The 4 Stages of The Journey

Simple, clear steps that every restaurant can follow.

Attract

Get discovered by hungry locals. Ads, SEO, and local search put you where diners are already looking.

Nurture

Keep the conversation going with friendly, timely AI follow-ups until they’re ready to book.

Close

Convert interest into reservations and orders with easy booking, payments, and reminders.

Cheerlead

Turn happy guests into 5★ reviews, referrals, and loyal regulars — on autopilot.

About

Tim Hershberger

20+ years of marketing strategy and automation experience — helping restaurants and businesses attract, nurture, and retain more customers.

About

Tim Hershberger

20+ years of marketing strategy and automation experience — helping restaurants and businesses attract, nurture, and retain more customers.

Our Story

I didn’t start in a boardroom. I started in restaurants.

From managing hospitality events and working behind the scenes to serving 400+ guests at America’s Incredible Pizza Company, I learned first-hand what it takes to keep seats filled and customers happy.

What I also saw: great restaurants struggling — not because of their food or service, but because marketing felt overwhelming, expensive, and out of reach.

That’s why I created Automate The Journey: a system to help restaurants attract, nurture, and retain customers using automation and AI — without adding more to your already full plate.

Our Story

I didn’t start in a boardroom. I started in restaurants.

From managing hospitality events and working behind the scenes to serving 400+ guests at America’s Incredible Pizza Company, I learned first-hand what it takes to keep seats filled and customers happy.

What I also saw: great restaurants struggling — not because of their food or service, but because marketing felt overwhelming, expensive, and out of reach.

That’s why I created Automate The Journey: a system to help restaurants attract, nurture, and retain customers using automation and AI — without adding more to your already full plate.

What Makes Us Different

Hospitality-First

I’ve lived the restaurant grind — this isn’t a cookie-cutter agency playbook.

Automation That Feels Personal

Tech + human touch, so guests feel valued.

Proven Framework

20 years of testing, refining, and delivering results.

Meet Tim

Hi, I’m Tim Hershberger.

I’m a marketer, strategist, and problem-solver — but most importantly, I’m someone who believes small restaurants deserve the same chance to thrive as big franchises.

When I’m not building growth systems, you’ll find me with my family in Florida, or exploring the local restaurant scene for inspiration.

Our Values

• Honesty & Transparency — no jargon, no smoke and mirrors.

• Fast Results That Matter — bums in seats, orders placed.

• Fair Pricing & Clear ROI — you always know what you’re getting.

What Makes Us Different

Hospitality-First

I’ve lived the restaurant grind — this isn’t a cookie-cutter agency playbook.

Automation That Feels Personal

Tech + human touch, so guests feel valued.

Proven Framework

20 years of testing, refining, and delivering results.

Meet Tim

Hi, I’m Tim Hershberger.

I’m a marketer, strategist, and problem-solver — but most importantly, I’m someone who believes small restaurants deserve the same chance to thrive as big franchises.

When I’m not building growth systems, you’ll find me with my family in Florida, or exploring the local restaurant scene for inspiration.

Our Values

Honesty & Transparency — no jargon, no smoke and mirrors.

Fast Results That Matter — bums in seats, orders placed.

Fair Pricing & Clear ROI — you always know what you’re getting.

Ready to Automate Your Restaurant’s Growth?

Watch the training now — then start your ATJ system and we’ll handle setup on your implementation call.

Ready to Fill More Tables — Without More Stress?

Take the next step: watch my free 45-minute training and see exactly how restaurants like yours are automating growth.

Tim's Blog

In 2025, AI isn't just transforming email marketing—it's completely redefining how hospitality brands connect with their guests. Forget generic newsletters; today’s savvy hospitality marketers use powerful AI tools like ChatGPT to deliver deeply personalized, real-time interactions that guests actually look forward to receiving. With over 15 years of experience leading marketing strategies in hospitality and entertainment, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dramatic impact AI-driven automation can have on guest engagement and bottom-line results.

Mastering Email Marketing Automation with AI: How ChatGPT is Revolutionizing Hospitality Brands in 2025

March 19, 20253 min read

In 2025, AI isn't just transforming email marketing—it's altogether redefining how hospitality brands connect with guests. Forget generic newsletters; today's savvy hospitality marketers use powerful AI tools like ChatGPT. With its unique ability to deliver deeply personalized, real-time interactions that guests look forward to receiving, ChatGPT is revolutionizing the industry.

