"SEE" people.

My heart breaks for our country.   My heart breaks for the city of Dallas.   The officers, their families and the civilians.  My heart breaks for not only the loss of life, but our loss of love for each other.  Why does it feel that we have many individuals who have become so consumed with "upping" each other, it seems that we have forgotten what the term UNITED, WE STAND, actually means.  We have become a nation that is divided.    We need leadership that unites ALL Americans.   

We need to stop looking at race.  We need to stop separating each other as this group or that group.  We need to stop these various campaigns... THEY ARE dividing our country.   

WE should not see color... We should SEE PEOPLE.   Let's understand this... ALL LIVES MATTER.  Whether you are black, white, purple, pink, blue, or polka dotted....every human life matters.  Your color should not matter.  Your status should not matter.  Your age should not matter.  Your ethnicity should not matter.  Stop placing separation with these campaigns.   ALL LIVES MATTER.   I won't pretend to know what it's like to be African American and I do understand the premise of the Black Lives Matter campaign.... But we are all God's children.  Every life should matter.   With that said... I don't think we need to shove these issues under the rug or ignore them.   We need to work together, united.... To find solutions and resolve the issues we face as a country.  We need to improve the relationships between our law enforcement.     I understand that people want to advocate and protest the wrong-doings of a few and they want to take those instances and blow them up for the better good, but.... What we are doing is making the problem bigger, it seems.   There is fear on both sides of the aisle and we are not helping it.   We are becoming more and more divided because we are setting ourselves back 60 years.   The great Martin Luther King worked tirelessly to erase the division.   We need to find a way to build a bridge.  

Police officers have a very tough job.  There's a fine line where the actions of a few are questionable.   I don't condone these actions.   I don't agree with these actions.  But we cannot take these few instances and allow them to divide us as a country.  The media plays a HUGE role in sensationalism and in creating a lot of division and we allow it.  

We all know that not every person should be a police officer or that we need to make sure that these officers are trained to handle situations.  Loss of life should never just occur.   It should never just be the answer.   All other avenues should be exhausted before taking another human life.   Men and women who are in law enforcement take these jobs to protect and serve.  Last night... A pre-meditated act of terrorism meant to destroy police lives was accomplished.  These individuals have hatred in their heart.   These individuals took it upon themselves to become vigilantes because they felt hatred after the recent shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota.  

Friends.... Love is love.  Hatred is hatred.   As a nation.... We are falling because we are divided.  We need to support one another in times of peril, not continue to break each other down further.   We cannot judge a country as a whole based on the acts of a few.  Last night, in Dallas, the police were simply doing their job.   They were there to keep the citizens of their city safe during a peaceful protest. Protesting is a constitutional right.  It should be peaceful, respectful and organized.  The police were there to keep those who were protesting safe.  Do you think those 5 police officers woke up yesterday knowing it would be their last day on this earth?  And the same goes for the 2 shootings earlier this week?  Police have a tough job, but we need them.   We need to find a better way.... To resolve these issues and to build a better world.   We should see people, not color, gender, religion or anything in between.   My heart breaks for all of these families.  My heart breaks for our country.   We live in troubled times and this is not the America that I want my children, grandchildren or future generations to believe is normal.   It's up to each of us..... Take a look inside and ask yourself.... What can I do to make the world a better place?   

As you go about your day today... Look around...SEE people.   We are all different.  We are all creations of God and within our heart, there should be love for our fellow man.  

Disclaimer:  

    I write this blog for therapy -- to share my thoughts, feelings and honestly to get things off of my chest that are bothering me.... So please ... Note... THESE are my thoughts and feelings and not intended for any other purpose.  

Love is Love is Love.

Love is Love is Love.  

What is love?   If you were to ask 100 different people what their definition of the word love is... You'd get 100 different answers... But somewhere in each answer, there would be a connection among all the answers.   

