Speaker 1: 0:02

Welcome to Retail Checks and Balances, a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the bustling world of commerce and culinary delights to help you grow your business and win. Join us as we explore the fascinating stories, trends and challenges that shape the retail and hospitality industry, from cozy corner cafes to sprawling shopping malls and everything in between. And now here's your host, kevin Spencer.

Speaker 2: 0:32

Welcome again to Retail Checks and Balances. In this episode, I would like to talk about the different parts we take as individuals in life, also explain of how spontaneous we can adapt to certain trials and tribulations. Close your eyes and imagine that you are on an expressway. You will notice that some people are going in different directions. Normally, we won't care about that because we're focusing on our ultimate destination. However, I want us to think about the perspective of although everyone is going in a different direction, it basically means it's their part. People will have their own part to success. This brings me to my own path to glory.

Speaker 2: 1:26

Starting my own company 12 years ago was, at first, a scary one, but I focused on the fact that now I was investing in Kevin Spencer, we won an all. When you work for other people, it was indeed easier and we are industrious, but when you do it for yourself, it's a little more complex. However, the passion and the ability to achieve and being just as industrious for yourself does bring a level of self-gratitude that will take you beyond this world. My efforts these days are for my family and my employees' benefit. Back in March 2020, when there was a global shutdown for international travel and the borders of some countries were closed, I was left stranded in between the Dominican Republic and Miami, florida. My decision back then was to make margaritas from lemons that was delivered to me in this instance, not complaining or quack like a duck about returning home. I used it as an opportunity to put me on the path to be an awesome entrepreneur. Some people did not have this opportunity, but I was, sure, happy that I did. Positioning my business to open doors in the USA was a strategic and visionary execution. I was a very good person. I was a strategic and visionary execution. This gave both the organization and me an opportunity to expand beyond the horizon. World Plus Solutions became an international organization that promoted a wide range of solutions throughout Florida, latin America and the Caribbean, from POS systems to self-checkouts and chaos. I basically built a team in Miami that possess a positive energy that is energized by a leader that is always passionate about his employees, customers and partners. I also recognize my team from Triantabelo, who also played a huge part.

Speaker 2: 3:49

The road was not straight and smooth, but the goal stayed within sight and the shot to score success was always in striking distance. The strategy was when to execute. There were significant risks, but the ability to listen and understand customers and vendor partner needs proved to be the golden goose that was needed to stand tall in this awesome time of perfection. My travels during the pandemic to Las Vegas, new York and Puerto Rico before the vaccines were produced was indeed interesting. In Las Vegas, you saw casinos that had no more than 30 people or less in which normally had thousands, and New York was a ghost town, to say. At nights. Puerto Rico was almost business as usual, but some precautions were in place.

Speaker 2: 4:52

I also believe that in person communication was still the way to build relationships. All of the communication tools, such as go-to meetings, teams and Zoom, have been extremely beneficial to us all in those uncertain times. I still believed that trust is built from a humane and personal touch. I still do today. I was able to close a couple of deals and keep my family safe during the pandemic. However, after getting vaccinated, we as a family decided to push the limit and go out and get the virus and check the box. This was because we were tired of staying at home and wanted to return to some level of normalcy, like most of us did. It's a pity of how many people did not survive, but those of us that did should call the lucky stars that were around to speak of their experience. Even after the storms had subsided, I still believed there was always going to be a light at the end of the tunnel, and I stayed focused and zoned in.

Speaker 2: 6:18

There were times that both stress of the job and personal life collided, but the most important thing to remember is to be patient and understand that sometimes for the strategy to work is to give it the time it deserves. As with anything, if we push too hard for a decision or an outcome, then it falls apart. Even if that happens, you can always start over and rebuild. Failure is also part of the process Once we learn from it. Of course, this is always going to be there, but at least we need to learn how to manage it. The great thing about this you can step away when it gets too overwhelming and return to it later.

Speaker 2: 7:04

If you follow me here, what I'm trying to encourage is a bit of thought process. For example, if you have any discussion with someone and there's a level of disagreement, then the most important factor to try to understand is what that other person's perspective is. Anger and frustration will not solve anything. Being a grower in my industry has taught me to be humble as well as provoke as much thought as possible. In all instances, even in the most difficult situations in business, we must put our emotions aside, even if it means our feelings are affected in a negative manner. Of course, this is not easy, as we would love to swing a bat at somebody who doesn't take consideration for our feelings. However, the most important thing to remember is that the goal to move forward to a level of common purpose. You must never lose sight of what you are trying to succeed. This means trying to understand why people or person would have made a comment or even have a discussion about it. That's how you feel, is how you want to produce something of perspective.

Speaker 2: 8:31

Verbal or written communications are also so different from each other, but equally important, based on the situation. Most time, what things seem to be going afar, at the point of no return, we step away from it and revisit later, when emotions are no longer close to the skin. Then productive communication can be achieved. My point here is, after all, your hood. In fact, I have become an extremely positive person in which I try to look for the greatest outcome for all. This also means sometimes agreeing to disagree and also compromising. Striving for excellence should be everyone's ambition to achieve success. This has been a wonderful episode and I hope it helps you in your daily task goal and well-deserved success. Thank you again. God bless you all, if you say it.

Speaker 1: 9:39

Thanks so much for tuning into this episode. We sure do appreciate it. If you haven't done so already, make sure you're subscribed to the show wherever you consume podcasts, so we'll get updates as new episodes become available. If you feel so inclined, please leave us a review. Until next time, friends,