurial spirit that created one of the world's most valuable brands. However, it’s easy to forget that Mickey Mouse wasn't Walt Disney's first creation. In fact, it was Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, but Disney lost the rights to Universal Pictures after just one year. That loss forced Walt Disney to create a new character who went on to become one of the most famous cartoon characters in the world, Mickey Mouse. Looking back, it's clear that the success of Disney was not overnight. It took years of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. Here’s what I took away from the trip, in addition to many unforgettable family memories. 1️⃣ Don’t give up. Even when loss rears its ugly head, use it to continue pushing yourself forward just like Walt did. 2️⃣ Follow the path. Your Oswald may not work out, but keep going and find your Mickey. 3️⃣ Spend time with family and friends. It’s important to balance work with these experiences and you never know when inspiration will present itself. As entrepreneurs, we need to remember that success doesn't come easy. It takes time, effort, and an immeasurable amount of hard work. But with that mindset and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible. #Disney #Entrepreneurship #Success #FounderJourney

Reflecting on My Family Business Journey Growing up in a family business shaped my perspective on entrepreneurship. My great-grandfather and grandfather started a steel fabrication company in 1973, specializing in bulk materials handling, aptly named BMH. They built conveyors and hoppers for tile, food, and even dog food manufacturers, employing multiple family members and about 20 employees at its peak. The business was founded by my great grandfather and his son in law - my grandfather. The business was a significant part of my childhood. I have vivid memories of spending time in their conference room wrapping holiday gifts, decorating job site trailers, and filing paperwork in the "vault." These experiences instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the family business's dynamics. Despite its success, BMH struggled after the passing of both my grandfather and great grandfather, eventually closing its doors in 2004. Witnessing my father and uncle's challenges in running the business deeply impacted me. Their lack of business acumen and structure led to the company's downfall. I still remember my dad, a hothead, tearing up a client's check in front of them in frustration—a stark contrast to my grandfather's charisma and leadership. This experience drove me to study business, shifting from a creative writing major. I realized the importance of structure and strong leadership, concepts emphasized in books like "Built to Last." According to a Harvard Business Review article, 70% of family-owned businesses fail or are sold before the second generation, and only 10% make it to the third generation. As I lead my own business, now 13 years strong, I often reflect on the lessons from my family's journey. The memory of my father and uncle's struggles motivates me to build a sustainable and resilient company. I'm committed to learning from both their successes and failures, ensuring that we are built to last. Here's to building a legacy that endures.

Today marks a bittersweet day as I announce my departure from the CEO position at Jack Mason. I look back on the last eleven years as one of the co-founders of this great company with gratitude and fondness. What a wonderful ride it’s been. We decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge and start Jack Mason over a decade ago – a day I can remember like it was only yesterday. Entrepreneurship can be a scary thing, but in the end, it has been one of the most satisfying and rewarding decisions I have ever made.  All industries and all companies face challenges and hurdles. Over the last decade, the watch industry certainly wasn’t immune. As we faced challenges, mistakes were made, but so were the crucial pivots that have allowed us to forge new paths. The journey was rarely easy, but the PEOPLE, the PASSION, and the PRODUCT are what got Jack Mason to the great position it’s in today. In my opinion, culture will always be the key differentiator from one company to the next. The three P’s as we called them (PEOPLE, PASSION, PRODUCT) were the foundation of our culture. I couldn’t be more proud and more honored to have worked with such incredible people over the years. I recognize the sacrifices it took to get the company where it is today, and for that I am forever grateful. With the start of 2024, Jack Mason is coming off of its best year since the company’s inception. The future is looking bright under the leadership of Peter Cho and some of the other most talented, creative minds I have ever worked alongside. Just wait until you see what’s coming next. Cheers to the next decade of continued success!!

How do you cope with failure? When Michael’s life was flipped upside down nearing bankruptcy, he reframed his mindset and took action. His company not only survived its challenges, but now achieves tens of millions in annual sales. 🙌 As CEO of the four-generation family enterprise San Pedro Fish Market and star of the "Kings of Fi$h" docuseries, Michael Ungaro began his entrepreneurial journey in 1978 at age seven. Over the years, the company has faced numerous obstacles, including the loss of family members, economic downturns, and eviction from primary locations. Through Michael’s strategic focus on building the business internally and strengthening the brand externally, San Pedro Fish Market not only survived but thrived, achieving double-digit annual sales growth and reaching $30 million in sales by the end of 2022. His family business has grown to six locations and now serves over 2 million hungry customers each year. 🤗 Discover the challenges and triumphs of managing a multi-generational family-owned restaurant, along with strategies for achieving new success during difficult times. 🍽️ 🎧 Get excited for Episode 10 of The Pineapple Perspective dropping on all listening platforms tomorrow! 🎙️ This episode is hosted by Troy Hooper and sponsored by Pepper Lunch Restaurants Thank you to Michael Ungaro for being this week’s featured guest! 👏 Find out more about company San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant here: https://lnkd.in/dfsrH9uc #ThePineapplePerspective #PepperLunch #restaurantindustry #businessgrowth #entrepreneurship #hospitality #optimizeoperations #linkedin #bankruptcy #seafood #docudrama #resilience #familybusiness #tips #familyowned #inspiration #leadership #successstory #overcome #smallbusiness #obstacles #entrepreneurship

