In this episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, hosts Chelsey Sayasane and Dani Dials sit down with Hayden and Lanier Lindsey, the husband-and-wife team behind several local Gulf Coast Scooter’s Coffee locations to talk about franchising, entrepreneurship, and what people often misunderstand about franchise ownership. Hayden and Lanier share the story of how their journey began when Lanier’s father spotted an opportunity out of state and encouraged them to bring Scooter’s Coffee to the Gulf Coast. With prior exposure to franchising through family experience, they had a head start but quickly learned that every location brings its own challenges and lessons.

They break down what it’s like to grow from one location to multiple. They also share how franchises are often locally owned small businesses (not just “corporate”), and how showing up for the community plays a major role in long-term success.

Whether you’re curious about franchising, considering entrepreneurship, or just love learning how local businesses grow, this episode offers real-world insight with plenty of honesty along the way.