Karrieren im Gastgewerbe verlaufen nicht geradlinig

Tarji CarterWhen you fall down enough or you make enough mistakes and get slapped on hand enough, you learn. And so I just never gave up. I think that's kind of what the secret sauce has been is I just never gave up even when it got hard.

the Future of HospitalitySo welcome back everybody to the future of hospitality. This episode is part of our special series, unscripted hospitality, where we really talk honestly and just have, discussions without filters and talking about the industry and the amazing people that we have in it and that really makes the industry. And, today's episode is powered by Auhai, the leading global sales organization representing the world's finest luxury hotels and resorts. And now I have the pleasure of introducing our guests. This one is very special to me because Tarjee and I, we go back a long time, over twenty years. And, Tarjee Carter, she's an accomplished hospitality leader. You're gonna learn a lot about her journey, but she started in in hotels, back in the day and now leads a very, profitable and impactful company in the franchise space, the franchise player.

the Future of HospitalityAnd it's someone that really helped, and continues to help, you know, people develop their careers and really drive our industry. So, Tarjee, welcome, and I can't wait for our conversation.

Tarji CarterCesar, this is this is awesome, man. The twenty twenty plus years it's been since we've known each other, and this is this is like a full circle moment for me. So thank you for having me. And I I forgot to tell. It's funny. Like, so now we're taping early twenty twenty six. And

the Future of Hospitalityas I did, my LinkedIn sent me a little recap of March 2025. And one of the things it had, that was my first connection, and you are my first LinkedIn connection. Oh my Can you believe that? I never knew that. Yeah. That is so cool. That is amazing. So, you know, here we are. So my first LinkedIn connection, and, here we are.

Tarji CarterI'm sure there are plenty of other stories you could tell, but we'll we'll we'll stick to that one. Absolutely.

the Future of HospitalityAbsolutely. One. I love it. And, you know, so, Tardy, so I guess to get started, we're talking right before we we hit record that, you know, your path really hasn't been linear. It's it's a path that I haven't seen, honestly, not many people, especially like you. I don't think anyone. So, you know, would you mind just sharing a little bit about our journey and kind of any that point, no pivotal point or any turning point that kind of is the the catalyst to where you are today?

Tarji CarterYeah. Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity, Cesar. I this is this is really great, to be able to share this story because I'm I'm I'm very excited about my journey, because like you said, it hasn't been linear. It's not something I could have put on, you know, on paper and said, hey. This is this is how it's gonna work. So I started my career in in travel. So I was a travel agent. Right out of school, I was a travel agent and decided I wanted to get in the hotel industry. I had done a, like, a tour, hotel tour. Right? You know how those go.

Tarji CarterAnd it was the Weston Copley Hotel in Boston. And I was like, oh my god. That's the job I want. And so I went over and I applied, but there weren't any hotel there weren't any sales jobs available. So I applied to be, an assistant to the to the catering director. Crazy story. And so I interviewed I interviewed with several people, and then I made my way to the director of sales and marketing. And she said, I'm sorry. No. I can't hire you for that role. And I thanked her for the, you know, the opportunity to interview. She said, I need you on my sales team. Alright.

Tarji CarterShe needed me on our sales team to cater to the travel agency community because they were struggling with their transient business. And so it was like a perfect fit. I didn't know this wasn't even an opportunity that was was posted. So that kinda started, just the trajectory of this hospitality journey for me. Did that for several years. Was fortunate enough to be recruited by a hotel here in Atlanta, which is where we met Yeah. Back in 2003. So we're dating ourselves. So I did that for a while. I took a brief detour and worked as the executive assistant to Tyler Perry. And then from there, I met.

Tarji CarterI went to work at a hotel near Perimeter Mall, and I met the then president of Cinnabon Corporation. And I was just doing my job, and and long story short, I was invited to corporate office to meet a few people. That's exactly what I did. And next thing you know, I was hired as a sales manager for the Carvel ice cream brand. So I did that for eight months. And at the eight month mark, I was promoted to the director of franchise sales for Cinnabon and Carvel ice cream. Crazy story. Right? And so so that started my journey in franchising. And so it's interesting because the all of those worlds kind of collide and have really gotten me to the point where I'm at today. So very unorthodox

the Future of Hospitalityor nontraditional path, but here we are. Very nice. Very nice. And then I have something that came to mind as you're talking, but I wanna make sure that you brag about your current company a little bit and what you do. So okay. So you you did this great thing in development, selling franchise, then, okay, how did you come up with this and and what are you doing today?

