Founderology

I sat down with Scott Taylor, Founder and CEO of R&R Brands, a visionary and an industry icon whose fingerprints are on some of the most important brand-building work of the last two decades. He is also a great friend, past-colleague and dedicated educator too!R&R is trail blazing a new path in the multi-concept space: six brands and growing, anchored by Party Fowl, Bravo Brio, Cody's Original Roadhouse and Santa Fe Cattle Co., built on a model that partners with Founders instead of swallowing them or chewing them up. In this conversation, Scott held nothing back on what it actually takes to scale from a single brand to a multi-brand platform without losing the soul of any of the brands.The multi-brand model that isn't private equity and isn't a gotchaR&R is not a private equity roll-up business. It is not a franchise machine. It is something Scott, his partners and team are building deliberately to fill a gap he saw firsthand: smaller Founder-led businesses need infrastructure and a partner, not a buyout and a pile of paperwork. This is something every Founder weighing outside help or investment needs to hear.Why R&R was built as a family-office-backed strategic partnership, not a private equity vehicle.How the model leaves the Founder in a stronger position whether the end game is acquisition, partnership or support.The "we leave it better" philosophy that separates real partners from gotcha dealsHow Party Fowl went from bankruptcy to six locations without losing a single team memberSeven restaurants down to two. A brand like so many that had lost its identity, its menu and its swagger. Scott walks through what he actually did in those first weeks at R&R's first major rebuild. The conversations he had with the remaining team that turned an underdog story into a 14-month turnaround. This part alone is worth pressing play.The first questions Scott asked the team to find the brand DNA againWhy the underdog mindset became the rebuild's most powerful toolHow not a single team member left during the turnaroundWhy every R&R brand has someone whose fob is to push back on R&RThis is the structural decision that defines how Scott runs the platform. Inside every brand sits a leader whose job is to defend the brand DNA. Even when it could be so at the R&R level would be to consolidate menus, vendors or operations across the portfolio. Scott explains why scaling six identical brands is not the win it looks like on paper.The brand-protector role embedded in every R&R conceptThe trade-off between platform efficiency and brand integrityWhat happens the moment a multi-concept operator stops protecting what made each brand workWhy culture, not food, not price, is the only real moatThe decision-making matrix every founder needs before they build a second brandMust Consult - Must Inform - Don't Worry About It. Scott shares this simple and powerful framework he uses with leaders across the R&R portfolio. H explains why most Founders who want to launch a second concept are not actually ready, even when they think they are. His take on the Founder who insists on driving two buses at once and getting stuck is the kind of thing you do not forget once you hear it.The three-tier matrix every Founder can use to clarify decision rightsHow to know when you have actually replaced yourself as a steward of the brandThe single test that tells a Founder whether they are ready for a second conceptIf you are a Founder saying to yourself, I am just stuck and What do I do next?, this episode answers that question in so many real and meaningful ways. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and hear real insights from Founders who are building brands to breakthrough!

Every Founder hits a moment where the business is too big to be small but too small to be big. I call it the Stuck Zone. And what you do next determines everything.On this episode of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast, I talk with Ryan Thorman, Founder and CEO of Bango and a contributor to the Founderology Growth Summit. Ryan and his friends started with a 300-square-foot açaí shop and have grown Bango into a better-for-you concept with 10 locations, two more in construction and a franchise model that is gaining serious momentum across the East Coast.In this episode, Ryan held nothing back about the critical decisions he made at every stage of growth — and why he chose to grow slower when everyone said grow faster. What I share here is just the beginning of what Ryan shares in this fast-paced podcast.Stop gunslinging and get clear For the first several years, Ryan and his team had no plan. They were young, throwing things against the wall and running hard without direction. Then came the critical decision to stop and define what Bango was actually going to be. That single act of clarity changed every decision after it — and Ryan shares why he believes most Founders stay stuck because they never make this decision at all.Who you hire — and how fast you fire Ryan made the decision to bring in executives to help scale. It backfired — and he had to walk it back with his franchisees. Then he made a second critical decision: how to solve the problem without making the same mistake twice. The answer was right in front of him the entire time. If you're about to make your first big hire, listen to this before you sign the offer letter.Grow Slow When Everyone Says Grow Fast Everyone told Ryan to strike while the iron was hot. He made the critical decision to do the opposite — turning down markets, walking away from eager candidates and slowing down when the industry said speed up. His one non-negotiable before opening another location goes against everything the growth playbook tells you. If you are feeling pressure to move faster than you are ready, take a page out of Ryan's playbook on doing what is right, not fast.Choose your shots instead of taking every shot When I asked Ryan about the one decision that changed everything, he flipped the question. His answer was not about what went right — it was about the hundreds of thousands of dollars in mistakes they could have avoided. Ryan is a risk-taker by nature. The critical decision was learning the difference between taking every shot and choosing the right ones. Every Founder who are wired to move fast needs to hear how he reconciled that.And that's not even half of it. Ryan goes deeper on franchising, culture, team and the decisions that separate Founders who scale from Founders who stall. But the two moments that will stay with you are these: The moment where all the critical decisions paid off Ryan describes a moment every Founder chases and almost no one talks about openly. It is the payoff of every critical decision on this list — and why no one could have prepared him for how it would feel. This part alone is worth pressing play.The advice that starts with turning off your phone Ryan closes with something deceptively simple. It is not a strategy and it is not a framework. It is the one thing every stuck Founder knows they should do but never actually does — and it is the shift that makes every critical decision after it possible.If you are a Founder asking yourself, What do I do next? — this episode answers that question in so many real and meaningful ways.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and hear real insights from Founders who are building brands to breakthrough!Kathleen Wood is the Founder of Kathleen Wood Partners, host of the Founderology —

On this episode of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast, I talk with Brandon Knudsen, Co-Founder and CEO of Ziggi's Coffee and a member of the inaugural class of Visionary Restaurant Founders recognized at the Founderology Growth Summit. Brandon and his wife Camrin have bootstrapped Ziggi's from a single coffee shop to more than 100 locations across 22 states, with 200 more in development — no private equity, no outside investors. Brandon held nothing back about what that journey actually cost them.The licensing deal that failed before franchising even startedBefore Ziggi's ever sold a franchise, Brandon tried licensing first. No fees. No royalties. Just handed over the playbook.It fell apart.The systems he and Camrin had been running for 12 years could not survive without them in the room. What Brandon did next — spending his own money to stress-test the model on his own managers before selling it to anyone else — is a strategic lesson in how to franchise the right way.Every emerging franchisor needs to take this lesson and immediately apply it to their business.Fifteen-hour days and the texts that never got returnedBrandon began franchising so he would not have to do everything himself as he and Camrin grew Ziggi's.He then spent the next three years doing more of it than ever — driving to Realtor meetings, sitting through planning departments, showing up at construction sites and taking every call from every franchisee.Until the day he realized he was the bottleneck.The business was in the stuck zone – to big to be small and to small to be big.The $400K COO he refused to hireBrandon needed executive-level talent. The company was not in a position to take on six figures plus 10 percent of the business.So, he found another way.The fractional leaders he brought in did not just fill gaps — one of them changed the entire culture overnight without hiring a single new person.If you are a Founder who thinks you cannot afford high-level strategy, Brandon's path will change your mind. Hear the critical decisions he made to bring affordable executive talent.The one question he asks every struggling franchiseeWhen a franchisee calls Brandon and says they are struggling, he asks the same question every time.The answer is always the same.His philosophy on why you should never spend a dollar on marketing until the house is in order — and why the best-performing Ziggi's locations all have one thing in common — goes against everything the industry tells you.The data backs him up. You know you want to know this critical question.The advice that will hit you harder than you expectBrandon closes with something personal — about the stores that keep him up at night, the success he forgets to celebrate and the one thing every Founder needs to hear when they are in the middle of the grind (literal in Brandon's case).It is simple. It is real. If you are deep in the Stuck Zone right now, it might be exactly what you need.If you are a Founder asking yourself, "What do I do next?" this episode answers that question in so many real and meaningful ways.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and hear real insights and real solutions from Founders who are building brands to breakthrough. This is the community you have been looking for to grow your business!

