In Episode 15 of The Pat McGann Show, Pat sits down with longtime friends R.J. and Jerrod Melman, the leadership duo behind Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. The conversation explores growing up in Chicago’s restaurant scene, running one of the country’s most respected hospitality groups, and navigating legacy, culture, and expansion in a family business. From Chicago restaurant history to modern hospitality strategy, the episode blends personal stories with real business insight. Who Are RJ & Jerrod Melman? R.J. Melman is the CEO of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, a Chicago-based hospitality group founded by his father, Rich Melman. Under R.J.’s leadership, the company has expanded nationally while maintaining its guest-first philosophy and distinct restaurant concepts. Jerrod Melman is an Executive Partner at Lettuce Entertain You. After gaining experience outside the family business, he returned to oversee operations, concept development, and team growth across the organization. Together, the Melman brothers represent the next generation of leadership behind one of America’s most influential restaurant groups. What Is Lettuce Entertain You? Founded in Chicago in 1971, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants operates more than 100 restaurants across multiple cities and concepts. The group is known for experience-driven dining and unique concepts like RPM Italian, RPM Steak, Sushi-San, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, Bub City, Beatrix, Hub 51, and more. The philosophy is simple: dining should be entertaining, memorable, and delicious, not just another meal. That approach helped shape Chicago’s modern dining scene and continues to guide the company’s growth today. What They Discussed on the Podcast In this episode, Pat, R.J., and Jerrod talk about: Growing up around restaurants in Chicago Stepping into leadership roles in a family-run business Behind the scenes of building and operating restaurant concepts Balancing expansion with company culture Career stories, friendships, and shared history It’s a conversation that resonates with entrepreneurs, hospitality professionals, and anyone curious about what it really takes to build and sustain a restaurant brand. Watch or Listen to Episode 15 🎥 Watch on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts📱 Watch Clips on Instagram Follow RJ & Jerrod Melman Instagram: RJ Melman: @rjmelman Jerrod Melman: @jerrodmelman Learn more about Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants:🍽️ https://www.lettuce.com | @lettuceentertainyou More Episodes of The Pat McGann Show Jeff Mauro on Sandwich King Fame Mark Giangreco on Chicago Sports TV, Michael Jordan, & the ’85 Bears Pat Tomasulo on WGN Morning News, Chicago Sports & Early Wake-Ups

In 2026, a daily skincare routine isn’t just something for women — men benefit every day from simple, effective skin care habits that protect, repair, and maintain healthy skin. For guys who want to look better, feel confident, and keep their skin functioning well well into later years, a reliable regimen is essential. The good news? Men’s skin care doesn’t have to be complicated — and that’s exactly why Tiege Hanley offers men’s skin care routines designed to fit into any routine. What Happens If Guys Don’t Take Care of Their Skin? Men’s skin faces unique challenges: Daily shaving causes abrasion and irritation Dirt, sweat, and environmental debris build up under beards and around pores UV rays, pollution, and age lead to wrinkles, dryness, and uneven tone Without a daily routine, skin can become dry, flaky, oily in the wrong places, and more prone to breakouts or irritation. That’s why starting — and sticking to — a daily regimen is so important. Building a Simple, Effective Routine for Men A men’s skincare routine should be quick, purposeful, and consistent. Tiege Hanley’s routines help men form good habits with a step-by-step approach that doesn’t overcomplicate things.  Step 1 — Cleanse with WASH The first step in any great routine is cleansing. Men’s skin accumulates oil, dirt, and dead skin cells throughout the day and night. Using a daily face wash is essential. The Tiege Hanley WASH facial cleanser removes grime without stripping skin, helping prevent irritation and excess oil production, which can lead to breakouts. Discover Tiege Hanley WASH. Step 2 — Moisturize (With SPF in the AM) After cleansing, the next critical step is rehydration and protection. Skin that isn’t moisturized can become dry and flaky — and unprotected skin is vulnerable to UV damage. That’s why Tiege Hanley’s AM Moisturizer with SPF 20 not only hydrates but also shields your skin from harmful sun exposure. Discover Tiege Hanley AM. Step 3 — Hydrate at Night with PM Moisturizer Evening routines matter as much as morning ones because your body repairs and regenerates cells during sleep. The PM (Nighttime) Moisturizer helps replenish hydration, support collagen production, and improve skin elasticity while you rest.  