Less “I Want”, More “How Can I”

Let’s talk about one of the biggest problems in the American workplace today: entitlement without accountability.

Every single day, employees look their managers straight in the eye and declare, “I want more money.”

You know what you almost never hear?

“How can I make more money for the business?”

“What can I do to bring more value?”

“How can I help this place grow so we all win?”

We’ve created a work culture where too many people think showing up barely is enough. They clock in, do the part of the job they enjoy, then spend the rest of the shift scrolling on their phones, gossiping, or just standing around waiting for the clock to set them free.

Here’s a reality check:

Nobody gets a raise when the business isn’t growing.

Nobody gets better pay when the cash register isn’t ringing.

You want more money? You want promotions? You want a job you actually feel proud of? Then you’d better start by asking yourself:

What have I done to improve this workplace? Have I contributed anything that makes the business better or more profitable? Do I make things easier for my coworkers, or do I pile on complaints?

Because whether you realize it or not, you are getting noticed.

But probably not for the reasons you think.

You’re noticed for your lack of hustle.

You’re noticed for your lack of curiosity.

You’re noticed for your lack of teamwork and the way you act like it’s someone else’s job to care.

You want to be noticed for the right reasons? Flip the script.

Start being the person who:

Looks for what needs done and just does it. Jumps in to help without being asked. Takes pride in every task, no matter how small. Brings solutions instead of excuses.

When you consistently add value, guess what? Raises, promotions, and respect tend to follow. You actually earn them instead of just demanding them.

And while we’re at it leave your personal problems at the door. Everyone has them. This isn’t group therapy; it’s work. Get off your damn phone. Stop whining about what’s “not fair” and start contributing to the place that signs your paycheck.

You chose this job. If it’s so miserable, maybe it’s time to find something else. Because the reality is, plenty of jobs out there will never pay more because they can’t, the businesses can’t afford it when half the staff is stuck in “I want” mode instead of “How can I help?” mode…

You want a better work life? Be a better worker.

You want more money? Be worth more money.

You want respect? Do something respectable.

Until then…. work, work, and work some more. The only person standing between you and the success you think you deserve is you!

We Deserve Better: Politics the Way America Meant It

Look, I’m not here to wave a flag for any one party…. I’m here to wave it for the people. For the business owners, the workers, the parents, the veterans, the folks who don’t get to hide behind a press secretary or cushy pension.

And let me say this loud and clear:

We deserve leaders…. not actors. Not liars. Not grifters in red ties or blue blazers.

Remember JFK? That man stood in front of the nation and said, “Ask not what your country can do for you…” and he meant it. He called on Americans to dig deep, to serve, to unite. Not divide and conquer. Not tweet and ghost.

Remember Reagan? Whether you loved him or not, you knew where he stood. He took on enemies foreign and domestic without apologizing for putting America first. He didn’t blink. He didn’t bend. And he damn sure didn’t sell out the country for speaking gigs and shady foreign deals.

Fast forward to today…

We’ve got a government that –

Prints money like Monopoly, then acts shocked when a burger costs $18. Shuts down schools, then wonders why kids can’t read past a 5th grade level. Makes health care a tangled mess of paperwork, co-pays, and corporate greed, while the folks who wrote the laws get Cadillac plans for life.

This isn’t leadership. It’s a money grab.

It’s a puppet show where the strings are pulled by lobbyists, donors, and foreign interests. And somehow, we’re the ones getting taxed, gaslit, and told to be grateful for it.

So here’s my message…

America needs a reset, not just politically, but morally.

We need leaders who…

Say what they mean and mean what they say. Live by the same rules as the rest of us. Put the people first, not the polls.

Bring back the spirit of JFK, of Reagan, of those who didn’t treat the White House like a VIP lounge for their next Netflix deal or TikTok reel.

We need truth over spin, service over ego, and results over excuses.

Until then, I’ll be here running a business, paying taxes, respecting my team, and praying that someday soon, someone in D.C. remembers who they really work for.

Spoiler: IT’S US!!!

