See that building up there? That’s the architecture of one of the best restaurants in the world. It’s family run, and this family’s perspective on business is contagious and jarring.
They are the Canlis family. Their restaurant is called Canlis. It’s in Seattle, and on a recent trip I got to spend a little time with Mark Canlis, who runs the restaurant with his brother Brian.
Listen, here’s the thing; the way this family thinks about their business, their perspective after 60+ years of serving people at an insane level of quality, has shaken stuff up for me.
The way they tell their stories, the things they choose to invest time and money into, their “reasons why,” have changed the way I look at my own story, my own investments, my own reasons. These changes are adding up to a much bigger, much more human, much more vital vision of what my business is.
So I recorded a short conversation with Mark about how his family looks at their business and couched that in this episode of the show with some commentary from us here at Fizzle. Enjoy!
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““Trust is to a relationship as the dollar is to the economy.””
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Show Notes
Staff Meals: Canlis on Vimeo — Here’s a great video providing a view into the world of this restaurant. The guy doing most of the talking is Mark, who I talk to on this episode.
Canlis | Seattle Fine Dining Canlis — “Our goal is to create the best dining experience possible — a vision, a shared commitment that has been passed down for three generations. Executing this vision is the reason guests trust us with the most important evenings of their lives.”
Canlisland — This is the site he mentions at the end.
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The Top 10 Mistakes in Online Business
Every week we talk with entrepreneurs. We talk about what’s working and what isn’t. We talk about successes and failures. We spend time with complete newbies, seasoned veterans, and everything in between.
One topic that comes up over and over again with both groups is mistakes made in starting businesses. Newbies love to learn about mistakes so they can avoid them. Veterans love to talk about what they wish they had known when starting out.
These conversations have been fascinating, so we compiled a list of the 10 mistakes we hear most often into a nifty lil' guide. Get the 10 Most Common Mistakes in Starting an Online Business here »
This was AWESOME! Completely blown away by Mark’s mindset. It’s incredible to see someone who cares about their customers on such a deep level that the actual product and company come second. Will definitely be carrying something away from this.
So glad, Meg! I feel the same.
Thanks for sharing this amazing interview. Mark revealed several powerful insights in such a genuine way. Inspiring!
Couldn’t agree more, Michelle! Glad you enjoyed it :).
Great interview. Mark’s mindset is why the restaurant will have life long customers. It’s a lesson we all need to learn as we build our thing.
Yup, exactly.
Best podcast so far. Superb interview, thanks guys.
You see shows like Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares where there are restaurant owners burnt out. They are clueless why they are doing the work they do. Mr. Canlis in contrast is totally dialed in. Great mindset.
I was watering my garden while listening to this, and man… did this inspire me.
This particular podcast episode got me fired up and a little bit emotional, because I realize how often people try to take and take and take from consumers.
And Mr. Canlis definitely touches base with how effective and important it is to really put yourself in the shoes of your customers and to connect with them not only on a consumer level, but a personal relationship.
Amazing podcast!
p.s. their food is amazing! And the service is amazing, and an awesome experience.
Wow! This really got to me, on an emotional level. THANK YOU FIZZLE.
Thank you for listening, Ryan :). Glad you enjoyed it.
One of the really interesting points in the interview was about what they look for in their staff too – it was about becoming. They want people who want to become. I think Barret highlighted that.
It seems to me that’s very relevant for Fizzle too – the members are wanting to become. That’s something more that running an online business for profit. They have an idea about *who* they want to become – independent, somebody who helps people, an owner of their own thing (I think this because I’m a member and want to become too…)
That resonates deeply with what I’m trying to create for the people I make for too. This was a a brilliant interview with much food for thought. Thanks.
I loved that part of Mark’s thoughts too, Paul. Th whole thing was incredibly insightful, but the idea of constantly growing and getting better is powerful. Glad that resonated with you — I know we hope to create that kind of environment for Fizzlers :).
Hi Chase:
I agree with Corbett and Caleb – this is the best interview the Fizzle Show has published. It made me introspective about my own reasons – my own “Who am I? What am I here for?”.
I wrote a little piece that expressed my own thoughts and takeaways as it relates to what I do as a web consultant.
http://www.lockedowndesign.com/lessons-from-the-canlis-family/
If you have a few minutes, feel free to check it out. Thanks so much.
Great thoughts John! So happy to see this moved you to write something about it. This part -> “minimize risk, lower anxiousness, and ensure success for my clients” is dead on.
Thanks for reading, Corbett. You guys are doing a kick-ass job here at Fizzle.
I really loved this interview and the following discussion. I don’t have a lot to add, as PaulFoxton has mentioned for me one of the bigger takeaways. The discussion really got me thinking about my coaching business, and how I want my clients to feel working with them, so thank you for that. I wrote up my take-aways here if you’re interested: http://wp.me/p4OAH3-9g
And Chase, I am so F’ing jealous that you got to go on a trip to Bob Goff’s cabin with Miller. I’m glad to hear that was a memorable trip for you.
Thanks guys for sharing this.