What if a simple cheeseburger held the secret to rebuilding your life—and your community? When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast, entrepreneur Ron Ladner lost everything. But from the wreckage emerged something extraordinary: Shaggy's, a restaurant that would become far more than a place to grab a burger. It became a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a community determined to rise again. In Shaggy's Cheeseburgers , Ladner serves up a deeply personal story that's equal parts memoir, business blueprint, and love letter to the Gulf Coast. With warmth, humor, and unflinching honesty, he reveals how a simple cheeseburger became the foundation for rebuilding not just a business, but an entire way of life. This isn't just another entrepreneur's success story—it's a masterclass in: Turning catastrophic loss into opportunity to start over - Building a business culture that puts people first - Finding purpose through service to others - The power of community in overcoming adversity - Why the simplest pleasures often hold the deepest meaning From childhood adventures on the Mississippi coast to the heart-wrenching aftermath of Katrina, from the first uncertain days of opening Shaggy's to watching it become an iconic Gulf Coast restaurant, Ladner's story will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the extraordinary power of ordinary moments. Featuring candid testimonials from Shaggy's team members and community members whose lives were touched by this remarkable restaurant, Shaggy's Cheeseburgers reminds us that sometimes the most profound truths come wrapped in the simplest packages—like a perfectly crafted cheeseburger, shared with the people who matter most. Perfect for readers who loved Kitchen Confidential , Shoe Dog , A Pirate Looks at Fifty , or anyone seeking inspiration about resilience, leadership, community, and finding joy in life's simple pleasures. "Shaggy's Cheeseburgers isn't just the story of a restaurant—it's a masterclass in resilience, vision, and purpose. Ron Ladner shows how you can turn disaster into opportunity and build a legacy rooted in joy, community, and impact. Every entrepreneur and leader should read this." Dan Hendrix CEO and Chairman of Interface (Nasdaq: TILE) "This might be the best book you read this year...this is not your average book, mainly because there is nothing average about Shaggy's or its founder." Tom Ward Award-winning journalist Author of the "Mississippi Novel Series" "Ron Ladner takes you on his personal journey, shaped by disasters, sculpted by persistence and built on a damn good cheeseburger. It is a lesson in history, resiliency, and leadership. It's raw and honest, dragging the reader through life's natural and man-made disasters. It's peppered with rescues and recovery, followed by love and loss. You'll see names of places and people you know, or wish you'd met. Ladner introduces you to a girl named Laura, a boat captain named Rimmer, a bunch of rescue dogs, and two orphaned elephants. He takes you along as he develops five waterfront restaurants with a make 'em happy vibe, cutting-edge technology, and a quest to value employees. He invests all he has -personally, emotionally, and financially - in his community, family, and Shaggy's. He wins. He loses. He fishes. He keeps the faith. It's all here." Shelly Johnson Owner/Editor "Island Times" Newspaper Pensacola Beach "Shaggy's Cheeseburgers is an inspirational read that reflects on how he defeated the hardships and misfortunes caused by Hurricane Katrina through a waterfront restaurant that would breed the innovation to build a lasting culture of love, respect, and safekeeping. Those life and professional experiences helped shape his compassion to build opportunities for others, create an environment that changes lives, and develop leadership practices to build something very special, all while, by faith, overcoming obstacles and fulfilling his vision." Warren Miller Southern Miss Alumni Association Board of Directors/ Presidential Appointee as the Senior Advisor in the Office of Disaster Assistance "Shaggy's Cheeseburgers is a heartfelt and self-reflective journey through Ron Ladner's life, from humble beginnings in a small town to success in the tech industry, and ultimately, back home to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. What struck me most was how he continually turned hardship into opportunity. Even after Hurricane Katrina devastated his hometown in 2005, he poured his energy into rebuilding, not just for himself but for his community. The story of Shaggy's, the small bait and tackle property that he transformed into a beloved local restaurant and eventually a thriving regional business, perfectly reflects his resilience, gratitude, and deep connection to his roots. Throughout the book, his love for his community, trust in his business partner, adoration of his mother, and his deep appreciation and lov