Follansbee Needs Leaders, Not an Internet Comment War

I jumped on social media today just to check the local election results in my old hometown, Follansbee, West Virginia. You know, a quiet little spot that’s seen generations of my family dedicate themselves to public service. We’ve had city council members, city managers… you name it. I even clocked a few years working for the city myself.

So yeah, I’ve got some skin in the game. And from what I saw during my time there, and from listening to those who stayed in the trenches…. I can tell you one thing for sure: Follansbee has been crying out for an overhaul for years.

Mismanaged funds. Overpaid department heads coasting through their gigs. A leadership culture where “best interest of the city” seems to be an afterthought. Watching the city slip year after year has been tough. Especially the police department. Follansbee sits right between Steubenville, OH and Weirton, WV…. just 30 minutes north of Wheeling. And guess what all three have in common? Crime and a serious drug problem. Meanwhile, Follansbee’s law enforcement seems underfunded and underprepared for the chaos that often spills into town.

But as disappointing as that is… what I saw today was worse.

I couldn’t even find the damn election results.

Instead? Just a scroll-fest of childish name-calling, online tantrums, and enough keyboard courage to fill a high school cafeteria. Seriously, grown adults throwing digital fists like it’s recess. “Idiot.” “Asshole.” And even worse.

Let me ask this: Would you say that to someone’s face at the gas station? At the post office? Or is your bravery only broadband-deep?

Listen, Follansbee needs change. I’m hopeful the new council members and mayor are ready to do what needs to be done and I genuinely believe they are. But change doesn’t just come from the top. It comes from us. From how we act, how we speak, and how we treat each other, even when we disagree.

And maybe, just maybe, if some of these digital tough guys tried acting like actual neighbors instead of internet trolls, we could get something real done.

Here’s to hoping.

How High School Sports Kill Dreams: A Personal Play-by-Play

There’s an epidemic quietly killing sports dreams—and it starts the minute talented young athletes enter high school. It’s not a lack of love for the game. It’s not burnout. It’s not even TikTok (shocking, I know). It’s favoritism. Politics. And coaching that wouldn’t pass Little League certification.

Let me break it down from personal experience.

Years ago, my son joined a rec baseball team in our hometown. He showed up to every single practice, worked his tail off, and played the game with heart. You know what he got in return? A permanent spot on the bench. Why? Because he didn’t share a last name with the coach or attend the right cookouts.

Meanwhile, the coach’s kid—barely present at practice because of another team—waltzed into games like he was the next Derek Jeter. And this wasn’t a one-time thing. Every team was run by a parent-coach clique who picked rosters like they were drafting for a family reunion.

So, we bounced.

My son went on to try out for a large organizational travel team—and he made it. This wasn’t your average weekend warrior crew. This was baseball boot camp with a pro-level polish. Organized practices. Professional drills. Matching uniforms. Players knew their roles. Coaches actually coached. And the kids? They played their hearts out—for each other.

He thrived.

But then came high school—and a choice I didn’t agree with. He left travel ball to play for his school. Why? He wanted to play with his friends. He still trained in Pittsburgh with top-tier instructors (you want credentials? Check out csidesports.com—these guys don’t mess around).

But apparently, high school coaches weren’t interested in credentials. He was told to ditch professional training and report to winter workouts in the school gym—because “we know better.” Right.

From there, it all unraveled.

Practice was chaos. There was no structure. No development. One kid showed up in dress pants, other players were all mis-matched wearing a hodgepodge of gear. Game days looked like a circus—one coach in a black cap, the other in red. No warmups. No consistency. No accountability.

Meanwhile, cocky, underqualified players got starting spots thanks to their parents’ connections. My son, who had the skill, drive, and work ethic, was pushed aside.

Then came the injury—he broke his arm diving for a ball, and just like that, his season was over.

But worse than that? His love for the game was gone. High school baseball killed it. It crushed a dream.

And here’s the real tragedy: This kid wasn’t just good—he was special. DIII and DI coaches saw it. He was training with college athletes at 13. He had a path. A future. A shot at an education and a chance to play at the next level.

But all that potential? Pushed out by politics, poor coaching, and a system that rewards who you know over what you can do.

My son isn’t alone.

