Free Agent: Recent Episodes
Meg Schmitz
Inspiring conversations with real people who took the leap into business ownership, franchising, and freedom. Hosted by franchise guru, consultant and trusted small business advisor, Meg Schmitz.
If you're looking to make the next phase of your life the best phase, this podcast is for you.
From corporate refugees and executives tired of the desk job life, to entrepreneurs and investors looking for more support in their business journey, you'll hear from real people who stepped into the unknown, took control of their destiny and became their own boss.
For years, people were taught that success meant pushing harder, carrying more, and never letting anything drop. But in this conversation, Gary Nelson offers something different: permission to rethink what a meaningful life and career can actually look like. Together, Gary and I explore reinvention, freedom, and why so many high performers are finally choosing peace, flexibility, and alignment over proving themselves to everyone else.
Most business owners don't realize they're building a job they can never leave. Jane Tereba explains why planning your exit starts long before you're ready to sell—and how creating a business that can thrive without you is the ultimate measure of success. If freedom is the goal, this conversation will change how you think about ownership.
Stacy Harris did everything she was supposed to do. She built a career in education, followed the responsible path, and checked all the right boxes—until life forced her to start over.
In this conversation, Stacy shares how divorce, health challenges, and unexpected opportunities led her from the classroom into entrepreneurship, where she discovered that the relationships she built—not the credentials she earned—became her greatest asset. If you're questioning what's next, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the life you didn't plan for becomes the one you were meant to build.
Owning a business can create opportunity, freedom, and wealth—but it can also expose every weakness in your thinking. Zac Jennings shares what he's learned about leadership, ownership, and the realities that don't show up in the sales brochure. If you're considering entrepreneurship, this conversation may save you from chasing the wrong thing for the right reasons.
Most people wait until they have certainty before making a move. Bob Dalton's story is a reminder that the biggest opportunities often appear long before the rest of the world recognizes them—and the people who benefit most are those willing to act before the outcome is guaranteed. If you're questioning what's next in your career, your investments, or your future, this conversation will challenge how you think about risk, timing, and the power of betting on a vision before everyone else sees it.
Money touches every part of life—our relationships, our confidence, our choices, and sometimes even our deepest fears. In this conversation, Jeannie Dougherty shares how personal loss, family dynamics, and hard-earned financial lessons shaped her understanding of what true financial independence really means. If you've ever avoided a money conversation, inherited financial stress, or wondered whether you're truly prepared for what's next, this episode is for you.
Sara Bell spent years doing what high performers are taught to do: achieve more, carry more, push through more.
From the outside, the title looked impressive. But underneath the success was exhaustion, pressure, and the quiet realization that constantly holding it all together was costing her more than she wanted to admit.
In this episode of the Free Agent Podcast, Sara and I unpack the invisible weight so many strong women carry — identity, ambition, burnout, reinvention, and the complicated truth that sometimes the life you worked hard to build no longer feels like home.
For years, Kate Lewis did everything right on paper—career, responsibility, success. But beneath the surface, the pressure of holding everything together led to a deeper realization: burnout wasn't the problem... it was the warning sign. In this episode of the Free Agent Podcast, Kate shares the honest conversation more high-achieving women are starting to have about identity, exhaustion, reinvention, and what it means to finally choose a life that can hold you too.
Money is changing—and women are at the center of it. In this episode, Barbara Provost joins Meg to unpack the Great Wealth Transfer and what it means for how women think about income, control, and long-term security in today's economy. If you're reconsidering how your current path fits into that shift, this conversation will help you see your options more clearly.
Mike DeJong did everything the traditional path told him to do—work hard, stay loyal, keep climbing. But when the payoff no longer matched the effort, he started asking a better question: what if ownership is the smarter move? In this episode, Mike shares what pushed him to rethink security, how he researched franchising, and what professionals need to see before making their next move.
Most businesses spend years chasing customers. Catherine Wilson built one where demand kept rising, forcing her to solve a rarer problem—how to grow capacity without breaking the business. In this episode of Free Agent Podcast, she shares what made her company attractive to buyers, why she chose to work with a business broker instead of handling the sale alone, and what owners often miss when it's time to exit.
