Live from IMEX America in Las Vegas, Bart sits down with Kevin Brown — Senior Manager of Go-to-Market and Editorial Strategies at Alliants. From an unexpected encounter with a hotel CEO to building a career on creativity, Kevin shares how gut checks, human connection, and breaking norms have shaped his professional journey and his philosophy on hospitality.

Major Takeaways /Learnings

• Gut Checks Lead to Growth: Kevin’s career pivots from music industry to hospitality were guided bylistening to instinct and embracing change, not rigid plans.
• Creativity Is a Muscle: His early years experimenting with acting, painting, writing, and failingforward built resilience and problem-solving skills.
• No One Succeeds in Isolation: Great ideas emerge through collaboration and challenging conventional thinking.
• Redefining Roles: At Alliants, Kevin’s hybrid position was created around his strengths and passions a model for modern organizations.
• Connection Through Better Questions: Asking meaningful questions like “What makes you come alive?” creates deeper, faster rapport.
• Technology as an Enabler: Alliants builds tools that reduce admin tasks and increase time for real guestconnection blending context with hospitality.
• Trust as ROI: Hospitality success is built on human trust more than on loyalty points or amenities.
• Happiness as a Metric: Kevin champions measuring “Happiness Per Employee” as a driver of service excellence.
• Competitive Socialization: Shared experiences (like F1 racing simulators) can teach workplace lessons oncollaboration, patience, and communication.

Memorable Quotes

• “Failure’s only a failure if you don’t learn anything fromit.” — Kevin Brown
• “It’s not about your idea. It’s about the best idea — andthat comes from collaboration.”
• “Most people don’t put people first… but they should.”
• “Technology should give time back to humans, not take itaway.”
• “Ask better questions, and you’ll build betterconnections.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

• For Leaders: Create roles around people’s passions, not just job descriptions.
• For Teams: Lead conversations with curiosity and connection not titles or logos.
• For Hospitality Pros: Use tech to build context, not walls. Every second saved on admin is a secondgained for real service.
• For Event & Sales Teams: Break formalities, ask meaningful questions, and connect on a human level.
• For Organizations: Measure and prioritize employee happiness to elevate guest experience.
• For Culture Builders: Gamified experiences (like F1 Arcade) can double as learning labs for communication and teamwork.

Resources and Links:

Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

This inspiring conversation with Denise dives into her extraordinary 40+ year career in the travel industry, her rebirth into health and wellness, and her daily commitment to walking 10 miles—over 1,172 consecutive days. From surviving trauma to creating three thriving businesses, Denise shares her journey of resilience, self-belief, and intentional living. Her story beautifully weaves together entrepreneurship, personal health, and a mindset of awe.

Major Takeaways / Learnings:

• Believe in yourself first. Denise built her career from hardship by cultivating a positive mindset and surrounding herself with mentors.
• Look in the mirror. A daily ritual of affirmations (“I love you. You are strong. You are worthy.”) became a cornerstone of her confidence.
• Health is wealth. Her transformation began with honest self-assessment, journaling eating habits, drinking more water, prioritizing rest, and adding movement back into her life.
• Start small, stay consistent. What began as short walks turned into over 1,000 consecutive days of 10-mile walks.
• Excuses are non-negotiable. Rain or shine, she shows up for herself.
• Travel + wellness = awe. She helps clients create experiences that light them up from the inside—not just trips for social media.
• Overcome trauma through connection. Faith, therapy, nature, and community helped her rebuild and thrive.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Your health is your wealth. Don’t wait until it’s too late to pour into yourself.”
• “I was looking in the mirror, but I wasn’t seeing myself.”
• “Movement is key to life, to the brain, to how you think and feel.”
• “Walking is non-negotiable. Excuses are non-negotiable.”
• “Some climb the mountain to see the world; others climb it to be seen by the world.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It:

Denise’s story is a masterclass in intentional living: starting small, anchoring in personal rituals, and committing to yourself daily. Entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone feeling stuck can use her example to reset their habits—focusing on health, gratitude, and purpose. It’s a reminder that awe isn’t found on a screen; it’s found in how you live each day.

Connect with Denise:

Instagram: thehealthy_traveler

Email: TripPro@verizon.net

Special note: Denise embodies the spirit of “Most People Don’t… But YOU Do.” She doesn’t just talk about mindset and movement—she lives it.

In this debut episode of the new For All the Marbles series, sponsored by Marblism, Bart sits down with Doug Baarman—Senior Vice President of ConferenceDirect and founder of Team Baarman. Doug shares his journey from corporate leadership at Marriott International to becoming an entrepreneur. This conversation dives into the why behind his leap, the playbook he’s built to help others succeed, and the mindset required to build a fulfilling business—and life.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

1. Do It for the Right Reasons

• Doug left corporate not to chase money but to build a better lifestyle for his family.
• A strong personal “why” provides the fuel to get through uncertainty, long nights, and hard choices.

