Episode 11 | with Austin Smale of Tiger Lily

In Episode 11 of The Shift, Mike and Joe sit down (again) with Austin Smale, owner of Tiger Lily in Easton, MD, for a second—and even better—round of conversation after technical issues spoiled their first recording. Austin shares his entrepreneurial journey from blending birthday cakes at a senior home to running one of Easton’s most creative restaurant concepts. They dig into the realities of restaurant ownership, from staffing struggles to noise ordinances, and explore everything from tip culture and hiring practices to business coaching and SEO. Austin also opens up about personal growth, the importance of routine (shoutout to the gym), and why the Tiger Lily patio is a game-changer. Oh, and yes—Joe’s infamous noise complaint story resurfaces. It’s an insightful, funny, and wide-ranging chat with one of the area’s most driven young business owners.