This week, Troy welcomes Hildee Isaacs, a seasoned expert in promotional products, swag, and branded merchandise. Hildee shares her inspiring journey from her early days in New York’s film industry and her entrepreneurial ventures in Atlanta to becoming a leading consultant in the promotional products space.

Hildee shares her thoughts on the true meaning of hospitality; of how it goes beyond service to include thoughtful branding and product choices that leave lasting impressions. Hildee explains that when selecting branded items, it’s important to remember utility, quality and personalization. These factors enhance your brand’s visibility to create real connections.

Another great idea Hildee discusses is how you can level up on your company’s gifting strategy by offering curated, and memorable gifts through a simple giveaway or using luxurious custom packaging. Before she goes, Hildee points out that working with a partner will help avoid common pitfalls so your promotional efforts stand out.

Topics discussed in the episode:

• The true meaning of hospitality and its correlation with brand experience

• Hildee’s background and journey into promotional products and swag

• The importance of utility, quality, and personalization in branded items

• Strategies for elevating brand gifts with curated, high-end packaging

• Working with experienced partners for maximum impact

Connect with Hildee Isaacs:

http://www.hildee.com

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

https://www.instagram.com/geigergetsit/

https://www.facebook.com/geiger/

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

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_dTykc-_MO6NeqGqJdfH6A

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.

This week, Troy welcomes industry leader Eric Knott to discuss his journey from childhood in upstate New York to becoming a prominent restaurant executive. Eric shares insights on the true essence of hospitality, making people feel welcome, and expands on the implementation of it throughout your business, from the staff to operations. Eric talks about how important culture, leadership, and empowering your staff is to create a resilient and connected team, especially as your company or restaurant grows and scales.

Eric also shares about his recent role at Tiki Taco, a vibrant fast-casual concept he is helping expand through strategic location placements, community engagement, and technological innovation. Important topics such as hiring principles, maintaining brand integrity, and envisioning future growth, including potential franchising and joint ventures are also discussed in more detail. This is a power packed episode you don’t want to miss!

Topics discussed in the episode

• The true meaning of hospitality and its importance in business
• Eric Knott’s background and journey into the restaurant industry
• Building and maintaining company culture as the brand scales
• Strategies for hiring, empowering staff, and reducing turnover
• Tiki Taco’s growth plans, community focus, and future expansion

Connect with Eric Knott:

https://www.tikitaco.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tikitaco/

https://www.facebook.com/tikitaco/

https://twitter.com/tikitaco_

https://open.spotify.com/user/l8dhha2fmgtwi7xe6ugkcbd1s?si=qxwFUBHIT8um13cuiuZoMw

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-knott-96504973/

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

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.

This is a lively episode of The Pineapple Perspective, with Troy welcoming Jimmy Frischling and Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg from Branded Hospitality. While the episode opens with humor and banter, it transitions into meaningful reflections on hospitality, evolving dining habits, and the state of restaurant technology.

Jimmy and Schatzy share their roots in the industry, how Branded Hospitality blends investment, operations, and media, and why personalization and community are at the heart of hospitality today. They emphasize how operators can use technology not as a gimmick but as a tool to elevate the guest experience. The trio point out how Pepper Lunch's hospitality model provides a great example of how blending tech and human interaction can improve business outcomes.

• Definitions of hospitality from different industry perspectives

• The origin and mission of Branded Hospitality

• Evolving consumer dining trends, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha

• Effective integration of restaurant technology (e.g., kiosks, loyalty tools, feedback platforms)

• Industry collaboration, influencer involvement, and events like RLC

Connect with Michael ‘Schatzy’ Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling:

www.thehospitalityhangout.com

www.HospitalityHeadline.com

www.BrandedStrategic.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/branded-ventures/

https://www.instagram.com/brandedstrategichospitality/

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-%E2%80%9Cschatzy%E2%80%9D-schatzberg-9a16ba5/

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.