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FoundersFebruary 6, 2018

#20 Danny Meyer (The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business)

About This Episode
What I learned from reading Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny Meyer. This is not a typical business book (0:30) Why don't you just do what you've been thinking about doing your whole life? (4:00) How Danny learned from other founders on what to do and what to avoid (8:00) The smartest business decision I ever made (18:00) Optionality as a non-negotiable (20:00) Inadequate focus on core product (23:30) The founding of Shake Shack is an example of this great quote from Jeff Bezos: "We know from our past experiences that big things start small. The biggest oak starts from an acorn. If you want to do anything new you’ve got to be willing to let that acorn grow into a little sapling and finally into a small tree and maybe one day it will be a big business on its own." (27:00) Advice from Stanley Marcus (Neiman Marcus): "The road to success is paved with mistakes well handled." (38:00) ---- Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ---- “I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
Book Mentions
4 book mentions in this episode.
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Tip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
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Books Mentioned

Setting the Table, the Transforming Power of Hospitality and Business cover

The speaker discusses the book 'Setting the Table' by Danny Meyer, which explores lessons learned from building restaurants and their applicability to any kind of business.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
Trigger: Danny Meyer and entrepreneurship
For: Entrepreneurs and business leaders
Key quote: In the end, what's most meaningful is creating positive, uplifting outcomes, for human experiences and human relationships.
The host mentions 'Setting the Table' to highlight the valuable lessons Danny Meyer shares about hospitality and business. The book is presented as a transformative read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of human experiences in business.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Setting the Table cover

The speaker reflects on the lessons learned from Danny Meyer's book, particularly regarding business growth and the importance of surrounding oneself with competent colleagues.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
Trigger: Danny Meyer and entrepreneurship
For: Entrepreneurs and business leaders
Key quote: In the end, what's most meaningful is creating positive, uplifting outcomes, for human experiences and human relationships.
The host mentions 'Setting the Table' to highlight the impactful lessons Danny Meyer shares about hospitality and business. The book is presented as a valuable resource for understanding the emotional aspects of running a business, which the host believes is essential for success.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Union Square Cafe cookbook cover

In September 1994, I traveled to Dallas, Texas to begin a tour promoting the Union Square Cafe cookbook.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: business mistakes and success
For: Entrepreneurs and business leaders
Key quote: The road to success is paved with mistakes well handled.
The host mentions the 'Union Square Cafe cookbook' while reflecting on a pivotal conversation with Stanley Marcus about handling mistakes in business. This discussion highlights the importance of learning from errors rather than striving for unattainable perfection.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Neiman Marcus cover

It turned out that he was interested in meeting me too. Although he had dined at Union Square Cafe through the years, we had never had a chance to connect one on one.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
Trigger: founder of Neiman Marcus
For: Individuals interested in retail history and marketing strategies.
Key quote: I had a chance to sit next to Stanley Marcus, the department store mogul whose family had founded the luxury department store Neiman Marcus in Dallas in 1907.
The host mentions the founder of Neiman Marcus in the context of sharing a personal anecdote about meeting him. This reference serves to highlight the impact of Stanley Marcus as a legendary figure in retail and marketing.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.