Taking the Leap

Our guest today is Larry Wright Jr., the CEO and President of Wright Investments. His multi-generational family business represents over 200 hotels and 26,000 hotel rooms in 28 states. They specialize in hospitality investments, hospitality management, and hotel and real estate capital projects. 

Larry graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He then earned his Master's Degree at NYU and graduated from the Harvard Business School OPM program. Larry is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and an avid outdoorsman.

I am excited to learn more from Larry about the hospitality industry, the story of how his father got started, what Larry learned leading his company through the COVID shutdowns that radically impacted his business, and how he inspired confidence in his staff during challenging times. I also have questions on how he navigates today's difficult political climate while serving customers, why continued learning is important to him and his career development, and what books have impacted him most. This will be a fascinating discussion, so let’s jump right in.

Our guest today is Christine Assouad, the CEO of Dunkin Donuts Lebanon and Semson Lebanese Cuisine. She has been successfully growing and leading restaurant brands in the Middle East for over 27 years. She is a board member of Food and Beverage companies in the Middle East and provides business workshops at conferences in in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Lebanon. Her work also includes business development, franchising, and acquisitions across the MENA markets. Christine is passionate about supporting female entrepreneurship through the “Empowering Tribe” community, where she helps provide online classes, bootcamps, and one-on-one CEO coaching to empower female entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential. 

Christine earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the American University of Beirut. She received a Master of Science in Food Science from McGill University and a Master of Marketing from the ESA Business School. She is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School President’s Program and a member of the Young Presidents Organization, also known as YPO. 

I am really excited to learn more from Christine about her journey leading various businesses, overcoming obstacles in her career, reinventing herself at 47, mentoring next-generation leaders, and her passion for spreading a little happiness and joy in all she does. I know you will be motivated and inspired to hear her story, so let's jump in.

Our guest today is Jim Klonairs. Jim and his wife, Lori Klonaris, make up a dynamic team that has changed the face of Knoxville's hospitality and restaurant scene for the past 30 years. Together, they are the co-founders of Spaces in the City, where Lori is the CEO, and Jim is the creative genius behind the iconic Knoxville restaurants and spaces like the Kalamata Kitchen, Cafe4, Kefi, Vida, The Vault, The Press Room, The Square Room, City Catering, and Bella in Maryville. Jim is a serial entrepreneur, having worked in multiple industries, including hospitality, janitorial, consulting, real estate, and commercial development. 

Jim earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture, Interior Design, and Graphic Design from the prestigious University of Tennessee. Jim is also active in his local community, supporting the Prison Ministry Men of Valor as an executive board member.

I am excited to learn more from Jim and what he has learned as a serial entrepreneur, the leaps he has made in his journey, how he overcame bankruptcy early in his career, and the importance he places on education and personal growth. 

Adam Hancock is a national award-winning State Farm Agent from Montrose, Colorado. He has a wealth of experience as a third-generation state farm agent and is a recipient of their prestigious President’s Club. Adam got his professional start in the United States Navy, owned a landscaping business, and then followed in his family's footsteps into the insurance industry. Adam studied engineering at Colorado Mesa University and has his BA in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

In this conversation, we'll explore Adam’s journey from the Navy to State Farm and the key questions young people, middle-career professionals, and those nearing retirement should ask about their insurance coverages and needs for their life stage.

I’m interested in unpacking these questions and many more to ensure our listeners have the proper protections for their families and that your long-term objectives are being met so lets jump in!