A lot of smart people are quietly wondering if the version of security they trusted still works. In this conversation, Camille Hamilton reflects on leaving corporate life, building something of her own, and how freedom often comes with stress, responsibility, and rewards no paycheck can replicate. If you've been feeling the tension between staying where you are and becoming who you're meant to be, this one will feel familiar.
You don't get the luxury of guessing when the stakes are this high. My conversation with Leah Rosen pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to reinvent yourself mid-career, when income, identity, and responsibility are all on the line. If you've been waiting for certainty before making a move, this will challenge you to rethink what "safe" actually means.
You're not stuck—you're standing on the edge, waiting to feel certain before you step in. In this conversation with Chad Coe, Meg exposes the quiet habit high performers fall into: trying to think their way into clarity instead of getting close enough to see what's real. If you've been circling the decision but not moving, this will show you what's actually holding you back and why the next move isn't more research; it's engagement.
You don't need more experience. You need a smarter way to move. This episode breaks down why seasoned professionals still struggle when they ignore the system and how franchising removes the guesswork. If you're weighing your next move, this will challenge what you think you need before you start.
Kendall made the leap to freedom 2 years ago, not knowing exactly how it would unfold. At the time, her career was getting in the way of the life she wanted at home, and something had to change. Kendall updates us on what it really takes to build a life that feels like your own.
Some people chase entrepreneurship. Others arrive there after seeing how the system really works. Jonathan Chizever spent years in commission sales watching rules change, income swing, and control stay in someone else's hands until the risk of staying put finally stopped making sense. In this conversation, he shares the moment the math flipped, why franchising became the smarter path, and how he and his partner are building a business that helps people take control of their health and their future.
If "safe" has started to feel risky, you are not imagining things. In this episode, Meg talks with Shahayra Majumder, a first-time franchise owner bringing Hydrate IV Bar to Madison, WI, about what it looks like to leave a paycheck because it no longer buys peace. They get real about the shift from high performer to owner, the imposter thoughts nobody admits, and why a proven system can be the smartest way to bet on yourself. This is for the person who keeps saying "I'm fine" while quietly asking, "What's next?"
Something feels off in leadership right now, and most people can sense it even if they can't name it. Leadership is being quietly redefined. In this episode, Meg sits down with Tim Spiker to unpack why trust begins with who you are not what you do, how insecure leadership creates real damage, and why inwardly sound, others-focused leaders consistently outperform. If you're questioning whom to follow, how to lead, or what kind of future you want to build, this conversation will help you think more clearly before you move.
Most career wake-up calls don't come from failure. They come when everything still looks good on paper, but your body, values, or sense of control start asking harder questions. In this episode of the Free Agent Podcast, Meg Schmitz and Dawn Mullarney talk about the moment experienced executives and fractional professionals reach when staying put feels riskier than moving, yet the next step has to be thoughtful, aligned, and sustainable.
Most leaders think risk is financial, until one bad hire starts running the business from the shadows. Erin Longmoon shares how her own run of toxic workplaces shaped her mission to eradicate them, and how Zephyr Connects vets people for character, coachability, and culture fit, not just a good resume. If you're hiring staff or considering ownership, this episode helps you spot cultural red flags before you commit.
When income becomes less predictable, experienced leaders begin asking different questions about stability and control. In this episode, Meg Schmitz talks with business owner Samuel Espindola about what it really takes to build predictable revenue when responsibility for your family's future is on the line. This conversation is for seasoned professionals weighing ownership carefully—and looking for a path that holds up in uncertain times.
In Part 2 of Meg's conversation with Melinda Emerson, the focus shifts from why to who you become after you buy a business. They talk candidly about the identity corporate life creates — titles, distance from the work, and the quiet arrogance that can follow you into ownership. Melinda explains why real owners roll up their sleeves, switch roles without ego, and do whatever the business needs that day. This episode is about humility, responsibility, and the mindset that separates operators from spectators.
When the call is clear but the path feels messy, most people mistake discomfort for a stop sign.
In this episode, Meg sits down with Melinda Emerson (SmallBizLady) to explore what happens after momentary ambition fades—when faith, fear, and real-world pressure collide.
Melinda shares how losing control of her business, her marriage, and her certainty became the proving ground for her purpose. Together, they unpack why buying a proven business or franchise can offer more stability than chasing another job, what it truly means to think like an owner, and why real freedom requires discipline—not shortcuts.
