Expert Insights
August 12, 2026
In this Expert Insights interview, Audrey Hogan sits down with Tyree Riggs, Head of Vision at pdfit, to explore how bold thinking and workforce innovation are reshaping the hospitality industry.
Tyree shares how his early love of systems, personalization, and empathy for frontline workers informs the vision at pdfit. From implementing college fund programs to incentivizing top-tier service, Tyree’s team is tackling workforce development head-on with creative and collaborative strategies.
Watch the full video to learn how thinking differently about workforce investment can create happier employees and better customer experiences.
Innovation means questioning the norm: Tyree challenges the status quo by exploring workforce solutions that others haven’t tried yet — even if no one else is doing it.
Workforce is the 2025 priority: Across every department in the industry, workforce development is finally being recognized as key to long-term success.
Incentives drive service excellence: New programs like real-time wage bumps during peak hours help frontline teams deliver better guest experiences.
Investing in employee futures builds loyalty: pdfit is exploring initiatives like college funds to create motivation and long-term value for hourly workers.
Collaboration is the future of innovation: Tyree sees RLC and industry events as platforms for exchanging ideas and forming strategic partnerships.
Soft skills training is a gap: As newer generations enter the workforce, the industry must teach foundational hospitality behaviors — like smiling and eye contact.
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Workforce Innovation: Developing new strategies and technologies to support, retain, and empower restaurant staff.
Wave Wage: An emerging incentive model mentioned by Tyree that rewards employees during busy periods.
Soft Skills: Personal attributes like communication, attitude, and teamwork that are critical in guest-facing roles.
RLC (Restaurant Leadership Conference): A high-level industry conference where decision-makers gather to explore trends, strategies, and innovation.
Franchisee: An individual or group who operates a restaurant location under a larger brand’s name and systems.
00:06 – Audrey Hogan:
Who are you? What do you do?
00:07 – Tyree Riggs:
Hi, I’m Tyree Riggs. I’m Head of Vision for pdfit.
00:11 – Audrey Hogan:
What was your first hourly job?
00:14 – Tyree Riggs:
I worked at a pet resort. That was my first job. I became the manager within a month.
00:23 – Audrey Hogan:
Okay.
00:24 – Tyree Riggs:
I took it very seriously.
00:26 – Audrey Hogan:
It sounds like it! What did you love about it?
00:28 – Tyree Riggs:
Animals are cooler than people — that was the first part. But I also systemized everything. Every pet had what they needed exactly when they needed it. I even called the owners with voice recordings to give updates, since we didn’t have cell phones like we do now.
01:03 – Audrey Hogan:
What do you love about your job now?
01:04 – Tyree Riggs:
The freedom to explore unconventional ideas. We’re always asking, “Why isn’t anyone doing this?” instead of just copying what’s already out there.
01:29 – Audrey Hogan:
Especially in this industry.
01:30 – Tyree Riggs:
Exactly. People say, “Well, who else is doing that?” But that mindset kills innovation.
01:52 – Audrey Hogan:
You never get innovation that way.
01:53 – Tyree Riggs:
Exactly.
01:54 – Audrey Hogan:
Do you know what every department said their number one priority is for 2025?
02:01 – Tyree Riggs:
Growth, maybe?
02:04 – Audrey Hogan:
Workforce. Across every department. In two decades, I’ve never seen this kind of alignment.
02:25 – Tyree Riggs:
I would agree.
02:28 – Audrey Hogan:
Vendors everywhere are innovating for workforce. But there’s been a huge gap — we’ve just assumed people would always want to work in restaurants. But what about teaching soft skills, like smiling or making eye contact?
03:01 – Tyree Riggs:
We’ve been thinking a lot about that.
03:11 – Tyree Riggs:
You’ll have to ask Peter about something we’re developing — it’s called Wave Wage.
03:20 – Audrey Hogan:
I want to know more!
03:22 – Tyree Riggs:
It’s built exactly for this reason — to motivate better service.
03:24 – Audrey Hogan:
Tell me more about your vision for workforce.
03:36 – Tyree Riggs:
We’re working on programs like college funds for franchisee employees. Something that builds motivation and loyalty.
03:58 – Audrey Hogan:
That should definitely motivate people to stay.
04:03 – Tyree Riggs:
Exactly. We’re also piloting incentive programs — if it’s busy, employees get a bump in pay. That way, when someone walks in close to closing, they don’t turn them away. They see an opportunity.
04:30 – Audrey Hogan:
That’s smart.
04:41 – Audrey Hogan:
Are you hoping to find more inspiration at RLC?
04:45 – Tyree Riggs:
Yes. So many top minds are here. I want to see who’s on the same page. Collaboration is a huge driver right now.
05:06 – Audrey Hogan:
People are ready to invest in long-term strategies. We stabilized last year — now it’s time to assess and invest.
05:28 – Tyree Riggs:
I’m excited.
05:29 – Audrey Hogan:
If someone wants to connect with you, how should they reach out?
05:40 – Tyree Riggs:
Visit tyreeriggs.com.
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