In this episode of the Instant Payments Podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, continues the conversation with Kep Sweeney, CEO of PDQ Restaurants. They delve into the business environment of the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space, discussing the handling and implications of tips, employee compensation, the free market, and industry trends. Kep and Tal also explore the challenges distressed restaurant brands face, common pitfalls, and the evolving role of AI in enhancing operations and financial forecasting. The discussion wraps up with advice for emerging restaurant leaders on gaining diverse experiences and taking advantage of educational opportunities. To learn more, visit instant.co/podcast.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Discussing Employee Tips in QSR

07:22 Employee Well-being and Management

11:38 Challenges in Distressed Restaurant Brands

14:48 AI in the Restaurant Industry

20:07 Final Advice for Future Leaders

23:05 Conclusion and Farewell

To learn more about PDQ: eatpdq.com

Connect with Kep: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kep-sweeney-a19a3b5/

Connect with Tal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-clark-a60776b/

Ep 05 Part 1 Restaurant Industry Insights with Kep Sweeney, CEO of PDQ and Former Wall Street Analyst

In this episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, interviews Kep Sweeney, the CEO of PDQ Restaurants. Kep shares his extensive background in the restaurant industry, from working in kitchens as an executive chef to transitioning to an analyst role on Wall Street and ultimately leading PDQ restaurants. The discussion covers PDQ's business model, its focus on quality, workforce management, and current challenges in the restaurant industry. Kep also provides insights into the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space and how businesses can navigate market pressures. Tune in for part two, where Tal and Kep will discuss tipping etiquette, restaurant trends, and AI applications in the industry. To learn more, visit instant.co/podcast.

00:00 Welcome to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:39 Introducing Today's Guest: Kep Sweeney

01:40 Kep Sweeney's Journey in the Restaurant Industry

04:00 Transition to Wall Street and Analytics

07:56 Joining PDQ Restaurants

10:15 PDQ's Business Model and Employee Focus

15:07 Current Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

20:51 Conclusion and What's Next

Learn more at www.instant.co/podcast.

Check out www.eatpdq.com.

In this episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, interviews Dr. Martin Armstrong, Vice President of Payroll Shared Services at a Fortune 100 telecommunications company. They discuss Martin's extensive career in payroll, his journey from the Navy to becoming a recognized leader in the industry, and the technological advancements that have transformed payroll practices. They also touch on the benefits of modern payroll solutions like earned wage access and robotic process automation. Martin shares his insights on the future of payroll and offers advice for payroll practitioners looking to advance their careers.

00:00 Welcome to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:43 Introducing Dr. Martin Armstrong

02:13 Martin's Journey into Payroll

03:29 Martin's Military and Business Career

10:15 The Evolution of Payroll

13:47 The Importance of Earned Wage Access

21:51 Future of Payroll Technology

25:49 Advice for Payroll Practitioners

27:41 Closing Remarks and Farewell