Every Founder hits a moment where the business is too big to be small but too small to be big. I call it the stuck zone. And what you do next determines everything.On this episode of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast, I talk with Jeff Perera, co-Founder of Jeff's Bagel Run and a member of the inaugural class of Visionary Restaurant Founders recognized at the Founderology Growth Summit. Jeff and I discussed the critical decisions that took him from a garage operation to nearly 30 locations and more opening weekly — and he held nothing back.The Meeting He Said No to for Four MonthsSomeone kept knocking on Jeff's door with an opportunity that could change everything. He refused the meeting. Every single week for four months. Then a personal loss shifted his perspective, and he and his wife Danielle finally said yes. What happened in that room — and the gut-check that followed — is something every Founder who has ever been approached by a potential partner needs to hear.The Title He Didn't TakeMost Founders would have demanded the CEO title. Jeff made a different call, and his reasoning reveals a level of self-awareness that separates Founders who scale from Founders who stall. This part of our conversation alone is worth pressing play.Giving Away the Biggest PieceJeff and Danielle gave up a significant portion of the business they built with their own hands, blood, sweat and tears. How they reconciled that decision — and how Jeff reframes what "your piece of the pie" actually means at scale — will challenge every Founder who believes that holding on tight is the safest move.The Hire That Changed EverythingThe first two people Jeff brought on after forming his franchise company were not restaurant operators. They were software engineers. That decision continues to be questioned, however today it stands as one of the biggest competitive advantages in the brand. Jeff explains why, and how his logic applies far beyond bagels.Why They Award Franchises and Never Sell ThemOne word – AWARD and it creates a competitive difference. Jeff walks through how he evaluates alignment over ambition, and why saying no to eager candidates protects the long-term health of everything he has built. If you are scaling through franchising or partnerships of any kind, this is essential listening.The Advice That Will Stop You in Your TracksJeff closes with a snowstorm story and a piece of advice so simple it almost sounds too easy. But it is the exact shift every stuck Founder needs to make — and it is the opposite of what most people expect.If you are a Founder asking yourself, "What do I do next?" This episode answers that question in so many real and meaningful ways.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and hear real insights from Founders who are building brands to break through!Kathleen Wood is the Founder of Kathleen Wood Partners, host of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast and co-host of the Founderology Growth Summit.

Community is not support. It is a strategic imperative.Founders make stronger decisions when they stay connected to people, resources, and real-world insight.That belief carries real weight when it comes from a leader who represents more than 1.5 million restaurant employees and an industry that fuels over $137 billion in economic impact. As CEO and president of the Texas Restaurant Association, Emily Williams Knight, Ed. D operates at the center of one of the most powerful restaurant communities in the country. Her work sits at the intersection of Founders, operators, policymakers, and partners, making her uniquely positioned to speak to the power of connection at scale.That perspective anchors Kathleen Wood's conversation with Emily on Founderology: Built to Breakthrough—and it drives every part of the discussion. As markets move faster and decisions carry greater consequence, founders who stay connected gain clarity, perspective, and confidence. Connectivity becomes more than support. Connectivity becomes strategy.When collective insights become action that drive resultsIn this episode, Kathleen and Emily talk directly about why Founders benefit from being part of strong communities, whether through state restaurant associations, industry networks, or experiences like the Founderology Growth Summit gatherings. Emily shares how connectivity through the Texas Restaurant Association creates alignment across operators, policymakers, and partners, turning shared insight into action and results.The conversation highlights how Founders navigate complexity more effectively when they stay engaged with trusted peers and reliable information. Emily speaks from experience leading an organization that supports one of the largest economic engines in the country, where collective voices create outcomes that individual businesses cannot generate alone.The real business impact of staying connected.Kathleen and Emily explore how community shows up in practical ways:Founders gain faster clarity through shared experienceDecisions improve when leaders stay informed and connectedAdvocacy becomes stronger when voices alignLeadership confidence increases through trusted networksGrowth accelerates when Founders learn togetherThe discussion also reinforces why industry associations and Founder communities matter now. Emily explains how collaboration reshaped outcomes during pivotal moments and why those lessons continue to apply as founders plan for the future. The same principles that work at scale also strengthen individual brands and leadership teams.Where connection becomes a competitive advantage.That belief in connection is why Emily will be speaking at the Founderology Growth Summit. The Summit is an experience that connects Founders to exchange insight, challenge assumptions, and make better decisions through shared experience. It creates space for real conversations that help leaders move forward with clarity.One truth for 2026: Connectivity wins.Throughout the episode, one truth remains consistent: Founders succeed faster and lead better when they stay connected.Community sharpens decision-making.Shared insight reduces isolation.Relationships create momentum.Your network does drive your net worth.For Founders looking to succeed in 2026 and beyond, this podcast offers a clear takeaway:Connectivity is the strategic imperative.The Founderology Growth Summit is your Solution – Seats are still available: register now: www.founderologysummit.com - use this code Founders20Listen to the full episode of Founderology: Built to Breakthrough to hear the complete conversation with Emily Williams Knight, Ed. D.

Almost a year ago, I stood on a plot of land in Austin with Ellis Winstanley. He pointed to an empty space and said, "Here's my vision. I'm going to have an event center there."I remember thinking: yes, of course, you are and I was so confident it would happen we recorded our first podcast together announcing that the 2026 Founderology Growth Summit would be hosted at the new El Arroyo event center.That's exactly what Ellis does. He sees what others don't. He asks the questions others won't. And he builds what others say can't be done.Ellis is the Founder of NAR Ventures, Axial Shift, El Arroyo and several other groundbreaking companies. Here's what makes him different from most serial entrepreneurs/Founders I know: He doesn't just solve problems for himself. He invites others in to solve them together, and the solution ends up helping an entire industry.In our latest Founderology podcast episode, Ellis and I discuss his Founder's journey, from being an 18-year-old who refused to accept he couldn't bartend ("Why not? I can legally do it") to building one of the most innovative hospitality brands in the country.When someone told him something couldn't be done a certain way, he didn't argue. He just kept working it until he found a solution. Then he did the hard work of making it real.Ellis's Founder's mindset has driven everything he's built:El Arroyo's transformation from a local Austin icon into an international phenomenon.A bold vision for rethinking casual dining at a time when the entire industry is under pressure.An approach to community development and experiences that meets people where they are, at an approachable price point.Developing technology that drives performance at every level of a restaurant.Ellis shared something in our conversation that every Founder needs to hear right now. It's about what happens when you stop trying to figure everything out yourself and start asking the right people the right questions. I won't give it all away here. You need to hear him say it.I will share: The advice he gives is the same approach that took him from running numbers on a 10-key calculator behind a bar to building a portfolio of companies that are genuinely changing how people experience hospitality.If you're a Founder navigating 2026, wondering how to grow, how to scale, how to solve the problems that feel impossible right now, this episode is for you. Ellis' mindset inspires us all to ask "why not". Listen to the full episode of Founderology: Built to Break Through wherever you get your podcasts.And if you want to connect with Ellis and 100 more Founders building businesses to break through, join us at the Founderology Growth Summit, Feb. 2-4, 2026, at the brand-new El Arroyo Event Center in Austin. Ellis will be delivering a keynote, "From Tacos to Tech: A Founder's Journey," and trust me, you don't want to miss it.As Ellis consistently highlighted, it only takes one insight to change everything. One question. One room full of the right people. That's what the Founderology Growth Summit is all about.Register now at www.founderologysummit.com - Let's make 2026 your year to break through

