In the inaugural episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, speaks with David Alvarado, Instant Financial’s VP of Sales. With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, David shares insights from his unique career journey—from his family’s Mexican restaurant in Michigan to a senior leadership role at Bloomin' Brands, and now at Instant Financial. The episode explores how digital payments, instant pay, and earned wage access are transforming payroll processes and improving employee satisfaction in the hospitality industry. David also discusses the challenges of adopting new technologies and the ongoing shifts within the restaurant sector. instant.co/podcast

00:00 Introduction to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:50 Meet Our First Guest: David Alvarado

02:24 David's Early Journey in the Restaurant Industry

06:12 Climbing the Ranks at Outback Steakhouse

08:57 Global Leadership and Veterans Support

12:55 Transition to Instant Financial

17:21 Challenges and Innovations in the Restaurant Industry

21:47 The Importance of Employee Satisfaction

28:55 Future of Financial Wellness in Hospitality

34:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell