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BarNinja Podcast - The Ultimate Bartending & Mixology Podcast - Ryan Walters: Drawing Leadership Lessons from Unlikely Places (Everyone in the industry should listen to this podcast!)

Ryan Walters: Drawing Leadership Lessons from Unlikely Places (Everyone in the industry should listen to this podcast!)

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10/06/23 • 20 min

BarNinja Podcast - The Ultimate Bartending & Mixology Podcast

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Ever wondered how serving in the military and law enforcement might influence one's approach to restaurant ownership? The answer lies in the inspiring journey of Ryan Walters a former police officer turned successful business owner. Ryan, the owner of Drifter's restaurant, reflects on how his previous background honed his leadership skills for the hospitality industry. His unique story takes us from his beginnings as an aspiring bartender to running his own thriving business.
Enliven your leadership style with insights from Ryan on fostering a positive team mentality in a typically high-turnover industry. His recipe for success is seasoned with positive energy, humility, and unfiltered honesty with customers. Explore the transformative power of leading by example, as he shares the invaluable lessons learned from his own mentor, our own Blind Bill!. This episode not only offers fresh perspectives on attaining success in the restaurant industry but also serves up motivation for any budding entrepreneur or those intrigued by journeys of profound personal growth. Tune in and let Ryan’s story inspire, motivate and enlighten your entrepreneurial spirit.

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Ever wondered how serving in the military and law enforcement might influence one's approach to restaurant ownership? The answer lies in the inspiring journey of Ryan Walters a former police officer turned successful business owner. Ryan, the owner of Drifter's restaurant, reflects on how his previous background honed his leadership skills for the hospitality industry. His unique story takes us from his beginnings as an aspiring bartender to running his own thriving business.
Enliven your leadership style with insights from Ryan on fostering a positive team mentality in a typically high-turnover industry. His recipe for success is seasoned with positive energy, humility, and unfiltered honesty with customers. Explore the transformative power of leading by example, as he shares the invaluable lessons learned from his own mentor, our own Blind Bill!. This episode not only offers fresh perspectives on attaining success in the restaurant industry but also serves up motivation for any budding entrepreneur or those intrigued by journeys of profound personal growth. Tune in and let Ryan’s story inspire, motivate and enlighten your entrepreneurial spirit.

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Dive Bars and their Allure: A Journey with Leslie

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Have you ever stepped into a bar that felt like stepping into another era? That's the charm of dive bars! We're all aboard the nostalgia train in this episode of the Bar Ninja Podcast with your favorites - Kayla Louge and Mike Garrison. On our journey, we're joined by Leslie, a dive bar expert who shares her unforgettable experiences from Dinos and Santas, two dive bars in Nashville.
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Ever slept in a truck while your house is earning you Airbnb cash? Ryan has, and let me tell you, it's just one of the wild slices of life we're unpacking as we chat about the deeper side of hospitality with our special guest. This episode isn't just about pouring drinks; it's about pouring your soul into every connection—those five-minute friendships that bloom across the bar and the kind of service that turns a one-off visit into a "welcome back!" Join us, Bill, Kayla and Mike Garrison, as we swap tales that reveal the heart behind the art of connection, from the personal to the professional.
Now, let's get real about happiness—no, not the kind padded by zeros in your bank account. We're sharing the ups, downs, and upside-downs that have taught us how joy comes from inside, not your income. Our guest opens up about transforming negatives into unforgettable positives, making sure every customer leaves with a story to tell. And if you're curious about just what happiness truly means, we're laying it all out on the table. No spoilers, but it involves cold tuna bites, sleeping in trucks, and yes, a whole lot of being blessed. Tune in for an honest, laughter-filled journey through the highs and heart of what makes our lives behind the bar—and beyond—genuinely fulfilling.

BarNinja Podcast - The Ultimate Bartending & Mixology Podcast - Ryan Walters: Drawing Leadership Lessons from Unlikely Places (Everyone in the industry should listen to this podcast!)

Transcript

Bill Thornton

Hey , Barney Gen , Welcome to the Bar Ninja Podcast , where we talk about everything from trials and tribulations , from life behind the bar to tips and tricks to making a better bartender and a better drinker . Join your host , Bill Fortun , Kayla Rood and yours truly , Mike Garrison . Let's go have some fucking fun .

Ryan Walters

And we are

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