This story plays out in every town, every year. Talented athletes walk away—not because they gave up, but because the system gave up on them.

It’s time we start talking about it.

Because sports should be about hustle, heart, and hard work. Not who your parents are, who’s on the school board or who attends your backyard BBQ’s.

Privilege Isn’t a Personality: The Entitlement Epidemic

Let’s talk about something that makes the room go cold real quick; entitlement. Not confidence. Not ambition. I’m talking about that smug, nose-in-the-air energy you feel from folks who believe they were born into the VIP section of life because mommy and daddy had a fat portfolio.

You’ve seen it. Hell, if you work in food service, retail, healthcare, or literally any job that requires human interaction, you’ve felt the sting of someone looking at you like you’re a footnote in their fabulous little world. All because they come from money.

So here’s the question: Do you feel privileged because you come from money?

Because some people don’t just feel privileged, they feel entitled. To pick first. First class. First bite. And first attention. And if they don’t get it? Cue the meltdown. It’s giving “I’d like to speak to the manager” energy… only with a black AmEx and the belief that rules are for peasants. I have a place for your black AmEx!

And it’s not just about service, it’s about worth. There’s this underlying attitude that money = superiority. That if you’re struggling or working hard, it must mean you didn’t work smart. That you’re somehow lesser because your family tree doesn’t come with a trust fund and a country club membership.

Here’s the tea: Money doesn’t make you better. It just makes you louder in a world where too many people are still being silenced.

Entitlement is learned, not earned. And if you think your bank account gives you a moral high ground, then babe, you’re bankrupt where it really counts.

Let’s redefine what deserves respect: Kindness. Work ethic. Empathy. Accountability. The stuff that can’t be wired, inherited, or faked with a Gucci belt.

So take it back a notch and calm down. Your money doesn’t impress me. It doesn’t buy character! It doesn’t earn respect.

And it sure as hell doesn’t get you ahead of the line.

Because around here?

We don’t serve egos, we serve people!!

New World, No Grit?

Owning my own bar and restaurant has opened my eyes to a lot of things I used to take for granted.

Back in the day, when I clocked in as a bartender, the first thing I’d do? Check my inventory. What’s stocked, what’s running low? End of every shift, I’d clean, restock, and leave a detailed list of beers and liquors that needed attention. That was just standard. No one had to ask.

Now that I own the place? Half the staff strolls in like it’s their living room. No sense of urgency, no instinct to go above and beyond. Just clock in, stay in their lane, and peace out.

Did we lose something from the ’90s to now? Where’s the grit? The gusto? The pride in being a grinder? Where’s that “I’m here to crush it and make this place better” energy?

I’m not talking about working yourself to the bone, I’m talking about caring. About showing up with heart, hustle, and some damn initiative and not your own personal agenda?

It’s not that hard: look around, anticipate, and take action. That’s how you grow. That’s how you win.

But in today’s new world of workers, that mindset feels like a dying art.

And I’ll be real, I just don’t get it.

So here’s the question: Can we fix it? Is there hope?

Are there still people out there who want it, who want to learn, level up, and build something better? Are there people who believe in showing up on time, stepping up, and actually giving a damn?

Because if you’re one of them, one of the few left who takes pride in showing up and showing out, then I’m looking for you.

We used to chase shifts. Now I’m chasing people to do the shift.

If you want a gold star for doing the bare minimum, you’re in the wrong place!

Bad Luck or Bad Business?

Lately, we’ve been knee deep in what I can only describe as a streak of epic bad luck, or maybe it’s just plain bad business. Either way, the universe has been testing our patience, one broken product and clueless company at a time.

Let’s start with Vizio.

We bought a brand new TV. Two months in? Dead. Just gone. So, we reach out to Vizio, who kindly send out a repairman. He shows up, scratches his head, pokes around a bit, and then shrugs, completely stumped. No fix.

Next step? Vizio asks for photos of the broken TV so they can send a replacement. Fine. We do it. They send a new TV. We unpack it, set it up, plug it in…

And surprise! The new TV doesn’t work either.