If you know you're meant for more but feel stuck in the middle, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and a grounded way forward.
In this episode, Bill shares how he went from SEAL training to buying a 65-year-old manufacturing company, navigating turnover, building a high-performance team, and using automation to help people earn more—not get replaced. He also opens up about stepping into (and back out of) politics, and why lifelong "forward-skilling" matters as industries shift fast.
If you're over corporate, craving mission, or wondering if ownership—especially franchising—could be your next move, this conversation gives you a clear, hope-filled way forward.
Fatima didn't leave social work because she stopped caring. She left because the cost of caring became too high. After years of holding other people's trauma, her own body and spirit demanded a new kind of life. In this powerful conversation, Fatima shares how she transformed burnout into a career rooted in healing, inclusivity, and conscious touch. Her journey offers a blueprint for anyone navigating the pressure-filled transitions so many Americans are facing today — career uncertainty, financial stress, identity shifts, and the ache for something steadier.
Matasha didn't fast-track her way into entrepreneurship — she played the long game, rebuilding her skills and timing her move while carrying the full weight of being the only income. Her story is one of patience and calculation, proof that steady planning can matter just as much as the dream itself. For anyone wondering how to start something with the skills they already have and almost no extra resources, this episode shows one of the many real paths forward.
Government shutdowns? Market shake-ups? Forget the panic. Meg and Chari talk about the real flex: letting go of what doesn't serve you. Because freedom doesn't come from adding more; it starts when you finally subtract.
When the paycheck ends, the real work begins. Nail artist, Thasia Williams, shares what it really feels like to bet on yourself when the safety net disappears. From crying through uncertainty to finding purpose in creativity, she and Meg unpack what it means to lead yourself when no one's watching. This episode flips the fear of losing security into the truth about ownership — it's not the paycheck that defines you, it's the power to keep going anyway.
She's not waiting for permission — she's building her own stage. Instead of chasing overnight success—Josalyn's chasing proof that betting on herself is worth it. This episode is for every high achiever who's tired of talking about freedom and finally ready to get their hands dirty.
In this milestone episode, we celebrate one year of IMAGE Studios Wauwatosa—a hub where beauty, wellness, and entrepreneurship collide. 🥳 But this isn't just about a grand opening. It's a spotlight on what happens when bold vision meets real opportunity.
Makayla, a first-time entrepreneur, shares her leap from stylist to studio owner—navigating the fears, the wins, and the freedom that comes with building something of her own. Standing right beside her is Meg Schmitz, who isn't just coaching others into franchise ownership—she's in the arena herself, leveraging her own franchise to mentor and uplift new entrepreneurs like Makayla.
This episode is a reminder: entrepreneurship isn't meant to be a solo act. It's a community-powered movement where smart structure and shared courage turn dreams into legacies.
When the system breaks you down, some people shrink. Others rise. Samantha is walking away from a healthcare career that's eating away at her time, her health, and her spirit. She's building Skinship Esthetic Spa inside IMAGE Studios Wauwatosa — creating a future where beauty professionals don't just survive... they own their freedom. This isn't a story about chasing money. It's about reclaiming time, rewriting the rules, and building a legacy that outlives the pain. This special episode highlights emerging entrepreneurs in the beauty and wellness industry to celebrate the grand opening of Meg's IMAGE Studios, Wauwatosa location.
Behind the polished brand lives the mess—marriage stress, deal drama, and founders numbing instead of feeling. Meg and Jaime White strip away the armor to discuss "divorce version one," choosing each other again, and reordering their lives as: self → partnership → business. Trade optics for alignment and watch profit follow meaning—this episode is your mirror and your map.
Life doesn't wait for your business plan— and business doesn't stop for life. In this episode, you'll hear Meg describe her upcoming surgeries, dealing with aging parents, and the biggest shock of putting her beloved young dog into hospice care. Personal issues have collided with Meg's empire-building, and they are unavoidable. In this raw update, she reveals how personal storms mirror the chaos of scaling multiple franchises. The takeaway? Dream big, plan bigger, and keep moving forward—because this too shall pass.
Think franchising equals full-time hustle? This episode flips that script.