As we close out 2025, I keep coming back to one undeniable truth: this year moved fast. Faster than many even realized. Technology accelerated. Consumer expectations evolved. Leadership required more courage, clarity and community than ever before. And through all of it, Founders continued to do what Founders do best — rise.In our final Founderology podcast episode of the year, Fast Casual Publisher Cherryh Cansler and I sat down to reflect on the moments that mattered, the shifts that shaped us and the momentum carrying us into a breakthrough 2026. Rather than recap every detail, we want to share the themes that stood out — the ones that will inspire every Founder to tune in and move into next year with purpose.2025: The year Founders took controlThis was the year Founders stopped waiting for the industry to stabilize and started rewriting the rules.Cherryh called 2025 "the year of augmentation" — a season when technology supported people and strengthened their work. We watched Founders use AI, smarter systems and predictive tools not to cut corners but to elevate teams, strengthen operations and reclaim hospitality.I called it the year of AI or Die — not fear-based, simply factual. The Founders who embraced new tools gained speed, clarity and confidence. The ones who resisted were falling behind faster than ever before.These were great positions we unpack— real insights from the real front line experiences.The Founder shift: From doing it alone to growing through communityIf one message defined our year, it was this: Founders win bigger when they stop building alone.We saw it throughout our Founderology Collaboratives, the Founderology podcast and the Founderology Growth Summit community. Founders accelerating forward are partnering, collaborating and reaching new levels of momentum together.Our conversation highlights how this shift changed the game for every Founder who embraced it and why it matters even more in 2026.What emerged was powerful:A network that grows your net worth.A community that accelerates your company.A shared language only Founders understand to help each other grow.Hospitality returned to the center — And it's not going awayCherryh and I both agreed: the future of restaurants is the experience economy.Guests aren't choosing based on product or price alone. They are choosing based on their experience — they want and expect great service, food, beverage and an overall experience they value.We discussed examples of brand reinventions, leadership gaps and the renewed importance of hospitality as a true strategic advantage. This is THE section for any Founder ready to reignite the team or reexamine the guest journey.Where We're Going in 2026Cherryh said it best: 2026 is the year technology and humanity work together.I added that to make it all work it has to be the year to invest in leaders and leadership development — the leaders you have, the leaders you are developing and the next generation of leaders you need to groew.We also share a few surprises in this episode, including emerging trends and the mindsets we believe will define the next wave of restaurant growth.Why the Founderology Growth Summit is the ultimate launchpad for 2026This is one area we will not stop talking about because of the massive value and impact of the Founder to-Founder experience. Our conclusion there is no better way to start your year than with 125 visionary restaurant Founders who share your drive.This is the room where breakthroughs happen.This is the room where clarity clicks.This is the room where Founders stop going it alone.In the episode, Cherryh and I highlight:Why this Summit delivers one of the highest ROIs a Founder can make.How the Investo

Danielle Mahon, the Founder of seafood steam pot brand Topsail Steamer, joined host Kathleen Wood on a recent episode of the "Founderology" podcast to discuss the evolution of her company from a local storefront to a national franchise.During the interview, Mahon detailed the philosophy behind her brand, which offers pre-prepared seafood steam pots designed for customers to cook and share at home. Mahon founded Topsail Steamer in 2017 on Topsail Island in Surf City, North Carolina. She launched the business to replicate the family tradition of the "Lowcountry boil," aiming to pioneer a new category in the food industry centered on shared experiences."Connection creates meaning and growth," Mahon told Wood during the broadcast.The discussion covered Mahon's trajectory from a single location to a multi-channel brand. Following a notable appearance on ABC's "Shark Tank," the company expanded its reach through a partnership with the e-commerce platform Goldbelly, allowing the company to ship its signature pots nationwide. Mahon has since transitioned the business into a franchise model, offering opportunities to operators seeking a lifestyle-oriented business model.Wood, a growth strategist and founder of the consultancy Kathleen Wood Partners, spoke with Mahon about the specific mindset required to scale a niche product. Mahon emphasized a leadership style focused on "disciplined optimism" and the ability to find opportunities within obstacles."Challenges arrive, and she responds with clarity," Wood noted regarding Mahon's approach. "Her leadership reflects a founder who pioneers a category with originality and vision."During the episode, Mahon outlined several key lessons for entrepreneurs, including:Staying aligned with a core purpose to direct business strategy.Designing experiences that foster human connection.Filtering external advice through personal values.Thinking beyond the starting point to expand vision with confidence.Mahon is scheduled to elaborate on these strategies as a featured keynote speaker at the Founderology Growth Summit, Feb. 2-4 in Boston. Her session will cover the specific operational plans guiding Topsail Steamer's expansion and her approach to rewriting the standard franchise playbook.Register for the summit here.The "Founderology" podcast features interviews with business leaders and entrepreneurs focused on growth strategies and organizational culture.

Zane Tarence enters this conversation like a force of nature — fast, sharp and fully dialed in. His pace alone tells you he has lived this work. His experience comes through every sentence with the confidence of someone who has built companies, sold companies and guided leaders through outcomes most people only imagine. His energy lifts the entire episode into a higher gear.This is not slow insight — this is momentum.Zane shares perspectives with the speed of someone who has spent decades in the trenches and still wakes up hungry for the next challenge. He moves quickly, and every Founder listening will feel that speed — because it mirrors the pace their own business demands.This episode leans into the questions Founders carry quietly while leading loudly.The tension between growth and exhaustion.The desire to create real value rather than volume.The challenge of hiring and developing people who can scale with the business.The responsibility of raising performance without sacrificing the heart of the company.And the importance of becoming investment grade even when an exit is not the goalThese questions shape a Founder's future. This conversation puts power behind them.Zane's perspective also reflects why Founders Advisors is such a powerful partner for the Founderology Growth Summit. Their commitment to Founders, their depth of experience and their ability to translate complex ideas into clear, actionable insight creates an environment where leaders accelerate faster. This episode is a preview of just one of many conversations that will continue in Austin —high-velocity, high-impact and designed to strengthen every Founder who walks into that room.This is the rare episode you listen to more than once because the first time gives you clarity, the second time gives you strategy and the third time fires you up for action. It is that intense, that rich and that aligned with the realities Founders face every day.If you are a Founder who wants to strengthen your business, elevate your leadership and align your strategy with the value you are building, this episode is a catalyst. It is focused. It is energizing. It is built for the leadership necessary today to build your business to breakthrough with value.Built to Breakthrough continues to be the place where Founders get the clarity they deserve. This episode sets a new standard—and deserves the replays. Join me for this episode of Founderology and access the must-have insights that strengthen your path, expand your perspective and accelerate the future you are building.To provide securities-related services, certain principals of Founders Advisors, LLC are licensed with Founders M&A Advisory, LLC, member of FINRA & SiPC. Founders M&A Advisory is a wholly owned subsidiary of Founders Advisors. Neither Founders Advisors nor Founders M&A Advisory provide investment advice.

