My conversation with Todd Graves from Founders

My conversation with Todd Graves

2 hour Posted Nov 9, 2025 at 10:33 pm.

) The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Sleep and Business Obsession

) The Birth of Raising Cane's: Overcoming Skepticism

) Inspiration from In-N-Out Burger

) The Importance of Quality and Focus

) The Journey to Success: Hard Work and Sacrifice

) The Early Days: Building Raising Cane's from Scratch

) Financing the Dream: Unconventional Paths

) The Relentless Pursuit of Success

) Commitment and Oaths: The Camping Trip

) Fanaticism and Relentless Focus

) Learning from Others and Continuous Improvement

) The Never-Satisfied Mindset

) The Importance of Founders in Business

) The Purpose Beyond Profit

) Financing the Dream: Credit Cards and SBA Loans

) Building the First Restaurant

) Expanding the Vision

) Positive Motivational Management

) Creating a Coaching Culture

) Intrinsic Motivation vs. Titles

) The Importance of Being Present

) Respect, Recognition, and Rewards

) The Power of Encouragement

) The Myth of Delegation

) Focus on What You Do Best

) Dining at Jiro in Tokyo

) The Franchise Model Debate

) Challenges of Franchising

) Building a Business Authentic to You

) Financing and Expansion Strategies

) Surviving Hurricane Katrina

) Lessons from Estée Lauder

) Final Thoughts and Reflections

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Show notes

Todd Graves is one of my favorite living founders. He owns over 90% of Raising Canes — a business that is worth at least $20 billion. Todd's maxim is "Do one thing and do it better than anyone else." It is impossible not to be inspired by his terminator levels of determination. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

Episode show notes: ⁠https://www.davidsenra.com/episode/to...

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