In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with consultant, coach, and mentor Richard Liverman. Broadcasting from the UK, Richard shares his perspectives on hospitality, branding, and the power of storytelling in business. Drawing from a diverse background from horticulture to luxury brands he illustrates how service and connection can define success across industries.

The conversation centers around Richard’s core mantra, “Don’t be boring,” which he uses as a lens to challenge clients’ thinking, brand execution, and communication. He introduces listeners to the concept of “scaffolding” for personal and professional growth, highlighting systems and support that help leaders and entrepreneurs perform at their best.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Defining hospitality through meaningful connection and consistency

• The role of storytelling in branding and customer engagement

• “Don’t be boring” as a mindset for challenging assumptions and innovating

• Personal and business “scaffolding” for sustainable growth

• Staying fresh and relevant through clarity of brand DNA

Connect with Richard Liverman:

https://richersolutions.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-liverman/ https://www.instagram.com/richer_solutions_global/

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this milestone 50th episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper sits down with longtime friend and returning guest Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, for the podcast's first-ever on-location recording at Pepper Lunch in Las Vegas. They reflect on the journey of launching and sustaining a media-driven business strategy in the hospitality industry, discussing how consistent storytelling builds brand authority, trust, and growth over time.

Troy credits Shawn as the original inspiration behind starting the show, and they dive into topics such as overcoming fear of publishing content, building a personal brand through video and audio, and the power of showing up consistently. Throughout the episode, they offer practical encouragement for entrepreneurs to share their stories publicly, embrace imperfect content, and use digital media as a long-term investment in visibility and influence.

• The value of consistency and speed in content creation

• Storytelling as a strategy to build trust and brand awareness

• How media transformed Troy Hooper’s leadership and business reach

• Overcoming fear and self-doubt in publishing content

• Creating a content habit to drive long-term visibility and growth

Connect with Shawn Walchef:

www.betheshow.media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef

https://www.instagram.com/shawnpwalchef/

https://www.instagram.com/calibbq/

https://www.instagram.com/calibbqmedia/

https://www.tiktok.com/@calibbq

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyKV0F1uggLgiPbBsnPSeUA

https://twitter.com/CaliBBQMedia

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Tammy Billings, a seasoned marketing and technology advisor in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Tammy shares her journey from starting in hospitality at In-N-Out Burger to becoming a sought-after voice in MarTech and decision intelligence. She explains the evolution from traditional marketing roles into tech consulting, emphasizing how hospitality principles like listening and anticipating needs still apply in a data-driven world.

They also discuss SaaS fatigue, the complexity of vendor ecosystems, the role of POS systems in data access, and how SignalFlare.ai is using AI and external data to deliver more accurate pricing and marketing insights. Tammy’s blend of service-oriented mindset and technical knowledge offers valuable perspectives for operators navigating rapid tech shifts.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Tammy’s transition from marketing roles to technology advisory

• Challenges of SaaS pricing models and vendor consolidation

• SignalFlare’s data modeling and pricing tools for restaurants

• Importance of data access and ownership in POS systems

• Using composed external data for targeted marketing and site selection
  
  

Connect with Tammy Billings:

http://signalflare.ai

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammykbillings/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/signalflareai/

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In Episode 048 of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Erin Levzow, a seasoned marketing and technology leader with more than two decades of experience in hospitality, restaurants, and consulting. Erin shares her insights on what hospitality truly means—emphasizing emotional connection over transactional service—and why every business, regardless of industry, should consider itself part of the hospitality sector.

The conversation explores current trends in marketing tech, including the tendency for brands to misdiagnose their marketing issues, the over-accumulation of disconnected tech tools, and the importance of consolidating tech stacks for efficiency and ROI.

Erin also breaks down her approach to fractional consulting, helping businesses uncover the real problems behind their perceived challenges and align their technology and brand strategy to drive revenue. The episode closes with her personal reflections on redefining career priorities and integrating work-life balance through her consulting practice.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The meaning and business value of authentic hospitality

• Common misconceptions in diagnosing marketing problems

• Evaluating and consolidating the tech stack

• Understanding data usage versus data accumulation

• Erin's consulting philosophy and work with fractional clients

Connect with Erin Levzow:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlevzow/

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Rev Ciancio, a hospitality marketing expert and dynamic personality in the restaurant industry. Known for his extensive social media presence, food crawl leadership, and straight-talking marketing advice, Rev shares insights into hospitality, influencer marketing, and creating meaningful guest experiences. He reflects on the early roots of his hospitality mindset, the role of convenience and experience in consumer decisions, and how independent restaurants can leverage influencer marketing for long-term results.

