The path to growth is rarely a straight line. In this conversation, host Sean McKay reconnects with Tim Dougherty, founder of Project Lean Nation, to trace the journey from a single location with an “electric vibe” to a franchise system with dozens of units and many more on deck. Tim shares how faith, culture, and belief in others shaped his leadership style, even through missteps, federal prison, and starting over with nothing but health to lean on.

Listeners will hear how mentors, grace, and vulnerability fueled Tim’s story, why connection matters more than a meal delivery, and what it takes to guide franchise partners through clarity, accountability, and tough love. The episode highlights real lessons about culture, scaling, and the people who bet on you along the way.

👤 Guest Bio

Tim Dougherty is the founder of Project Lean Nation. His journey began in Rochester with one location and a contagious culture that grew into a franchise system of more than 30 units, with many more in development. Tim shares openly about his past, his time in federal prison, and how belief, grace, and relationships shaped the foundation of his brand. His focus is on building culture, elevating leadership, and guiding franchise partners to lasting success.

📌 What We Cover

• The “electric” early culture of Project Lean Nation and the challenge of scaling it
• Why grace and belief in people matter more than fear-driven leadership
• Tim’s federal prison experience, lessons from shame, and starting over with nothing but health
• Cooking meals in his garage while on federal parole and discovering the power of relationships in retention
• The role of mentors and community support in building the first store and beyond
• Moving from licensing to franchising in the middle of COVID with everything on the line
• The importance of clarity, accountability, and communication when leading franchise partners
• Why vulnerability and honesty can build more trust than projecting perfection
• Counterintuitive lessons on semi-absentee ownership, leadership, and finding the right franchisees
• How Project Lean Nation differentiates itself by combining healthy meals with coaching and human connection

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Project Lean Nation
• Traction (book referenced in conversation)