Since franchising the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery in 2006, Ron Lynch has been on a mission to open the contemporary, Celtic-themed sports pub concept staffed with servers in plaid kilts and matching plaid bras in every city and town in America. His personal and professional journey will unfold on national television as he investigates the inner workings of Tilted Kilt pubs across the United States in the hit CBS series "Undercover Boss," Friday, November 9 (8 p.m./7c) on the CBS Television Network.
"Being 6 foot 6 inches tall with a very recognizable look and voice has made it difficult in the past for me to visit our locations without being recognized," Lynch says. "Going undercover allowed me to step into the shoes of our employees and franchise partners to better learn the ins and outs of what makes our company successful, as well as see objectively where there is room for improvement."
Adding that the company never stops looking for ways to evolve and improve, Lynch notes that the experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity to share his story and hopefully inspire other leaders to look deeper into the everyday experiences of their employees to create a better culture that fosters a family environment. Lynch's own family is very involved in the day to day business of Tilted Kilt. Employees at the Tempe-based corporate office that are family members include his brother, wife, and two daughters. It was important for the president to see if the family culture cultivated at the home office was spread to the more than 70 locations existing today.
The Tilted Kilt brand is fueled by Lynch's commitment to The Code of the Clan Tilted Kilt by which he expects every person at every level of the organization to operate. The code embodies the values of pride, integrity, respect, strong work ethic, and fun. Lynch believes in building customer loyalty through exceptional service and commitment to family and community.
"Traditional public houses began when families would open up their home to travelers. Fathers would cook and tend the bar while mothers and daughters would wait tables," Lynch says. "I am responsible for spreading the concept, upholding brand standards and ultimately delivering the idea that 'A Cold Beer Never Looked So Good.' Participating in 'Undercover Boss' allowed me to see if those standards were being delivered to our customers and make changes to our company that will ensure they will be in the future. I am very grateful for this experience and have so much respect for all of the employees who work in the various positions of our organization."
Through his "Undercover Boss" experience, Lynch gained valuable insight into key areas of the business that he will continue to fine-tune and improve in the coming months. Jobs that he participated in during the experience include bartender, line-cook, manager and busser/security guard.
Each week, the Emmy Award-winning "Undercover Boss," which is just starting its fourth season, follows a different executive as they leave the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. While working alongside their employees, they see the effects their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organizations and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering and rewarding the unsung heroes who make their companies run.
