Excellent and very readable business book. We learn the story behind Cousins Maine Lobster, and the principles by which they run their business. This isn't a nuts-and-bolts book but will be inspiring for those interested in the company and budding entrepreneurs.

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  
From the publisher ---
In early 2012, Jim Tselikis visited L.A. and met up with his cousin Sabin Lomac. Over a few drinks they waxed nostalgic about their childhood in Maine, surrounded by family, often elbow deep in delicious lobster while gathered around the picnic table. From this strong memory was born the very first Cousins Maine Lobster food truck. Smart, authentic marketing, and sustainable, delicious ingredients helped turn that one food truck into an overnight sensation. Then, in just three years, they went from a single food truck to a nationally-franchised legion of trucks, an online delivery service, and a brick-and-mortar restaurant, grossing over $15 million dollars in sales a year.

Start-up fever has taken hold of America, and there are hundreds of books to teach readers how to become an entrepreneur; this is the first book to answer the question: What’s next? At each step, Jim and Sabin were faced with hard decisions—opening each new food truck carefully instead of rushing to meet the demand; turning down a six-figure franchise offer because it came from someone who didn’t support their vision; turning down Shark Tank (twice) until they could insist on participating only if Barbara Corcoran was one of the Sharks. Now Jim and Sabin teach readers how they, too, can reach the next level of success in their own businesses, without having to compromise themselves.
I remember these guys from Shark Tank! Barbara made a wise investment as this book proves: the story behind their growth is interesting and I found I learned a lot about intrepidness and sticking to your plans. Of course, now I want lobster, lobster, and more lobster on my dinner plate! The librarian in me wants to remind them that it is Cousins’ --- they need proper punctuation vs. lack of (and no, it is not Cousin’s as there is more than one cousin!). The book gave some serious and sensible business advice but the flipping back and forth from first to third tense (i.e. from Jima and Sabin to we and I back and forth and back and forth to the point where it really annoyed me.

I received a free copy of Cousins Maine Lobster from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I admit I have not watched the "Shark Tank" episode featuring the Maine cousin's Jim and Sabin and their food truck, but I was aware of their meteoric rise to food truck superstars.  What are they known for? Maine Lobster Rolls, of course.   I have eaten at their Phoenix franchised location so, I was excited to pick up a copy of their new book about how they took one reminiscent idea and turned it into a multi million dollar business.    

They are very open and honest about their beginnings as entrepreneurs, how dedicated they are, the successes they have achieved as well as some of the growth pains they have experienced.  Surprisingly, the thing that made them a recognized household name, getting a deal on "Shark Tank",  was really their third time being approached to do the show.  They turned down the opportunity twice before because they knew they weren't ready and it wasn't the right option for their new business.  When they finally did accept they came in fully prepared and focused on Barbara Corcoran as the shark they wanted, and they got her. They are grateful for the experience but are candid about how it wasn't just the exposure and their new partner that made them into what they are today or how they are growing for tomorrow.  

If you are looking for a how to book on starting and growing a business this is not really the book you are looking for.   However, if you draw inspiration and advice from people who have done the leg work on a new growing business and continue to put in the effort then I highly recommend this one.  I'd also suggest grabbing one of their famous lobster rolls when you get the chance.

Jim and Sabin are cousins but over the years, they'd lost touch with each other ... Jim lived in Boston and Sabin lived in L.A.  Jim was heading out to California on vacation to visit a friend and thought he'd touch base with his long-lost cousin, Sabin, who lived in Los Angles.  When they got together, there was much reminiscing about the lobster boils with family when they were kids.  They decided they wanted to recreate the same experience for people in California.

The Cousins Maine Lobster food truck was born, giving L.A. customers a Maine lobster shack experience, serving lobster rolls with fresh lobster all the way from Maine.  They were approached to appear on Shark Tank (I remember seeing when they were on the show and that's what made me interesting in reading this book) and ended up with a deal with Barbara Corcoran ... $55,000 for 15% of their business.  Six years later, their company consists of 21 food trucks in 13 cities, a restaurant in West Hollywood and an online retail business, all of which has earned over $20 million in sales.

This book is their story.  They discuss the history of the Maine and New England fishing and lobster industry, how they got started, how they continue to grow, preparing for Shark Tank and targeting Barbara, their failures and successes, franchising, how important it is to incorporate family values, trust and loyalty in their business when dealing with employees, customers and/or suppliers, and giving back (Cousins for a Cause partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles).

I thought it was an interesting story.  It's amazing how far they've come in such a short amount of time  from one food truck and they seem to be extremely dedicated hard workers.  It also sounds like they have stayed true to their Maine roots ... family values, a strong work ethic and a connection to the community.  As a head's up, there is swearing.