Founderology Forum

Keeping the Maine thing the main thing: How 2 'Cousins' built a global brand

In this episode of Founderology: Built to Breakthrough, Sabin Lomac—co-founder of Cousins Maine Lobster—shares how one wild night idea with his cousin Jim Tselikis, turned into a Shark Tank deal, 100+ locations, international expansion, and a brand that still runs on family, hustle, and heart.

July 15, 2025

What do late-night drinks, a lobster roll and a cross-country cousin connection have to do with building a national brand?

Everything.

In this episode of Founderology: Built to Breakthrough, Sabin Lomac — co-founder of Cousins Maine Lobster — shares how one wild night idea with his cousin Jim Tselikis, turned into a Shark Tank deal, 100+ locations, international expansion, and a brand that still runs on family, hustle and heart.

No experience. No roadmap. Just two Founders who committed to figuring it out and stayed focused to make it happen.

This conversation is for every Founder who's working the dream and managing the ups and the downs. Sabin talks openly about the early days—balancing multiple jobs, building the first truck, and learning the business from the ground up.

Here's what stood out:

• They didn't wait for the perfect moment—they started where they were.
• They didn't overexplain the idea—they protected it until it was real.
• They didn't pretend to have all the answers—they asked better questions.

And the moment they opened their first truck? Lines around the block—and a message from Shark Tank on the first night they were open. Here's a taste of what you'll get:

• The real story behind how a food truck in a random LA parking lot sparked national buzz overnight.
• Why keeping their idea quiet for a year was the smartest move they made.
• How Sabin's "just go" mindset created a culture of fearless leadership—and what you can learn from it.
• What Barbara Corcoran told them that changed their entire trajectory (and why they almost ignored it).
• The single trait Sabin says separates successful founders from everyone else—and it's not what you think.

If you've been stuck in the middle—overthinking, second-guessing, or wondering if it's all worth it—Sabin's story will remind you exactly why you started.

Tune into Founderologynow.

The only real difference between an idea and a breakthrough—is doing something about it.

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