The conversation also covers tactical marketing strategies, the value of nano and micro-influencers, and the importance of aligning content with business goals. Throughout, Rev keeps it real with stories, humor, and actionable advice restaurant operators can use right now.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The role of convenience and experience in defining hospitality

• How Rev Ciancio uses influencer marketing as an “always on” strategy

• Why nano and micro-influencers are critical for local restaurant growth

• The importance of aligning influencer content with business initiatives

• Examples of real-life hospitality from chains and independents alike

Connect with Rev Ciancio:

https://www.instagram.com/revciancio/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/revciancio/

www.restaurantsgrow.tv

https://www.tiktok.com/@revciancio

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with hospitality coach, author, and industry leader Jason E. Brooks. The conversation explores what true hospitality means beyond service scripts and steps, diving into Jason's personal journey from overcoming a speech impediment to becoming a keynote speaker and trusted consultant. Jason breaks down the differences between managing, leading, and coaching, and offers thoughtful insights on building authentic culture in restaurants. He also teases the release of his upcoming book, Every Team Needs Coaching, aimed at equipping managers with the support they often lack.

Key Topics Discussed in the episode:

• True hospitality stems from genuine care and the ability to respond empathetically, not just following scripts.
  
  

• Many businesses confuse employee perks for culture. Real culture is visible and consistent, even when it’s not stated.
  
  

• Each is essential—managing organizes, leading inspires, and coaching develops individuals.
  
  

• Jason shares how a childhood stutter and Toastmasters shaped his ability to communicate effectively in high-stakes environments.
  
  

• Brooks advocates for ongoing coaching for managers, likening it to how we support youth sports teams—with dedicated coaching to grow their abilities.

Connect with Jason E Brooks:

www.jasonebrooks.com

linkedin.com/in/jasonebrooks

https://x.com/2leadnsucceed

FSR Magazine Articles: https://www.fsrmagazine.com/feature/introducing-the-coaching-connection-a-column-from-hospitality-expert-jason-e-brooks/

Calendly: https://calendly.com/jason-e-brooks/ask-me-anything

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this insightful episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with hospitality veteran and author Steve Fortunato to explore the deeper meaning behind true hospitality. Steve shares a compelling personal journey that led to a major mindset shift in his 34-year career in the food and beverage industry.

From launching boutique catering brand Room Forty to opening event venues like The Fig House and writing The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality, Steve unpacks how hospitality should transcend the restaurant world and apply to all human relationships and industries. The conversation dives into themes of intentionality, service over self-promotion, and the universal need to feel valued. Steve discusses how reframing hospitality as a virtue rather than just an industry practice can spark more genuine relationships and sustainable business growth.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

The true definition of hospitality as the intention to make others feel valued

Steve Fortunato’s personal and professional awakening after 29 years in the industry

The difference between virtuous and vicious cycles in business relationships

Why hospitality should be a foundational mindset across all industries, not just food and beverage

Key concepts and frameworks from Steve's book The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality

Connect with Steve Fortunato & Room Forty:

https://www.instagram.com/steve_fortunato

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-fortunato-3b990516/

https://www.amazon.com/Urgent-Recovery-Hospitality-Rediscovering-Generosity/dp/1962341526

https://www.linkedin.com/company/roomfortycatering/

https://www.roomforty.com/

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this inspiring episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with serial entrepreneur and churro connoisseur Scott Porter, founder of San Diablo Artisan Churros. With an eclectic background spanning PR, healthcare, aviation, and gourmet desserts, Scott shares his unwavering belief in the power of hospitality as a strategic advantage in any industry.

He details how his formative experiences in Mexican culture shaped his philosophy of treating every guest like a divine being and how those values now drive his mission to “fill lives with happiness—one churro at a time.” From turning around distressed nursing homes with radical hospitality to launching a gourmet churro empire, Scott reveals his proven framework for building human-centered brands that foster meaningful interaction over mere transactions.

Listeners will walk away with actionable insights into creating unforgettable customer experiences, the importance of consistent values in company culture, and how hospitality can transform businesses—from senior care to street food. Plus, get a taste of his Taco Tour Mastermind in Mexico City, where leaders learn first-hand what true hospitality looks like at every level.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Scott Porter’s journey from healthcare and aviation to launching a gourmet churro brand

• How Mexican culture and mission work inspired his hospitality mindset

• Building internal culture through values like “interaction over transaction”

• Using hospitality as a tool to differentiate and grow any type of business

• The evolution of San Diablo Artisan Churros—from live events to frozen grocery products

Connect with Scott Porter:

www.sandiablochurros.com

www.forevervitamint.com

https://www.instagram.com/sandiablochurros/

https://www.instagram.com/forevervitamint/

https://www.instagram.com/searchfortheperfecttaco/

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.