Gentleness  noun [jen-tl nis] not severe, rough, or violent; mild, amiable and kind

I wholeheartedly believe in following people I’ve come to trust.  Faith and confidence in a leader allows individuals to grow into their own sense of maturity as a member of a team.  At a recent ‘Change Management’ workshop, the prevailing sentiment had more to do with how leadership instituted change than its impact on those who have been asked to implement the change.  What was that prevailing sentiment?  

Without a foundation of trust and confidence, there will be no faith.  Developing that culture within a business environment is critical...

Although not mentioned outright, it had more to do with the relationship between the leaders and their staff.  Without a foundation of trust and confidence, there will be no faith.  Developing that culture within a business environment is critical when pursuing new avenues of innovation, and I have found that one key component in establishing that ethos of respect, comes from having a spirit of gentleness. 

I tried to never embarrass anyone for making mistakes or not living up to their potential...

It's always amazed me when a member of my management team took it upon themselves to treat employees with callousness and downright intimidating behavior. I know they never saw it from me.  I don’t say that to boast and suggest I never lost my cool, but I tried to never embarrass anyone for making mistakes or not living up to their potential.  We all know the ‘boss’ who’s ego and hubris convinces him it’s better to lead through intimidation rather than love.  And we all also know the culture that’s created by this type of personality; one of paranoia, mistrust and usually a hindrance to any serious performance.  

The solution is not as difficult as it may appear.  Establishing relationships before, and along the way, reap tremendous benefits when trying to institute change.  Gentleness in this process goes a long way in creating an environment that inspires staff to perform.  Where’s the kindness gone anyhow?  Since when does anyone feel it becomes necessary to demoralize someone who, in theory, is there to help propel your business to success?  

I say ‘grow up’ and treat people with respect, and do your best to be gentle and kind.  You’ll be amazed at the results.  You’ll discover that your staff will respond with a great sense of loyalty and their performance will improve exponentially.  I know it worked for me and I’m willing to bet it will work for you.

Cheers!

Drew McLeod, FMP 

As a Co-Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kind Intelligence, Inc.  Mr. McLeod is focused on revolutionizing how hospitality industry professionals view their hospitality practices as they converge with emerging technologies.  Deeply passionate about the dining experience, Drew leverages over three decades of experience and industry insight to assist foodservice operators in improving operational efficiencies through innovation, consult, training and development.  Mr. McLeod also oversees the acquisition and development of internal staff to affect the multi-faceted components of the Kind Brand

Faithfulness  noun [feyth-fuhl nis] strict or thorough in the performance of duty; reliable, trusted or believed; steady in allegiance or affection

I can tell you as one in the midst of it all, the world of startups is not for the feint of heart!  Kind Intelligence, Inc. is unique in the sense that the entire idea was, and is, based on faith.  Believing in ourselves as well as a concept, and never wavering from the ideals that brought four men of faith together to launch what, some say, may be the most revolutionary idea to ever hit the hospitality industry, has had its challenges, BUT it has reaped even greater rewards.  Kind started as a ‘long distance’ relationship between Indianapolis, Tallahassee and Albany, GA., with no formal introductions outside of Skype calls.  It was soon evident that like-minded men with determination can overcome the obstacles that many would find too cumbersome to even consider.  But, we all moved on FAITH.  Faith in each other and faith in an idea so BIG, it could not be ignored.  Sacrifice has become a common theme, and I can assure you, the most beneficial to each of us, although it doesn’t always feel that way.

"...not just talking about something, but acting on it with conviction..."

I share all this because I’ve learned so much in the process.  I understand the meaning of “shipping”, of not just talking about something, but acting on it with conviction.  We’ve put it all on the line, gratefully, but with faith that could only come from above.

"But faith without action is just another good idea, shelved in the history of unfulfilled dreams..."

In the business world and in the hospitality industry in particular, we have faith everyday.  Faith that our staff will show up, faith that our equipment will function, faith that we’ll respond in a way that connects us positively to our valued consumers.  But faith without action is just another good idea, shelved in the history of unfulfilled dreams.

Where’s your faith?  Are you willing to trust in yourself and act upon a dream that may have been dormant for months or years?  Life is too short to play the ‘what if’ or “if only I had……..” excuse game.  Get in the game! Take a calculated risk, but have the faith to ‘ship it’!  