With over 15 years of experience leading marketing strategies in hospitality and entertainment, I've witnessed firsthand the dramatic impact AI-driven automation can have on guest engagement and bottom-line results.


Why Hospitality Brands Can't Afford to Ignore AI

Hospitality brands thrive by creating memorable guest experiences. With AI-driven solutions like ChatGPT, personalization reaches new heights—delivering the right message to the right guest at the exact time. Brands that harness this technology see immediate benefits such as higher engagement rates, quicker campaign launches, and measurable jumps in ROI, making AI a must-have rather than a nice-to-have in today's competitive landscape.

3 Powerful Ways Hospitality Brands Use ChatGPT:

  1. Instantly Personalized Email Content: Gone are the days of generic messaging. ChatGPT creates compelling, tailored content based on individual guest preferences, past interactions, and predictive behavior. This means your emails aren't just opened—they're anticipated.

  2. Real-Time Behavior Insights: ChatGPT analyzes guest data in real time, allowing marketers to adapt their strategy instantly. Whether adjusting email timing or refining the message, each interaction hits its mark precisely when your guests are most receptive.

  3. Automated Optimization for Maximum Impact: AI doesn't just suggest improvements—it implements them. ChatGPT continuously optimizes subject lines, email content, and calls to action based on live performance metrics, dramatically increasing your open rates and conversions.

Bringing It to Life: A Hospitality Example:

Imagine launching a family-oriented event at your hospitality venue. Instead of manually segmenting and guessing guest interests, ChatGPT automatically identifies families who've attended similar past events. It then crafts highly targeted emails with captivating headlines, engaging content, and strategic follow-ups. The result? Even for smaller-scale hospitality brands, the benefits are tangible: higher attendance rates, improved guest satisfaction, and increased revenue.

How to Get Started Immediately:

  1. Effortless CRM Integration: Are you worried about complex integrations? ChatGPT seamlessly connects with your existing CRM, no matter the platform size, instantly leveraging current guest data to enhance your marketing efforts.

  2. Rapid Audience Segmentation: ChatGPT segments your audience into refined, actionable groups, allowing you to send precise, highly personalized messages quickly and significantly boosting guest responsiveness.

  3. Continuous, Real-Time Improvements: Harness ChatGPT's predictive analytics to continually refine email messaging and timing. The ongoing AI-driven adjustments ensure consistent performance boosts and increasingly impactful guest engagement.


Empowering Teams Through AI:

Integrating AI tools like ChatGPT doesn't diminish your team's role—it enhances it. Marketing teams evolve from performing repetitive tasks to engaging in strategic planning, creative oversight, and insightful data analysis. Training in AI empowers teams, making them strategic drivers of growth rather than mere executors.

Data Privacy and Trust Are Non-Negotiable:

Privacy remains critical in hospitality. Modern AI tools like ChatGPT are built with stringent compliance standards. Clearly communicate your commitment to data privacy, choose secure, reputable AI service providers, and regularly update your protocols to ensure your guests always trust your brand.

Keeping Your Brand Voice Authentic:

Automation doesn't mean sacrificing authenticity. ChatGPT adapts seamlessly to your unique brand voice and tone, ensuring every communication feels genuine to your identity.


Avoid These Common AI Pitfalls:

  • Over-Automation: AI is powerful, but human oversight ensures interactions stay authentic.

  • Neglecting Data Security: Prioritize secure handling of guest data to maintain trust.

  • Ignoring AI Training: Continuously update and refine your AI models to maintain relevance and personalization.

AI-powered email marketing, driven by sophisticated tools like ChatGPT, isn't just futuristic—it's already here, delivering remarkable results for hospitality brands of all sizes. Embracing AI positions your brand for sustained competitive advantage, enhancing guest loyalty, operational efficiency, and revenue growth well beyond 2025.

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(813) 285-5044

30190 US Hwy 19 N

Clearwater, FL 33761

[email protected]

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Copyright 2025. Automate the Journey. All Rights Reserved.

(813) 285-5044

30190 US Hwy 19 N

Clearwater, FL 33761

[email protected]

LEGAL

Copyright 2025. Automate the Journey. All Rights Reserved.