Jess Taylor on Shucking Success: Building a Seafood Destination from Scratch

In this special milestone episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Patrick Dooley, bartender-turned-writer and creator of Boulevardier. Together they explore how one builds a narrative in hospitality, crafts a personal brand, and translates lived bar experience into meaningful storytelling and influence. What You’ll Learn Patrick’s journey behind Boulevardier—why he writes and how the bar perspective shapes his voice The balance between bar work, writing, and maintaining relevance in cocktail journalism How to build content that resonates: finding your niche, staying candid, and evolving with your audience Strategies for monetizing creative work without sacrificing authenticity Live Q&A: managing criticism, staying inspired, and scaling your influence across the industry Timestamp Highlights (Approximate) 00:02:30 – Patrick’s origin: how and why he started Boulevardier 00:14:15 – Crossover craft: blending bar life and writing voice 00:28:00 – Navigating content strategy, growth, and maintaining integrity 00:42:20 – Audience questions: growth pains, brand deals, and staying fresh 00:57:00+ – Looking ahead: new projects, collaborations & what’s next 🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, content creators, hospitality professionals, and anyone interested in how to turn passion into platform—this is for those who want to build something that lasts beyond the bar shift. ✅ If You Loved This Episode Like this video Subscribe and hit the 🔔 to get future episodes Drop your favorite Patrick insight or question in the comments Share this episode with your team, collaborators, or friends in the industry

Join Shawn Soole in a dynamic conversation with Geoffrey Toffetti, a hospitality insider turned CEO who’s reshaping how frontline teams drive guest experience and revenue. From his early days as a hotel valet to leading FPG’s SaaS revolution with IN‑Gauge, Geoffrey shares the behind‑the‑scenes strategies that empower hotels to sell more, serve better, and scale smarter.What You’ll Learn• Geoffrey’s journey from valet to C‑suite—building empathy and strategy from the ground up • FPG’s pivot from consulting to a scalable SaaS model, designing IN‑Gauge to empower staff at the point of sale • The value of incremental revenue via front desk and F&B upselling—high-margin, high-impact, low‑overhead • How FPG onboard and train large teams virtually, from launch cadence to ongoing client success frameworks • Looking ahead: integrating AI not to replace, but to amplify frontline creativity, backed by decades of performance data Timestamp Highlights (Estimated)• 00:02:30 – Starting as a valet and rising into leadership—Geoffrey’s hospitality origin story• 00:14:00 – Building IN-Gauge: FPG’s shift to digital training and performance insights• 00:28:00 – Revenue without renovation: how hotels unlock millions with existing resources• 00:42:00 – Rolling out FPG’s onboarding and client success strategy—scalable, virtual, consistent• 00:58:00+ – Leveraging AI to support—not replace—human connection at the frontline🎯 Who It’s ForHotel leaders, beverage and customer experience managers, training directors, and hospitality operators eager to turn frontline moments into powerful revenue engines—all while empowering staff and keeping the guest at the heart.✅ If You Loved This Episode Hit Like Subscribe and ring the 🔔 to stay connected with the latest in hospitality innovation Share your biggest takeaway—or your dream upsell strategy—in the comments Spread the knowledge: share this episode with your team or industry community

NEW EPISODE drops Friday 9am PST In this trailer, I sit down with frontline efficiency expert Geoffrey Toffetti to explore how creating a nurturing workplace culture can drive stronger performance and ultimately boost revenue per employee.

In this episode, Shawn Soole chats with Charlotte Voisey, newly appointed Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. For nearly two decades before this role, Charlotte shaped the industry as the global head of ambassadors at William Grant & Sons. Now, she’s steering the future of the global cocktail community-here’s how.What You’ll Learn• Charlotte’s journey: from bartender across London, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and New York to industry leader and educator • How she helped craft the legendary experiences at Tales of the Cocktail-and the hands-on parties, seminars, and cultural moments that made the event iconic • What’s next for Tales in 2025 under her leadership: the theme “Evolve,” expanded seminar tracks from education to wellness and business, and a renewed focus on preparation for the industry’s future • Balancing the legacy of the global gathering with innovation, inclusivity, and the energy of newcomers-Tales continues evolving while honoring its roots • What attendees-both returning and first-timers-can expect, and how Charlotte is helping tailor the experience for diverse generations and needs Timestamp Highlights (Estimated)00:02:30 – Charlotte’s global journey from bartender to global brand ambassador to festival leader00:15:00 – Tales’ party legacy and the storytelling that made it legendary00:30:00 – Shifting from ambassador to Executive Director-what this role means for the industry00:42:00 – "Evolve" in 2025: new seminar tracks, future-forward programming, and inclusion strategies00:58:00+ – How Charlotte is bridging generations and shaping a forward-looking Tales experience🎯 Who It’s ForBar leaders, event organizers, educators, and anyone invested in the culture, community, and evolution of hospitality-this episode shows how leadership and vision drive progress.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 to stay tuned for more conversations from hospitality’s changemakers• Share your favorite Charlotte insight-or a memory from Tales-in the comments• Share with your team, industry peers, or anyone passionate about where the cocktail community is headed

NEW EPISODE - Friday 9am PSTIn this episode, Shawn Soole chats with Charlotte Voisey, newly appointed Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. For nearly two decades before this role, Charlotte shaped the industry as the global head of ambassadors at William Grant & Sons. Now, she’s steering the future of the global cocktail community.