This past week-end, another senseless tragedy and mass shooting where innocent people lost their lives and countless others wounded.   This time... The city was Orlando.  The location, a nightclub called Pulse.      The news outlets have reported that Pulse was having "Latin night" and there were about 320 people in the club when the lone shooter walked in and began his rampage.  He killed 49 people, injured 53 more and then he was fatally shot by police.  Why is this suddenly the norm in society?   Why are there no answers?   Why are we not demanding them?   Through all of the frustration and unanswered questions.... The one thing that has become crystal clear --- LOVE.  

Across the US and internationally, there has been an out-pouring of love and support being shown to the families of those lives that were lost,  those victims that are still in the hospital, the first responders, law enforcement and the entire Orlando community.  

 Residents lined up early on Sunday to donate blood.   Restaurants offered food, drink and rest-rooms.  JetBlue offered free flights to the families.  A fund was set up (OneOrlando) to help the families and numerous pledges and donations have been made.   

Cities around the world.... Lit their landmarks as a show of solidarity, support and love.   This tragedy caused great hurt and pain, but it did not take away the love.   It did not remove it.  

As a country,  It will take a while before we recover.  It will take awhile before we feel safe again, if we ever, truly feel it -- but through all of the emotions... One thing will remain.  

Love is love is love.  

Toastin' Teddy

Every now and then, someone comes along and makes a difference.  They give love, laughter and lessons in life without you even realizing it.  Teddy was a giver.  He loved life.  He gave to others as easily as we blink our eyes.  He was full of love and laughter.   Over the years, Teddy and I became really great friends... he was supposed to be a work colleague, but somewhere along the way we actually became friends and he became part of my family.  

In the hospitality industry, we all travel a lot.   The wonderful thing is when you travel a lot and are around the same people a lot, you get to know them.  You become friends and they become part of your life.  When I decided to leave my former company so many years ago, Teddy was one of the first people to call me and say, whatever you need... I'll be there.  He was true to his word.  I started my own company and from the first day.... he was supportive, full of ideas and never looked back.  

When I decided to launch my own conference, Teddy jumped in with both feet and asked, "What can I do?  What do you need?".  He was there from the beginning and never missed a beat.  He was the Chairman of my Advisory Board and he was involved and invested in every project that we worked on together.  Teddy was a light that shined brightly.   A beacon of light that touched so many different people.   

My heart has a huge hole in it.   I talked to Teddy a lot.   We talked work, we talked family, we talked sports, we talked wine, we talked ideas.... Basically, we talked about anything.  One of his favorite topics was his beautiful daughter, Ella.   He loved her so much.   He was so proud and it was so obvious how much he adored her.  I felt so honored that Teddy shared his family stories with me. Most of us in the industry, are somewhat private when it comes to our personal lives.   We keep that close to heart, so you know that you are really good friends, when you are comfortable enough and close enough friends to share your family.   Teddy would start telling a story that involved Ella or his wife, Gabriella and just light up.  It was a special bond he had with his family and it always touched me to see such a different side of him from the one the industry knew.  Teddy loved his family.  He loved his friends.  He loved life.  He lived it.  He's one of those people who lived it every day... and based on all of the posts, tributes and toasts I have seen over the past several days.... he has every friend that he ever made... still on his side.  

Teddy was a kind, generous soul who gave willingly and smiled and laughed.  Teddy stressed but he was one of those that as he stressed he talked to himself and if you were stressed, he talked to you.   I am so lucky to have known him.  I am so lucky that we became such great friends and that he was such a huge part of my circle.   

We will honor his legacy and we will forever hold the memories in our hearts.   The number 11 will constantly remind us that he felt a strong connection to that number and now, we all cling to it as well.  

Teddy, thank you for being my friend.  Thank you for sharing your laughs and love with the entire industry.   Thank you for having a heart of gold and so big that it enveloped anyone that ever crossed your path.   Thank you for your support and for always being there to listen.   I will miss our state of the industry calls ... Where we solved the world's problems...and came up with crazy ideas that we knew somehow would always work.  Thank you for the Buttercup song which will forever be one of my fondest memories.  I will always raise my glass to toast you... And I will never replace the Chairman's seat.   Toastin' Teddy -- Today, Tomorrow and Always.  We love you, my friend.   You will forever be in our hearts and you will truly be missed.   #toastinteddy #chairmanoftheboard #hee #pineapplegroup #teddymac #teddymcaleer 

Lessons from Cinderella

Have Courage and Be Kind.  Strong message, right?  

