Leadership, Biscuits, and Second Chances: How Sam Russell Built Trust from the Kitchen Up

Before I ever heard of Sam Russell, I had heard about his biscuits.

You don’t grow a restaurant to over 10,000 guests a week without making something people come back for—and not just the food. What Sam and his wife Julie have built with The Buttered Biscuit is bigger than biscuits.

It’s a business built on values, culture, and second chances.

And on this episode of the TrustBuilt Podcast, we talk about what it really takes to lead a growing business with 200+ employees, stay grounded in your values, and still show up with care—day in and day out.

If you’re a founder who’s ever struggled to lead a team, step out of operations, or just keep your culture consistent across locations, this one’s for you.

The Buttered Biscuit Way

When Sam talks about leadership, it’s not theoretical. It’s gritty. It’s hands-on. It smells like fresh-baked cheddar biscuits and sounds like “yes, chef.”

But beneath the restaurant talk is a masterclass in people-first business.

Here are a few powerful lessons Sam shared:

Systems are sacred—but people come first.
You need structure, sure—but don’t let that structure replace human leadership. Great culture doesn’t run on autopilot.

Hire for flourishing, not just function.
Sam’s not just looking for a warm body. He’s looking for people who can grow into more than the job—because that’s where trust builds momentum.

The “Dish Pit Trap” is real.
As a founder, it’s easy to stay too long in the weeds—washing dishes, solving problems, answering every question. But if you never get out, your business never grows. (Ask me how I know.)

Confidence grows where people are seen.
From Project Biscuit to their employee development path, Sam shares how investing in people changes lives—and makes business better at the same time.

On Values, Culture, and Redemption

One moment that stuck with me?

Sam talked about a man who came into the Buttered Biscuit from a background that would’ve disqualified him in a lot of other places. Sam gave him a shot. And over time, with structure, support, and accountability, that guy earned a leadership role—and a whole new future.

“You have to believe people can grow. That’s what trust is built on.”

That’s the kind of leadership I want to champion.

And that’s what this episode is all about.

Watch the Episode:

If you’ve ever wondered how to scale a business without losing your soul, your team, or your Saturday mornings—this conversation with Sam Russell is the reminder we all need.

 Listen now: A Masterclass in Values-Based Leadership with Sam Russell

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