Amidst the glitz and glamour of New Year’s Eve, I cannot help but reflect on the impact of my favorite role model and inspiration, who’s sound advice and philosophies have emboldened me to let my own light shine. When I needed encouragement and guidance to follow my dreams and get on the path to success, I only had to open one of his books, listen to one of his podcasts, watch a Bar Rescue episode, or see him in the news at one of Taffer’s Taverns or signing bottles of his newly debuted Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon to know that Jon’s messages of accountability, his focus on solving problems, and the interesting and complex ways he engages people could shepherd me through the worst year of my life. And they have.

Of course, watching Bar Rescue always gives me hope. I never hesitate to rewatch any and every episode I can during the 168 hours a week it’s being broadcast on PlutoTV. Seeing Jon continuously breathe new life into struggling establishments, fostering hope and revitalization in the wake of every remodel, turning resistant and belligerent owners into friends, and mending people’s relationships inspires confidence in my ability to surmount my own challenges and achieve my personal aspirations. Each rescue is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the lives of those he helps, their businesses, and their communities and motivates me to aspire to even greater heights.

Jon is a man whose impact transcends the boundaries of the hospitality industry, and whose tenacity and spirit embody the very essence of entrepreneurial prowess and hospitality. He’s a force of nature, whose unwavering commitment to excellence continues to inspire and uplift individuals whose lives he has directly impacted and those, like me, who only aspire to emulate him. As we embark on this new year, may we carry with us the same unyielding passion that defines his success and create a 2024 filled with promise, growth, and endless opportunities to be illustrious. To 2023, thank you for (most) everything you offered us, but especially for the hours and hours of endless amazement watching Jon work his magic on Bar Rescue.