So we call Vizio again and start the whole dance over. This time, they say another replacement is coming. Weeks pass—nothing shows up. I check the tracking… canceled. Why? Because they said they didn’t receive photos of the TV powered on.

Pause for dramatic effect.

How do I take a photo of a screen that won’t power on? I sent pictures. I explained it in detail—multiple times. Two days later, they call again asking for (you guessed it) photos of the TV turned on. Seriously, what the actual fuck?

How many times can I explain:

IT. DOES. NOT. TURN. ON.

It’s like talking to a wall. A wall that’s wearing a headset and reading from a script.

Now let’s talk about Bob’s Discount Furniture.

We bought a chaise sleeper couch a while back. Our dog decided to go full beast mode on the sleeper part and tore it up. No problem, right? We call Bob’s to see if we can just buy the pop-up sleeper portion. They say yes. We order it. We wait.

Delivery day comes, and the guys show up… with the wrong part. Instead of the sleeper section, we get a pop-up storage section. Okay, mistakes happen. We call Bob’s again. They promise to fix it.

Second delivery comes—same mistake. Another storage section.

We’re now on round three, back on hold with Bob’s, only to be told that we can’t buy just the sleeper part anymore. According to them, it’s connected to an arm section. Which is hilarious, because the sleeper piece on our couch? 100% not attached to either arm. I’ve sent pictures, descriptions—everything short of a carrier pigeon.

So what is it?

Is this just a run of bad luck? Or is it a slow death by customer service incompetence?

Honestly, I’m leaning toward the latter. The number of hoops we’ve jumped through just to get basic issues resolved is exhausting. But after the third, fourth, fifth time this kind of thing happens, you start to wonder:

Is this bad luck following us around like a shadow?

Or is the world just overloaded with companies who don’t give a damn?

Either way, one thing’s for sure:

Bad shit really does happen to good people.

New policy: If your company can’t make it right, I’m done doing business with you. Period.

But here’s the twist—I’m also done wasting my time trying to get rid of your broken, busted, useless products.

Instead?

I’m grabbing the scissors, saws or whatever is needed.

Cutting that crap into tiny, satisfying little pieces.

Boxing it up.

And sending it straight to your corporate headquarters with a note that says:

“Here’s your customer service in physical form. Enjoy.”

Because if you can’t fix it, you can damn well keep it.

Busted Back, Broken System: How WV PEIA Turned My Medical Emergency Into a Bureaucratic Nightmare

Imagine living with a herniated disc, two annular tears, nerve pain that shoots down your leg like fire, and a foot so numb it might as well not exist. Now imagine being told the surgery you need won’t be covered—not because it’s unnecessary, not because the doctor isn’t qualified, but because the treatment is 40 minutes away in a different state.

When your spine breaks down, you expect your insurance to step up. Instead, PEIA stepped aside and left me hanging—literally.

Welcome to my life with WV PEIA insurance.

I didn’t twist my ankle or pull a muscle. I’ve got a herniated disc at L4-L5, a bulging disc at L3-L4 with desiccation (that means the disc is drying out and crumbling), and two annular tears. The nerves in my lower back are so compressed I get numbness and burning sensations down my right leg. My foot? Useless. I can barely walk. Work? Out of the question. Exercise? Forget it.

The pain is constant. The frustration? Even worse.

I Did Everything Right—and Still Got Denied

I followed the rules.

I did physical therapy—even when it made things worse.

Multiple times, the disc shifted during PT and left me stuck on the table for hours, unable to move.

I tried cortisone injections. Nothing helped.

Eventually, the doctors ordered an MRI.

But instead of imaging my lumbar spine, where the pain actually was, they ordered an MRI of my thoracic spine—the wrong body part.

When I flagged the mistake, the insurance company told me I’d be responsible for the bill unless the doctor admitted fault. Spoiler alert: he didn’t.

Insert failed treatment here.

Hope in Pittsburgh—Then, a Kick in the Gut

I finally found a specialist in Pittsburgh—just 40 minutes from my home in West Virginia. A real doctor. One who listened, ordered the correct MRI, and confirmed what I already knew: I needed surgery.

A couple nerve block injections got me through the worst of the days, but we were finally at the step that could actually fix me.