Meg sits down with Lindsay Junk, CEO of Body20, to reveal how tech-enabled fitness franchises offer high ROI without high effort.
✔️ Proven systems ✔️ Wellness trend alignment ✔️ Executive-level support
If you're a high earner stuck at "what's next?"—this is your blueprint for passive-ish ownership.
In this episode, Meg Schmitz and PR legend Rhonda Sanderson cut through the hype and dig into the hard-earned lessons of business ownership and franchising. From Subway's scrappy beginnings to AI's looming future, they unpack how candor, care, and year-one grind transform shaky startups into resilient, saleable brands. If you're tired of recycled success clichés and ready for raw insight that actually moves the needle, this conversation is your wake-up call.
Is it smarter to buy a business with "instant" cash flow or build one from scratch? In this episode, Meg Schmitz and Josh Skolnick expose the brutal truth about control, risk, and what really drives long-term freedom. If you're wrestling with self-doubt and searching for the most reliable path to ownership, this conversation will flip the way you think about your next move.
Tired of making millions for someone else while your soul shrinks in a cubicle? Rob & Nick of REPM break down how top execs can flip their skills into franchise ownership — with real systems, real support, and real ROI. If you're ready to stop renting your talent and start owning equity, this is the episode that shows you the playbook.
Leaving corporate for business ownership is thrilling—and terrifying. Verdine Baker, a franchise executive who’s guided hundreds of owners, shares what really happens when fear meets opportunity—and how resilience and culture create lasting success. With Meg Schmitz leading the conversation, senior executives will discover the playbook to step out confidently and build freedom on their own terms.
Anthony Geisler, the force behind scaling Club Pilates from 12 to 1,300 units and taking Xponential Fitness public with a multibillion-dollar valuation, is back with a new play: Sequel Brands. Alongside industry veteran Bob McQuillan, he's building a wellness platform featuring Pilates Addiction, iFlex Stretch Studios, Beem Light Sauna, and Body20. In this episode, they share how Sequel is engineered with infrastructure, profitability, and innovation from day one—and why they'll never let Wall Street distractions steer the ship again.
"Follow the playbook. Be your own boss. Live the dream."
But what happens when the dream looks different from what you experience? In this candid conversation, Catherine Wilson shares the lessons, surprises, and wins from her franchise journey — and offers insights on navigating the gap between expectations and reality.
Andy Weins is back- and he's not just talking business, he’s talking freedom. From franchise rookie to author and fractional CFO, Andy’s journey is proof that you don’t have to be “born” for entrepreneurship to master it—you build it, brick by brick, mindset by mindset. If you’ve ever wondered if you have what it takes to own your future, this episode will give you the raw truth and the blueprint.
Everyone wants to go viral—but what happens next? In this episode, Meg and Thasia Williams unpack the reality behind viral moments, visibility, and the marketing moves that drive revenue. If you're a business owner, franchisee, or sales pro chasing attention, this convo will shift your focus from “likes” to lasting impact.
There's more to marketing than digital ads and social media. Meg and Karen Wenning unpack why marketing only works when it's integrated, intentional, and relentless—and how skipping steps like direct mail or brand strategy can stall your entire launch. If you want your franchise to thrive, not just survive, this episode will open your eyes.
Dan Schauer had a family business in his back pocket and startup dreams in his head—but when layoffs hit, he chose a franchise. In this episode, we dig into the real-life pivot that gave him freedom, legacy, and an exit strategy all in one. If you're stuck between building, inheriting, or buying in—this story will shake up how you see your options.
Think LinkedIn is just for job seekers? Think again. In this episode, Meg and Angela Dunz unpack why your profile may be silently sabotaging your credibility—and how small shifts can lead to big money moves.
You can build an empire and protect your marriage—if you know how to spot the landmines before they blow. In this follow-up to our most talked-about episodes featuring Ted Santos (Episode 7.4)and Karen Covy (Episode 5.2), we explore the silent tension that can kill business dreams and relationships alike. If you and your spouse are dreaming big but stuck in indecision, this convo is your blueprint to move forward together.
What makes an emerging brand worth betting on? In this episode, I sit down with franchise veteran Candice Weeter to discuss grit, growth, and how to identify genuine leadership behind the pitch. If you're serious about building wealth through franchising, this one's a must.
