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[Mistakes Were Made] Do Not Pass Go — Fraud, Bankruptcy, Drained Bank Accounts, and Building Something Better
- S4E6
- 34:34
- March 5th 2026
🎙️ MISTAKES WERE MADE — Special Series on Hospitality Strategy Lab
The heaviest episode of the series. Shawn Soole has opened bars twice in Victoria, BC. Both times, his partners burned him. The first time: investors, a shared lawyer (huge mistake), and a bar that collapsed after 16 months. The second time: a partner who changed the locks, stole his equipment, drained the company bank account, and texted from Mexico.
John Garda had a dream — a 6,000 square foot distillery-bar in Jersey City. Investors lined up, lease negotiated, favors called in. Then a family member defrauded him. Personal bankruptcy. Everything gone. He turned that devastation into In-Service Society, a nonprofit fighting for bartender advocacy and career sustainability.
Matt Friedlander closes the series with the story of a KDS crash during peak service — 47 tickets backed up in 45 seconds — and watching his team self-organize like a Rolling Stones concert.
Mistakes were made. People got back up. The show must go on.
Featuring: Shawn Soole (Victoria, BC), John Garda (In-Service Society), Matt Friedlander (MF Hospitality)
🔗 In-Service Society: inservicesociety.org
🔗 Follow Jason: jlittrell.com
Hospitality Strategy Lab
Welcome to Hospitality Strategy Lab, the podcast where science meets service. Join host Jason Littrell as he dives into the cutting-edge world of hospitality with interviews from industry pioneers, tech innovators, and behavioral psychologists. Each episode explores how AI, automation, behavioral economics, and data-driven strategies can revolutionize guest experiences and drive repeat business. From practical tips to big-picture insights, we’re here to give you the strategies you need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry.
Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, this podcast is your playbook for creating habit-forming guest experiences and sustainable growth.
Tune in and transform the way you think about hospitality.
Meet Jason Littrell
Jason Littrell is a world-class hospitality consultant, award-winning bartender, and founder of Hospitality Strategy Lab.
With years of experience working at renowned venues like Death & Co in Manhattan and advising top-tier hospitality brands, Jason has a deep understanding of what it takes to create unforgettable guest experiences and profitable bar programs.
As a pioneer in the use of AI, automation, and behavioral psychology in hospitality, he’s passionate about making advanced tactics accessible to operators who want to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry.
Through his podcast, Jason interviews industry leaders, tech innovators, and behavioral science experts, providing actionable insights and strategies to help you elevate your hospitality game.
Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, Jason’s engaging approach and wealth of knowledge make Hospitality Strategy Lab your go-to resource for mastering the art and science of exceptional service.
Ready to revolutionize your hospitality business? Tune in and learn from the best.