Episode 569: The Power of Gratitude in Business: Veljko Pavicevic, SAILS Restaurant, Naples, FL

Restaurant Owners Uncorked

Summary

In this conversation, Veljko Pavicevic shares his inspiring journey from Montenegro to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the hospitality industry in America. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, humility, and hard work, as well as the value of community and teamwork. Veljko recounts his experiences at the Ritz Carlton, highlighting the lessons learned about exceptional service and the significance of treating every interaction as part of a legacy. In this conversation, Veljko Pavicevic and Wil Brawley discuss the mindset required for success in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of resilience, leadership, and customer-centric practices. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of writing and scheduling, and the value of building strong teams. The discussion also touches on the lessons learned from early successes and the pitfalls of ego, as well as the importance of community engagement and giving back. The also discuss the intricacies of building relationships in business, the importance of creating a legacy through employee ownership, and the critical role of training and recruitment in developing high-performance teams. They emphasize the need for clarity and focus in business endeavors, as well as the significance of understanding people to foster a successful work environment. The discussion culminates in life lessons about the importance of food and personal fulfillment in the restaurant industry.

Takeaways

• Veljko's journey from Montenegro to America showcases the power of hard work and determination.
• Gratitude and humility are essential traits for success in business.
• Running a successful business requires carrying a heavy cross, but it is rewarding.
• The importance of community and teamwork in achieving success.
• Experiences at the Ritz Carlton taught Veljko about high-level hospitality.
• Ego can hinder personal and professional growth.
• True joy comes from seeing growth in others.
• Tunnel vision and focus are crucial for seizing opportunities.
• Behaving as if you already have success is key to achieving it.
• A legacy is built through every interaction with others. Every interaction must be exceptional to succeed.
• Manifesting success requires consistent positive thoughts.
• Writing down goals enhances memory and focus.
• Scheduling personal time is crucial for productivity.
• 40 hours a week is just the beginning of work.
• The U.S. offers unparalleled opportunities for success.
• Resilience is key; show up despite challenges.
• Building revenue is harder than buying it.
• Expertise is more valuable than money in business.
• Community engagement is essential for business success. Building relationships is key to entering the business world.
• Creating a legacy involves empowering employees through ownership.
• Training is essential for developing high-performance teams.
• Recruiting the right people is more important than just hiring.
• Understanding people is crucial for business success.
• Clarity and focus are vital for achieving business goals.
• Food is a fundamental aspect of the restaurant industry.
• It's important to want what you like in life.
• Respect and trust are foundational in team dynamics.
• A successful business reflects the values and character of its founder.