When chaos calls, most chase the money. John and Kami Griffith chose the mission. In this episode, Meg Schmitz sits down with the power couple who walked away from corporate burnout, turned a LinkedIn ad into a life-changing franchise investment, and built a business rooted in faith, family, and future-proof cash flow. If you're an exec craving more than paychecks and performance reviews, this one’s for you.
Most business owners think their company is worth more than it is. Most buyers waste time chasing the perfect deal. In this episode, Meg and business advisor, Mark Bailey, expose the hard truths about buying and selling businesses—and how tax strategy and mindset shifts separate the winners from the wishers.
What do you get when you mix pest control, holiday lights, and big franchise energy? A boring business that’s quietly building empires. In this episode, Meg sits down with Andy Fuller, founder of Pest Hunters, to unpack how one “unsexy” brand is helping franchisees create recurring revenue, generational wealth, and year-round impact.
In this mind-bending episode of Free Agent, Meg Schmitz sits down with leadership strategist Ted Santos to explore the hidden beliefs sabotaging our potential—and our portfolios. From unresolved childhood loops to unconscious limitations, Ted reveals how self-inquiry and intentional disruption are the real keys to personal growth and wealth creation. If you've been operating on autopilot, this is your wake-up call.
When the world hit pause, Joyce Toti built two empires—one in luxury wellness, the other in women’s leadership. In this episode, she shares how she turned uncertainty into bold action and why branding, mentorship, and movement go hand-in-hand. If you’re waiting to feel ready, Joyce’s story will make you rethink everything.
What do high-performing investors do when the market turns shaky? They double down on what works. In this episode, Meg Schmitz talks with JetSet Pilates head of development, Sara Buie and franchisees Andrea & Carlos Ponce about why luxury fitness is attracting serious capital—and how franchising can offer both freedom and security in uncertain times.
In this eye-opening episode of The Free Agent, Meg Schmitz talks with entrepreneur Ryan Martineau about how AI and job site technology are reshaping skilled labor, franchising, and business operations. With global job shortages, rising tariffs, and economic uncertainty shaking traditional industries, this conversation dives into how data and automation are creating faster, smarter, and more profitable ways to scale service-based businesses. If you're serious about diversifying your investments—or just curious about where the future of work is headed—you won’t want to miss this.
In this episode, we hang out with Mark Schneider, a super chill construction boss who built his company from scratch—while raising five kids! He spills the real deal on what it takes to open up your own brick-and-mortar business, avoid major build-out mistakes, and still get home in time for dinner. If you're considering starting a franchise or building your dream spot, this one has gold nuggets you don't want to miss.
Amanda Gettes’ journey into franchising is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of making strategic choices. In this episode of The Free Agent, she shares how leaving a structured career in education, launching a failed startup, and navigating personal challenges led her to franchising as a path to financial stability and personal freedom. From securing an SBA loan on her own to mastering the nuances of the window treatment business, Amanda’s story highlights the grit required to build a business from the ground up—proving that success isn’t just about the right opportunity but the determination to see it through.
In this episode of Free Agent with Meg Schmitz, chartered financial analyst Eric Schmitz CFA clears away the fear-driven headlines to uncover where bold investors are seizing opportunities in a shifting economy. From tariffs and immigration policies to inflation fears, Eric breaks down how these factors impact business ownership and why essential industries—like senior care, home services, wellness, and experiential retail—continue to thrive. If you're hesitant about making big investment moves, this episode will show you why times of uncertainty can create the best opportunities to step in, take control, and build lasting financial freedom.
From a single mom of four to franchise powerhouse, Heather McPherson’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and business success. In this episode, Heather reveals how she went from the medical field to leading franchise development, the pivotal mentors who shaped her career, and the mindset shifts that propelled her forward. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to break into franchising, find the right opportunities, and build a business that lasts, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!
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From law school dropout to franchise mogul, Erik Van Horn shares his unconventional journey on the Free Agent podcast! Discover how a chance iced tea meeting led to a $20,000 franchise investment. Learn Erik's secrets to successful exits and the impact of private equity. Tune in to hear his no-nonsense advice on leadership and why he values franchisee-focused brands, and explore your potential for franchise ownership today!