Cheers!

Drew McLeod, FMP 

As a Co-Founder and the Chief Operating Officer of Kind Intelligence, Inc.  Mr. McLeod is focused on revolutionizing how hospitality industry professionals view their hospitality practices as they converge with emerging technologies.  Deeply passionate about the dining experience, Drew leverages over three decades of experience and industry insight to assist foodservice operators in improving operational efficiencies through innovation, consult, training and development.  Mr. McLeod also oversees the acquisition and development of internal staff to affect the multi-faceted components of the Kind Brand.  

Goodness  noun \goo’d-nis\  the state or quality of being good; moral excellence; kindness and generosity

It’s no wonder the Good Book suggests there is no man that is good, no, not one.  The definition alone suggests an ideal and standard that no one could uphold, if truly honest with themselves.  

I know it’s been a while since writing my thoughts down in this blog and committing to a ‘serial’ blog as a newbie, has probably left professionals laughing at me for even trying.  BUT, when a thought is put into your mind, the worst thing you can do is ignore it and then fail to act on it.  How many great ideas end up on the shelf of ‘someday’?

"The great ones all have a story to tell.  What you may see in “successful” people, is nothing more than a journey of one who was able to overcome their failures..."

The reality of our lives is more about striving to be good, then really ever attaining some lifetime status as good.  I know I try, and I more realize how often I fail.  Someone recently told me that they attribute their amazing success on the fact that they failed often enough to finally figure out how to succeed.  That’s so true!  The great ones all have a story to tell.  What you may see in “successful” people, is nothing more than a journey of one who was able to overcome their failures.  In my experiences as a restaurateur, the greatest strides in my learning curve regarding operations, were from those things in which I did wrong.  The difference maker is what are you going to do with the knowledge.  You can either act on it in one of 2 ways.  Hang your head and plead for forgiveness or dust yourself off and realize you just grew up a little bit more.

The choice is yours.  Don’t limit yourself by being afraid to fail.  Open up the possibilities for success by having a spirit of willingness to accept disappointments in effort, but understanding the value of the lesson.

That’s where the goodness comes in.  You’ll realize that the journey, which never really ends, will grow you in character and give you the freedom to be kind and generous.  Don’t let those opportunities slip away!

Cheers!

Drew McLeod, FMP

 As a Co-Founder and the Chief Operating Officer of Kind Intelligence, Inc.  Mr. McLeod is focused on revolutionizing how hospitality industry professionals view their hospitality practices as they converge with emerging technologies.  Deeply passionate about the dining experience, Drew leverages over three decades of experience and industry insight to assist foodservice operators in improving operational efficiencies through innovation, consult, training and development.  Mr. McLeod also oversees the acquisition and development of internal staff to affect the multi-faceted components of the Kind Brand

"You say you got a real solution, well, you know, we'd all love to see the plan..."  Revolution - The Beatles

The first time the United States experienced an Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to 19th century when major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and the technology of the day, altered the socioeconomic and cultural conditions.

There may not be a clearly defined period of time for the second Industrial Revolution in this country. If asked when the second occurrence took place, I would certainly include the decades of the aeronautic, atomic and space travel advances experienced in the 20th Century, as these periods profoundly impacted our culture and socioeconomic conditions.

"Industrial Revolution 3.0. Not unlike its two predecessors, we find ourselves in the advent of the third such major shift in both socioeconomic and culture conditions..."

This brings us to where we are today, Industrial Revolution 3.0. Not unlike its two predecessors, we find ourselves in the advent of the third such major shift in both socioeconomic and culture conditions. The first revolution brought about massive increases in the per-capita income, while the second revolution did the same, it also made us very aware of territorial borders and beliefs world-wide.

"This is likely to be the first time an Industrial Revolution has not necessarily created greater wealth and new knowledge..." 

What is uniquely different in this third period of revolution is the fact that the changes in technology, communication and commerce are moving at such blinding speeds that we may be missing some of the important socioeconomic and cultural shifts taking place around us. This is likely to be the first time an Industrial Revolution has not necessarily created greater wealth and new knowledge. Industrial Revolution 3.0 has advanced uses of existing technologies to alter the basis of our communication and commerce. Beyond the Internet, e-commerce and social media, there are significant changes taking place in how we work and relate to one another.