Tarji CarterYeah. So once I got into franchising, you know, I worked for a ton. Like, I I say it's a laundry list of some of the world's most delicious brands. Right? We're talking ice cream and cinnamon rolls and donuts and wings and all the things. And so I just got to a point where I I felt like I had accumulated enough resources and experience, and I wanted to use that information to help others understand that franchise ownership is achievable for pretty much everyone, as long as you have a strategy in place and you're, you know, you're working with, brands that are, you know, operating with integrity, have infrastructure.

Tarji CarterAnd sometimes it's it's a little overwhelming if you if you've not experienced it before. So I figured I've been blessed to be in all these rooms, work for all these different companies, and I I really need to take this information and share it with those that need it the most. Yeah. Was it That's what I was scary? Oh my gosh. It's still scary. Like, every day is so different. So in 2023, I started a company called The Franchise Player, and that's the company that, I work with now. And so in 2023, we launched and ten months later, we also launched the franchise game, which is an annual conference where we bring in some of the industry's brightest minds to discuss franchise ownership and operations.

Tarji CarterAnd so we just well, we finished our our third year in August, this past August, and every year it gets bigger and better. And so, you know, what we do at The Franchise Player is we we consult. Right? That's basically what we do, but we do a lot more than just consult. We really help people to identify what works best for them. Right? So franchising isn't for everyone. So that's one of the first things we discuss. You know? Is it for you? Is it not for you? And and if it is, you know, what industry is the best fit? And within that industry, which are the best brands that would be a good fit? So we take everyone through this this rigorous vetting process and help them to get to the opportunity that's the best fit.

Tarji CarterSo it's not one size fits all, but, you know, there are some similarities based on, you know, what people are looking for. But we try to get down to, like, the the the the really granular details of what would be the right fit. And so we work with them from a consulting standpoint, help them find the right brand, and then we bring together all of the wraparound services. So they're gonna need someone to help with real estate and store design, construction, marketing, market planning, like all the things. Right? All the things that are gonna help make them successful. And so over the past almost twenty years in franchising, I've been collecting people. Right? As I move along in life, I find someone who's a gem in their discipline or several people.

Tarji CarterAnd and I just maintain those relationships. We communicate on a regular basis. And and so when I reach out and I need something, like, even with you and I, we don't talk every day. But if I reach out to you, you know, and I have a need, if you can help, you'll you'll do that. And so I've met a lot of great people in this space that understand what I do and why I do it, and, and they're usually willing to help in whatever capacity they can. That is awesome. Yeah.

the Future of HospitalityYeah. If you ever call me, I'll say yes before the question, Tarjee. So I know. I appreciate that. More than you know. And that is funny because I remember I attended a little bit of, the franchise game, I think it was, what, last year or two years ago at Morehouse? Or Yes. So that was the scrimmage. Yes. So we have,

Tarji Cartera platform called the scrimmage. So it's a half day version of the franchise game that's more mobile. We can take it around the country. So we had a scrimmage at Morehouse College, and you came, and we had a a an informal

the Future of Hospitalityreunion of folks that worked at the hotel. And that is funny because one of the panels you did, it was about, you know, franchise ownership, and you had a couple of pretty pretty great people. And one of them I met through Leadership Atlanta, and, I just had met, like, you know, months ago. So it's funny how everything comes around and, you know, and and it was great to to even being, to your point, even being the hotel industry, right, franchise is big in hotel, being around with brands so very well versed. But then when you just listen as, you know, someone and you see what people the experiences, the learnings, it's amazing. So you're doing a great job, and it was great to see a lot of students, people that are in business, everything that you're helping educate.