In this episode of The Free Agent Podcast, host Meg Schmitz welcomes back fractional CFO and financial expert Lynn Corazzi to break down the key metrics every business owner needs to track. Learn how to spot financial red flags and avoid costly mistakes to maximize your business's value and set yourself up for a profitable exit. Build a thriving business—whether you're just starting or scaling up!
In this episode of the Free Agent Podcast, Jennifer Eastman shares her bold journey from running a family moving business to launching Assisted Living Locators—right in the middle of a pandemic. She opens up about navigating uncertainty, building a people-first business, and why strong relationships were key to her success. If you're looking for inspiration to take control of your future, this conversation is a must-listen!
Discover how Tori Johnston, Brand President of goGlow, is revolutionizing the beauty and wellness industry with a membership-based franchise model that creates recurring revenue. In this episode, she shares her journey from corporate leadership to franchising success and the secrets behind goGlow's innovative labor model and customer-loved products.
Meg Schmitz sits down with Chris Stoness, founder of Elite Window Cleaning and Sparkle Squad, to uncover the inspiring journey behind building a revolutionary window cleaning franchise. From his early entrepreneurial spark growing up in a family of business owners to the pivotal moment that led him to pursue window cleaning, Chris shares how he turned a simple service into a tech-driven, scalable franchise system.
In this episode of The Free Agent, guest Jonathan Flaks of Jonathan Flaks Leadership and Career Coaching Associates Inc. shares how a lifelong love for music unexpectedly paved the way to a rewarding career in coaching. From navigating unforeseen challenges to embracing new opportunities, Jonathan reveals the pivotal moments that transformed his passion into a fulfilling profession. This inspiring conversation reminds us that sometimes, the most accidental paths can lead to extraordinary destinations.
Discover how iconic brands like Subway and Chick-fil-A expand across cultures in this fascinating conversation with franchise developer Brandon Johnson. From his early days navigating the operations of major franchises to helping aspiring entrepreneurs embrace business ownership, Brandon shares insider tips on choosing the right franchise and what it takes to succeed. Whether you're exploring franchise opportunities or curious about the process, this episode uncovers the strategies and stories behind turning dreams into reality.
Alan Wedal, a former U.S. Navy officer, has an extensive background in sales and marketing, which led him to his first franchise ARCpoint Labs. After 9 years of ownership, Alan invested in a new franchise. His experience and insights provide a valuable perspective on the benefits of owning a franchise, effective networking strategies for business growth, and promising opportunities within the senior care franchise sector. With his engaging storytelling and practical experiences, Alan brings a wealth of knowledge, making him an ideal guest for entrepreneurs considering franchise ownership.
What happens when the weight of ambition starts to crack the foundation you've worked so hard to build? In this powerful continuation of our conversation with Matthew McReynolds, we dive into the messy, unfiltered truth of what it takes to persevere when everything feels like it's falling apart.
In this episode, Meg Schmitz speaks with Matthew Reynolds about his entrepreneurial journey through the highs and lows of franchising, family, and self-discovery. From navigating personal loss to rebuilding a thriving business, Matthew shares how resilience, mentorship, and self-awareness helped him create a new path to success. Tune in to learn how you can embrace challenges and build a stronger foundation for your future.
Ready to flip the script on what it means to grow a business post-pandemic? In this episode of The Free Agent, I sit down with Rachel Southard, CEO of ecoMaids, to discuss how she's leading the charge in transforming an emerging residential cleaning brand into a model of efficiency and profitability. From tackling labor challenges to implementing cutting-edge green cleaning solutions, Rachel's journey is packed with insights for entrepreneurs and executives looking to thrive in today's ever-changing business landscape.
In this episode of The Free Agent, host Meg Schmitz dives into franchising with special guest John Glazier. This dynamic entrepreneur turned a single franchise opportunity into a booming multi-location empire. John shares his inspiring journey, from taking a leap of faith to building a sustainable business model, all while balancing family life and expanding his ventures. If you’re considering franchising as your path to financial freedom, this episode offers invaluable insights and a firsthand look at what it takes to succeed.
Get ready for an eye-opening conversation with franchise legend Bobby Brennon. Discover how Front Street Partners is redefining franchise development, the traits that set successful franchise owners apart, and why betting on yourself is the ultimate business move. Packed with real stories and practical wisdom, this episode will inspire you to take control of your entrepreneurial future.
