What do a wholesale floral empire, the Bluetooth symbol, and 14 million monthly readers have in common? Michael Politz.

In this episode, Bart sits down with the endlessly curious and wildly creative founder of Food & Beverage Magazine. Michael shares his unbelievable path—from crafting the now-iconic Bluetooth logo to being mentored by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous legend Robin Leach, to growing one of the most influential publications in hospitality and F&B.

But the real magic? It started long before the media empire—when Michael, as a young man, sat at a local deli with wise, self-made grandfathers. He listened. He asked questions. And what they shared about work ethic, humility, and legacy would quietly shape every bold move he made after that.

This episode is a masterclass in curiosity, legacy, listening, and why most people don’t take the first step—but Michael always does.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• Ask more. Listen deeply. Michael sat for years with local business legends—not to pitch, but to learn. That habit of asking and listening became his entrepreneurial foundation.
• Start before you're ready. He didn’t wait for credentials—he built a floral empire in college, helped brand Bluetooth, and launched a magazine from scratch.
• Mentorship multiplies momentum. Robin Leach didn’t just give access—he gave Michael the tools to build credibility and tell stories that mattered.
• Legacy isn’t inherited. It’s earned. Watching values decline across generations, Michael committed to building with gratitude and grit.
• Always stay curious. From red carpets to AI tools, Michael embraces learning and reinvention as non-negotiables.

Memorable Quotes

• “Most people walk into a room and wonder, ‘Who’s going to like me?’ I walk in and think, ‘Who am I going to like?’”
• “Those grandfathers at the deli didn’t sugarcoat it—they taught me what hard work looked like. And I listened.”

• “I didn’t wait for someone to show me how—I just figured out what needed to be done and did it.”

• “Robin Leach mentored me for 15 years. He taught me how to make stories sensational, and how to make people feel seen.”

• “Most people don’t take the first step.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode is a reminder that success starts with curiosity—and grows through listening, learning, and lifting others. Michael’s journey is proof that bold ideas are only half the battle. The other half? Paying attention to the wisdom around you.

Take action by:

• Asking better questions

• Listening like it matters (because it does)

• Capturing the wisdom of mentors

• Acting on what you hear

Michael did. And he built an empire because of it.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpolitz/

Food and Beverage Magazine - https://www.fb101.com/

Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

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In this deeply human and heartfelt episode, Bart Berkey sits down with the legendary Edward Mady — author of Honing the Human Edge, former GM of The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air, and a true icon in luxury hospitality. From his humble beginnings in a family diner to leading 128 award-winning teams, Edward shares the powerful principle that shaped his leadership: crack the code of others’ hidden strengths and help them grow. With stories of grit, empathy, and purpose, this conversation is a masterclass in humanistic leadership and emotional intelligence.

________________________________________

Major Takeaways / Learnings:

• “Cracking the Code”: Great leaders uncover strengths people don’t yet see in themselves.The Power of a
• Name: Using someone’s name validates their identity and worth — whether they’re an employee or a stranger on the street.
• Growth + Value: Every individual deserves a path to grow and add value. That’s the true headline of leadership.
• Onboarding = Culture: Integration isn’t training — it’s energizing people to join your culture with purpose and pride.
• Desire → Momentum → Movement: Leadership isn't about tasks; it’s about sparking desire that fuels momentum and creates collective impact.
• Lead Through Crisis by Showing Up: Sit in the fire with your team. Presence over perfection.
• Fire With Humanity: Even when letting someone go, leaders can do so with compassion, support, and continued belief in their potential.
• Work Can Be Joy: True leaders find joy in their work because it’s purpose-driven and people-centered.

________________________________________

Memorable Quotes:

• “The most important thing you’ll ever own is your name.”
• “Cracking the code of someone’s hidden strength — that’s what great leadership is.”
• “Desire is when you make a contract with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.”
• “What can I do? How can I help? Who can I call?”
• “You never know what it’s like to work for Edward Mady… until you don’t.”
• “Leadership means sitting in the fire with your team and saying, ‘We’ll figure this out together.’”

________________________________________

Why It Matters / How to Use It:

This episode is a playbook for anyone who wants to lead with more empathy, resilience, and impact — whether in hospitality, business, or life. Edward reminds us that it’s not enough to manage people — we must see them, support them, and help them discover their own edge. Apply this by:

• Calling people by name.
• Asking what lights them up.
• Creating safe space to grow, even through failure.
• Leading not just with policies, but with presence.

This is not just leadership — this is legacy.

Resources & Links:

• Edward Mady on LinkedIn: Click here
• Edwar Mady Book: Honing the Human Edge: How Leaders Can Unlock Success Through Caring, Coaching, and Accountability
• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

In this inspiring episode, Bart Berkey sits down with Gavin Mlinar, CEO of Blacklisted Consulting and author of Yes, Your Way to Success. Why Don’t You? Gavin shares the remarkable story of how his upbringing, mindset, and resilience have driven him to negotiate billion-dollar contracts, become an endurance athlete, and launch his own company—all through one key trait: decisiveness.

