Get ready for a story of grit, giving back, and embracing opportunity, all served up with a side of cheeseburgers and community spirit.

On this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, we sit down with Ron Ladner, co-founder of Shaggy’s restaurants and a true embodiment of passion meeting purpose. Raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ron Ladner shares his journey from humble beginnings, growing up in a small, crowded home, to building a thriving restaurant group known for its uplifting culture and commitment to putting both employees and guests first.

Throughout the conversation, Ron Ladner opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial path—including his realization that adversity, from economic downturns to hurricanes, can actually fuel opportunity and innovation. From lessons learned in the construction yard and on the sports field, to pioneering successful sales strategies and ultimately returning home to help rebuild his community after Hurricane Katrina, Ron Ladner offers listeners invaluable insights on resilience, leadership, and the importance of creating lasting impact.

Plus, you'll hear how his love for fishing became part of his business, the unique culture he’s built at Shaggy’s, and what truly drives him beyond profits.

Moments

00:00 "Ron: Business Meets Passion"

05:36 "Curiosity Drives Passion for Growth"

07:16 "Working Through School & Summer"

10:45 Switching Majors: Tech to Marketing

15:30 Informative Networking Secrets

20:16 "Life's Unexpected Journeys"

23:32 "Committed to People and Purpose"

25:10 Transforming Restaurant Employee Culture

30:27 Opportunity in Setbacks

34:54 From Cleanup to Business Partnership

37:47 Fishing Boat Intern to Captain

40:53 Holistic Employee Support Solutions

45:20 "Shaggy's Cheeseburger Story"

46:34 "Book Success and Audiobook Deal"

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Here are our top three takeaways from the episode:

People-First Culture Fuels Growth: Ron’s ethos of surrendering 100% to both his team and his guests has revolutionized what it means to be in the restaurant business. His team’s average tenure is four years, compared to an industry average of just 75 days. That is the true power of valuing your people.
Turning Catastrophe into Opportunity: Ron’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. After Hurricane Katrina devastated his community, he prioritized rebuilding not just his business, but the heart of his town. Out of challenges, opportunity—and Shaggy’s—was born.
Legacy Beyond Profit: True entrepreneurial success isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about lifting others up. Ron’s dedication to mentoring his employees, helping them grow professionally and personally, shows that impact outlasts income.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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Ron Ladner's Inspiring Story Behind Shaggy’s Waterfront Restaurants