Every Founder has a story — a spark that becomes the heartbeat of a brand. Some stories begin with a dream, others with a dish, and every now and then one begins with a taco that turns into a brand that is built to breakthrough.In this episode of the Founderology Podcast, I talk with Roberto Espinosa — the visionary Founder of Tacodeli. What started as one small taco shop in Austin has grown into one of the most authentic and respected fast casual restaurant brands in the country.From the very moment I walked into my first Tacodeli, I felt it — the energy, the flavor, and the authenticity.I still crave Tacodeli's breakfast burrito, made with fresh scrambled eggs and Roberto's grandmother's mashed potato recipe. It is food rooted in authencity, love, and purpose — the same foundation every Founder needs when building something that lasts.And then there is the story of the Doña Salsa — a recipe created by one of his earliest team members in an employee contest that became a cornerstone of Tacodeli's identity. It is not just a salsa. It is a story of honoring people, sharing success, and keeping community at the center of growth. Every Founder can learn from that level of authenticity and connection.As Roberto and I talk, you will hear lessons about leading through purpose, growing through people, and staying true to your values as your business scales. His story is proof that greatness happens when vision and integrity grow together.What Founders will gain from this episodeIt is a blueprint for authenticity. Roberto shares how staying rooted in his original vision became his greatest advantage as Tacodeli scaled.It redefines growth. We explore how sustainable success is not about speed but about building systems, culture, and partnerships that last.It celebrates Founder conviction. Roberto's unwavering belief in his purpose reveals how clarity fuels every breakthrough.It showcases the power of people. From his partnership with his team to honoring the creator of the Doña Salsa, this story demonstrates how empowering others drives growth.It reminds every Founder why purpose matters. Whether you are building your first store or scaling your tenth, this episode reignites the belief that your purpose can be your greatest accelerator.The next time you are in Austin, put a visit to Tacodeli at the top of your list. If are joining us for the Founderology Growth Summit, in Austin, February 2-4, 2026 then you are all set. Register today and take advantage of our early-bird special savings so you can order even more at Tacodeli.Join me for this episode of Founderology, where we talk about tacos, truth, and the timeless power of staying authentic while building something extraordinary to breakthrough.

It's the answer every business owner wants to know and very rarely gets a direct answer about it — UNTIL NOW — at the Founderology Growth Summit, that answer becomes reality.Founders want to grow, scale, and create lasting value. The challenge is knowing where the value of your business stands today — and what will elevate it to investment-grade strength.I am so proud and honored to announce that Founders Advisors will be one of our leading sponsors at the Founderology Growth Summit, February 2-4, Austin. Through the leadership of Wayne Vacek, Managing Director of Founders Advisors, Founders gain the rare opportunity to see their business through the lens that investors, partners, and acquirers use to define excellence.Wayne brings more than 25 years of experience guiding founder-led companies to build stronger systems, smarter growth, and higher value. His insights are practical, proven, and transformative for every Founder ready to accelerate their success.From insight tompactWayne and the Founders Advisors team are introducing their proprietary Investor Grade Assessment exclusively at the Founderology Growth Summit. Every Founder attending the Summit will receive complimentary access to this powerful evaluation that measures performance across seventeen dimensions that define investment-grade readiness.What Founders must know to increase their valuationIn this Founderology episode, Wayne shares:One metric every Founder must measure to drive growthThree critical areas that directly influence valuation.What are typical blind spots that cause value to be lostWhat separates businesses that attract investors from those that struggle to gain tractionEven the most seasoned leaders will uncover new perspectives through the Investor Grade Assessment — and how those insights become the foundation for long-term value creation. Founders will hear how leadership, financial discipline, and culture align to elevate both performance and worth. Every conversation with Wayne becomes a master class in founder-led excellence. His perspective reshapes how Founders think about readiness, strategy, and success.From assessment to accelerationDuring the Founderology Growth Summit, Founders Advisors will host a bonus Investor Grade Workshop exclusively for all attendees. This experience brings the assessment to life, helping Founders interpret their personalized results, identify high-impact priorities, and build a focused plan to raise value across every area of their business.Founders will leave equipped with clarity, focus, and actionable priorities — knowing exactly how to transform their Investor Grade results into a growth and leadership roadmap for the year ahead.To provide securities-related services, certain principals of Founders Advisors, LLC are licensed with Founders M&A Advisory, LLC, member of FINRA & SiPC. Founders M&A Advisory is a wholly owned subsidiary of Founders Advisors. Neither Founders Advisors nor Founders M&A Advisory provide investment advice. 

Every Founder knows the spark that starts an idea and then the journey begins. In this episode of Founderology: Built to Breakthrough, we talk with Donna and Daniel Golik, Mother and Son Founders of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream – craveable, flash freezing made to order ice cream.Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream is the brainchild of ice-cream loving Daniel. So much loving that he spent 6 months in his garage, but 3,345,789 brain-freeze later, the almighty "nitrogen ice cream equation' was perfect and Chill-N was born. Today, Daniel and Donna are expanding Chill-N from its roots in South Florida and franchising across country and in the process redefining ice cream for all.The Chill Behind the BrandA brand that began with curiosity, grew through innovation, and continues to expand through purpose. Their conversation reveals what happens when vision becomes more than a plan on paper. It shows how belief, family, and focus can create something that resonates far beyond a storefront.Daniel and Donna share the inside track on how they transformed experimentation into their growing enterprise. They share their lessons on building systems that work, creating culture that lasts, and leading with values that never waiver. Donna and Daniel also speak to the power of innovation and staying grounded while growth accelerates.Growth Lessons EarnedEvery Founder listening will recognize the moments they've lived themselves and hear how Daniel and Donna addressed:The challenge of starting small while thinking bigThe drive to create something new in a crowded spaceThe constant balancing act between family and businessThe clarity that comes when purpose and performance align for growthChill-N to BreakthroughDaniel and Donna's dialogue carries the rhythm of Founders who are in motion—refining, adjusting, and leading with intention. Their insights remind us that growth is both creative and operational, deeply personal and powerfully scalable.Tune in to Founderology: Built to Breakthrough and hear how Donna and Daniel Golik are fueling delicious growth—one decision, one store, and one inspired vision at a time. It's about aligning your focus to keep moving forward and the wisdom to keep building stronger.