Together, they unpack what it takes to keep going when most people quit, and how to act with confidence even when conditions aren’t perfect.

Major Takeaways / Learnings:

1. Most People Don’t Ask… But Gavin Does. Gavin landed on this podcast simply by reaching out with authenticity and persistence—something most people don’t do.

2. Rejection is Practice. Cold-calling 100 people a day at Merrill Lynch taught Gavin to normalize “no.” He reframed rejection as part of the process, not a signal to stop.

3. Decisiveness Is a Superpower. According to his book coach (also a therapist), Gavin is one of the most decisive people they’ve ever met—and that’s what makes him different.

4. Forget Perfect—Take Action. Waiting for the perfect moment or perfect plan often leads to stagnation. Gavin encourages forward momentum over perfectionism.

5. Two Steps to Progress: 1) Research and validate through resources and conversations. 2) Make a decision, take action, and adjust along the way.

6. Ask for Help. Often. Most people don’t ask—but most people are predisposed to help when asked. Gavin encourages breaking through that hesitation.

7. Effort + Attitude = Progress. Gavin teaches his kids—and lives himself—by these two values. You don’t need perfection, just consistent energy and a positive mindset.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “Most people don’t ask for help. But most people are predisposed to help when asked.” – Gavin Mlinar

2. “There are very few things in life that are final. Failure is just learning in disguise.” – Gavin

3. “You get to wake up early. You get to catch that flight. That shift in mindset is everything.” – Bart Berkey

4. “Most people don’t… say yes.” – Gavin Mlinar

Why It Matters / How to Use It:

Listeners will walk away with practical tools to become more decisive, more resilient, and more open to opportunities. Gavin’s approach—research, then act—can be applied to anything from writing a book to launching a business, asking for a promotion, or learning how to surf.

His mindset of saying "yes" before conditions are perfect is a challenge to the perfectionist in all of us and his emphasis on attitude and effort is a reminder that consistency and courage can unlock extraordinary results.

Resources & Links:

• Gavin Mlinar on LinkedIn: Click here
• Yes Your Way website: www.yesyourway.com
• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

Fill in the Blank:

Most people don’t…

" say yes. "

Frank Guengerich’s journey is one of grit, grace, and doing the work—often in silence. A former Division I tennis player and national bodybuilding champion, Frank has spent decades building a career in health, wellness, and leadership. Now the President and CEO of HWLS, he shares how his upbringing shaped his values and how he built a boutique consulting firm that thrives on personal attention and a proven track record.

Bart and Frank dive into what separates those who simply dream from those who do. Frank's reflections on responsibility, accountability, and the importance of meaningful leadership resonate deeply. His lessons aren’t just for fitness pros—they’re for anyone who wants to build something with integrity and impact.

Top Takeaways:

• Work Without Applause: Most people don’t do the work in silence. Frank did—and still does.

• Leadership Anchored in Values: Kindness, empathy, rigor, and reliability are non-negotiables.

• Responsibility vs. Accountability: Responsibility is a personal gift. Accountability is cultural.

• Build Smart, Then Scale: Success in the fitness and wellness world depends on business acumen just as much as heart.

• Success Is Simple (But Not Easy): Friendly staff. Clean facilities. Functioning equipment. Consistency.

Best Quotes:

“Most people don’t do the work in silence. They don’t fully commit with passion and patience when no one is watching.” — Frank Guengerich

“Love people and use money. Don’t use people and love money.” — Frank Guengerich

“Responsibility is the gift you give yourself. Accountability is what you give your organization.” — Frank Guengerich

Bart’s Reflections:

Bart shares his own story of career transformation after a health scare and how Frank’s values echo the Most People Don’t mindset. The episode becomes a masterclass in purpose-driven work, sharing how helping others leads to lasting success—and not the other way around.

Resources & Links:

• Frank Guengerich on LinkedIn: Click here

• HWLS Website: www.HWLServices.com

• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

Fill in the Blank:

Most people don’t…

“…do the work in silence. They don’t pursue goals with passionate consistency. They wait for permission or praise. But when you do the work anyway—especially when no one’s watching—you win.” — Frank Guengerich

(Live from the Moody Center with Mr. Casey Paulson, Project President/Regional Vice President, Discovery Land Company & Elexa Ruth, GM Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club, Austin, TX)

Special thanks to Rachel Reap, Director of Premium Service at the Moody Center in Austin for her hospitality in hosting this podcast event.