Tarji CarterSo, yeah, keep keep the amazing work. Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. And it's so interesting. Like, you know, I I come from very humble beginnings, and this has been my path forward. And I just like to remind folks that, you know, it doesn't have to make sense to everybody for it to make sense to you. Right? So if there's something that you're passionate about, really just believing in yourself and and trusting that you, you have at least enough to take the first step. Right? So you gotta start somewhere, and nothing's ever gonna be perfect. But if if it feels right and you feel like you can, achieve a certain level of success, like, you just gotta start somewhere and and just go for it. Yeah. It's funny. This morning, I was jogging,

the Future of Hospitalityand I, actually, I'll post this on LinkedIn because I was thinking, and I was like, you know, don't quit before you take your first step, right, because I wasn't in the mood of going. And then to your point is, like, a lot of things in life, we just gotta do it. Right? And this doesn't always go perfect. It's not as may not be as good or as easy or maybe better. Right? But a lot of times, you just gotta go and do it, and you'll be surprised, right, on the path that it may lead you.

Tarji CarterAnd sometimes, you're the only one that believes in you. Right? There may be you know, we we we live in a society where, you know, you're not always gonna have a mentor. You're not always gonna have a cheerleader. Right? So you have to really dig in and believe in what it is you're doing. And then eventually, people will catch on. Right? That's kind of in my story. Like, when I started franchising, I knew nothing. I had probably never even uttered the word franchise. And then eventually, you when you fall down enough or you make enough mistakes and get slapped on the hand enough, you learn. And so I just never gave up. I think that's kind of what the secret sauce has been is I just never gave up even when it got hard. I was just like, you know, I gotta figure this thing out. And so now, you know, almost twenty years in, I'll have folks that I work with at different companies that will reach out to me and wanna pick my brain or, you know, they'll they'll be, you know, hey. I'm looking for a new role. Do you know anybody? Like, that kind of thing. And so it actually it feels good to, you know, to have the respect of your peers when at one point, like, I didn't know what I was doing. I had no clue. But, you know, that's what happens. If you stick to it, you believe in yourself, and and you're not afraid to make mistakes and not afraid to ask questions.

Tarji CarterRight? That's the only way to get better. And I think some people are just afraid to say, I don't know. I don't know something or, you know, they they have a question. And, I mean, you you'll never get better if you kinda if you if you stick to that. Right? You gotta you gotta put the ego to the side and say, listen. Hey. What does that mean? I've never heard that before. And and I think, you know, that is that is definitely benefited me because I'm not afraid to ask a question. I'm not afraid to to to say I don't know someone because nobody can know everything.

the Future of Hospitality100%. Yeah. And, you know, in listening you speaking and some things that you mentioned throughout your your comments, it made me think because you're you know, you you speak about your humble beginnings, and, and I know that you, you know, you often speak about resilience. And I know how resilient you are, right, just knowing some of your journey. And, you know, so where do you think that resilience really was created for you? You know, is it early life, career, you know, leadership moments, and, you know, what's your take on that?

Tarji CarterSo even though I I come from humble beginnings, I had great parents. My mom, you know, she was the nurturer. My dad, he was big on he always said, you know, there were so many things I wanted to do as a child. I wanted to be an actor, and I wanted to be a model and all these things. And he said, there's nothing wrong with that. He said, but I want you to do something that challenges you to use your mind. I thought, I'm 10 years old. I don't know what the heck he's talking about. But, yeah, he would say it enough. And but he would he would say it, but he would also show me by example.

Tarji CarterAnd so then I that I had a son. You know? I was a young mom, an unwed mom, and not a single mom because his dad was always around, but I was unwed. And that kinda gave me motivation to really, like, have that stick to itiveness that it takes to be successful. Right? Like, I couldn't just give up because I had somebody depending on me. And and so I think those two things combined with the fact that I I like nice things.

the Future of HospitalityYou have great taste. Right? Thank you.

Tarji CarterI you know, I like what I like. And so I think with all of that, and then also, I don't do anything that I don't enjoy. Right? I'm not gonna I'm not gonna sacrifice my mental health for a paycheck. So if that means I have to make a little bit less to have more, mental stability and joy, then I'm willing to do that. And so, I think all of that just kinda creates that perfect storm for just really being able to stick to something and and and be resilient when necessary. Wow.

the Future of HospitalityThat's Yeah. That's that is beautiful. That is beautiful. And and love your your comments, especially now our nowadays. Right? I think that, on my own journey, right, making sure that you take care of yourself, right, your your mental health, everything, and, you know, for you to have that that firm. And I know you do not just now, but before that that you you hold, like, this is this is my red line, right, whenever impacts me or whatever. So that kudos to you for having that and and living it. Right? Just not saying. Yeah.

