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 Smart

Dan 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 Integrity

Dan'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 Milan

International 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 Purpose

Dan 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 Focused

This 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 About

Pinky 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 Pinky

• How Pinky used ABC (Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors) as a strategic move to save and reclaim her company
• The leadership shifts and team restructuring that powered Slutty Vegan 2.0 and positioned it for scale
• The mindset and execution strategies that turn failure into a foundation for growth
• The 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 Power

Listening 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 Reality

From 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 John

Your 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 Spent

Whether 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.