The $30,000 Refund Nobody Caught: MachineQ’s Tom Woodbury

The $30,000 Refund Nobody Caught: MachineQ’s Tom Woodbury

Author: Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, sponsored by Custom Business Solutions July 27, 2026 Duration: 40:13

The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to the implementation of IoT and AI in the restaurant industry. It explores the impact of security camera audits, the introduction of IoT technology, the automation of mundane tasks, the challenges and solutions in IoT implementation, the paradigm shift in data management, the reliability and security of IoT data, and the future of IoT and AI in restaurants. The discussion also delves into the impact of IoT on network traffic, actionable insights and AI augmentation, preventative maintenance, and incremental adoption of IoT solutions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vision intelligence and AI in restaurants, as well as the engagement with MachineQ for IoT solutions.

Takeaways

  • IoT and AI play a crucial role in automating mundane tasks and improving operational efficiency in the restaurant industry.
  • The adoption of IoT solutions can lead to significant cost savings, improved food safety, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
  • Vision intelligence and AI augmentation are key components in the future of IoT implementation in restaurants.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Impact of Security Camera Audit
  • 01:25 Introduction to Tom Woodbury and Restaurant Technologies
  • 02:19 Restaurant Technology and Operational Efficiency
  • 03:30 Automating Mundane Tasks with IoT
  • 04:52 Automating Tasks for Operational Efficiency
  • 05:28 Adoption of IoT in Restaurants
  • 06:24 ROI and Benefits of IoT in Restaurants
  • 08:29 Challenges and Solutions in IoT Implementation
  • 09:49 Paradigm Shift in Data Management
  • 10:47 Reliability and Security of IoT Data
  • 12:42 Food Safety and Preventative Maintenance
  • 13:56 Behavioral Insights and Spoilage Prevention
  • 15:47 IoT Management in Front of House
  • 16:45 Automating Tasks for Operational Efficiency
  • 17:42 Micro Improvements and Cost Savings
  • 18:17 Evolution of IoT and AI in Restaurants
  • 19:41 Impact of IoT on Network Traffic
  • 20:48 Security and Reliability of IoT Networks
  • 22:40 Actionable Insights and AI Augmentation
  • 23:37 Engagement with MachineQ
  • 24:04 Future of IoT and AI in Restaurants
  • 25:23 Vision Intelligence and AI in Restaurants
  • 26:47 Preventative Maintenance and AI Augmentation
  • 28:20 Engagement with MachineQ
  • 29:14 AI Augmentation and Preventative Maintenance
  • 30:12 Incremental Adoption of IoT Solutions
  • 31:12 Engagement with MachineQ
  • 32:26 Future of IoT and AI in Restaurants
  • 33:15 Engagement with MachineQ
  • 34:18 Future of IoT and AI in Restaurants
  • 35:22 Vision Intelligence and AI in Restaurants
  • 36:46 Impact of Vision Intelligence in Restaurants
  • 37:43 Engagement with MachineQ
  • 38:19 Incremental Adoption of IoT Solutions

Ever feel like the tech in your restaurant is more of a headache than a help? You’re not alone. The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions cuts through the noise, offering real talk from people who’ve been in the trenches. Host Jeremy brings a lifetime of perspective-his family founded Custom Business Solutions, and he spent school vacations soldering components, giving him a unique, ground-up understanding of the systems that keep dining rooms and kitchens humming. This isn’t abstract theory; it’s practical knowledge forged from years of combined hands-on experience in implementation, marketing, and daily operations. Each episode feels like a conversation with a trusted advisor, breaking down complex topics into actionable advice you can use immediately. Whether it’s navigating a new point-of-sale rollout, understanding how to leverage data, or simply making your current tech stack work harder for you, this podcast provides clarity. Tune in for straightforward discussions that focus on one core goal: using technology to run your business more smoothly and profitably. It’s a resource built on genuine expertise, designed specifically for owners and operators who need reliable solutions, not just flashy trends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions
Podcast Episodes
How AI Is Transforming Drive-Thru Performance — Eric Lam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:18
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Berry AI and Eric Lam02:41 Understanding AI in QSR: The Role of Berry AI04:20 The Importance of Speed of Service in Drive-Throughs07:15 Traditional Methods vs. Computer Vision in QSR13:40 Op…
Five Rules of Leadership in Grocery Retail — Steve Black [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:44
00:00 Introduction to Steve Black and His Journey02:48 The Five Rules of Leadership05:43 The Importance of People in Business08:15 Inception of the Five Rules10:57 Rule One: Do Your Job13:42 Rule Two: Be Kind16:32 The Im…
Superfood Bowls at Scale — Jeff Finster [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:45
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Background03:46 The Birth of Everbowl and Business Philosophy06:24 Understanding Acai and Its Nutritional Value09:16 Everbowl's Unique Concept and Offerings12:00 Community Engag…
IoT in Food Service: Connected Restaurant Ops — Jay Fiske [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:12
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Technology and Innovations03:00 The Evolution of the Internet of Things in Food Service05:32 Proactive Maintenance and Efficiency in Operations08:17 Data-Driven Decision Making and Overco…
Restaurant Oil Management, Rethought — Chris Hellmann [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:56
00:00 Introduction to Chris Hellmann and His Background03:57 Chris's Journey at Coca-Cola11:18 Transition to Restaurant Technologies, Inc. (RTI)15:53 Value Proposition of RTI for Consumers and Operators22:52 Insights and…
How Dog Haus Redefined the Franchise Model — Michael Montagano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:07
00:00 Introduction to Dog Haus and Its Vision03:13 The Unique Concept of Dog Haus10:44 Growth Strategy and Unit Economics18:37 International Expansion Plans22:36 Balancing On-Premise and Off-Premise Sales28:57 Attracting…
Teriyaki Madness on Restaurant Tech — Aunna Macias [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:30
00:00 Introduction to Teriyaki Madness and Aunna Macias02:05 Growth and Expansion of Teriyaki Madness03:45 Philosophy of Technology Adoption in Franchising06:33 Franchisee Feedback and Tech Adoption08:37 Balancing Contro…
The Phone Is Costing You Thousands: AI Voice — Christian Wiens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
00:00 Introduction to Loman AI and Its Mission02:07 Christian's Journey in the Restaurant Industry06:24 Understanding Voice Ordering AI09:44 The Evolution of AI in Restaurant Tech12:55 The Benefits of Loman AI for Restau…
How Handel’s Ice Cream Stays Fresh — Jennifer Schuler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:54
00:00 Introduction to Handel’s Ice Cream and Its Legacy02:55 Craftsmanship and Freshness in Ice Cream Making05:34 Community Engagement and Customer Experience08:30 Store Formats and Customer Interaction11:25 Flavor Selec…
Barry’s Bagels on Lean Franchise Growth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:35
00:00 Introduction to Barry's Bagels01:08 The Founding Story of Barry's Bagels03:35 Mark and Jim's Backgrounds05:31 The Unique Offerings of Barry's Bagels09:58 Site Selection and Franchising Strategy14:45 Exporting Compa…