Add to this third iteration of the Industrial Revolution, that the lack of new wealth being generated is moving us from an economic recession into a new era of employment compression. We, as working individuals, are making more use of existing resources, whether it is our time, talent or treasure. I suspect that we will not see the same type of job or income growth experienced in the first two Industrial Revolutions. The evolving workforce now requires a keen combination of the highest level of both technical and personal skills.

"Strange as it may sound, growth opportunities in today's Industrial Revolution necessitate kindness, communication and compassion..." 

Strange as it may sound, growth opportunities in today's Industrial Revolution necessitate kindness, communication and compassion. Continued employment compression continues to diminish creation of new jobs, even as we head into economic recovery. If the sustainable workforce is to create new wealth and opportunity, it will mandate the highest level of serving people well in order to grow business. Those who treat clients, customers or fellow human beings in a carefree cavalier manner will likely feel the unpleasant squeeze of the economic compression.

Revolutions in industry will continue to take place for years to come. Industrial Revolution 3.0 is truly post-industrial, as the revolution being played out on a different battlefield - this one requires keen and clever thought processes. We are now in the thick of the creative economy. What has not changed is the need to think and act like a revolutionary so you can prosper with a new mindset through tumultuous and exciting times. 

Jim Hunt 

Jim Hunt is a Co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Kind Intelligence, Inc., The Hospitality Intelligence Company. With over 30 years of experience as an innovative business leader and builder, Jim brings an intuitive ability to build teams, design robust business strategies and inspire the diverse Kind team of thinkers and doers to pursue possibilities and challenge traditional business paradigms.

 "The reality of today’s marketplace requires that, in order to stay relevant, we must take the time necessary to engage..." 

One of today’s biggest challenges for the independent restaurateur is understanding and implementing a Social Media Marketing Strategy.  Like we have time for that!  The reality of today’s marketplace requires that, in order stay relevant, we must take the time necessary to engage this fast-paced, state of the art, word of mouth approach to connecting with our customer base. 

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association has performed a great service with their Marketing Summits over the past year.  Forums designed to specifically educate foodservice operators on how to use Social Media outlets to engage their clientele.  They’ve brought in the big guns like Yelp, Yahoo, Google and the like.  Panels with expert marketers and very experienced industry experts to share in the way they’ve formulated their strategies.  All great information that leaves one still wondering, where do I find the time on a daily basis to manage all the things I’ve just heard.  Do I really need to get up each morning and go to Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, etc. and out-message today’s specials?  Or, more importantly, monitor what’s being said about my operation?

"The answer is yes, you do!  The reality is, no you won’t..."

The answer is yes, you do!  The reality is, no you won’t.  You see, getting a basic understanding of what Social Media is and how the different players in this space relate to you and your business may appear to be simplistic.  The reality is, no one is bringing real solutions to a daunting task.  Corralling the Social Media Beast is like nailing jello to the wall.  Getting quantitative data from your efforts can be even more difficult. 

Introducing Hospitality Intelligence 2.0.  What if you were able to fully filter and sort the incoming and the outgoing messaging for your establishment.  What if there was a  single platform that gave you full control of the data presented through your social media channels and what if you had the ability to use that information to improve your bottom line. 

Well, that day is coming!  And sooner than later.  Kind Intelligence, Inc. is all about improving operational efficiencies by developing hospitality technology that corrals data and brings real solutions in an ever changing environment.

Our developer, Mutual Mobile, is second to none.  With our industry expertise and innovative approach to changing the way consumers dine and operators perform, our innovative product line will forever change the landscape of our industry.  Look for some of our amazing solutions coming soon!

Cheers!

Drew McLeod, FMP  

As a Co-Founder and the Chief Operating Officer of Kind Intelligence, Inc.  Mr. McLeod is focused on revolutionizing how hospitality industry professionals view their hospitality practices as they converge with emerging technologies.  Deeply passionate about the dining experience, Drew leverages over three decades of experience and industry insight to assist foodservice operators in improving operational efficiencies through innovation, consult, training and development.  Mr. McLeod also oversees the acquisition and development of internal staff to affect the multi-faceted components of the Kind Brand 

"Now mind you that I’m not trying to dispute this notion because we all know that sex does sell, but at what capacity?" 

