What’s Left on the Bench: The Art of Letting Others Play with Ned Lavelle
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In this episode of Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life, we step into the world of Ned Lavelle, a man of towering stature (literally and figuratively).
As a former basketball player, Army officer, and now an entrepreneur behind the much-loved Pinthouse Pizza in Austin, Texas, Ned’s life is anything but ordinary. Episode 9 of Season 2 takes us on a journey through mentorship, pizza, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—with a little hazy beer magic mixed in.
“I was always big, but I was more interested in comic books and science fiction.”
Standing 6’9”, the idea of playing basketball hadn’t occurred to him—until Coach Mike Ray stepped in. “What are you doing?” Coach asked as Ned endured football practice he hated. “You’re done with football. You’re playing basketball.” And just like that, a reluctant athlete found his footing, earning Division 1 offers and eventually attending West Point.
At West Point, Ned juggled academics, basketball, and military training with the kind of grit most of us can only dream about. The Army taught him structure and resilience, but Ned’s entrepreneurial spirit was brewing—though not yet in beer. His post-military life was a patchwork of unexpected choices: stints at Dell, managing Jimmy John’s franchises, and eventually founding PintHouse Pizza. His journey into craft beer and pizza wasn’t a straight path, but as Ned reflects,
“No plan survives the first shot.”
Pinthouse Pizza’s success is as much a story of community as it is of pizza and beer. When the dough wasn’t rising right during their early days, Ned turned to the owner of Home Slice, a competing pizza shop. “They sent over their dough expert, Phil, who spent a day with us and fixed everything,” Ned shares, marveling at the generosity. The experience reinforced his belief that collaboration trumps competition:
“A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Ned’s approach to business reflects this ethos of mentorship and shared growth. He’s quick to credit his co-founders and team for Pinthouse’s success, highlighting how important it is to “replace yourself with people better than you.”
With a mix of humility and humor, he compares himself to Roy Kent from Ted Lasso:
“You’re a great player, but it’s time to go be a coach.”
And then there’s Electric Jellyfish, Pinthouse’s award-winning hazy IPA. “It’s not just a beer; it’s a billboard,” Ned says. A billboard that costs $22 a pint at Austin FC games—but, as co-host Leon jokes,
“It’s worth every penny. I swallowed my pride just like I swallowed that beer.”
Mentorship is a thread that runs through Ned’s entire narrative. From his basketball coach to industry peers, Ned has always sought out people who could teach him something new. His advice for anyone hesitant to ask for help?
“What’s the worst that could happen? They say no? So what?”
It’s this fearless approach to learning and growth that has defined his career and made Pinthouse a cornerstone of Austin’s food scene.
That same openness to learning extends beyond business. In this episode, the hosts takes a question from Gabriel, a Gen Z listener who asks:
“How do you reach the point where you tell yourself, ‘I’m not going to let anxiety be mine’?”
The question sparks a heartfelt and thoughtful discussion. Ned, shares that anxiety never truly disappears—it’s something you learn to manage over time. He highlights the importance of habit creation and trial-and-error to find what works. For him, this means stepping away from devices, getting outside, and exercising to clear his mind.
“Sometimes, it’s about figuring out what fuels your anxiety and replacing bad habits with good ones.”
Leon takes a reflective approach, emphasizing the power of staying present.
“You can’t change the past, and you don’t have control over the faraway future. The only thing you can really do is focus on what’s in front of you right now.”
Natalie shares her perspective as a “recovering people pleaser,” encouraging Gabriel to honor their limits.
“Advocate for yourself,” she says. “Sometimes, it’s okay to cancel plans or step back if it means taking care of yourself.”
She shares a personal anecdote about choosing rest over a workout after a late night, recognizing the value of self-compassion.
The conversation turns to practical advice on communication. Dan underscores the importance of maintaining relationships while managing anxiety.
“If you need time to recharge, that’s okay. But communicate with people—don’t leave them in the dark. It’s about building community and equity with those around you.”
Ultimately, they agree: anxiety is universal, and managing it is a personal journey. Whether it’s through mindfulness, connection, or creating healthy routines, the key is finding what works for you. Life is messy, but it has a way of working out. The hard part is living through the uncertainties—and embracing the lessons along the way.
As the episode winds down, Ned reflects on his evolving role as a leader and mentor, both at work and at home as a parent.
“These days, I’m less about doing and more about leveraging my knowledge to create wisdom."
A sentiment that reminds us that life’s greatest achievements often come not from holding on, but from letting go.
So, here’s the question Ned leaves us with: What would you achieve if you embraced change, asked for help, and trusted the team around you? Are you ready to get out of your own way?
Listen to Ned Lavelle on Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life – Episode 9, Season 2
Ned Lavelle: Ned Lavelle is a former basketball player, West Point graduate, Army officer, and successful entrepreneur. As one of the co-founders of Pinthouse Pizza in Austin, Texas, Ned has built a thriving business that marries craft beer and gourmet pizza with a sense of community. Known for his towering stature and sharp wit, Ned has transitioned from being a hands-on doer to a thoughtful mentor, empowering his team and shaping the next generation of leaders. When he’s not crafting business strategies or sipping his award-winning Electric Jellyfish IPA, Ned can be found embracing his love for comic books, science fiction, and the art of letting others take the shot.
Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program. If you would like to listen to her work, here it is: Snoriezzz
Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.
Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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