What does it mean to lose everything and still lead with love? On this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with Ron Ladner, a Hurricane Katrina survivor who transformed deep loss into a lifelong mission of healing. After losing his home and nearly all of his possessions, Ron and his wife made a powerful choice to stay in their community and serve. That decision birthed Shaggys, a waterfront restaurant built not for profit but to offer comfort and connection in the wake of devastation.
Ron opens up about the spiritual and emotional lessons he learned in the storm’s aftermath. He shares his belief that while God gives us tools and resources, it is our responsibility to make the plan. We explore how this mindset helped him rebuild not only his life but an entire company culture centered on people, not just profits.
With over 450 employees across five locations, Shaggys thrives by putting employee well being first. Ron talks about creating a home environment for staff, reducing turnover, and improving guest experiences through kindness and culture. He shares how his background in software startups influenced his leadership style, allowing him to simplify training and empower his team to serve with intention.
We also dive into the story behind his new book, Shaggys Cheeseburgers. The name pays homage to a restaurant from the 1940s that defied segregation, and today it symbolizes healing and unity. Ron explains how the cheeseburger became more than a meal. It became a metaphor for warmth, community, and comfort that brings people together, no matter their background.
Our conversation touches on the emotional weight of helping others when not everyone says thank you. Ron draws on the biblical story of Jesus healing ten lepers to reflect on grace, gratitude, and the importance of continuing to serve even when recognition does not come. We both talk candidly about the complexity of loving your neighbor while navigating the challenges that come with human relationships.
This is more than a story about survival. It is about creating a ripple effect of goodness in the world, starting with your corner of it. If you are a leader, a dreamer, or someone trying to rebuild after loss, this conversation will feed your soul.
You can learn more about Ron at ronladner.com and purchase his book Shaggys Cheeseburgers on Amazon.