Built for Founders. Powered by Founders.The Founderology Growth Summit is a breakthrough experience designed for Founders who are looking to scale. Every moment, from the first conversation to the final celebration, is crafted with one purpose: to accelerate the growth of visionary Founders and their businesses.Cherryh Cansler, publisher of FastCasual.com and partner of the Founderology Growth Summit, says it best: “This is where Founders find their people and community for growth.”This unique one of-a-kind experience is created by Founders, for Founders. Every speaker has built something from the ground up. Every journey is a real-world case study of resilience, risk, and reward. Every tool is practical, proven, and ready to be put into play the moment you leave. This is not about general ideas or theory. This is about real-life, real-proven action. The Founderology Growth Summit is where breakthrough happens.Hard-Won Lessons from Founders Who Built Billion-Dollar BrandsFounders sharing the inside track for success, competitive advantages and shaving months and years of having to learn by yourself.  The lessons are hard-won, earned in the trenches of startup chaos, expansion challenges, and global scale.  Here is a highlight of a few Founders featured at the Founderology Growth SummitDave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Jim Bitticks of Dave’s Hot Chicken share how a $900 investment in parking-lot pop-up became a billion-dollar brand. Their story is real, inspiring and packed with lessons every Founder can apply to scale faster and smarter.Pinky Cole and Derrick Hayes, the powerhouse Founders behind Slutty Vegan and Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, open up about their strategies for how to turn purpose into power. And how their lessons in culture, vision, and relentless execution create movements.Danielle Mohan, Founder of Topsail Steamerreveals what it takes to take a kitchen-table idea onto Shark Tank—and then beyond. She shares the journey of trail blazing a new segment and driving momentum to make it a national brand.Evonne and Don Varady, Founders of Clean Eatz discuss their creative strategies to go from living in the closet of their first location to building a national brand with over 100 thriving locations. These are not highlight reels presentations. These are authentic roadmaps, full of pivots, pressure, and perseverance. They remind every Founder in the room: you are not alone, and you are capable of more than you imagine.Tools That Accelerate GrowthThe Founderology Growth Summit is about equipping Founders with the tools to scale. One of the most powerful is the Founders Advisors - Investor Growth Assessment —a diagnostic tool valued at over $499.00 every Founder will receive as part of their registration.This Investor-Grade Assessment shows how your business is valued by investors and identifies the exact levers you can pull to increase your valuation. Whether you’re preparing for funding, a major expansion, or building generational wealth, this assessment gives you clarity on where you stand and a roadmap for where to go. Additionally, a special workshop will be provided to take a deep-dive on each Founders specific results. Founders will leave with the hard data and insights investors use to measure success. That is one of the most powerful tools for unlocking acceleration.Your Network Increases Your Net WorthKathleen Wood, Founder of Kathleen Wood Partners and the driving force behind the Founderology Growth Summit, says: “When Founders come together, businesses grow faster, teams get stronger, and possibilities expand.”For two and half-days, you are engaged with visionary Founders who share your drive, your challenges, and your commitment to growth. The relationships you build here go beyond networking—

I have been inspired by Derrick Hayes and Big Dave's Cheesesteaks starting as an Instagram follower and then as a customer. I actually drove from Tampa to Orlando to try his Classic Dave's Chicken — wow — was it worth the drive and the many more drives I will continue to make to Big Dave's. Hopefully, Tampa is on the list for new locations!Derrick's vision, his grit, and his heart for community and family sets him apart as a Founder who isn't just building restaurants — he is building movements. He has transformed a promise to his late father into a national brand and a platform for purpose. His story is about resilience, responsibility and relentless belief in what's possible when you refuse to quit.From a gas station start-up to a brand recognized most recently among Fast Casual's Top 10 Movers and Shakers, Derrick Hayes proves that purpose-driven leadership changes everything. He is building a franchise with national reach, creating generational impact, and inspiring Founders everywhere to think bigger.Lessons from Derrick HayesIn this episode of Founderology – Built to Breakthrough, Derrick opens up about the decisions, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shaped his path. He shares how to lead through loss, how to stay authentic when the spotlight turns on you, and why purpose—not money—is the ultimate driver for growth.Here are just a few of the powerful lessons Derrick delivers:How to condition yourself for the long game and run your own race.Why every Founder must know their numbers, their culture, and their vision.How to turn purpose into the fuel that powers your brand through the hardest of times.What it takes to build your own table instead of waiting for a seat at someone else's.One of my favorite is the 20% financial factor.Leading with purpose, legacyDerrick Hayes is a purpose-driven leader carrying forward the dreams of his family and the hopes of his community. He has redefined what a cheesesteak can represent: not just food, but opportunity, empowerment, and impact. This conversation is real, impactful, and full of hard-earned wisdom every Founder can use. Derrick's story is a roadmap for visionaries who are ready to rise, scale, and lead with purpose.Listen to learn, lead, break throughListening to this episode feels like sitting across from a Founder who has lived the grind, faced the naysayers and chose to keep building anyway. Derrick Hayes embodies what it means to lead with vision, build with heart and drive with purpose. This is a must-hear conversation for any Founder ready to unlock the lessons of purpose, perseverance, and power.

How do you take a Maine lobster roll—yes, the classic, buttery, delicious kind—and build a brand that stretches from the East Coast to the heart of Milan, Italy?That's the kind of breakthrough story we love to feature at Founderology: Built to Breakthrough. And it's exactly what unfolds in this powerful episode with Dan Beck, Founder of Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls.Dan's story is not built on flash or shortcuts. It's built on vision, values, and a deep understanding of operations. He took one small store and turned it into a 40-plus unit brand without losing control, without compromising quality, and without sacrificing what makes the brand special.This episode is a front-row seat to a Founder who's proving that you can grow a brand with soul—and take it globally. Here are just a few highlights from our discussion on the growth of Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls.Scaling SmartDan Beck built his brand unit by unit, not headline by headline. From the start, profitability, not press, was the priority. Learn how he scaled intentionally, choosing strategic growth over fast expansion.Franchising with IntegrityDan's approach to franchising wasn't transactional. It was transformational. He focused on partnerships, not just locations. Dan shares how he developed a franchise system rooted in trust, support and shared standards.From Maine to MilanInternational expansion wasn't part of the initial plan. That's what makes the Milan story even more remarkable. It happened through connection, belief in the brand, and the readiness to embrace new opportunity. Dan provides great insights on how he navigated EU regulations while staying true to Mason's quality standards.Funding with PurposeDan didn't chase capital. He waited for alignment. When the time came, he looked for more than a check—he looked for value. Learn why strategic supply partnerships created win-win financial outcomes.Founder-Led – Growth FocusedThis is what Founder-led looks like; Dan's story is more than a success story. It's the journey about being committed to growing for all the right reasons.Are you building a business that reflects your vision?Are your growth decisions aligned with your values?Are you expanding without losing what made you unique in the first place?If you're a Founder ready to grow with intention, expand with clarity, and stay grounded in what works, this episode is for you. Tune in now and be inspired by the possibilities and potential of the brand you are building to breakthrough!

