Patrick Terry | It’s Never Too Late… He Started At 47 And Beat McDonald’s Out

Patrick Terry | It’s Never Too Late… He Started At 47 And Beat McDonald’s Out

Author: The School of Hard Knocks May 22, 2026 Duration: 1:04:56

Patrick Terry is the co-founder of P. Terry’s, the Texas burger brand that grew from a 527-square-foot Austin stand into 38 locations and 1,800 employees.

In this episode, Patrick shares how he built the company with his wife Kathy, competed directly against national fast food giants, protected the brand’s culture, and refused franchising or private equity to preserve quality.

We discuss leadership, employee loyalty, pricing with fairness, building customer love, and why showing up every day is still the ultimate business advantage.


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There's a certain kind of wisdom you can't get from a textbook, forged instead in the unpredictable fires of real-world experience. The School of Hard Knocks Podcast is built on that principle, offering a front-row seat to unfiltered conversations with some of the most accomplished entrepreneurs and visionary creators from across the globe. Each episode moves beyond polished success stories to dig into the gritty, often unspoken challenges these individuals faced on their journeys. You'll hear about the pivotal failures that became turning points, the difficult decisions made under pressure, and the personal philosophies that guide them through uncertainty. This isn't about theoretical business models; it's a deep dive into the resilience, adaptability, and raw determination required to build something meaningful. Brought to you by The School of Hard Knocks, this podcast serves as an ongoing masterclass in navigating the complexities of modern creation and enterprise. Tune in for authentic dialogues that reveal the human effort behind the headlines, providing not just inspiration but tangible insights you can apply to your own path.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 61

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