Dan Simons, co-founder of Founding Farmers, a farmer-owned restaurant group generating $100 million in annual sales across eight locations, joins Jaime Oikle, show host and RunningRestaurants.com founder. Dan candidly shares his journey from early failures, bankruptcy, and mental health struggles to building a thriving, values-driven business. He discusses Founding Farmers' unique farmer-equity model, strategic growth plans, and product innovations. The conversation also covers profitability challenges, AI tools transforming restaurant operations, mental health investment as good business practice, and Dan's commitment to mentoring underrepresented entrepreneurs. Learn more at https://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com and https://www.runningrestaurants.comTimestampsIntroduction to Dan Simons and Founding Farmers

Dan introduces himself, his family, and the scale of his restaurant business, which includes 1500 employees and multiple concepts.Early Career Struggles and Personal Challenges

Dan discusses his first restaurant's failure, bankruptcy, living in a basement, and personal struggles with mental health and an eating disorder.The Farmer-Owned Business Model

Dan explains how Founding Farmers is majority-owned by American family farmers, which influences their long-term, quality-focused business strategy.Growth Strategy and Future Plans

Discussion on the company's growth, focusing on regional density, maintaining quality over scale, and expanding into direct-to-consumer products like chocolate.Navigating Restaurant Profitability

Dan addresses the increasing difficulty of profitability in the full-service restaurant industry and the need for innovation to adapt.Advice for New Restaurant Entrepreneurs

Dan encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to be brave but also to plan meticulously and be ready to adapt their initial playbook.Utilizing Technology and AI in Operations

Dan shares his positive experiences with native AI companies like Hermetic and Slang AI for improving sales and operational analytics.The Importance of People and Mental Health

Dan explains his philosophy on prioritizing employee mental health as a core business strategy to improve performance and ROI.Practical Steps for Supporting Employee Mental Health

Dan offers free, culture-based advice for leaders to support their teams, such as being open and human during shift meetings.Book Recommendations for Operators

Dan recommends several books, including "Smart Brevity" for communication and others focused on psychology's role in business and hospitality.Teaching Entrepreneurship at George Washington University

Dan talks about his experience as an adjunct professor, what he teaches, and what he learns from the younger generation.Mentoring Female and Minority Entrepreneurs

Dan discusses his passion for giving back by mentoring entrepreneurs who face greater challenges in the industry.The "Founding D.C." Podcast

Dan describes his podcast, where he interviews founders from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area to uncover their real stories."Our Last Straw" Non-Profit Initiative