Those familiar with college sports will recognize the term walk-on as a reference to unrecruited athletes that choose to try out or “walk-on” to a team. It’s a tough road to take but one that Brandon Landry successfully navigated as a basketball player at Louisiana State University.
When Brandon graduated from LSU, he and his teammate Jack Warner took their sports bar business proposal they submitted for a class project and made it a reality. The first Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux opened in the shadows of LSU’s football stadium. Since then, many have taken notice. The first was ESPN. They named Walk-On’s the “#1 Sports Bar in America.” Then, recently retired New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees expressed an interest in the business and ultimately joined the Walk-On’s team as a co-owner.
Today, with more than 100 locations in the works across 15 states, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux operates with a mission of delivering a memorable game day experience with a taste of Louisiana created by an All-American team. And the best part? The culture they work to inspire in every employee celebrates being a great teammate.
In recounting his journey, CEO Brandon Landry offers sharp lessons for business leaders eager for insights on aligning staff, scaling company culture, raising the bar on expectations, and knowing when — and how — to change course when things are not going to plan…including holding a funeral when moving past failure!
You will learn:
- 3:00 How to seek internal validation.
- 7:00 How to make every member of your team feel valued.
- 15:00 How to illustrate change so all employees understand.
- 25:00 How to make sure your company’s culture is felt, not just posted on the wall.
- 30:00 Everyone has a story. Make an effort to get to know your teammates.
Resources:
- Better than a sports bar. More fun than a restaurant. Game Day with a taste of Louisiana. Find a location near you.
- Follow Walk-On’s on social media:
Never Miss An Episode
You will receive a FREE chapter from Don’s best-selling book on GREAT TEAMS when you subscribe.
Bonus Resource
Search episodes
Recommended For You
Love This Podcast?
We would be so grateful if you left us a rating and review!
Greg Brenneman
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
John C. Maxwell
“I am a subscriber because you are one of the greatest teachers, one of the best storytellers I have ever met, and I know you will maximize the people you have on the podcast. I’m telling everyone because when you find gold you point everyone to it.”
Simon Sinek
“Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
Beth Brooke
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
Rick Hendrick
“We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
Bill George
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Step 1: Open the Apple Podcasts App.
Step 2: Search Corporate Competitor Podcast and click the episode art.
Step 3: Scroll to the bottom of the page and leave a rating and review.
BONUS Screenshot your review, and send to corporate.competitor@greatnessinc.com for a free gift!