I have been a fan and follower of Pinky Cole Hayes and Slutty Vegan since her first opening in Atlanta. Her entrepreneurial drive is unmatched. She has built a brand that reimagines vegan food, empowers her community and sets a new standard for Founder-led success.I recently visited her latest opening in Tampa and enjoyed a Chik'N Head sandwich with crispy hot fries. Pinky Cole Hayes is the embodiment of the Founder spirit. If you need inspiration on your good days, your hard days, and every day in between, follow her on Instagram. When you are near one of her locations, go.Pinky built Slutty Vegan from a shared kitchen to a $100 million brand. She has appeared on the covers of Forbes, Time 100 and Inc. In 2025, she faced $20 million in debt, filed for an ABC (Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors), and in just 43 days, she bought back her company. With that bold move, she restructured leadership, rebuilt her systems, and launched Slutty Vegan 2.0 with sharper strategy, stronger teams and unstoppable energy.In this episode of "Founderology – Built to Breakthrough," Pinky shares her "PhD. lessons" and mindset that fueled her comeback. She opens up about the decisions that saved her company, how she aligned her team for growth, and what it takes to lead when everything is on the line.Honest Lessons No One Wants to Talk AboutPinky Cole Hayes delivers lessons that cut straight to the realities of building and scaling a company. She shares the moves that turned a financial crisis into a foundation for growth and the leadership strategies that continue to drive her success. Founders will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to lead with clarity, grit, and precision.Phd. Lessons" from PinkyHow Pinky used ABC (Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors) as a strategic move to save and reclaim her companyThe leadership shifts and team restructuring that powered Slutty Vegan 2.0 and positioned it for scaleThe mindset and execution strategies that turn failure into a foundation for growthThe non-negotiable principles of leading with vision, focus, and relentless drive.Pinky speaks to the heart of what it means to be a Founder. She knows the weight of leading when everything is on the line. She understands the courage it takes to make impossible decisions and the relentless drive required to bring a vision back to life.This conversation is direct and real for anyone who has built something from nothing, fought for every inch of progress, and faced the fear of losing it all. Pinky's journey is a powerful reminder that Founders are built to rise, built to adapt and built to break through the toughest chapters.Connect with Your Founder PowerListening to this episode feels like sitting across from a Founder who has walked through fire and emerged stronger, smarter, and more determined. It hits every emotion Founders know — the pressure, the sacrifice, the grit, and the moment when you decide to keep going, knowing it's about your calling, not just your business.

What do late-night drinks, a lobster roll, and a cross-country cousin connection have to do with building a national brand?Everything.In this episode of Founderology: Built to Breakthrough, Sabin Lomac—co-founder of Cousins Maine Lobster—shares how one wild night idea with his cousin Jim Tselikis, turned into a Shark Tank deal, 100+ locations, international expansion, and a brand that still runs on family, hustle, and heart.No experience. No roadmap. Just two Founders who committed to figuring it out and stayed focused to make it happen.This conversation is for every Founder who's working the dream and managing the ups and the downs. Sabin talks openly about the early days—balancing multiple jobs, building the first truck, and learning the business from the ground up.Here's what stood out:They didn't wait for the perfect moment—they started where they were.They didn't overexplain the idea—they protected it until it was real.They didn't pretend to have all the answers—they asked better questions.And the moment they opened their first truck? Lines around the block—and a message from Shark Tank on the first night they were open. Here's a taste of what you'll get:The real story behind how a food truck in a random LA parking lot sparked national buzz overnight.Why keeping their idea quiet for a year was the smartest move they made.How Sabin's "just go" mindset created a culture of fearless leadership—and what you can learn from it.What Barbara Corcoran told them that changed their entire trajectory (and why they almost ignored it).The single trait Sabin says separates successful founders from everyone else—and it's not what you think.If you've been stuck in the middle—overthinking, second-guessing, or wondering if it's all worth it—Sabin's story will remind you exactly why you started.Tune into Founderology now.The only real difference between an idea and a breakthrough—is doing something about it.

How far would you go to escape a life that's crushing your spirit? Would you:Walk away from a steady paycheck?Sell your house?Move across the country with a newborn?Start a restaurant… with no sign, no money, and no guarantees?One Founder — Joe Fontana, Founder of Fry the Coop — did all four.And what happened next? You'll have to hear it to believe it.On this episode of Founderology: Built to Breakthrough, we sit down with Joe Fontana, who went from being stuck in a cubicle to running one of the most craveable fried chicken brands in the country. This isn't a story about restaurants — it's a Founder's journey in grit, reinvention, and making big moves when the odds say "don't."You'll find yourself asking:What if the thing I can't stop thinking about… is the thing I'm meant to build?What if I don't need more money — just more courage?What if betting on myself is safer than staying stuck?The episode is all about what happens before the breakthrough — the rejection, the bootstrapping, the risk that nearly broke everything… and building something even better.So many Founders are in that exact place:Questioning their next move.Running on fumes.Wondering if the vision they believe in is worth the struggle.This episode is for you.You'll hear how one spark — a single sandwich — ignited a business that now spans double-digit locations and is still growing. More importantly, you'll hear our discussion on what it really takes to build when no one is watching. When no one believes. When even you aren't sure.And just maybe, you'll remember:The difference between where you are and where you want to be might be one crazy idea you refuse to give up on.Don't miss this Founderology episode, it might just remind you how much power you still have — even in the messiest part of the journey.What if your breakthrough starts today?Press play. Let's find out.

What if the key to scaling a great brand was reconnecting with your roots?This week on Founderology, I sat down with powerhouse entrepreneur Daniella Senior — the Founder and CEO of Colada Shop, Bresca, Serenata and Zumo. You'll hear Daniella share how her journey began at just 13 years old, when she launched a holiday bakery business out of her parents' home in the Dominican Republic. That business didn't just take off — it funded her college education at the Culinary Institute of America.Today, Daniella leads some of the most celebrated restaurants in Washington, D.C. and is on a mission to expand her beloved Colada Shop brand nationwide.Here's here are just a few highlights from my conversation with Daniella:How early hustle fuels long-term growth. Listen as Daniella shares how a high school bakery taught her the fundamentals of entrepreneurship — from operations to marketing to managing a team — and how that experience shaped the visionary leader she is today.Why focus is a Founder's secret weapon. Despite leading multiple award-winning restaurants, Daniella explains why she's intentionally focusing her energy on scaling Colada Shop — and how that discipline is driving her next phase of growth.How to design experiences that make people feel something. Daniella shares her philosophy behind the four pillars of Colada Shop: coffee, cooking, cocktails and Cubanism — the spirit of hospitality that welcomes every guest like family. She reminds us: when you create connection, customers return.Why some of the boldest moves happen in the toughest times. Hear how Daniella leaned into expansion during the pandemic, trusted her instincts, and made decisions that positioned her brand for lasting growth — even when the world was telling her to slow down.How staying connected keeps the vision alive. From jumping behind the bar to adjusting layouts on the fly, Daniella talks about the power of founder visibility — and why the details still matter, no matter how big the brand gets.Daniella's story is a powerful reminder that the path to scaling isn't linear — yet it is possible with purpose, clarity and courage. If you're a Founder ready to turn vision into velocity, this episode is packed with wisdom, strategy and inspiration.