Since the beginning of advertising, sex has been used to attract our diverted attention to products or services for the purpose of selling them.  It is this controversial approach that has led to the age old notion that sex sells, which really says a lot about the value system of our society.   Unfortunately, we see these subjective ads everywhere to the point that they have become unavoidable.  Now mind you that I’m not trying to dispute this notion because we all know that sex does sell, but at what capacity?  Yes, they may result in immediate and short-term sells, but are sells sustainable over the long haul, are there any long-term implications, and what do these type of ads really say about your brand?  These questions are certainly important and well worth the time invested in answering them; however, my interest is on another question.  Could there be a different approach that could successfully compete with this age old notion?  Could a different approach have its own type of sex appeal to attract and retain attention that could successfully generate both immediate and long-term sales?  Could a different approach help propel brands forward to compete in the marketplace?

"I strongly believe that a different approach that focuses on kindness, or acts thereof, is becoming more prevalent and leans on the heal of this creative shift..."

Provocative ads work so well because the objective is not to promote the product or feature, but to connect with consumers on a raw, emotional level for the purpose of giving the consumer a feeling of empowerment when using the product.  This emotional connection is the key component that drives a successful ad or campaign, not the sex, and as we move away from the industrial age and into the creative age, I strongly believe that a different approach that focuses on kindness, or acts thereof, is becoming more prevalent and leans on the heal of this creative shift.  While consumers are embracing smarter spending habits, (expecting more while spending less), businesses are being forced to make decisions to effectively compete in the marketplace.  So, should you continue to compete for these smarter consumers using the same marketing tactics of old?  If you want to be happily successful, my answer is NO for the simple reason that the old tactics do not foster kindness.  In Graceful, Seth Godin put it best by simply stating…

"Kindness creates connection. It generates respect (on both sides) it scales..." ~ Seth Godin, Graceful

In today’s business world, companies just don’t care about you or me because they are more concerned with the bottom line.  Do you think oil companies care about the things we can’t afford because we are paying more at the pump?  Do you think banks care about what caused an overdraft?  Companies are incapable of feeling emotions; however, the people who run them are not.  When making business decisions, remember consumers are much more than just consumers; they are people who experience the same human emotions that we all experience in life.  “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and blind can see.”  This quote from Mark Twain speaks to the reasoning why I feel that a new approach centered on kindness can and will effectively compete with an age old notion.  Sex sells today, but kindness sells tomorrow.  Be different. Be Kind.

Josh Boutwell 

Josh is a Co-founder and the Chief Marketing Officer of Kind Intelligence, Inc.  He not only brings years of marketing and sales experience to Kind but he also brings a deep knowledge and understanding of brand humanization and management.  As the chief evangelist and storyteller, Josh ensures that the Kind brand story is being communicated with clarity and precision.  Known for being a dynamic thinker, Josh has an intuitive creative ability that is capable of expanding well beyond boundaries set forth by societal thresholds; he looks at marketing through a lens of innovation and change, which lends footing to conceptualizing and developing breakthrough, disruptive ideas.  Ultimately, Josh is responsible for overseeing sales and marketing strategies at Kind to ultimately drive performance and ROI.

Kindness  noun \kahynd-nis\  the act or the state of being kind, usually marked by goodness and charitable behavior

As you can imagine, I’ve been waiting (with patience) for this one.  Naturally, I felt this would be the easiest in this series, particularly in light of our new business venture, which is founded on the basis of kindness.    But naturally, life happens and what you thought you’d be writing about can change rather quickly.

Imagine a foodservice operator that has a high volume, corporately branded restaurant, coming into a busy weekend with a Fundraising Breakfast scheduled in the morning, fast paced lunch as normal and a big party later in the evening, being asked at the VERY last minute to help out someone he barely knows.

"...but Applebee’s and their staff went over the top to cook for us in the middle of their normal Saturday operations."  

