Reading Between the Lines (featuring Tom Belongia)A franchise owner shares the simple power of listeningGUEST BIO:Tom Belongia is an influential franchise owner and area representative for BIGGBY® COFFEE in Wisconsin. His journey from working at Pilot Travel Centers to becoming a key player at BIGGBY® COFFEE showcases his dedication to community-centric business practices. Over 15 years, Tom has significantly expanded BIGGBY® COFFEE’s presence in his state, emphasizing a leadership style rooted in personal growth and empowerment.Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Tom overcame educational challenges with the support of his family and mentors, an experience that deeply influences his approach to nurturing young leaders within his business. Links:LinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[29:39] - When Weaknesses are StrengthsFrom discouragement and frustration to resilience and empathy Tom opens up about his personal struggles with dyslexia as a child. He recounts how he was discouraged early in life but found strength through supportive teachers and family members, and that now in his role at BIGGBY® COFFEE and beyond he wants to be that influence for others. This experience also shaped his remarkable resilience and informed his empathetic leadership style, teaching him the value of supporting and believing in others' potential — no matter their surface-level weaknesses.[42:31] - Sometimes Work is Just WorkTom on finding balance in personal and professional goalsTom shares insights on how maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life is a common concern among his staff. Too often, managers and leaders make the mistake of thinking that managing work-life balance is up to individuals. But when they take a proactive stance on helping them with that balance, employees are inspired to give their best when they are at work. Tom emphasizes the necessity of creating an environment where employees feel valued and can manage their personal needs alongside their professional responsibilities.[43:21] - Listening Speaks Louder than WordsWant to know what your employees think? Ask them.Tom recalls the time he asked his employees directly what would make them feel appreciated, no strings attached. They told him in no uncertain terms that they wanted time off. This led to the implementation of a paid time off (PTO) policy that had employees literally applauding. This shows the simple yet powerful significance of listening to employees' needs and how simple acts of understanding can lead to transformative leadership decisions.[54:16] - Loving the Ones Who LeaveWhen great people leave, consider it a successTom talks about the importance of celebrating employees' growth, even when it leads them away from the company. He believes that supporting employees' career aspirations and life, including when it means they leave the organization, creates a positive work culture and fosters goodwill and community respect. This is what makes this such a wonderful place to work —people who genuinely care about the individuals beyond their value to any bottom line.RESOURCES:[8:49] About BIGGBY® COFFEE FranchisingFollow Tom Belongia:LinkedInFollow Laura Eich:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFollow Mike McFall:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookXInstagramFollow BIGGBY® COFFEE & LifeLabTM:WebsiteFacebookXInstagramLinkedInAbout LifeLabTMABOUT LOVE IN LEADERSHIP:At the Life You Love LaboratoryTM and BIGGBY® COFFEE, we’re out to prove that financial success and healthy workplace culture aren’t two separate goals. BIGGBY® COFFEE's own cultural transformation is proof that not only is it possible to have a successful company where people aren’t miserable at work, but that the happier your people are, the more your business will grow. Each week, join host Laura Eich, Chief Purpose Officer at BIGGBY® COFFEE, and her co-host and BIGGBY® COFFEE co-CEO Mike McFall as they’re joined by guests from around the world to learn how they are fostering a culture of love and growth in the w