Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tammy Fitzpatrick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tammy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.
After spending many years moving across the country in corporate positions, my husband and I decided we were ready for a different kind of opportunity. We were very intentional about finding a company that would align with our values and the Island Fin Poke Co focus on family values was a huge plus for us. While our oldest son is currently serving in the military, our three younger children are actively working in the restaurant. We enjoy working side by side and spending quality time together while our children are learning amazing business operations and life skills that will help them in whatever they choose to do in the future.
Tammy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a mother of 4, and my children have food sensitivities. When looking for a fast-casual dining option that met all of our family’s needs, the options in and around Nashville were limited. So, our family decided to do something about it. The brand Island Fin is a Florida-based fast-casual franchise known for its build-your-own poké bowls made with healthy ingredients. With plentiful options including eight proteins, 25 different toppings, gluten-free house-made sauces, and specialty mix-ins, the menu can be curated for almost anyone’s cravings.
One of the fan-favorites of Island Fin’s menu is their Dole pineapple soft serve, which will be served at our new Nashville location.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Growing up on a fifth generation working farm in Iowa, I learned early on the importance of resilience and adaptability. My father’s struggles during the farm crisis of the 1980’s and my mother’s vulnerability fueled my determination to be self-sufficient and break away from conventional paths. As a first-generation college student, I juggled multiple roles; working, learning how to be a wife and mother, and pursuing advanced degrees, while continuing to observe and learn the nuances of the human factor through organizational and interpersonal relationships.
My experiences taught me that we have the power to transform the workplace by humanizing it. I earned my Ph.D. in organizational psychology over years of study, with a focus on merging business skills with the human factor, focused on changing the way we treat people at work.
An important part of our restaurant culture that illustrates the focus on the human factor is the core Hawaiian value of “Ohana” which means family. This is represented in the way we treat our team members as well as each guest that visits us.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team and maintaining high moral among team members is crucial for the success of any business. 1) Lead by example: we demonstrate the work ethic, attitude, and behavior we expect from our team every day. These actions help set the tone for the entire team.
2) Create a positive work environment: we work hard to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
3) Set clear goals and expectations: clearly communicate our expectations regarding their roles, responsibilities, and performance standards.
Contact Info:
- Website: islandfinpoke.com
- Instagram: @ifpcwhitebridge
- Facebook: @ifpcwhitebridge
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-fitzpatrick-phd/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/island-fin-poké-co-white-bridge-nashville