Never Enough by Andrew Wilkinson Looking for a summer biz read (winter down south) that catches you with its first sentence, this Fortune article provides an excerpt from Andrew Wilkinson’s July 8 release Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire. Love the title and enjoying the book immensely. I quote Charlie Munger above because he was of help to Andrew and his partner in scaling Tiny, modeled after Berkshire Hathaway. 🖥️ https://lnkd.in/dKwuPP3X #scalingup #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #businessstrategy #businesscoach #teamalignment #growyourbusiness #cooperation #collaboration #teambuilding #organizationalhabits #teamwork #pointingnorth #changemanagment #capacitacion #entrepreneurs #education #innovation #entrepreneur #growingbusiness #business

Family businesses are more than just enterprises—they're legacies in motion. At O'Groats, this truth is served up daily, with love and teamwork as the core ingredients. 🍽️❤️ In this video, we take you behind the scenes of O'Groats, a family-run restaurant where tradition meets innovation, and passion fuels every plate. From heartwarming stories of multi-generational collaboration to the delicate balance between business and personal life, O'Groats exemplifies what makes family enterprises special. 👨👩👧👦✨ But it’s more than just about food. For the next generation, this is a testament to the power of resilience, unity, and shared purpose. The challenges of merging professional ambitions with family dynamics can be tough, but places like O'Groats remind us that with the right blend of love and dedication, we can build something lasting. Let this video inspire you to cherish both the family bonds and the business you’re part of. As we grow as the next generation of family business leaders, let's continue to share, support, and celebrate one another. Together, we can uphold the legacy while crafting our own path forward. 🌱📈 👋 Ready to dive deeper into the O'Groats story and share your own family business experiences? Watch the full video now and let’s keep the conversation going in the comments! #FamilyBusiness #FamilyGoals #Restaurant #Entrepreneurship #NxtGenNexus

Ever wondered if the magic of Hogwarts could teach us a thing or two about conquering the business world? 🧙♂️✨ After diving into the world of Harry Potter, thanks to my son, I’ve uncovered three game-changing insights that every professional should stash in their spell-book: 1. The Wand Chooses the Wizard: In the magical halls of Hogwarts, wands pick their wizards. Similarly, in the vast world of business, our true calling often selects us. It’s not merely about chasing opportunities; it’s about harnessing our unique strengths and passions to make a significant impact. Ask yourself, where does your magic lie? 2. Expecto Patronum: Dark times lurk, waiting to test our resolve. But remember, casting your Patronus requires something powerful—unwavering positivity. My secret weapon? A relentless optimism that sees beyond the darkness, focused intensely on the vision ahead. What’s your Patronus in business and at work? 3. The Marauder's Map: “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” Innovation isn’t always about playing safe; sometimes, it means bending the rules. The Marauder's Map isn’t just a tool for mischief—it's a symbol of exploring the unknown, pivoting through uncharted territories, and seizing hidden opportunities. Are you ready to venture off the map? As Dumbledore wisely put it, "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." Each day, we have a choice—will we play it safe, or will we dare to cast spells that could change everything? 👉 I’d love to hear from you—what lessons from your favorite stories ignite your entrepreneurial spirit? #Entrepreneurship #HarryPotter #BusinessLessons #Innovation #Leadership

The most important lesson I learned in the last decade: Make meaningful friendships in life. It’s simple, but it takes authenticity, care and real effort.    I have had the opportunity to start 3 different companies in the past decade. 2 have failed and closed. The 3rd one is working and growing fast. What continues to deliver the highest ROI: Making true friendships in business. I like to say “Make friends first, then do business.” For those of you that don’t know, In the video below, Stuart and I are dancing… Having fun. He takes care of our account at Marches TAU (a natural grocery store). Our meetings consist of dancing in the aisles together. We do this every week, makes doing business fun rather than transactional. We call ourselves “The famous DUO.” Moral of the story, doing business doesn’t have to be so serious. Have fun and make friends, it will pay the highest dividends in the long term. We’re celebrating our 5 year friendship, And over 375,000 bars sold together at their 6 stores. LFG Mid-Day Squares x Les Marches TAU. #entrepreneurship #cpgmarketing #entrepreneur #cpgbrands #cpgindustry #grocerytrends #foodandbeverage #marketing #retail #sales #media #cpg #founders