To start a BBQ restaurant, do you need a passion for food or a passion for opportunity? Restaurateur Thomas Ward has both. He grew up immersed in the food industry and honed his skill for entrepreneurship with his flagship bbq joint called Pig Floyd’s Urban BBQ. In this episode we explore how he cultivated his passion for building businesses and assessing risks – both in business and on the menu. We’ll also dig into how Thomas motivates his employees to stay and actually be excited for new restaurant openings – a rarity in today’s restaurant scene.   Some highlights of what we cover: How entrepreneurial grit can lay the groundwork for success How Thomas navigated the mindset shift from owner to leader The importance of creating brand equity from the start Why vulnerability and customer connection are critical for building a brand purpose rooted in truth   About Thomas Ward: After enjoying success in a food truck endeavor, Thomas Ward (aka “Pig Poppa”) opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Pig Floyd’s Urban BBQ in 2014 in Florida’s Mills 50 district.    Thomas is working on expanding Pig Floyd’s and transcending the usual restaurant experience. He is also the host of ‘Beyond the Smoke,’ a podcast focusing on the stories and insights of building a business.   Learn more about Pig Floyd’s Urban BBQ here: https://www.pigfloyds.com/   Listen to ‘Beyond the Smoke’ here: https://www.pigfloyds.com/podcast   If you’re a brand who needs tangible ways to put purpose into practice throughout your marketing, this is what the host specializes in. Contact Jacqueline Lieberman at her marketing consultancy www.brandcrudo.com or [email protected].   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.