2. Entrepreneurship Is About Structure, Not Just Passion

• Doug admits he “jumped out of the airplane without a parachute”, but later developed a playbook to guide others.
• His blueprint focuses on:
• Covering basic expenses first
• Reaching income replacement level
• Scaling strategically with support

3. Mindset Over Perks

• Transitioning from corporate luxury (black cars, first-class travel, five-star treatment) to scrappy startup mode requires humility and clarity of purpose.
• If you’re in it for perks, it won’t last.

4. Surround Yourself with Support

• Success requires partners, family support, mentors, accountability buddies, and people who believe in your mission.

• Entrepreneurs may start alone but thrive when they build the right circle.

5. Learn Relentlessly

• Doug constantly listens to podcasts, calls industry peers, and learns from others.
• “Why wouldn’t I learn from those who went down the road before me?”

6. Activity Drives Outcomes

• Many entrepreneurs fail not from lack of talent but lack of action.
• Doug emphasizes outreach, storytelling, and sharing your value openly—even casually at a coffee shop.
• “If people don’t know what you do, they can’t work with you.”

7. Ego Down, Curiosity Up

• Hire people smarter than you.
• Keep your ego in check and your willingness to learn high.

Memorable Quotes

• “I wasn’t chasing money. I was chasing a lifestyle.” – DougBaarman
• “If you’re mad at your boss, that’s not a good reason to become an entrepreneur.” – Doug Baarman
• “It’s simple, but it’s not easy. You just have to do the work.” – Doug Baarman
• “If people don’t know what you do, they can’t hire you.” –Bart Berkey

• “Entrepreneurs don’t do it alone. They have a support team.” – Doug Baarman

Why It Matters / How to Use It

• For aspiring entrepreneurs: Don’t leap without knowing your why. Lifestyle and purpose beat chasing dollars.
• For leaders transitioning from corporate: Be prepared to start small, do more with less, and find joy in the hustle.
• For growing teams: Build structure early. A clear playbook accelerates trust and scalability.
• For everyone: Share what you do with the world—confidence, not arrogance, builds opportunities.

For everyone: Share what you do with the world—confidence, not arrogance, builds opportunities.

In this episode, Bart sits down with Alex Koster live from IMEX America to explore his personal journey from driving tractors at 14 to becoming a global leader in competitive socialization experiences. Alex shares the “no compromise” philosophy behind F1 Arcade, how fun can be both inclusive and transformative, and why play might just be the next big thing in workplace learning and connection.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

1. Early Work Ethic: Alex’s drive was shaped by his father’s belief in working young and creating your own opportunities.
2. Selling Fun: His first exposure to “fun as a product” came through organizing group experiences like bachelor and bachelorette parties — which taught him the value of joy-driven commerce.
3. No Compromise Culture: Across ventures like Bounce, Flight Club, and now F1 Arcade, the standard has always been premium quality in every detail — food, tech, service, and experience.
4. Inclusive Fun for All: F1 Arcade isn’t just for F1 superfans — it’s designed for anyone, regardless of skill or interest in racing, to have a great time together.
5. Bridging Work & Play: Through the Accelerate at Work initiative, F1 Arcade uses gameplay to teach soft skills like patience, timing, collaboration, and communication in a natural, memorable way.
6. Competitive Socialization as a Movement: By pairing activities with hospitality, experiences like F1 Arcade help break down barriers, build community, and spark joy.

Memorable Quotes

• “Most people don’t… have fun enough.”
• “No compromise — that’s the philosophy from day one.”
• “We’ve built a church for F1 fans… but we also built a playground for everyone else.”
• “Learning happens when people come together — and fun makes it stick.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

1. For leaders: Experiences that prioritize joy can create lasting emotional connections and stronger teams.
2. For L&D professionals: Playful environments can be powerful learning tools — without feeling like “training.”
3. For brands: Emotional engagement and premium experiences are not mutually exclusive; they amplify each other.
4. For individuals: Reclaiming fun isn’t frivolous, it’s fuel for connection, creativity, and growth.

Resources and Links:

Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

This podcast episode is brought to you by Wishes.Inc

Wishes, Inc. is a transparent giving platform that lets donors see exactly where their money goes.

It rewards users with cashback and perks through virtual payment tools.

Fast, traceable, and efficient—Wishes makes doing good feel even better.

https://www.bartaberkey.com/wishes-inc-landing-page

In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode, Bart Berkey sits down with Mike Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Disposal in Cleveland, Ohio — a blue-collar entrepreneur who rose from an unstable childhood to build a thriving, values-driven waste-management business.