Unexpected twists, gutsy decisions, and the power of resilience - the captivating journey of a businesswoman navigating the challenges of franchise ownership. Meg Schmitz and Nancy Justman share real-life experiences and revelations in entrepreneurship. From surprising opportunities to unexpected confessions, this candid conversation will leave you amazed and inspired. But what has Nancy rethinking her future? Stay tuned as we uncover the untold story of a soap empire, corporate woes, and the ultimate pursuit of success.Ep 6.9 Unexpected twists, gutsy decisions, and the power of resilience - the captivating journey of a businesswoman navigating the challenges of franchise ownership. Meg Schmitz and Nancy Justman share real-life experiences and revelations in entrepreneurship. From surprising opportunities to unexpected confessions, this candid conversation will leave you amazed and inspired. But what has Nancy rethinking her future? Stay tuned as we uncover the untold story of a soap empire, corporate woes, and the ultimate pursuit of success.
Anirban Maiti, a Corporate Warrior with a background in engineering and technology, is making his transition into business ownership through franchising. As a first-generation immigrant, his journey from a middle-class family to entrepreneurship reflects his determination and resilience. Anirban's focus on building generational wealth and cultivating a positive company culture offers practical insights for aspiring business owners.
No matter how experienced one is, starting a new business comes with challenges and sleepless nights, regardless of whether it's a franchise. Join me as I unravel the raw, unfiltered journey of my life as a first-time IMAGE Studios owner, overcoming self-doubt and finding strength in unexpected places. Let's dive into the empowering strategies for your entrepreneurial journey.
Journey with me through Fidel De La O's transition from corporate refugee into franchise ownership. After suffering an AI-induced forced retirement, Fidel was eager to align with a recognized brand. Surprising himself, Fidel and his wife opted to select an emerging brand. Fidel's experience is a rollercoaster of revelation. Just when you thought you knew where the story was headed, a hurricane in Florida throws in a curveball, proving that the road to franchise success is filled with surprises. Marissa Kochnover, the Director of Development for sugaringLA, joins the conversation to describe how to conduct a thorough franchise investigation. Stay tuned to unlock the secrets of how to thrive in the franchise world.
Michael Reeder is a highly experienced CPA with a specialized focus on the franchise industry. He has been practicing for nearly a decade and has extensive insights into tax strategies and funding, tailored particularly for small business owners. In this episode, we discuss leveraging retirement funds for business startups, how business ownership can benefit your personal taxes in unexpected ways, and why the fear of debt may be holding you back from financial success.
Heather Smith, a former healthcare executive turned stay-at-home mom, transitioned to entrepreneurship by taking on the unexpected challenge of owning a gluten-free bakery. Her decision to pivot into business ownership was fueled by a long-standing desire to be an entrepreneur. However, taking over a bakery right before the busy holiday season presented unfamiliar challenges for Heather and her family.
Jessi Brelsford, the mastermind behind Taste Buds Kitchen, brings a refreshing twist to the entrepreneurial journey. Hailing from a background in economics and a successful stint on Wall Street, her pivot to creating a space for culinary experiences is both intriguing and motivational.
Uncover the unexpected journey of a trailblazing pioneer in hospice and palliative care. Jackie Holland, a founder of a palliative care foundation, and Meg's Mom, shares her compassionate story that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the impact of palliative and hopsice care. Understanding palliative and hospice care will equip you to work through end- of- life situations with family.
Have you been told to just keep pushing through the loneliness of entrepreneurship, but deep down, you're feeling isolated and demoralized? The struggle is real, but there's a better way. Join Meg Schmitz and guest Kasie Valenti as they share the invaluable strategies and insights that will empower you on your entrepreneurial journey. Let's talk about overcoming loneliness in entrepreneurship and finding a supportive community to lift you.
Discover how Micah Keith, a corporate refugee turned entrepreneur, navigated the complexities of franchising and faced unexpected challenges, including falling victim to a scam. But that's not all – this entrepreneur is on the path to building an empire of six units, all while involving family in the business. The journey is just beginning, and the future holds exciting growth and expansion. Stay tuned for this inspiring story. You won't want to miss it.