Discover PM Facial Moisturizer. Step 4 — Boost with Exfoliation A basic routine becomes more powerful when paired with exfoliation. A gentle scrub removes old, dull skin cells that can make your face look tired or rough. Tiege Hanley’s SCRUB is designed specifically for men, helping reveal fresher, brighter skin. It’s recommended twice per week after cleansing. Discover Facial Exfoliating SCRUB. Why Consistency Is Key Men often underestimate how quickly a simple routine can produce noticeable results. Within a few weeks of consistent use, most guys report: Smoother skin texture Better hydration Reduced irritation from shaving Less visible signs of aging Healthier, more confident appearance This aligns with Tiege Hanley’s philosophy: simple products + daily habit = real results. Men’s Skin Is Different — That’s Why Men Need Tailored Products Men’s facial skin isn’t the same as women’s — it’s generally thicker, oilier, and more prone to irritation from shaving and environmental stress. Tiege Hanley designs products with ingredients like eucalyptus oil and cucumber extract that help: Reduce redness Calm irritation Hydrate without greasiness Protect against free radical damage Tiege Hanley formulas are also fragrance-free, gentle, and made to work together without conflicting effects — something that’s especially important when building a reliable routine. Tiege Hanley Offers Routines for Every Guy Whether you’re a skincare beginner or want a more advanced regimen, Tiege Hanley has options: Level 1: Essential Routine Level 2: Advanced Routine Level 3: Anti-Aging Routine Level 4: Revitalization Routine Final Thoughts: Men Need a Routine, and Routine Works It’s no longer optional — a daily skincare routine helps men: Look better Feel more confident Maintain healthy skin long-term Protect against environmental damage By choosing products that are simple, effective, and designed for men, such as those from Tiege Hanley, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success in personal care. Ready to level up? Start your routine today and see what a difference consistency can make.

Retinol is a proven anti-aging ingredient that reduces wrinkles, improves skin texture, and boosts collagen production. The Tiege Hanley RETINOL STICK delivers professional-grade retinol in an easy-to-use stick format, eliminating the mess and guesswork of traditional serums while maximizing results with minimal effort. What Is Retinol and Why Should Men Use It? Retinol is the gold standard for anti-aging. It's a form of vitamin A that's been clinically proven to reduce fine lines, fade age spots, and improve overall skin texture. Unlike trendy ingredients that come and go, retinol has decades of scientific research backing its effectiveness. For men specifically, retinol addresses the most common skin concerns: Wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and forehead Rough, uneven skin texture from years of environmental damage Age spots and discoloration from sun exposure Loss of firmness as collagen production slows down Think of retinol as a performance enhancer for your skin—it accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and reveals fresher, younger-looking skin beneath. How Does Retinol Work? Retinol works at the cellular level. When applied to your skin, retinol penetrates deep into the dermis—the layer beneath the surface—where it gets to work on multiple fronts: The Science Behind Retinol Speeds Up Cell Turnover: Retinol signals your skin to shed dead cells faster and produce new ones, revealing smoother, brighter skin. Boosts Collagen Production: By stimulating fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen), retinol helps restore firmness and elasticity to aging skin. Unclogs Pores: Retinol prevents dead skin cells from clogging pores, reducing breakouts and refining skin texture. Fades Hyperpigmentation: By promoting cell turnover, retinol gradually fades dark spots and evens out skin tone. The result? Visibly younger, healthier-looking skin—but only if you use retinol consistently and correctly. Why Is Retinol the Best Anti-Aging Ingredient for Men? Because it actually works. While the skincare industry is full of products making bold claims, retinol is one of the few ingredients with solid clinical evidence behind it. Dermatologists consider it essential for any serious anti-aging routine. Retinol vs. Other Anti-Aging Ingredients Retinol beats the competition: More effective than peptides at stimulating collagen More researched than "miracle" botanicals with decades of clinical studies More versatile than vitamin C for addressing multiple skin concerns More proven than trendy ingredients that lack long-term data If you're going to invest in one anti-aging product, make it retinol. What Makes the Tiege Hanley RETINOL STICK Different? Traditional retinol products have problems. Serums are messy, hard to dose correctly, and often irritate the skin. You're left guessing how much to use, where to apply it, and whether you're getting results. That's where the Tiege Hanley RETINOL STICK changes everything. The Retinol Stick Advantage 1. Stick Application = Zero MessNo more fumbling with droppers or getting serum all over your hands. The RETINOL STICK glides on smoothly and precisely, delivering product exactly where you need it. 2. Perfectly Dosed Every TimeTraditional serums make it easy to use too much (wasting product and money) or too little (getting no results). The stick format ensures consistent, controlled application. 