Tarji CarterYeah. Thank you for that. I think about our days in the at the hotel. Right? We we could have been out seven days a week. Right? Because people would come and they would provide things to us at the sales office, you know, treats or tickets or invitations to events. And so, you know, at some point, just have to say, you know what? I can do this and this, but not not everything. And so I think I learned a lot from being in that role too because it could have been a very slippery slope. Yeah. Had I not been careful. I was new to the city, didn't really know anyone. Right? So so I I learned to just kind of be a little bit more selective in what I did pretty early on when when I moved here to Atlanta because there's a lot going on here. And if you're not careful,

the Future of Hospitalityyeah, it things can happen pretty quickly. So Absolutely. I'm I'm the the proof of that. So

Tarji CarterI let you guys go hang out, and I I stayed home.

the Future of HospitalitySmart woman. Yeah. And and talking a little bit on on this topic, like, was there any any trait or any, I don't know, or belief that you had to let go along the way, right, in order for you to become the leader, the business owner you are today?

Tarji CarterMy gosh. It's it's still a struggle even even today. Right? You you we hear about this impostor syndrome. Right? And so I talked earlier about, you know, how people from previous lives, you know, didn't really have I didn't really have the support. I didn't really have the mentorship that I probably needed. And so just really believing in myself, right, and not allowing myself to succumb to the belief of others. Right? So I had to really, like, dig deep and say, okay. Well, let me let me take a step back. So I would go into organizations, and I would feel like just because someone was there before me, they had all the answers, and I didn't really have anything to contribute.

Tarji CarterAnd in some environments, it was because I didn't feel confident, or it was because someone made me feel like I didn't have anything to offer. Right? So that's where knowing yourself, knowing your worth, and your value comes into play. And so I had to get out of my own way and really, start to have more faith and confidence in myself and stop doubting myself. Right? If if if I didn't believe in me, nobody's gonna believe in me. Right? So there was this turning point where I was just like, you know what? No more. Enough is enough. Like, I'm gonna figure this thing out if it's the last thing I do. And and so, again, just that whole that tenacity, just really not giving up because I knew like, what I do now and why I do it, I knew that there was a need for this. Right?

Tarji CarterI knew that there was a need for what I bring to the table, the special skill set that I have, and not everybody could see that. And I also learned that I'm a bit of a visionary. So sometimes I I'm I'm forward thinking, and and sometimes it takes some people a little bit longer to catch up to the way I think. And that's okay. Yeah. Right? I'm different. I'm a little bit quirky and all the things, but that, you know, that's that's part of what makes me who I am. Yes. So That is Yeah. No regrets on that, but it's it's it's been a it's been quite the journey.

the Future of HospitalityFor sure. That is that is interesting, and and it's it's funny now. Right? I don't know if funny is the right word, but it's like, right now in your new role, I I love that you you know, I don't know if you work exclusively with minorities, but I know you work a lot with minority. Right? Because especially, historically, minorities, right, they they can be challenged on, either being taken advantage, right, in processes. Right? You know, in life. Right? Everything we know, right, it's proven like mortgages and anything like this. Right? So the same kind of apply from the education perspective is like, hey. This is really what is within a fair expectations from a business perspective on both sides, and this is where this is Yeah. You know, taking advantage.

the Future of HospitalityMhmm. So with that said, you know, you're helping open doors for a lot of people. You're helping them see the vision, see the potential and taking that first step. And was there anyone along the way that has helped that besides your parents, right, your dad with, making sure you you use your brain?

Tarji CarterYeah. I would I would say, you know, really, it started with me just paying attention to what was happening around me and noticing the disparity from an ownership perspective. Right? And I'm looking around. I'm like, okay. Something's not right around here. Like, you know, why is that? Right? So I started to dig a little bit deeper. Like, why is that the case? Like, and it was a matter of the information not reaching certain communities. Mhmm. Right? So I would work for different companies. I'm like, hey. We need to we need to be more, you know, be more inclusive. You know? And, you know, that's a it's kinda taboo to say those things, but I noticed it. Right? You know? Can't hide the fact that I'm a double minority. I'm a black woman. It is what it is. Right? Can't hide that.

