Episode 619: Restaurants Save People: The Jeffrey Boland Story

Wil talks to Jeffrey Boland, Director of Operations at Mac’s Hospitality Group (home of Mac’s Speed Shop and South 48/Southbound concepts). Jeff shares an intensely honest journey—from addiction and getting fired in construction to finding belonging in restaurants, achieving sobriety at 22, and transforming into a purpose-driven leader. He explains how recovery shaped his leadership philosophy, why mental health must be normalized in hospitality, and how Mac’s now offers free therapy access to employees. This episode is packed with real-life leadership tools: building equity with your team, using communication as an instrument, connecting through vulnerability, and leading with service and courage. Jeff reminds us that hospitality is the best industry in the world—because it saves people and builds community.

10 Key Takeaways

1. Hospitality can save lives — Jeff found belonging, purpose, and a path to recovery in restaurants.
   
   
2. Sobriety is a journey, not an event — AA helped him get sober; therapy helped him heal and grow.
   
   
3. Belonging drives loyalty — People stay when they feel seen, valued, and part of a team.
   
   
4. Leaders must meet people where they are — Support comes before standards; people before performance.
   
   
5. Mental health access is leadership — Mac’s offers free counseling through therapist interns for any employee who needs help.
   
   
6. Vulnerability builds trust — Jeff openly shares his addiction and recovery story, and it inspires others to ask for help.
   
   
7. Communication is a superpower — He trains leaders to “play their voice like an instrument” in tough conversations.
   
   
8. Culture comes from consistent care — Mac’s runs quarterly leadership workshops that focus as much on people as profit.
   
   
9. Imposter syndrome is real — Jeff uses tools like “putting thoughts on trial” to overcome self-doubt and anxiety.
   
   
10. Giving back fuels purpose — Jeff serves on the board of the Isabella Santos Foundation, reinforcing the heart of hospitality: service.