Leif Huckman: Building Trust in Hospitality, CheckMyChecks.com

Hospitality Strategy Lab| Tools| Strategy

October 14, 2025•2 min read

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In this conversation, Jason Littrell speaks with Leif Huckman about his innovative app, CheckMyChecks.com, designed to help hospitality workers verify their paychecks and ensure compliance with wage laws.

Leif discusses the challenges faced by hospitality operators, the prevalence of wage theft, and the importance of transparency and accountability in payroll systems. He emphasizes the role of technology in addressing these issues and shares insights on consulting strategies for improving operations in the hospitality industry.

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Takeaways

-CheckMyChecks.com was developed to address the complexities of tip distribution and payroll compliance.

-Wage theft is a significant issue, with an estimated loss of $3,300 per employee per year.

-Transparency in paychecks can help build trust between employees and employers.

-Technology can simplify payroll processes and reduce liability for operators.

-The hospitality industry is facing challenges due to economic pressures and changing consumer behavior.

-Effective onboarding and training are crucial for staff retention and performance.

-Creating a positive company culture requires a balance of systems and people.

-Consulting strategies should focus on both cutting costs and increasing sales. Understanding labor laws and compliance is essential for hospitality operators.

00:00 Introduction to CheckMyChecks.com and Prospitality

02:48 Identifying Pain Points in Hospitality Operations

05:34 The Birth of CheckMyCheck.com 08:33 Understanding Wage Theft and Compliance

11:09 The Impact of Economic Factors on Hospitality

13:55 Consulting Strategies for Hospitality Businesses

21:16 From Acting to Mixology: A Journey of Passion

23:14 Understanding Company Culture: The Blend of Systems and People

24:31 Recruitment and Onboarding: Setting Clear Expectations

27:54 VOWS: A New Approach to Accountability and Progress

30:48 Leveraging Technology: Clarion for Hospitality Performance 34:00 Wage Theft and Compliance: Building Trust in the Workplace

hospitality, wage theft, technology, CheckMyChecks, Prospetality, restaurant management, staff training, accountability, hospitality industry, fintech

Jason Littrell

Jason Littrell is a world-class hospitality consultant, award-winning bartender, and founder of Hospitality Strategy Lab. With years of experience working at renowned venues like Death & Co in Manhattan and advising top-tier hospitality brands, Jason has a deep understanding of what it takes to create unforgettable guest experiences and profitable bar programs. As a pioneer in the use of AI, automation, and behavioral psychology in hospitality, he’s passionate about making advanced tactics accessible to operators who want to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry. Through his podcast, Jason interviews industry leaders, tech innovators, and behavioral science experts, providing actionable insights and strategies to help you elevate your hospitality game. Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, Jason’s engaging approach and wealth of knowledge make Hospitality Strategy Lab your go-to resource for mastering the art and science of exceptional service.

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