Founderology Forum

Ellis Winstanley joins Founderology to discuss scaling success through innovation, leadership

On this episode of Founderology - Built to Breakthrough, Kathleen Wood chats with Ellis Winstanley about his entrepreneurial journey through the hospitality industry and beyond.

Photo: NMG

March 4, 2025

On this episode of Founderology - Built to Breakthrough, Kathleen Wood chats with Ellis Winstanley about his entrepreneurial journey through the hospitality industry and beyond. Starting with his passion for revitalizing distressed restaurant brands in college, Winstanley has built a portfolio of 10 businesses, including Axial Shift and El Arroyo, known for its Mexican food but also its funny signs. He shares his insights on the importance of solving problems, creating innovative solutions, and the power of unconventional decision-making.

Throughout the episode, Winstanley emphasizes the importance of staying true to your purpose and principles while remaining adaptable and flexible. He shares his experiences navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and how his bold decision to legalize alcohol delivery in Texas not only helped his businesses but also impacted the entire state.

Winstanley's advice to founders is to "stay tenacious and listen and pay attention to what's going on around you and be flexible. Don't be afraid to change your mind when you learn new information, but stay the course on the underlying mission." He also recommends the book "Range" by David Epstein, which explores how generalists thrive in a specialist's world.

This episode is a must-listen for any founder looking to break through and achieve their goals. Ellis's story is an inspiration, and his insights are invaluable.

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