Their conversation—born from a spontaneous meeting in a Naples hotel lobby—unfolds into a raw and redemptive life story about grit, grace, and growth.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. From Survival to Success

Mike grew up in Canton, Ohio, surrounded by hardship:

• His father was incarcerated his entire life.
• His mother raised six children alone and never once said, “I love you,” yet she was his rock.
• Football and the local coaches became his family and structure.

He earned a college scholarship, but at age 18 was shot four times during a fight outside a bar—an event that nearly ended his life and football dreams. Still, he says, “I didn’t know I was struggling until I saw the other side of the world.”

2. Breaking the Chain

Mike married his high-school sweetheart Sheila, who “saved his life.”

Her family showed him unconditional love and gave him a model of stability he had never known. Realizing he had to escape the violence of his hometown, he moved to Cleveland and began again—working three jobs and learning the waste business from the ground up.

“It took a village to raise me. Now I’m building a new one.”

3. Building Cooper Disposal

After years of sales success at BFI Waste, Mike cashed out his 401(k) and bought his own garbage truck. Broke but determined, he founded Cooper Disposal in his driveway.

He vowed that his company would stand on truth, service, and follow-through — promising customers, “If I say I’ll deliver, I will.”

He personally drove trucks, took service calls under fake aliases (“I’ll call the owner,” when he was the owner), and built the business through authenticity, reputation, and relentless work ethic.

“Most people talk about what they’re going to do. I just do it.”

4. Giving Back & Paying Forward

Mike brought his beloved Canton football traditions—team dinners, community pride, mentoring youth—to Avon, where he now lives.

He sponsors local programs, mentors young athletes, and regularly visits his old neighborhood to remind kids that “You can break the chain too.”

His success mantra blends humility and humor: “Talking trash all day—but always delivering.”

5. Mental Health, Vulnerability & Healing

For the first time publicly, Mike opens up about childhood abuse, lifelong anxiety, and recent therapy.

He describes his commitment to self-care and his decision to sponsor local mental-health initiatives in Avon:

“I’ve been running hard my whole life. It’s time to breathe and enjoy life.”

Bart connects with Mike on shared struggles panic attacks, performance pressure, and self-expectations and together they model masculine vulnerability and emotional honesty.

6. Faith, Family & Fulfillment

Mike’s story centers on faith, family, and gratitude:

• Married 39 years to Sheila, with three successful children and a new granddaughter.
• He’s proud that “I broke the chain. My kids have my drive, my wife’s brains, and our family’s love.”
• Money matters less than meaning: “My richness is my family.”

Lessons for Listeners

1. Work Hard, Stay Humble – Luck favors those who show up every day.
2. Break the Chain – You are not your past; your choices can rewrite it.
3. Deliver What You Promise – Integrity is a long-term business strategy.
4. Give Back What Saved You – Community builds purpose.
5. Talk About It – Vulnerability is strength; mental health matters.
6. Be Where Your Feet Are – Worry less, notice more, and find gratitude in now.

🔗 Connect & Support

• Cooper Disposal – cooperdisposal.com

“You call, we haul.”

Follow Mike and his son Mitch on Facebook (Cleveland, Ohio) for creative ads, community updates, and their famous four-second Super Bowl commercial.

Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

In this episode of Most People Don’t… But YOU Do!, Bart sits down with Dr. Fares Khalid Alaboud, Regional Director of Al Fares International Travel & Tourism. With a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and 15 years of experience in innovation and product leadership, Dr. Fares bridges travel, technology, and business strategy. From gratitude stones to groundbreaking AI applications in hospitality, this conversation blends personal storytelling with future-facing lessons on service, risk-taking, and curiosity.

💡 Major Takeaways / Learnings

• Entrepreneurial Roots: Inspired by his father’s businesses and global travels, Fares grew up understanding hard work, needs vs. wants, and the value of experiences.
• Pivot from Medicine to AI: A dramatic moment in his youth shifted him away from medicine and into technology—a path that led to his PhD in AI.
• AI Pioneering: He built early AI health applications, even influencing UK parliamentary discussions on AI regulation almost a decade before today’s surge in interest.
• Digital Transformation First: Organizations must establish strong digital foundations before AI can be effectively implemented.
• Overdelivery Through AI: Examples in hospitality show how AI can exceed expectations—like proactively flagging allergens across hotels to personalize guest safety and experience.
• Explainable AI: Transparency in how AI makes decisions will be critical for the future to avoid biases and build trust.
• Personal Wisdom: Treat AI with beautiful curiosity—the same way society approached electricity, the internet, and other game-changing technologies.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “If there’s no electricity, there’s no point in having light bulbs. The same is true for AI without digital transformation.”
• “What contribution does this task make? If none, let AI handle it.”
• “Personalization is the superpower of travel experiences—and AI can help deliver it at scale.”
• “Explainable AI is the next leap: we need to know why it makes the decisions it does.”
• “Approach AI with beautiful curiosity and a desire to learn.”