What happens when a visionary Founder and a passionate franchisee come together to build something bigger than burritos? You get a conversation packed with insight, real talk, and game-changing strategies that every restaurant Founder needs to hear.In this episode of Founderology, I sit down with Randy Wyner, Founder and franchisor of Chronic Tacos, and Caleb Walker, multi-unit franchisee and entrepreneurial powerhouse. Together, they share the inside story of building one of the most craveable brands on the market—and the human relationships and bold moves that made it all possible.Why Founders Should Listen In:Two Sides, One Vision: Randy brings the franchisor's lens—brand building, scale, innovation. Caleb brings the franchisee's boots-on-the-ground perspective—operations, team leadership, customer experience. The magic? How aligned they are in purpose and values. This is a masterclass in healthy, high-impact franchisor/franchisee partnerships.The Real Cost of Going Too Fast: Both Randy and Caleb talk candidly about the importance of not rushing into franchising. Founders, if you're thinking about scaling—this episode offers a front-row seat to the right way to do it: with integrity, strategy, and a whole lot of heart.Culture Isn't Just a Buzzword: From taco values to real-life leadership, they reveal how intentional culture—both in corporate and in the restaurants—drives loyalty from employees, customers, and franchisees alike.How to Make a Brand That Lasts: Chronic Tacos launched in 2002. In 2025, it's still cool, still cravable, and still growing. Founders—if you want staying power in a fast-moving market, this episode delivers the mindset and moves that matter.Common Ground Between Randy & Caleb:Passion for hospitality that goes way beyond the plate.A relentless commitment to building great teams and strong relationships.Deep respect for the brand and each other.What Sets Them Apart (and Why It Matters):Randy's focus is scaling with purpose and protecting the brand.Caleb's focus is delivering every day in-store and in-market.Together, they show what franchise success really looks like—aligned values, shared vision, and mutual respect.Whether you're a Founder dreaming of franchising or a restaurant operator ready to expand, this episode will open your eyes, spark ideas, and give you a roadmap for what's possible.Tune in now. Get inspired. Get moving.

What does it take to build a lasting brand from the ground, and turn a single idea into a multi-brand growth engine?This week on Founderology – Built to Breaktrough, I sat down with Medhi Zarhloul, the powerhouse Founder of Crazy Pita, Chicken Genius and Salad Madness. His journey began in Casablanca, Morocco, where at just 15 years old, he came to America with $30 in his pocket, no English, and no roadmap — just grit, drive and a dream.Fast forward to today, and Medhi is building a bold, scalable restaurant group rooted in authentic flavor, relentless innovation and a deep commitment to community. What makes his story so compelling isn't just the outcome — it's how he thinks, leads and grows.Here are just a few top takeaways for Founders:You don't need perfect conditions — you need unstoppable commitment. Medhi's path began with entry-level jobs and early failures, but his determination to learn, lead and grow transformed every obstacle into momentum.Have a clear destination — and build your plan around it. One of Medhi's biggest lessons: know where you want to be five, 10 or 15 years from now, and reverse-engineer your strategy. That clarity is what helped him transition from running a lifestyle business to building a legacy brand.Innovation is your edge. Whether it's embracing virtual cashiers or streamlining operations with new tech, Medhi stays ahead by leaning into change — not resisting it. He sees every challenge as a catalyst for better systems and smarter solutions.Community is not a campaign — it's a commitment. Medhi's investment in his community has become a foundational part of his business model. His belief: when you give first, your community becomes your strongest partner in growth.Surround yourself with leaders. Medhi doesn't just hire for skills — he builds teams of leaders who believe in the mission, share the vision and bring their best every day. That's what transforms a good brand into a great one.Medhi's journey is more than a great story — it's a roadmap for every Founder ready to level up. Whether you're navigating your next big leap, refining your model or scaling with intention, this conversation delivers real-world insight and bold inspiration. If you're building something that matters, this episode will remind you exactly what's possible.

Paths to Success: Achieving the American Dream What if your next breakthrough came from a dishwasher-turned-Founder or a tech innovator who transformed chaos into a scalable business? This episode of Founderology – Built to Breakthrough is packed with real-world insights for Founders building bold growth for lasting impact.In “Paths to Success: Achieving the American Dream,” you’ll hear the powerful journeys of Shawn Lalehzarian, Founder of Red Chickz, and John Dorer, Founder of EB3.Work. These are journeys of success—they're living proof that with vision, grit, and the right strategies, anything is possible.Inspiring Paths for Making Your Dream a RealityFrom Dishwasher to National Brand Builder: Shawn came to the U.S. from Iran not knowing English. He started in the dish pit and never left the restaurant industry. Today, he’s leading Red Chickz with over 1 million TikTok followers, multiple locations, and a growing franchise system. Shawn’s ability to transform setbacks—like a one-star Yelp review—into fuel for growth is a strategy every Founder can learn and be inspired by as they grow they transform their dream to reality. Workforce Solutions that Fuel Growth: John Dorer saw the labor crisis in the restaurant industry and stepped up with a smart solution. His company, EB3.Work, helps multi-unit restaurant operators overcome high turnover and chronic staffing shortages by connecting them with qualified international workers through the EB-3 visa program. These are vetted, committed team members who want to build long-term careers in hospitality—providing operators with the stability and reliability they’ve been struggling to find.Key Founder Insights from Shawn and JohnYour past is preparation: From early jobs to hard lessons, every experience is equipping you for what’s next.Use adversity as a catalyst: That one-star review? Shawn turned it into his blueprint for franchising. Your criticism could be your next great idea.There is no one path to success: John develops the paths for highly qualified international workers to  connect with multi-unit operators so they both can achieve their vision and goals. Solve real problems with real systems: From TikTok marketing to immigration support, these Founders built solutions that deliver results.Focus on solutions, not setbacks: “Spend 30 seconds on the problem—and three minutes on the solution.” That mindset alone can transform your leadership.If You’re a Founder with Big Goals, this is 40 Minutes Well SpentWhether you're trying to grow your brand, build a high-performance team, or solve your staffing crisis—this episode offers practical insights and bold strategies to help you do it better, faster, and with more purpose.Discover what’s possible when you align your passion with purpose—and your systems and solutions with scale.The restaurant industry is still the one industry where anyone at any time can put themselves on a path to living their American Dream. Listen now to “Paths to Success – Achieving the American Dream” on Founderology – Built to Breakthrough.

Every once in a while, you meet a Founder who reminds you why you started in the first place. The passion. The purpose. The powerful vision that you just can't let go of no matter what.That's exactly what happened when I sat down with Denise Tran, founder of Bun Mee, on this episode of Founderology: Built to Breakthrough. And I'm telling you right now — this is another conversation you want to take notes as you listen.Denise's story is what I call a "power of one" moment — one decision, one trip, one bite of a Vietnamese sandwich that changed everything. She went from being an attorney (yes, a legit practicing probate attorney) to creating an award-winning Vietnamese fast-casual brand — all without a single day of restaurant experience.Sounds impossible? Not to Denise.What she did have was a clear vision, fierce passion, and a fearless mindset — and in this episode, she walks us through exactly how she trusted her instincts and built something extraordinary from the ground up.Here's a taste of what you'll hear:Why Denise walked away from a successful law career to pursue her vision of being the "Shake Shack" of Vietnamese sandwiches.The "day one" moment when she knew Bun Mee was going to work.How she strategically grew into one of the top airport restaurants in the world (thank you to Bloomberg for the recognition!)Her secret to scaling without selling out.And yes — the one thing every Founder should stop waiting for: __________.Denise's journey is about heart, hustle, and holding the line when the world says, "that'll never work." And let me tell you — Denise's wisdom is gold. She shares how Founders can leverage their intuition, the power of clarity in leadership, and why saying no to the wrong opportunities is just as important as saying yes to the right ones.If you're a Founder who's in growth mode, at a crossroads, or just looking for a serious dose of inspiration — this is your episode.At the end of the day Denise show, it's not about being the most experienced person in the room — it's about being the most committed to your vision.Treat yourself and grab your earbuds, hit play on Founderology: Built to Breakthrough, and let this be your reminder: you've got what it takes. And just maybe, like Denise, your big breakthrough is already on the way.