And that’s when PEIA dropped the hammer.

They told me I’d be responsible for $85,000 of the surgery costs.

Why?

Because even though the doctor is in-network, he’s out-of-state.

And apparently, that’s all it takes for PEIA to slash your coverage and pretend your deductible doesn’t exist.

So not only would they cover less, but they refused to apply anything I’d already paid toward my deductible—because it wasn’t in West Virginia.

I genuinely believe that might be illegal. And I intend to find out.

The Appeal Games: Rules Followed, Denied Anyway

I appealed. The hospital appealed. We met every criteria:

Proximity: My specialist is 40 minutes away. The PEIA-recommended providers? 2+ hours. Failed Local Treatment: My previous doctor ordered the wrong MRI, and all treatment attempts failed. Established Relationship: I’d been working with my Pittsburgh doctor for months. He was recommended by someone I trust.

All of it? Denied.

So we appealed again.

And were denied again.

Meanwhile, PEIA starts advertising a new perk—if you live in southern WV, you can now go to Cincinnati, Ohio for care.

That’s even farther than Pittsburgh for many people!

But if you’re in the northern panhandle, like me? You’re not allowed to go 30–45 minutes across the state line for excellent care.

Make it make sense. You can’t. Because it doesn’t.

The Truth About PEIA

Let’s call it what it is: garbage insurance.

PEIA isn’t designed to help patients—it’s designed to save money by denying care.

They put up red tape, hide behind technicalities, and leave patients like me in chronic pain, unable to work, and drowning in bills.

And I know I’m not the only one.

So here’s the deal:

If PEIA has denied your surgery…

If they’ve forced you to pay for their mistakes…

If they’ve told you “no” when you did everything right…

I want to hear your story.

Send it to me. Comment. Share this post. Whatever it takes.

It’s time to hold this system accountable. Because no one should have to fight this hard just to get their life back.

Owner’s Corner

A weekly blog of all the ups and downs in the restaurant industry

“Nobody Replaced the Damn Ketchup” AGAIN!

It’s always the simple shit that gets you.

Busy as hell, staff running around, and not one person notices the ketchup is empty. Not only empty… but just left there, waiting. With a brand-new box sitting right beside it. Untouched. Unopened. You know what sucks? A customer needing ketchup and having none ready to go!

OWNER’S CORNER

What Gets You Out of Bed Daily?

This rant could go a hundred different ways, but since this is my Owner’s Corner, I’m keeping it restaurant-real.

So, what gets you up in the morning?

Bills? Rent? Child support? Ego? Guilt? Passion?

Are you a hustler? Do you have grit?

Do you wake up thinking, “I’m gonna crush it today,” or do you drag your ass into work already halfway defeated?

Let me take you back for a second.

When I moved into my college dorm, I was a week early. I went to the office to get my student ID, and the lady asked, “Are you a mover or a shaker?”

I looked her dead in the eye and said, “I’m a Mover and a Shaker”

She was so confused, she just gave me the ID early.

I still have no idea what a “mover or shaker” actually is, but I’ve been both ever since.

Now ask yourself, what drives you?

Is it survival? Is it your kids? Is it pride in being your best self so they see a different kind of example growing up?

I don’t know what gets you going, but I’ll tell you what doesn’t:

Money

Because there’s a decent wage and plenty of shifts available, and somehow, the motivation still isn’t there.

In this industry, I’ve seen way too many people doing just enough.

Everyone wants more money, but very few want to earn it.

In 11 years of owning a restaurant, I’ve seen maybe five true hustlers. People who knew their job, owned their job, and didn’t need a babysitter to stay on track.

Managers and owners get hypnotized by resumes. But let me tell you—75% of them are garbage.

You can have a rock star resume and still be a trainwreck on the line.

Skill? That’s teachable.

But if you don’t want to learn? You’re dead weight.

And if you don’t even know what gets you out of bed in the morning, you’ll just stand around watching others do the work. You’ll offer help too late, if at all. You’ll mutter the dreaded phrase:

“I don’t care.”

If I had a dollar for every time I heard that from an employee, I’d be retired on a beach somewhere.