✨ Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode reveals the intersection of technology and humanity: how AI can enhance, but never replace, gratitude, care, and human connection. Leaders and professionals can take away practical lessons on digital transformation, innovation, and customer service—while also being reminded to keep kindness, curiosity, and personal impact at the heart of their work.

Resources and Links:

Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

This podcast episode is brought to you by Wishes.Inc

Wishes, Inc. is a transparent giving platform that lets donors see exactly where their money goes.

It rewards users with cashback and perks through virtual payment tools.

Fast, traceable, and efficient—Wishes makes doing good feel even better.

https://www.bartaberkey.com/wishes-inc-landing-page

In this episode of Most People Don’t…But YOU Do!, Bart Berkey sits down with Horst Schulze, co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, founder of Capella Hotel Group, and author of Excellence Wins. Widely recognized as one of the most influential leaders in modern hospitality, Schulze shares stories from his 65-year career, beginning as a teenage server’s assistant in Germany to reshaping the global standard of service. He offers profound lessons on leadership, technology, customer experience, marriage, vision, and living with high intent.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• Define Yourself Through Excellence: Schulze learned early on that you don’t wait for others to define your worth—you decide to act as a person of excellence in every situation.

• Hospitality Is Human: Technology can support service, but it must never replace the respect, honor, and connection guests crave.
• Good for All Concerned: True leadership decisions must benefit customers, employees, investors, and the organization as a whole. Compromise here is both ineffective and morally wrong.
• Vision and Intent Drive Success: Excellence is never an accident—it comes from high intent, deliberate action, and constant self-management.
• Balance Through Deliberate Choices: His long marriage and family life thrived because he approached them with the same high intent as his career, asking “How can I serve you now?”
• Resilience and Renewal: Personal hardships—including a cancer scare—strengthened his resolve to contribute, learn, and guide others for decades to come.

Memorable Quotes

• “You define yourself as a person of excellence.”
• “Human beings will always want to be respected.”
• “Every decision must be good for all concerned—the customer, the employee, the investor.”
• “Excellence is never an accident. It is always high intent.”
• “Don’t just go to work to work—go to work for excellence.”
• “Have a beautiful dream, not an easy dream.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

Schulze’s wisdom extends far beyond hospitality. Leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals in any field can apply his principles: set a vision, act with excellence, honor human dignity, and align decisions with the good of all stakeholders. His approach to work, family, and purpose reminds us that success is not about shortcuts—it’s about relentless intent, self-management, and service.

Resources and Links:

Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

This podcast episode is brought to you by Wishes.Inc

Wishes, Inc. is a transparent giving platform that lets donors see exactly where their money goes.

It rewards users with cashback and perks through virtual payment tools.

Fast, traceable, and efficient—Wishes makes doing good feel even better.

https://www.bartaberkey.com/wishes-inc-landing-page

In this special solo episode, Bart shares personal stories and lessons from his trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was invited to speak at the KBLT Congress on travel and hospitality. From Lufthansa flight attendants anticipating a young family’s needs, to warm welcomes at immigration, to Ritz-Carlton staff redefining overdelivery, Bart explores what it means to personalize, customize, and truly notice people—whether clients, guests, or teammates.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

1. Overdelivery is not accidental: it requires resources, systems, and intentional focus.
2. Hospitality starts at the first moment—from airport customs officers to hotel staff, everyone has the chance to make guests feel honored.
3. Personalization matters: 71% of customers expect it, 76% get frustrated when it’s missing, and 80% are more likely to buy when experiences are tailored.
4. Busy is no excuse: focus on your most important clients, partners, or team members and create a process for deliberate overdelivery.
5. Leadership lesson: even small actions—like a manager calling customers while an employee is on vacation—can create loyalty, relief, and trust.
6. Universal truth: People remember how you make them feel.

Memorable Quotes

• “Every opportunity is the chance to make someone feel a certain way.”
• “Overdelivering requires not just heart, but process.”
• “People are good. People are kind. Please, just keep noticing, keep anticipating, keep overdelivering.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode is a reminder that in a world where everyone is busy, the true differentiator is focus and intentionality. Whether in sales, service, or leadership, slow down long enough to notice, anticipate, and act. Build the systems and habits that allow you to go from simply delivering to truly overdelivering.

Resources and Links:

Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

This podcast episode is brought to you by Wishes.Inc

Wishes, Inc. is a transparent giving platform that lets donors see exactly where their money goes.

It rewards users with cashback and perks through virtual payment tools.

Fast, traceable, and efficient—Wishes makes doing good feel even better.

https://www.bartaberkey.com/wishes-inc-landing-page