I’m so fortunate that my list of contacts is so long.  You see, this past Saturday was an important day in the life of the Center for Biblical Studies here in Tallahassee.  For the past 4 years I’ve worked with them to promote and provide for their Annual Fish Fry and Silent Auction, their largest fundraiser of the year.  Having been a caterer, among other things, for years, I was well equipped to provide a mobile kitchen for this most worthwhile cause and my son and I have enjoyed cooking for over 400 each year.  In recent years, due to the death of my dear partner of 18 years, I have done less and less catering, but have maintained the equipment for special occasions.  When we got onsite this past Saturday morning, I discovered that my fryer had a bad thermo coupler and just wouldn’t fire up.  Not one to panic, I began setting up my backup and some of the greatest guys you’ll ever meet got to work.  One headed to Home Depot to get a fish cooker, another tirelessly tried to get the broken fryer operational and I and one other gent decided to figure out who we could contact to help us out.  Quite honestly, a corporate restaurant was not the first thing on our minds.  We called some ‘locals’ and we weren’t really able to find one reasonably close enough to shuttle fish back and forth.  I realized there was an Applebee’s just around the corner and pulled out the trusty Blackberry.  Searching the term ‘Applebee’s’ garnered instant results.  I happened to have met, and had the mobile number, for the Area Director for Tallahassee. When I think about it, I realize now, I hadn’t had any contact with him for years!  After identifying myself and my problem, he didn’t hesitate to say he’d do what he could.  Within 10 minutes, I was in touch with his GM and staff and sent the first wave of fish over to be fried.  I was able to cook some onsite, but Applebee’s and their staff went over the top to cook for us in the middle of their normal Saturday operations.

"...it’s in their blood, a part of their DNA makeup, their corporate culture..." 

You see, they just chose to be kind.  Now, I don’t dine at Applebee’s often and having been an independent restaurant owner most of my life, I try to choose locally owned and operated businesses to support.  But I’ll tell you this, from now on, when I choose to dine out or take a colleague to lunch, Applebee’s is going to be at the top of my list!  I posted a thank you to Applebee’s on facebook and have received several comments about Applebee’s commitment to the community and how they’re always willing to help out.  Good for them!  I’m not saying other corporate operations wouldn’t have done the same thing (and I’m hoping they would) but these folks didn’t hesitate and that’s a very clear indication that it’s in their blood, a part of their DNA makeup, their corporate culture.  They choose to be kind and I am forever grateful.

Maybe you should try to be more kind in your business and see what happens as a result.  Applebee’s just won over a lifelong patron.

Cheers!

Drew McLeod, FMP

As a Co-Founder and the Chief Operating Officer of Kind Intelligence, Inc.  Mr. McLeod is focused on revolutionizing how hospitality industry professionals view their hospitality practices as they converge with emerging technologies.  Deeply passionate about the dining experience, Drew leverages over three decades of experience and industry insight to assist foodservice operators in improving operational efficiencies through innovation, consult, training and development.  Mr. McLeod also oversees the acquisition and development of internal staff to affect the multi-faceted components of the Kind Brand

"In a culture of instant gratification, we no longer feel the necessity to endure under difficult circumstances..."

"In other words, you must be patient and you must persevere with dogged determination..." 

"As we develop the ethos we intend to have at Kind Intelligence, Inc., we are striving to create a culture of understanding..." 

Peace  noun \pees\ a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relationships          

Do you ever just want to get away from it all?  Turn off the phone?  Completely unplug from a society rampant with ‘noise’?  Shut down? Relax? Not worry about the moment?  Not easy to do, is it?  We’ve got so much to do and so little time to accomplish all the things we want to get done.  We tend to lack the discipline necessary to prioritize the issues in our lives that we are compelled to deal with.  I don’t know about you, but I’m a “list” guy.  If Outlook didn’t have a Task function linked to my mobile device, I’d be lost.  It really helps me to be organized or at least appear to be really organized.  But what about peace?  To me, peace has a very pertinent affect on the business ethos or culture within your organization.  From a foodservice operator’s standpoint, it becomes paramount to providing a quality dining experience.  How, you ask?  Anyone who has spent any time at all in a fast-paced kitchen will recognize the importance of the expediter.  An expediter is a liaison between the service staff and the kitchen staff.  For those of you that don’t know, cooks and servers can become arch enemies at times.  Servers blame cooks for being slow, concerned about the guest’s experience and their gratuity.  Cooks, often times, see servers as lazy and greedy.  This conflict can result in many uncomfortable circumstances, which is why most establishments choose to have someone stand in the gap to mitigate and control the flow of communication between the two.

"The worst cancer within a restaurant, or really any business, is that one ultra-negative individual that affects everyone.  You see, peace is about contentment..."

