Setback To CEO: The Jaw-Dropping Comeback Story of Tim Dougherty

2025-04-17

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Tim Dougherty, the founder and CEO of Project Lean Nation, for one of the most jaw-dropping comeback stories in franchising. In 2006, the FBI walked into Tim’s office and charged him with conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He served time in federal prison—and came out with nothing. But out of that brokenness, Tim rebuilt his life by serving others, starting with a few homemade meals and a dream to change lives through health and nutrition. Today, Project Lean Nation is a fast-growing franchise built on purpose, accountability, and p...

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Tim Dougherty, the founder and CEO of Project Lean Nation, for one of the most jaw-dropping comeback stories in franchising.

In 2006, the FBI walked into Tim’s office and charged him with conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He served time in federal prison—and came out with nothing. But out of that brokenness, Tim rebuilt his life by serving others, starting with a few homemade meals and a dream to change lives through health and nutrition.

Today, Project Lean Nation is a fast-growing franchise built on purpose, accountability, and powerful transformation.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring franchisee, or someone looking for hope—you need to hear this story.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:48 The FBI shows up

2:11 What is Project Lean Nation?

15:22 From prison to purpose

21:00 The first 1,000 meals

23:21 Redemption through service

34:04 How franchising came into play

55:04 Tech, scalability, and support

59:56 What makes a great franchisee?

1:08:54 Revenue potential and membership model

1:13:00 Final thoughts and contact info

Resources & Links:

Website: https://www.projectleannation.com

Franchise Info: https://www.projectleannation.com/franchise

Email Tim: tim@projectleannation.com

Follow Tim on Instagram: https://instagram.com/plntim

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

Connect with Wes:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

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#Franchise #RedemptionStory #Entrepreneurship

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