3. Targets Problem AreasThe stick design allows you to focus on specific areas—crow's feet, forehead lines, smile lines—without accidentally spreading product to sensitive areas like around the eyes. 4. Gentle Yet Effective FormulaThe RETINOL STICK uses retinyl linoleate (0.21%), a gentler form of retinol that delivers results without the harsh irritation common with stronger retinoids. It's combined with: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to strengthen skin and reduce redness Hyaluronic Acid to provide deep hydration Vitamin C (Kakadu Plum Extract) for added brightening and antioxidant protection This multi-tasking formula doesn't just fight aging—it protects and strengthens your skin barrier. 5. Travel-Friendly and ConvenientThrow it in your gym bag, briefcase, or carry-on. The compact stick format goes everywhere without the risk of leaking or breaking. How to Use the RETINOL STICK for Maximum Results Start slow and build up. Retinol can cause temporary redness or peeling if you jump in too aggressively. Follow this approach for best results: Week 1-2: Start Gradually Use the RETINOL STICK 1-2 times per week Apply at night after cleansing and before moisturizer Focus on areas with visible fine lines or texture issues Week 3-4: Increase Frequency Bump up to 3-4 times per week Continue applying at night Monitor your skin for any irritation Week 5+: Consistent Maintenance Use every other night or nightly if tolerated Make it a permanent part of your routine Pair with SPF during the day (retinol increases sun sensitivity) Pro Tips for Success Always apply to clean, dry skin Let it absorb for 60 seconds before moisturizing Never use retinol and exfoliating products on the same night SPF is mandatory—retinol makes your skin more sun-sensitive Be patient—visible results take 8-12 weeks What Results Can You Expect? Real, measurable improvements. Clinical studies on retinol consistently show: After 4-6 Weeks: Smoother skin texture Reduced appearance of pores More even skin tone Improved hydration After 8-12 Weeks: Visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles Faded age spots and discoloration Firmer, more resilient skin Overall healthier, younger-looking complexion The RETINOL STICK's advanced formula amplifies these results by combining retinol with complementary ingredients that hydrate, protect, and enhance absorption. Frequently Asked Questions About Retinol Can Men Use Retinol? Absolutely—retinol is for everyone. In fact, men may benefit even more because their skin is thicker and ages differently than women's. Retinol penetrates deep enough to address men's specific concerns like deep-set wrinkles and rougher texture. Is Retinol Safe to Use Every Day? Yes, once your skin adjusts. Start with 1-2 times per week and gradually increase frequency. Most guys can eventually use retinol nightly without issues, but listen to your skin—if it's red or irritated, scale back. What's the Difference Between Retinol and Retinoids? Retinol is a type of retinoid. "Retinoid" is the umbrella term for all vitamin A derivatives. Prescription retinoids (like tretinoin) are stronger but require a doctor's visit and come with more side effects. The RETINOL STICK uses retinyl linoleate—a gentler, over-the-counter option that delivers results without harsh irritation. Should I Use Retinol in My 20s, 30s, or 40s? All of the above. In your 20s and early 30s, retinol prevents premature aging. In your mid-30s and 40s, it reverses existing damage. The earlier you start, the better—but it's never too late to begin. Can I Use the RETINOL STICK with Other Tiege Hanley Products? Yes—that's the whole point. The RETINOL STICK is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing routine: Morning: WASH, AM Moisturizer with SPF 20 Evening: WASH, RETINOL STICK, PM Moisturizer 2x Per Week: SCRUB (on nights you don't use retinol) This combination maximizes results while keeping your routine simple and uncomplicated. Why Choose the RETINOL STICK Over Traditional Serums? Because it eliminates every pain point of traditional retinol products: ❌ Messy droppers → ✅ Clean stick application❌ Guessing the right amount → ✅ Controlled, consistent dose❌ Spreading everywhere → ✅ Targeted precision❌ Complicated instructions → ✅ Simple, guy-proof design❌ Expensive and wasteful → ✅ Affordable, efficient format The RETINOL STICK was engineered specifically for guys who want maximum results with minimum effort. Why Now Is the Time to Add Retinol to Your Routine Prevention is easier than reversal. The damage you're preventing today is the wrinkles you won't have to fight tomorrow. Whether you're noticing the first signs of aging or you're already dealing with established lines and texture issues, retinol is your best weapon. The RETINOL STICK makes it easier than ever to incorporate this powerhouse ingredient into your life. No mess, no confusion, no excuses—just straightforward, performance-driven anti-aging that actually works. Ready to Upgrade Your Routine? Add the RETINOL STICK Advanced Skin Revitalizer to your cart today and experience the difference of professional-grade retinol in a format designed for real life. Not sure where to start? Pair it with the Level 1 Essential Routine for a complete, uncomplicated system that helps you look and feel amazing every single day. Explore more: Check out the Tiege Hanley blog for additional skin care tips, product guides, and expert advice on building routines that deliver real results.