Walt Disney has created yet another hit with their "grown-up" version of Cinderella.  The beloved animated classic has come to life on the big screen at theatres nationwide with a powerful message.  Yes... I went to see the movie and not a child in tow.  In fact, 4 grown women... and we loved every moment.  I almost wondered if Disney were not reaching out to our teens and young adults with this version.... in a way that maybe... just maybe... they might get it.  The beloved classic stayed true to the Brother Grimm story... but in the adult version... what shines the most is the spirit of kindness within the heart of Cinderella.   Her ailing mother ... beckons her... to "have courage and be kind" and that message is repeated through-out the movie even though Cinderella is put through many tests... by her wicked stepmother.  

True to the classic, Cinderella's heart wins in the end and she stays true to herself with one lasting shot at her stepmother.  "I forgive you".  What a refreshing change for the movies... and uplifting message for our children and teens, as well as ourselves. 

As I sat watching the movie... I could only hope that somehow... parents everywhere were taking note. Disney once again proved that they have the magic.  

Watch, Listen and Learn

Sales and Marketing..... are like bread and butter, peanut butter and jelly, eggs and bacon, salt and pepper.  Sometimes you can allow them to stand alone... but together they make a pretty awesome team.    

Why, this topic?  Well... lately, I have been wondering how the millennial perspective on sales and marketing differs from the baby boomers.  I've been thinking a lot about what motivates the new generation and how they will find success with new methods, new processes and new ways of thinking.  I believe this whole "common core" introduction into our elementary, middle and high schools has me really upset which led to this insight of why do we need to change something if it's not broken.  

I've thought about history and all those successful people who never had common core in their schools... why, some didn't even go to school.   I am not an advocate for NOT getting an education.  I am just questioning WHY the need to change something that has educated millions of people.  Recently,  I have really become vested in monitoring the millenial engagement specifically as it applies to the hospitality industry.   I am intrigued.  They are very loyal to brands, but they are not afraid to try something new especially if the name attracts them... or the picture.  They are a posting, tweeting, instagramming, snapchatting and whatever else conversationalist.  Everything they do seems to go somewhere on social media.  These shared experiences have elevated the opportunites for how businesses apply sales and marketing techniques.  

I often think of it as "Clash of the Titans".  Old School vs. New School until recently when I was out dining at one of my favorite chain restaurants and had the opportunity to watch the x and y generations  and maybe some before that.... come together in a way that I had not really noticed before.  Mastros has mastered the social connectivity between all ages not only with food, beverages but specifically with their live music in the lounge area.  (They also have a separate dining area for those that want to be a little further away from the music).  This chain... has me mesmerized.   I have been to numerous locations in various cities and they all have the same energy and buzz, but in NYC, I saw how the boomers, the millenials and everybody else can come together and probably not even realizing it.  

I always request the lounge... just for the entertainment value.  By that, I do mean, the people-watching and the engagement of people.  Just eating, drinking and being social.   The location in NY is right off of 52nd and Avenue of the Americas and just full of energy.  The musical act was a trio who were very talented.  They played songs from days of yesteryear to Adele to Sia.   The amazing thing is that they were songs that connected to the guests.  People were finishing dinner and gravitating toward the band area... where both boomers and millenals shared the common thread.  Music.  

As I sat and watched the scene unfold... it made me realize that maybe we aren't so different from the Y generation.   Maybe... we just need to connect in the right way.   As I thought about this... I thought about the many times I had sat with my parents... and listened to "their" music and found that I really like it.  To this day... when my mom's favorite song comes on... "Charlie Brown" by the Coasters... I smile.  I've grown to love that song. 