In this special episode, Shawn Soole sits down with the iconic Dale DeGroff , widely known as The King of Cocktails , for a legendary conversation on how he shaped modern cocktail culture and continues to inspire the next generation of bar leaders.What You’ll Learn• Dale’s origins—and how his journey transformed the craft of bartending into an art.• His pioneering work in building storied venues that blurred the lines between bar and experience.• The philosophy behind reviving forgotten cocktail traditions while embracing innovation.• How he mentored and influenced a generation of bar professionals—raising the ceiling for the entire industry.• Live Q&A: insights on staying creative, navigating change, and ensuring legacy lives on.Timestamp Highlights 00:02:30 – Dale’s cocktail calling: early inspirations and the ‘why’ behind the craft. 00:14:00 – Defining modern mixology: reinvention of service, spirit, and storytelling. 00:28:00 – Venue-building with intention: creating cocktail destination experiences. 00:42:00 – Live Q\&A: mentorship, creativity beyond the bar, and staying true to your vision. 00:58:00+ – What’s next: lessons for today’s bar leaders and the future of cocktail culture.Who It’s ForBartenders, hospitality leaders, cocktail aficionados, and anyone eager to understand how one person’s vision transformed a global culture—and what that means for the future of the bar industry.If You Loved This Episode Give it a Like Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for ongoing live conversations with hospitality’s bestLeave your favorite Dale DeGroff quote or question in the comments—keep the legacy going!Share with your bar team or industry peers to inspire the next wave of craftsmanship

NEW EPISODE drops 9am PST In this trailer, I had the amazing privilege to chat to King Cocktail himself, Dale DeGroff. We chatted about the early days of cocktail culture and his rise to fame. MUST LISTEN

In this episode, Shawn Soole chats with Vancouver Island’s shellfish expert and restaurateur Jess Taylor, founder of the acclaimed Wandering Mollusk and now the driving force behind Shuck Taylor’s. Jess takes us on a journey from catering to community hubs—covering everything from live shucks and local sourcing to building a brand that celebrates creativity, locality, and approachable hospitality.What You'll Learn* Jess’s early start-up in shellfish catering and the birth of Wandering Mollusk* The origins and ethos behind Shuck Taylor’s: fresh bivalves, big flavour, and a welcoming vibe* Why local sourcing and Pacific Northwest terroir matter in every bite—and slurp* Building community: craft events, casual menus, and the art of hospitality retail* Live Q&A: menu development, scaling for service, and staying true to regional rootsTimestamp Highlights* 00:02:45 – From catering entrepreneur to local seafood icon: Jess’s beginning* 00:12:30 – Launching Shuck Taylor’s: concept, community, and identity* 00:24:15 – Sourcing regionally and cultivating quality from sea to shell* 00:35:40 – Live Q\&A: operations tips, event planning, and team culture* 00:48:00 – What’s next for Shuck Taylor’s: growth, new menus, and creative directionWho It’s ForRestaurateurs, chefs, hospitality operators, and anyone passionate about building local food experiences—from pop-up roots to brick-and-mortar success.If You Loved This Episode* Hit Like * Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for weekly industry-style conversations* Tell us your favourite shellfish moment—or ask Jess a question—in the comments* Share this episode with your culinary or local business community

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PSTIn this trailer, I get to chat to Jess Taylor of Shuck Taylor's and how he has built not just the brick and mortar of the space but the culture with his team, all while elevating the seafood scene in BC.

In this episode, Shawn Soole welcomes Kimberly Flear , founder of Last Call Coaching , for a heartfelt and transformative conversation. Kimberly shares her journey from burnout and addiction within the hospitality industry to becoming a leading advocate for well-being, psychological safety, and sustainable leadership in the places we serve.What You’ll Learn* Kimberly’s personal story: going from service to self-care and recovery* Building recovery-ready workplaces that prioritize mental health and psychological safety * Leadership that centers empathy, employee engagement, and staff retention * Practical strategies for reducing turnover, absenteeism, and promoting a sustainable team culture * Live Q&A: advice on launching wellness initiatives, empowering teams, and bringing recovery awareness into hospitalityTimestamp Highlights* 00:02:30 – Kimberly shares her early hospitality roots and turning point into recovery* 00:12:00 – Launching Last Call Coaching and what motivated the mission* 00:25:30 – Core principles of building recovery-ready workplaces—well-being meets business* 00:38:00 – Live Q\&A: managing stigma, bringing training into teams, and speaking truth to leaders* 00:52:00 – Kimberly’s vision forward: tools, workshops, and culture change in actionWho It’s ForThis episode is essential for hospitality owners, managers, HR leaders, and anyone passionate about creating cultures that support both team well-being and operational excellence.If You Loved This Episode* Hit Like * Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for weekly industry-style conversations