ABOUT DONALD

MY STORY

With over 45 years in the trenches of the restaurant industry, I’ve had the privilege of coaching more than 3,000 independent restaurants, guiding not just their businesses but also transforming their lives.

Family means everything to me. My son, Alex, and I bond over our love for Marvel movies, hitting the gym together, and enjoying a great steak. My daughter, Morgan, lives in Michigan, so while we don’t get to see each other as often as I’d like, we make it a point to meet up in Chicago for shopping and our favorite sushi spots.

I’m all about pushing limits when it comes to my hobbies. Whether it’s crushing a hardcore HIIT workout, diving into cold plunge therapy, or focusing on recovery sessions, I stay sharp both physically and mentally. Reading is another passion—five books a month is my usual pace, and I’ve got over 1,000 audiobooks in my Audible library. A personal favorite is The Tao of Personal Leadership, a book that’s been a game-changer in my approach to work and life.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT IS A CORE VALUE OF MINE.

I’ve invested in coaching across business, online marketing, fitness, nootropics, voice, and mindset because I believe in constantly striving for improvement.

Currently, I’m working with six coaches, including Garrett J. White as my business coach and Carter as my fitness coach, who’s pushing me to new levels of physical and mental performance.

Continuous learning has always been a cornerstone of my life. The first motivational speaker I listened to was Zig Ziglar, whose cassette tape of See You at the Top lit a fire in me early on. I’m also a 5th-degree Black Belt in American Kempo, and the life of the Samurai and the Bushido Code have deeply influenced me. The discipline and focus I’ve learned from martial arts are principles I bring into everything I do—whether coaching, working out, or leading with purpose.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE,

I’m a Christian, and my faith plays a major role in everything I do.

It’s been a transformative journey, one that has made me more focused, driven, and determined to fulfill my calling—helping independent restaurant owners break free from the struggles holding them back.