Vibe Matters - Jason Berkowitz was drawn to the overall feeling of a restaurant between coworkers and customers as a youngster. He has since taken that discovery with him when training industry leaders to convey the importance of setting the correct vibe for customer acquisition.
A Course to Navigate Workplace Boundaries - Jason Berkowitz, like many employees, struggled with the blurred lines of professionalism and friendship. To build better leadership within a positive environment, Berkowitz has created a course that he believes does just that while capturing stories and the human spirit.
The Power of Human Storytelling in Training - Even in training, storytelling is a powerful tool. According to Jason Berkowitz, despite the increasing inclusion of Artificial Intelligence and other advanced technology, human stories remain engaging and promote buy-in.
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In this episode of Data Delicacies powered by Incentivio, host Arun Kumar welcomed Jason Berkowitz, Founder of Arrow Up Training and industry veteran passionate about creating positive restaurant environments and effective training programs. Berkowitz shared his insights on the importance of vibe in restaurants, the need for clear workplace boundaries, and the enduring power of human storytelling in training.
Creating the Right Atmosphere
Berkowitz’s journey into the restaurant industry began with a fascination for the atmosphere within dining establishments. As a youngster, he was captivated by the lively interaction between coworkers and customers.
Reflecting on his early experiences of wanting to work at the local Burger King, Berkowitz explained, “It was the vibe. I walked in, people were lining up, people were smiling. The employees were joking around behind the counter. The music was going. I loved the vibe of it. Even in a Burger King, this was what I was introduced to, and I needed to be a part of the vibe.”
This early appreciation for a positive atmosphere has informed Berkowitz’s approach to training industry leaders on how to set the right vibe for customer acquisition and retention. He emphasized the importance of creating an environment where employees and customers feel connected and engaged.
Establishing Clear Boundaries
Recognizing the challenges of maintaining professionalism while fostering camaraderie, Berkowitz developed a course aimed at building better leadership within a positive environment. His course captures stories and the human spirit, providing guidance on navigating workplace boundaries.
“There’s a lot of gray area. There’s a lot of good people who got in trouble, and there’s a lot of bad people who need to get out, and there’s a lot of people who are a little bit at a loss,” he says acknowledging the complexities that employees face. “I’m really, really proud of that course because it’s raw and it’s real, and it’s authentic, and it checks the box of compliance.”
Harnessing the Power of Storytelling
Despite advancements in technology, Berkowitz believes that human storytelling remains a powerful tool in training. He emphasized the importance of personal narratives in driving engagement and promoting behavior change, and highlighted the blend of modern training techniques with traditional storytelling, noting that this combination is effective in contemporary training environments.
“At the end of the day, a human telling a story...is still to me one of the most powerful ways of informing and driving behavior,” Berkowitz said.
Jason Berkowitz shared much more valuable insights on creating engaging restaurant environments, establishing clear workplace boundaries, and leveraging the power of storytelling in training. His experiences and perspectives offer a roadmap for industry leaders seeking to build successful and cohesive teams.
Episode Links
Arrow Up Training Online: https://arrowuptraining.com/
Jason Berkowitz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdberko/
Arrow Up Training Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arrow_up_training/?locale=English
Arrow Up Training TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arrow_up_training
Jason Berkowitz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondberkowitz/
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ABOUT JASON BERKOWITZ
Jason Berkowitz is a hospitality veteran dedicated to developing modern online training and InsurTech tools that help organizations meet compliance, lower liability and risk, and strengthen their teams, culture, and operations. His career spans over 50 restaurant openings, from fast-food to fine dining, and he has served as VP of Operations for Umami Burger, COO for Tocaya Organica, and is the founder of ARROW UP Training. Berkowitz’s progressive ideas and forward-thinking approach have made his training programs standard practice for independent restaurants and large-scale corporations like GUCCI Osteria, 800 Degrees, Sweet Lady Jane, Jack in the Box, El Pollo Loco, Joe and the Juice, Umami Burger, Toca Madera, and Tocaya Organica. A wine enthusiast, he has curated wine lists for Mastro’s Steakhouse, Craft, Cube, Umami Burger, and smoke.oil.salt. Currently, Berkowitz is the CEO of ARROW UP Training and Partner at The Madera Group. His Psychology degree from Michigan State University has shaped his management style, focusing on understanding and appealing to the core of human nature. As a lifelong musician and author, he has co-written the title track for Showtime's 'Shameless' and authored the book 'Please Don't Sleep With The Host - 50 Tips For Managing A Functional And Profitable Restaurant.' Berkowitz believes that all decisions must measure against the sustainability of small businesses, society, and the planet.
ABOUT DATA DELICACIES—
Data Delicacies is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of technology and data as it pertains to restaurants. Host Arun Kumar interviews some of the best and brightest in the industry about all things hospitality tech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
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