Michelle Gronert's work day typically begins around 7 a.m.
As the managing partner for LongHorn Steakhouse in Orlando, it's not uncommon for Gronert to put in 12- to 14-hour days.
"It might get busy around 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., or we might start off with a bang," she said. "So, be mentally prepared for that."
But in her limited spare time, Gronert is still working because she's helping others.
"If I'm part of an activity, I am full-force all in 100 percent into that activity," she said. "So, any free time I have at the restaurant — downtime between lunch and dinner or on my days off — I'm making phone calls, I'm sending out emails, I'm getting team members to participate."
Gronert has rallied her restaurant team for food drives.
"They had set us up a challenge to collect as many cans as they could in four days, and I took the lead with that by collecting 500 cans in four days," she said.
Gronert credits her Darden crew for being by her side for a breakfast with Santa to help children in need, as well as fundraising walks and benefits.
Her goal is one event each month.
"If I see a particular charity or event is going on, and I feel like I'm able to contribute to that in some kind of huge way, then I'll undertake that," Gronert said.
Gronert is getting kudos at work, too. She was recently named one of just four managing partners in the U.S. to receive the company's top leadership honor — the Best of the West award.
It's worth mentioning Gronert is a single mother with two young girls at home.
"I make my community involvement a family affair," she said. "I enlist all of my family. I tell them to save the date, to get up at 6 a.m. to be at the (Orlando) Citrus Bowl or UCF or wherever we need to be."