Each day we learn from our experiences and we grow from them.   Every day our normal routine provides us the tools to learn and share.  So... every time I spend an evening at Mastros... listening to great music, imbibing on my favorite wine and savoring delicious food... I'll mark that down as I'm not only enjoying myself... but I'm learning.   Mastros has applied a unique sales and marketing strategy that aligns with every age demographic and its working.   

Btw, if you have not been to a Mastros yet... YOU have to go .. and please do yourself a favor and order the Butter Cake.   Absolutely the BEST dessert I have ever eaten in 50 years.  You will thank me!  

So... cheers and remember... our children and their children...they aren't so different...we just need to watch, listen and learn.  

    On my recent trip to Mastros... I enjoyed my favoirte all time wine - JARVIS.  

The infamous BUTTER cake.. they also bring a side of whipped cream to go on top.  

Inspiration - The Gift that Keeps on Giving.

Inspiration is one of those things that is either hit or miss, right?  I mean... one minute you're sitting there thumping your head against the wall and the next.... you're bouncing to the rafters with so many ideas ... you think your head will explode.  

I've found that for myself.... inspiration hits in several different ways.   First... in the middle of the night... when I just think that I want to be asleep... or I'm pretending to be asleep.... it slips in... and BAM!  There it is... I open my eyes wondering if I ever went to sleep.  This has happened a great deal... so now... my solution... I have a pad and a pen right beside my bed... and when inspiration strikes... I just go with it.  I turn on the light... write it all down... think it through... as best I can at 2 and 3 in the morning and then ... go back to sleep... much sounder.  

Secondly... in the middle of conversations.   For some reason... it seems contagious to have a conversation with someone and they are excited about a project, an idea, a new restaurant or whatever it may be... and then all of a sudden.... you're drawn in.  You're just as excited and somehow this creates an internal energy that has a mind all of it's own.  

Lastly... inspiration... hits when I least expect it.  Driving down the road... sitting quietly by the fire... enjoying a quiet dinner.... the thoughts come at rapid fire.  It's times like these that I am grateful... because the creative process is one that you just don't question.   Whether you are planning an event, a promotion... working on a new menu, creating a new cocktail... planning a sales or marketing strategy... inspiration is all the same.  You just take it... and go with it.  

As I sit here writing this blog... I just realized... I had 2 new ideas for something... that came to me... just like that.  Whatever your situation.. and however you are inspired.... take it and run with it.   Be grateful for it... and use it to fuel your passion.   For me... inspiration is something that is like a gift that keeps giving and giving and giving.  I hope I never unwrap it completely!  

Be a Badass Everyday!

Every time I see these words... I smile.  As I look back over the last 7 years... I realize how far I've come.   There have been ups and downs... times when I wasn't sure I was going to make it.  Then... somehow... the tide turned.   The last 7 years have been pure joy... even with the stress of starting my own business... mapping the way... it has been one journey that I am glad to be on.  

Be Strong.  There are always times when it's easy to give up and give in.  Times when you think throwing in the towel is the easiet thing to do.  Who said life was easy?  It's not... and it's during these times... that those words need to be said over and over.  For me..... when I am weak.... being strong seems like asking an alien to come down and beam me up... scotty... but somehow... when you say them out loud... your confidence soars.   You realize that mentally you want to be strong..... and by telling yourself over and over.... you begin to believe.  

Be Brave.   It's a big world out there... and when you are feeling like the goldfish in a huge ocean with bigger fish... then yes, it's scary.   You want to crawl in a hole... and just hibernate.  Like bears in the winter...just find a cave...and sleep away the big bad wolf.  Right?  WRONG.   Being scared is part of life.  Being able to overcome the fear is what makes you a better person.  

Be Humble.  When we succeed... we need to do it graciously because you never know when you are going to be down again.   Failure helps us to grow and become more focused and determined.  Being humble is our way of reminding us of where we have been and how far we have come.  

Be Badass Everday... this I love the most.  Wake up every day thinking.... I will rule this day... no matter what comes along.  I will be the best version of me possible.  

Somehow... when you put things into perspective... at the end of the day... smile, keep a good attitude and go for it.