But guess what?

“I don’t care” kills businesses.

So does inconsistency in the product.

Those two are the silent assassins of our industry.

And look, I know some people won’t want to hear this.

But this is my blog, my bar, and my Owner’s Corner. So… fuck it.

Take a good, hard look at yourself.

What motivates you? Why do you show up for work?

If you can’t answer that honestly, then why are you even working?

Managers and owners aren’t just looking for warm bodies.

We want people with grit, hustle, and drive.

The ones who show up early, stay a little late, and make sure everything runs right. Not just for themselves, but for the whole team.

And if money does motivate you? Cool.

Then here’s your roadmap to earning more:

RAISE-WORTHY CRITERIA

1. Consistency Over Time

• Show up on time, ready, with the right attitude.

• No drama, no ghosting, no vanishing mid-shift.

2. Performance & Work Ethic

• Handle your station like a pro, even under pressure.

• Don’t wait for direction—just handle your business.

• Keep the quality high, no matter how busy it gets.

3. Team Player Energy

• Help others without bitching about it.

• Keep the vibe positive, even in the weeds.

• Don’t stir the pot… unless it’s literal soup.

4. Guest Experience Rockstar

• Guests remember your name for the right reasons.

• You upsell naturally and turn complaints into compliments.

5. Loyalty & Longevity

• You’ve stuck around and shown you want to grow.

• You’re invested in the team—not just the paycheck.

6. Willingness to Learn

• You take feedback like a champ.

• You cross-train, learn new systems, and stay ahead of the curve.

Raises aren’t given just because your rent’s due or your car got repo’d.

They’re earned when you become someone your team can count on, that’s when you level up.

That’s when the business wants to invest in you.

You want a raise?

Be the person that makes the restaurant better.

Then watch what happens.

When Perfect Resumes Crash and Burn in the Kitchen; The Resume Said Rockstar. Reality Said Train Wreck

The Resume Trap: When Experience Fools You

We’ve all been there, sifting through resumes, hoping to spot that unicorn candidate with the golden combination: years of experience, the perfect background, and ideas that sound amazing in an interview. And yeah, we thought we struck gold recently at Basil’s. This new hire had the resume of a seasoned pro. During the interview? Nailed it! Said all the right things, dropped some impressive suggestions for improving kitchen flow, we were sold.

But two weeks in?

Didn’t know cook times.

Couldn’t keep up with the pace.

And the KDS? Might as well have been written in a foreign language.

It’s a brutal reminder that experience doesn’t equal talent. What looks good on paper can completely fall apart when the heat gets turned up—literally.

Smart Isn’t Always the Right Fit

This brings us to a key idea from First, Break All the Rules: “Great managers don’t hire based on experience”, they hire based on talent. That’s the natural ability to thrive in a role, not just survive. And sometimes, the most capable people on paper can completely miss the mark in real world performance.

Intelligence and charm in an interview don’t mean someone has the hustle, adaptability, or instinct to work a Friday night rush in a slammed kitchen. Especially not ours.

Why Managers Keep Chasing Experience

It’s easy to fall into the trap of experience-based hiring. It feels safe. Like checking a box:

“10 years on the line? Great!”

“Managed a team of 20? Perfect!”

But what that doesn’t tell you is how they handle pressure, how they communicate under stress, or whether they even care enough to grow.

The Real Cost of the Wrong Hire

A bad hire doesn’t just waste time, it kills momentum. It drains your team. Your best employees have to pick up the slack. Morale dips. Trust fades. And your customers? They feel it too.

So What Do You Hire For?

First, Break All the Rules lays it out:

• Hire for talent, not experience. You can teach cook times. You can’t teach work ethic.

• Trust your gut on behaviors, not buzzwords.

• Look for people who fit the role’s demands naturally.

Breaking Free from the Resume Mirage

At Basil’s, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that a perfect resume doesn’t mean a perfect employee. The right hire is someone who has the natural wiring to succeed in the role—not just someone who talks a good game.

And the truth is, the best people for the job aren’t always the most polished on paper. Sometimes they’re just the ones who show up, ask the right questions, and figure it out fast because they care.