Tarji CarterSo when I started the franchise play, it was really to bring attention to the benefits of franchise ownership to communities that were underserved Yeah. Right, who didn't have access to the information as readily as some others. And in doing that, I realized that there were people from all over that needed this information. So I like to say that, what we created was created out of a need, but we don't discriminate. Like, this is it's it's for everyone. Whoever wants to get into franchising and wants to do it in a way where they're they're pulling from just solid accurate information. Like, we're here to to work with any and everybody.

Tarji CarterAnd so I you know, there there's that challenge of, okay. Are you are you just for a specific group of people? I'm for I'm for the people who wanna operate in franchising with integrity. That's what this is all about for us. So if you come to the franchise game or a scrimmage or if you hire me to come and do a huddle, which is where I go and I talk to groups of less than 50, Whoever wants to learn about franchising and access to resources, that's what we're all about. So, yeah, that that's kinda it. But I've had some some bosses along the way who have bought you know, one boss that I had from Dunkin'.

Tarji CarterHe was the first one to buy a table at the franchise game in 2023. Yeah. I think we sold six tables that year, and he was the first one. And so, again, collecting people over these years, it's a matter of just collecting the folks that that that get it, right, that, like, that that want to operate with integrity, that treat people with respect and kindness, and and consider those that may or may not look like them, that wanna do business and do it the right way for the right reasons. And so those are the people that I gravitate to. Those are the people that I enjoy working with. And those are the people who support what we do because they understand that it really comes from a place of just having a love for people. Aw. That's beautiful. That's great. And Aw. Yeah. I mean, it it is. Right? Because it's it's,

the Future of HospitalityI don't know. It's because I know you that I really know it comes from the heart. Right? But it's it's because, right, nowadays, there's a lot of lip service, right, on on people that say that they do the right things and they they wanna, you know, get social media hits and all that versus the ones that do, you know, even when the the lights are not on, right, when when no one is looking. And, and I think that's why, right, you haven't had an you know, hasn't been easy, and it's always a challenge, like, you know, owning a business. But that's why I think that you bring that success and, you know, your previous boss was the first to buy the table. Right? Because they they know it's real and they know, of course, that you're very, you know, capable, clearly.

Tarji CarterThank you. Yeah. I think it's just a matter of, like, you know, making sure you you don't overpromise and under deliver. Right? And I think, anyone that knows me just like you, like, won't work at a I wouldn't work at a hotel that I wouldn't stay at. Right? I like to look myself in the mirror. I like to sleep well at night. And and I don't I don't know anybody who does the opposite and can sleep well at night. Right? If but I I like to I like to operate in a in a fashion where I'm establishing trust. Right? Because I think every relationship is built on trust, so it should be.

Tarji CarterAnd, and so I try to carry that into all of my relationships, whether it's personal or work related, if it's a client. Know, you I have this one client group, that a husband and wife couple, Kirk and Colleen Jeter, they just bought the rights to develop 120 Lola Beans locations in the entire state of Texas. So, you know, that comes from relationships. So they had a number of Wingstop locations, and they divested and and bought into this brand. And it was because of, the relationship. Of course, they did their due diligence, but they know that I'm not gonna bring an opportunity to them that I don't see value in. And so, of course, they had to ultimately make that decision, but it was done because you know, they they even considered it because they know that I'm going to bring them an opportunity that I think would make sense for them, and I've done my due diligence on.

Tarji CarterAnd so it just you know, it it it really means a lot to me that I have the trust of of the folks that I work with that I may have worked with in the past, and that, you know, they they'll take my call. They'll respond to my text message. You know? Just my reputation means a lot to me. I just really try to I try to do the right things. And I don't always get it right,

the Future of Hospitalitybut but I definitely do my best. Oh, that's awesome. Well, congrats. You know, huge huge sale, you know, deal. And and, like, on your business, like, how what's the usual time frame for these type of deals to execute? Like, you know, I know it can vary a lot. Right? But, I don't know, on ballpark more or less.

Tarji CarterMan, I can tell you. So the smaller deals seem to take a lot of time. Right?

the Future of HospitalityGuys.

