Founderology Growth Summit
Topsail Steamer founder sharing tips, advice at Founderology Growth Summit
The Founderology Growth Summit session, “Beyond the Tank: What Appearing on Shark Tank Taught Me About Business, Branding & Bold Moves,” features Danielle Mahon, Founder of Topsail Steamer.
December 5, 2025 by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com
Founding a restaurant is no easy undertaking and oftentimes founders don't have an any opportunity to talk to other Founders and get invaluable tips and advice that could help avoid time consuming and expensive lessons.
But that opportunity is available at the upcoming Founderology Growth Summit, taking place in Austin, Texas on Feb. 2-4, 2026.
It's a high-impact, Founder-exclusive event created by Founders, for Founders.
If you're a multi-unit restaurant Founder navigating growth, scale, and sustainability — the summit is a time to recharge your vision and reimagine what's possible.
Success in the Shark Tank
One of the informative sessions will be lead by a female Founder who will share her experiences of appearing on the popular Shark Tank show.
The session, "Beyond the Tank: What Appearing on Shark Tank Taught Me About Business, Branding & Bold Moves," features Danielle Mahon, Founder of Topsail Steamer.
Mahon will share the biggest benefits, unexpected challenges and real growth lessons that followed her experience on Shark Tank.
Topsail Steamer was founded on North Carolina's Topsail Island in 2017 after Mahon jumped the corporate America ship and started her family-owned company to share the joy of steamed seafood feasts. The first Topsail Steamer location was anchored in Surf City.
At the time of the launch Mahon recalls having "plenty of drive and vision," but not all the answers.
"One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is to find mentors and people with experience, and don't be afraid to be constantly asking questions. There's a tendency when you're starting something new to feel like you have to figure it all out on your own, but you really don't," Mahon said in an email interview.
"There are people who have already been through the same challenges you're facing and are often happy to share their insights. Listening, learning and leaning on others' experience can save you time, money and a few sleepless nights. You don't have to reinvent the wheel if you don't have to and sometimes the right conversation can change everything."
Navigating ups and downs
She advises new Founders to "stay grounded through the highs and lows," and said founding and running a business is harder than most expect.
"As a Founder, you carry the weight of every decision, every worry, every success, and every setback. Early on, I had to learn not to get too high during the highs or too low during the lows," she said.
Every business has seasons with moments of momentum and times when things feel stuck or uncertain.
"The key is to maintain perspective. Celebrate what's going right, not just what's going wrong. Allow yourself to feel confident in your vision and your ability to adapt. Resilience isn't about never feeling doubt, it's about believing in yourself enough to keep moving forward through it," Mahon said.
When starting out one critical aspect is to build a business that reflects your values, said Mahon.
It's a lesson she's learned as Topsail Steamer has grown.
"I've learned how important it is to stay true to the values that inspired me to start it in the first place, family, community, and connection. There's always pressure to grow faster or change direction, but the most sustainable success comes from building something that feels authentic," she said.
Founding her company has just never been about selling seafood.
"It's about creating experiences that bring people together. When you build from your values, every decision becomes a little clearer, and your brand stays rooted in something real," Mahon said.
Advice for the new Founder
For those embarking on founding a company Mahon has one specific bit of advice – try to look at things without boundaries.
"Don't be afraid to think big and see what's possible, even if it feels out of reach out of reach or even impossible," she said, adding that her initial focus on creating something meaningful in one small beach town.
"I couldn't have imagined it would grow into a brand that reaches across the country. That growth happened because I allowed myself and my team to imagine what could be, not just what was in front of us," she said.
Her advice also includes dreaming big, asking questions, staying curious and surrounding yourself with those who encourage your vision. "There will always be challenges, but if you stay true to your purpose and keep an open mind, you'll be amazed by what you can build."
To attend the Founderology Growth Summit click here.
About Judy Mottl