Ultimately, owners and operators have a need to create balance amongst their staff in order to assure a consistent dining experience for their patrons.  That’s where really making an effort to create a culture of peace can pay off.  A big part of that solution is identifying individuals that love what they do.  The worst cancer within a restaurant, or really any business, is that one ultra-negative individual that affects everyone.  You see, peace is about contentment.  Being happy and comfortable where you are and having a goal related to your dreams.  I may not be content with my financial circumstances, but am I content with my efforts to change where I am.  Do I wake up each day with an attitude that I can make a difference today?  Maybe it’s a difference in my attitude towards others, or what I’m learning to improve my performance, or how I handle situations that I was not prepared for.  Until you get control of yourself and learn how to generate an atmosphere that encourages growth among those you work with, you’ll continue to get the same results (see definition of insanity). 

Work towards creating peace within your sphere of influence and reap the rewards of contentment.

Cheers!

Drew McLeod, FMP 

As a Co-Founder and the Chief Operating Officer of Kind Intelligence, Inc.  Mr. McLeod is focused on revolutionizing how hospitality industry professionals view their hospitality practices as they converge with emerging technologies.  Deeply passionate about the dining experience, Drew leverages over three decades of experience and industry insight to assist foodservice operators in improving operational efficiencies through innovation, consult, training and development.  Mr. McLeod also oversees the acquisition and development of internal staff to affect the multi-faceted components of the Kind Brand

Joy  noun \ˈjȯi\  the emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune: a source or cause of delight

The second trait, in my series of 9, regarding the evolution of corporate ethos in today’s marketplace is one that many of us have experienced and what most of us yearn for.  The desire to experience true joy comes from within and many of us recognize it’s more about others than it is ourselves.

"As a leader, it’s important to set the tone of the office.  Are you or your boss coming in with an attitude of joy..." 

It is not uncommon for parents to feel joy when watching their children achieve milestones in their cognitive development or when they have the opportunity to experience something that brings a smile upon their faces.  But how does joy play a part or role within the confines of the workplace?  Again, it all begins on the inside.  As a leader, it’s important to set the tone of the office.  Are you or your boss coming in with an attitude of joy on a daily basis?  Or do you get so caught up in the important “stuff” you have to accomplish in order to consider the day productive and successful, that you lose the joy?  

When you can sincerely know that your approach at leading others brings joy to others, you’re winning...  AND not the Charlie Sheen type of "winning",  no, you’re winning because when you can bring joy to others in the workplace, at home or to strangers you might see on the street, something changes.

"I like to look for joy where some don’t believe it exists..."  

We’ve talked about how kindness can change the hearts of people.  It can soften the crustiest of curmudgeons.  I like to look for joy where some don’t believe it exists.  I like to believe that even when things are murky or unclear, when things may just not be going your way at home or at the office, that there is a divine reason that I may not yet comprehend, but have faith that my steadfast compassion will lead to an even greater joy. 

In my efforts to truly understand the meaning of joy, I discovered more than just a few synonyms.  But the one that really opened my eyes was beatitude.  Beatitude defined is ‘a state of utmost bliss’.  Many of you may be familiar with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew Chapter 5.  It aptly describes joy and its true source.. 

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [1] of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

"I guarantee a more productive staff and a more profitable business, if you begin to show joy..."

We must learn to give in order to receive the blessings that come from having a joyful spirit.  Give it to your staff, co-workers, employers, family, friends, etc.  I’d rather be known as someone who comes across, all the time, as a person of joy, exuding the blessings of life and sharing the joy that comes from being able to serve others.  I guarantee a more productive staff and a more profitable business, if you begin to show joy in all you do!

Hoping you had a great Easter!

Be Kind. 

Read Part 1: Love

Drew McLeod, FMP 

As a Founder and the Chief Operating Officer of Kind Intelligence, Inc.  Mr. McLeod is focused on revolutionizing how hospitality industry professionals view their hospitality practices as they converge with emerging technologies.  Deeply passionate about the dining experience, Drew leverages over three decades of experience and industry insight to assist foodservice operators in improving operational efficiencies through innovation, consult, training and development.  Mr. McLeod also oversees the acquisition and development of internal staff to affect the multi-faceted components of the Kind Brand