Tarji CarterIt it, I mean, it's always the case. Right? And, usually, it's folks who are just getting stuck. Right? So that deal a deal can take up to a year. Right? It can take ninety days up to a year. Right? Ideally, you want it to take about ninety days or so, if not less. This deal, this Lola Beans deal with the Jeters happened pretty quickly because they're they're so astute. They're they're, like, so savvy. They do their research. They believe in the brand. They believed in the brand, I should say. They still believe in the brand. And so once they did their homework, they visited the headquarters, met the founders, Donnie and and Missy Bradley. They they were all in. They were all in. So that was that deal probably happened quicker than any deal. It's the largest deal I've ever closed, and it happened the quickest of any deal I've ever closed. And and that I mean, that says a lot in in the almost twenty years I've been I've been working in franchises. That is awesome. Well, you just gotta do more of those, then you're done. Yeah.

Tarji CarterOne or two more of those, and I can know. I'm just The

the Future of Hospitalityyeah. Congrats. And then, you know, so you've been a few years, you know, in your entrepreneur journey helping, you know, from the franchise side. What has been the hardest It's kind of begin to bring your vision to reality or sustain keep going forward when things are not going your way?

Tarji CarterCan I say combination of of everything? Yeah. It's it's you know, the community that I started out serving initially in 2023, which is, you know, underrepresented communities, If they've not been exposed to or heard of the benefits of franchise ownership and how to do it properly, you know, it can come across as maybe something that is almost a scam. Right? Like, there's so many people out here just offering things that aren't necessarily achievable. And so to someone or a group of folks that might not really understand it, it can come across that way. Like, hey. You know, you can you you pay this, and then you become that, or this is how much you could potentially make. And so when there are a lot of folks out here, again, overpromising, underdelivering, then I come along with this message, and it's like, you know, it's it's so it takes a while to develop the trust of those who who may not be familiar with this this this industry.

Tarji CarterBut then also, you know, just on the days when you know, as an entrepreneur, like, every day is not payday. Yeah. Right? So having to be very strategic about budgeting, you know, because there could be some months where, you know, nothing comes in, and then they could, you know, and they could be six months before something comes in. So just really being committed to to success, which means making sure everything is considered as part of the business. Right? So you just have to be very responsible and disciplined. And that takes work because until I became a full fledged entrepreneur, you know, I always had that paycheck to rely on. Right?

Tarji CarterAnd so I could be a little frivolous with certain things. And but now, and it doesn't matter how much money I make. I'm always I'm always going to Ross, Cesar. I'm going to Ross to see what's in Ross. I'm I'm I'm doing the things. Right? Because I wanna make sure to never lose sight of, you know, when when the times aren't great. Right? Because if you don't, if you don't keep yourself grounded, you can end up back at square one with nothing

the Future of Hospitalitypretty quickly. So Yeah. And how Yeah. How do you measure success nowadays versus early on in in life? Let's say if you compare when you start, like, how?

Tarji CarterThat's a great question. I think success for me is, again, not just the the dollars and cents. Right? It's how am I impacting the community in a way that is really tangible? Am I making a difference? And I can tell you there was one instance where I realized, okay. You're onto it. Don't give up. And it was the first time we did the franchise game back in September 2023. And there was a franchisee. He owns about a 100 Pizza Hut's. And he said to me, where were you when I was getting started? Wow. Wow.

the Future of HospitalityWow.

Tarji CarterI said, okay. I'm on the right path. I'm doing something that matters. And every year, this thing grows and grows, and and people are really being impacted in a positive way. So that was that was one of those moments. That was an moment for me for sure. Yeah.

the Future of HospitalityThat is awesome. That is awesome. And then when you look, I know that you work now with other industries. Right? But you still work a lot with hospitality related, industries like coffee and whatever else. And what is something that personally and also professionally kind of excites and perhaps something for us to think through as you look into the kind of future of hospitality?

Tarji CarterI think I'm I'm optimistic. Right? I I think, I think AI is is a great tool to have to really make processes more efficient. But I'm optimistic that eventually, as a community, we'll get back to human relationships and providing a great or fantastic guest experience. I think we've lost sight of that in a lot of ways. It's more about, you know, just the bottom line and, you know, how much money can we make. And service has suffered tremendously even in the hospitality industry. But I'm optimistic. Right? You know, I guess I'm just old school when it comes to what hospitality should be. I think enough of us, you know, when we when we put our heads together, I think at some point, you know, the pendulum's gonna swing in the other direction, and people are gonna crave more human interaction than than currently.