Two Broke Bartenders Turn Big Bet Into Thriving Hospitality GroupWhat happens when two broke bartenders take a big risk, bet on themselves and turn a handshake deal into a booming restaurant brand? That's the story of James Bonanno, founder and CEO of Upstream Hospitality Group, the company behind Tap Room, Bango Bowls and a growing portfolio of waterfront restaurants.On the latest episode of the Founderology podcast, we sat down at the newest Tap Room location in Ronkonkoma, New York, to discuss the journey — the wins, the challenges and the lessons every founder needs to hear.The moment that changed everythingJames and his co-founder, Dave, didn't have deep pockets when they started. What they had was a vision, a relentless work ethic and a willingness to bet on themselves. After walking away from a handshake deal with nothing in the bank, they spent a week scrambling to raise six figures — and Tap Room was born. What really proved their concept? Location number two.James said. "When we opened our second location — 30 minutes from our hometown, with no local connections — the floodgates opened. That's when we knew we had something bigger than just a neighborhood bar."A bold decision to propel growth"We didn't have an ego about it," James said. "We knew we had a great concept, but we also knew there was a lot we didn't know. So we brought in a growth strategist who had helped other brands scale nationally. That decision set us up for everything we've accomplished today."Scaling from four to nine locations in 12 monthsGrowing at this pace isn't for the faint of heart. James shared how he made the crucial mindset shift from running a restaurant to running a company — and how that changed everything.The secret? Delegation with intention. He didn't just work harder — he worked smarter, freeing himself to focus on growth.Growth requires capital, and in a world where funding isn't easy to come by, James found a way to make it happen. How? You'll have to listen to the episode to find out.The Upstream mentality: Why mindset is everythingThe name Upstream Hospitality isn't just a brand — it's a belief. James explains how thinking differently, making bold moves and staying intentional helped him push past challenges that stopped others.One of the most powerful moments? When James shares a simple but effective mindset shift that could change the way you lead your business. It's a must-hear.

On this episode of Founderology - Built to Breakthrough, Kathleen Wood chats with Ellis Winstanley about his entrepreneurial journey through the hospitality industry and beyond. Starting with his passion for revitalizing distressed restaurant brands in college, Ellis has built an impressive portfolio of ten unique businesses. He shares his insights on the importance of solving problems, creating innovative solutions, and the power of unconventional decision-making.Throughout the episode, Ellis emphasizes the importance of staying true to your purpose and principles while remaining adaptable and flexible. He shares his experiences navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and how his bold decision to legalize alcohol delivery in Texas not only helped his businesses but also impacted the entire state.Ellis's advice to founders is to "stay tenacious and listen and pay attention to what's going on around you and be flexible. Don't be afraid to change your mind when you learn new information, but stay the course on the underlying mission." He also recommends the book "Range" by David Epstein, which explores how generalists thrive in a specialist's world.This episode is a must-listen for any founder looking to break through and achieve their goals. Ellis's story is an inspiration, and his insights are invaluable.

What does it take to go from an unhappy lawyer to a trailblazing entrepreneur transforming a childhood recipe into a thriving restaurant business? Erin Wade, founder of Homeroom Mac+Cheese and the author of "The Mac and Cheese Millionaire," Kathleen Wood on the Founderology podcast to share her story."The episode highlights the power of resilience, innovation and leadership," Wood said. "Erin doesn't just talk about how she built one of the most beloved mac and cheese brands in the country — she shares her journey of what it really takes to create a business that stands out in a crowded industry."Other highlights include:The beginning of Homeroom Mac+Cheese: Imagine spending years in law school, landing a prestigious job, and then realizing you're miserable. Erin was fired from her job as a lawyer and began a journey to find a workplace she would love. Ultimately, founding a workplace she loved — Homeroom Mac+Cheese.Breaking the norms: The success of the restaurant was just one part of her vision. She also wanted to build a restaurant culture like no other. It needed to be a collaborative, transparent, people-first business model in an industry known for high turnover and challenging work environments.The Color Code of Conduct, a simple yet powerful system that has helped prevent harassment and ensures a safe work environment for her team. It was so effective that it spread beyond Homeroom to businesses around the world, including being adopted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.Knowing when to walk away: After a decade of leading Homeroom, Wade faced one of the toughest decisions any Founder can make: Should she sell her business? She shares how she knew it was time to exit and the opportunities that followed her exit. Including her best-selling book "The Mac and Cheese Millionaire: Building a Better Business by Thinking Outside of the Box."Lessons every founder needs to hear.

We've all heard the stats about 30% of restaurants failing, and while it's a scary number, it means 70% find success. I'm no math major, but those seem like good odds but many leave many wondering why some brands thrive while others die.To answer those questions and to give restaurant founders a voice, FastCasual has teamed up with Kathleen Wood, founder of Kathleen Wood Partners, known for coaching restaurant founders, to launch our newest podcast: "Founderology — Built to Breakthrough."Wood, who for the past two decades has worked with Founder-led businesses like Raising Cane's, Walk On's Bar and Bistreaux, Homeroom Mac+Cheese, McAlister's Deli, Tap Room-Long Island and many more, will interview restaurant founders twice per month about how and why they created their concepts, challenges they faced and what it takes to be in that coveted 70%.It takes passion, self-awareness and especially confidence, according to Founderology's first guest, Hawaiian Bros Island Grill co-founder Cameron McNie, who said all founders should begin with the end in mind."It's believing that you can be something bigger," he said, pointing out that Hawaiian Bros was building its second location before the first opened. "Looking back, I'm like, 'That might not have been the smartest thing,' but it was part of what we were beginning with the end in mind. We knew we wanted to be a chain, of course we're going to start opening locations before we prove out the concept for two or three years. We had confidence in it."Episode 2 will feature Wood chatting with Erin Wade, founder of Homeroom+Mac Cheese, and will post Feb.18."Founders are the heartbeat of innovation and the backbone of the restaurant industry," Wood said. "Their journeys are filled with resilience, passion, and game-changing strategies that are inspiring for everyone. With Founderology, we're shining a spotlight on these trailblazers, sharing their real stories, and breakthrough moments that turn bold visions into thriving brands."The Founderology Forum debuts on FastCasualAs part of our dedication to giving founders a platform to help up-and-coming founders, we've also created the "Founderlogy Forum," a content area on the website dedicated to information, stories and the inside track specifically for Founders in areas that matter most, short-cuts to drive sales and profitability, building high-performing teams, operational efficiencies, scaling for growth, unleashing the power of data, building enterprise value, funding growth, creating wealth, and so much more!"I've dedicated my career to working with Founder-led businesses because I believe in their ability to drive extraordinary success when given the right tools, resources and insights," Wood said. "I am excited about having the Founder Forum so Founders will have access to tools and resources specifically to support Founders in accelerating the growth of themselves, their teams, and their businesses!Calling all founders! If you have a story to share with other founders, email Wood at [email protected]