Meet Wendy Shore | Business Growth Strategist, Speaker, and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Shore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, how do you think about risk?
Business ventures inherently involve risk. This willingness to embrace risk is a hallmark of many successful entrepreneurs. Not all risks result in success, but without risk, there can be no innovation, growth, or progress.

One of the most significant risks I took in my career was the decision to transition from the restaurant industry to consulting and business strategy. After over 25 years of building and running successful restaurants, I had established myself as a respected figure in the hospitality world. My restaurants were well-known for their exceptional food, service, and atmosphere, and I had a deep passion for the industry. It was aligned with my identity.

However, I reached a point where I felt that my values and vision were no longer aligned with the partnership I was in. The decision to leave the restaurant business was one of the most challenging I had ever faced. It meant walking away from the stability, reputation, and success I had worked so hard to build and venturing into a new and unfamiliar territory.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and to make a positive impact on even more lives and businesses. It taught me that sometimes the biggest risks are the ones that take us outside of our comfort zones and challenge us to reimagine what’s possible.

Of course, not all risks pay off, and I’ve certainly had my share of setbacks and failures along the way. But it is only through these setbacks and failures that I’ve learned some of the most valuable lessons and gained the resilience necessary to navigate the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business journey has been one of passion, resilience, and continuous growth. What sets me apart is my unique combination of entrepreneurial experience and financial expertise combined with a deep commitment to empowering others to achieve their dreams. I leverage my background as a CPA combined with 25+ years in hospitality leadership and entrepreneurship to equip and empower seasoned professionals and subject matter experts to turn their expertise into thriving, profitable ventures. Whether they are looking to start a new business or grow an existing one, I help them turn their insights into offerings and develop a business model that aligns with their individual entrepreneurial and lifestyle goals.

I started my career in the restaurant industry, where I built and operated several successful establishments. Through this experience, I learned invaluable lessons about leadership, customer service, and adaptability. However, my journey was not without challenges. I faced setbacks, including the closure of my restaurant LOLA due to the 2008 economic downturn.

But through these challenges, I learned the importance of resilience, financial management, and maintaining a long-term perspective. I’ve also learned that when things come easy, there are valuable lessons that are missed along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting me in Delray Beach, I would make sure they had an unforgettable experience. Of course, the first thing we would do is hit the beach and soak up the sun and the beautiful scenery.

Next, we would explore Atlantic Avenue, also known as “The Ave,” which boasts an array of fabulous restaurants. Having been in the restaurant business for many years, I am well acquainted with the owners and the best spots to eat. For a great steak, we would head to Cut 432. If we’re in the mood for Italian, Elisabetta’s is a very cool place, located in the space that used to be my absolute favorite restaurant, 32 East. We would also make sure to visit City Oyster and of course, grab drinks on the rooftop at The Ray. In addition to great food of course we’d sip great wine. (Fun fact, I hold three wine certifications; I am a Certified Sommelier, a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and hold my WSET Level 2)

If we’re feeling adventurous, we might take the new Brightline train and visit Wynwood, the vibrant art district in Miami, or explore the iconic South Beach area. For a unique experience, we could take an airboat ride through the Everglades, or even repeat our road trips when we just jumped in the car and drove up to Orlando and Disney World. Of course we could always do Universal Studios instead.

On a rainy day, we could visit the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton for some shopping. We can head to Mizner Park and hang out, perhaps catching a concert if there’s one happening. Depending on the time of year, we could hit the clear water springs and chill on a slow tube. Or take a drive to the Keys.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my amazing children. They have been my rock and my inspiration. Their unwavering support, even when I was working 12-hour days, has given me the strength to pursue my goals and bounce back from setbacks. Watching the adults that they have grown into has been a reminder of the importance of leading by example and showing them that anything is possible.

I would also give a heartfelt thank you to my incredible friends from childhood who always believed I could do anything I set my mind to, and my circle of business besties & “friendpreneurs” who have become some of my closest friends and trusted advisors.

My parents also deserve a special mention. They have always believed in me and supported my dreams, from helping out with the kids to offering words of wisdom. They are and have been a constant source of love and encouragement.

I need to thank myself. That is not an easy thing to do. When things got tough and I was tired, I didn’t let myself stop or quit. I made myself keep going. It is when things seem at their worst that we need to dig deep down and find the strength to keep going. I hope that this message resonates, as we all need to give ourselves thanks and a little bit of grace.

Website: https://www.shoreadvice.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWendyShore/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyshore

Image Credits
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