Tarji CarterSo

the Future of HospitalityI'm hopeful. Awesome. Yeah. I'm I'm the same way. It's like, you know, I always look to I don't know. I always prefer to look at things on the half full. You know, it's not always perfect. I can do better. But Yeah. To me is a a better way to look at things and keeps you keeps you going forward. Right? There's always a way.

Tarji CarterYeah. Absolutely. I think, you know, when we worked when I worked in the hotel industry, I really enjoyed, you know, engaging with the front desk staff or the the housekeeping staff and rewarding them for just doing a great job. Or when, you know, one of my clients or customers would would have something positive to say, would go and and and let the manager know. I would ask for them to send it to me in writing so that I could share it. And to just see the look on someone's face when they've done a great job and they're being recognized for that, I mean, you can't replace that. That that right there definitely pulls at the heartstrings. And and, you know, that's what I think that's what hospitality is all about. So you take care of your people. They're gonna take care of your customers.

Tarji CarterAnd I think, you know, that's I think that's the future of hospitality, getting back to the the basics and the roots. Yeah.

the Future of HospitalityAnd and as you're talking, it's funny. Right? There's times in our lives and work that you had that person, right, that just made that one sentence, took that one time to acknowledge and and resonates with you forever. Right? And and I think to your point, if we can do that, you know, whenever we go buy our coffee or at work and just, you know, be be intentional and doesn't take a lot of time, but it can really make a huge impact to someone's life and trajectory.

Tarji CarterYeah. Absolutely. I mean, I enjoy when I go to get my my coffee, my latte, or my tea, whatever it is. And the same girl every day, she screws my name up big time, but she's so happy. She's like, hi, Taraji. And I never I never correct her because she's so excited Because she remembers my name. She sees my face. So we have this exchange, and it really sometimes just sets the tone for my day. Like, you know what? Like, she really made me smile. And, you know, it it's it's so priceless. Yeah. Right? Oh, that's amazing. Yeah. Taraji. Taraji. Hi, Taraji.

the Future of HospitalityYeah. So I and I'll never call back out. I'm the same way. You call me whatever. As long as it's, you know, positive, bring it on. Exactly. She's close enough. Yeah. She's in the ballpark. Right?

Tarji CarterExactly.

the Future of HospitalityYeah. But she makes my day. That's awesome. That's awesome. Tarji, you know, just as we close, if you want people, right, that are listening to this just to walk away with one thing from your journey or anything you'd like to share, what would that be? Yeah.

Tarji CarterIt would be you know, life is short. You should be happy. You should be doing something that allows you to feel fulfilled. Right? And it may or may not be franchising, but I can tell you one thing. If it is, you know, there's a there's an industry out there for you. And if you're looking for a franchise that fits, you know, your lifestyle, you know, I would love to to be able to help you to find that. But it really comes with being honest with yourself first. Right? Is what I'm currently doing what I can see myself doing for the rest of my life or at least for the next ten or fifteen years?

Tarji CarterAnd if the answer is no, right, figuring out what that looks like. You know? And all jokes aside, like, whether it's franchising or not, just really being honest with yourself, sitting still enough to say, you know what? This is what I love. Or you know what? I I can really see myself doing something else. And and I think if the if it's something else that's gonna bring you joy and you're able to monetize it, good for you. I say go for it. Oh, that's amazing.

the Future of HospitalityGreat one. And thank you so much. Thank you for the opportunity to connect. You know, it was it was nice just like we're reconnecting and catching up. So, you know, it's been really a pleasure. And and, you know, I admire you so much just from, you know, your your career, the amazing person you are, professional, and, you know, like like a brother when I see you, like, from outside, I'm just, you know, makes my my heart warm because, you know, like, seeing your your past. So congrats and, you know, we just keep getting better and better.

Tarji CarterThank you, Cesar. Thank you for having me. I feel like, man, we were just two crazy kids when we met twenty years ago. Now look at us. Exactly. Right? This is awesome.

the Future of HospitalityThis is awesome. Thank you for that. Thank you. I appreciate it. You, and talk soon.