📍Description:

Recorded live at the Moody Center, this heartfelt episode features Discovery Land’s Casey Paulson and Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club’s Elexa Ruth. Bart Berkey guides an intimate conversation exploring how small actions, deep care, and personal responsibility create unforgettable premium experiences. From handwritten Father's Day cards to spotting fallen signage, this episode is a powerful reminder that Most People Don’t… but YOU Do.

💡Major Takeaways / Learnings:

Responsibility often begins early and becomes a lifelong motivator. For Casey, becoming a father at 20 shaped his relentless drive and sense of accountability.

Leadership is about consistency in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching — or helping.

Noticing is a superpower. Elexa’s attention to detail comes from genuine care, cultural consistency, and high standards.

“See something, do something” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a leadership practice.

Creating magic for others requires preparation. From branded Yetis to personalized cards, it’s about having tools on hand to surprise and delight.

Hiring for care matters more than hiring for skill. You can train technical abilities, but you can’t teach heart.

Follow-up builds emotional loyalty. A simple “thank you” can leave a lasting impression that most overlook.

Even the smallest act—like a hummingbird’s drop of water—can start a movement.

💬Memorable Quotes:

“Most people don’t think they can make a difference.” – Casey Paulson

“You just have to grind through it… Just keep being better.” – Casey Paulson

“We don’t want our members to have to think of anything when they walk into our little bubble.” – Elexa Ruth

“Magic happens when someone spends a little more time than someone reasonably would expect.” – Elexa Ruth (quoting Teller of Penn & Teller)

“Most people don’t follow up.” – Bart Berkey

“You can't nurture care.” – Elexa Ruth

✨Why It Matters / How to Use It:

This episode is a playbook for elevating any experience—whether in hospitality, leadership, or everyday life. If you lead a team, serve clients, or want to build culture through care:

Hire for heart, not just resume.

Notice. Then act.

Prepare your team to surprise and delight with simple, thoughtful tools.

Remember that follow-up builds trust—and it only takes seconds.

You don’t need a title or budget to make a difference. Be the hummingbird.

More about these companies and their locations:

https://discoverylandco.com

https://driftwoodgolfclub.com

https://moodycenteratx.com

https://mostpeopledont.com

https://bartaberkey.com

#187 Podcast Episode:

Reinvent While Winning: José Suquet’s Story of Listening First and Leading Forward
Chairman of the Board & CEO, Pan-American Life Insurance Group

Host: Bart Berkey – Most People Don’t... But YOU Do! Podcast

From escaping Cuba at age two to leading a company that protects over 7 million lives across 22 countries, José Suquet has lived a life built on resilience, purpose, and people-first leadership. In this candid and emotional conversation, José shares how lessons from his seamstress mother, early sales experience, and decades of executive leadership helped him transform Pan-American Life Insurance Group into a values-driven organization.

This episode explores what it truly means to lead with humility, listen before speaking, and reinvent while you’re still succeeding.

1. Most People Don’t Listen—But Great Leaders Do

“God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason.”
By listening first—whether to clients, colleagues, or family—José learned to lead with empathy and clarity. Listening creates understanding, and understanding makes every word and action more impactful.

2. You Don’t Need to Be Loud to Be Strong

Calm consistency and respect leave a longer legacy than control or intimidation. José credits his greatest mentor with showing him that leadership doesn’t require volume—it requires alignment, resources, and kindness.

3. People Over Policy: The COVID Story

During the pandemic, Pan-American Life Insurance Group paid over $300 million in death claims—even when reinsurance contracts excluded pandemics. José made the call: “We do. We cover them. That’s who we are.”

4. Don’t Wait Until It’s Ripe to Reinvent

Drawing from the Sigmoid Curve and Bart’s “green banana” analogy, José emphasizes the importance of reinventing during strength—not waiting for decline. “If you sit still, you're not cruising—you're being passed.”

5. Sales Isn’t Pressure—It’s a Promise

José sees selling life insurance as delivering on a deeply emotional contract: helping people when they’re most vulnerable. “You're not selling a shiny gadget—you're selling a promise.”

6. Broke, Not Poor

Raised by a single mother who once reigned as Cuba’s most beautiful woman before working as a seamstress in the U.S., José absorbed this powerful distinction:
“We were broke, not poor. And if you're broke, you can always come back.”

7. Title Doesn’t Equal Worth

Whether visiting the mailroom or the boardroom, José treats everyone with dignity. “At the end, the big guy won’t ask if you were CEO or in the mailroom—just if you were a good human being.”

💬 Notable Quotes:

• “Most people don’t listen. But when you do, the words you speak—and the decisions you make—matter even more.”

• “Leadership is about trust, not titles. Consistency builds both.”

• “You don’t need to make people cry to be an effective leader.”

• “We were broke, not poor. That mindset changed everything.”

• “We don’t just sell insurance. We deliver peace of mind—when people need it most.”

More about Pan-American Life Insurance Group

More about Most People Don't