In this episode of the Free Agent podcast, franchise consultant and host Meg Schmitz takes the spotlight to share her journey as she re-enters the world of franchise ownership with IMAGE Studios, a salon suite concept. Meg reflects on franchise ownership as she nears the grand opening of her first IMAGE Studios suite location in Wauwatosa, WI. From her love of the beauty industry to the importance of mentorship and leveraging the expertise of other franchise owners, Meg opens up about her fears, motivations, and strategies for success.
If you are stuck on your journey of self-actualization, this episode is for you. Meet Dr. Shakkiah Curtis, a bold and fearless entrepreneur who began her journey into business at 17. Now a successful and confident business consultant, mentor, entrepreneur, mother of two, podcaster, and public speaker, Dr. Curtis shows no signs of letting up the gas pedal. How does she do it, and what's behind her fearlessness? Get ready to be inspired, informed, and ignited to action.
Get ready to dive into a conversation that delves deep into the heart of entrepreneurship. You might think you know what it takes to thrive in business ownership, but the real stories shared here will challenge your assumptions. From unexpected insights to valuable lessons, this podcast episode with Jeff Dudan, Ceo and Chairman of Homefront Brands, will leave you wanting more.
Karen Abrams, an accomplished real estate attorney, returns as a guest on the podcast, bringing her wealth of expertise in franchising and real estate transactions. With a strong background in representing business owners, Karen shares valuable insights on real estate strategies for franchise owners, expanding businesses while balancing full-time careers, and identifying investment opportunities within the health and wellness franchise sector.
Meet Colton Paulhus, who went from failed businesses to pioneering a nationally owned company in the ADU space. Just when you think he's done, he's already planning a new holdings company. But here's the kicker – he's not just building one business, but an entire portfolio of home service concepts. Curious to know how he's making it all happen? Stay tuned for the unexpected twists and turns of Colton's entrepreneurial journey.
Meet Robyn Bowles, a corporate refugee who jumped into the deep end of discomfort by moving across the country with no network in place to start a business where she knew NOBODY. This was Robyn’s catalyst for creating a new life, finding balance in uncertainty, and taking control of her life in meaningful ways.
What if I told you the key to thriving in entrepreneurship lies in a surprisingly unconventional source? Join me as we uncover the unexpected secrets to business success in this eye-opening conversation with Brad Herda, a Midwesterner and straight shooter. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and discover the real deal about transitioning into entrepreneurship from a no B.S business coach. Stay tuned for an unexpected twist that could change how you view business ownership forever.
Meg Schmitz sits down with Kerrie Hoffman, a former corporate executive turned successful entrepreneur. Dive into their intimate conversation as Kerrie shares her bold transition from corporate life to business ownership. This episode provides invaluable insights for any executive contemplating a similar leap into entrepreneurship.
Devan Kline, the co-founder of Burn Boot Camp, is no ordinary franchisor. His rags-to-riches tale is filled with universal truths, self-discovery, and ambition. Discover the unconventional strategies this entrepreneur used to skyrocket their business and how you can apply them to your venture. Get ready to learn from a true maverick in the franchise industry, and brace yourself for some eye-opening insights that will reshape how you view franchising.
Discover the surprising way my guest, Mark Zucker, navigates business dynamics and challenges with his co-founder wife. Find out how they manage a business 8000 miles away and the unexpected role their family plays in their operations. Are you curious about the unique strategies they use to maintain business continuity and personal alignment? Stay tuned to uncover how Mark manages the business while maintaining polite discourse and respect within his marriage.
Discover the unexpected truth about the franchising world with my guest, Sung Ohm, the CEO of Fran Devco. In this episode, for the first time, Sung Ohm shares his entrepreneurial journey and how he's transforming entrepreneurs' lives. Get ready to gain valuable insights from Sung's unique hands-on experience and strategic foresight blend. You won't want to miss this eye-opening revelation!
Are you ready to uncover the unexpected truth behind salon suite ownership? Dive into a revealing conversation that unveils the untold story of how a beauty professional transitioned from big salon ownership to solo suite success. Get ready to be surprised and intrigued as you learn the financial secrets from the very heart of the beauty industry. Stay tuned for an eye-opening revelation that will change the way you see salon ownership forever with special guest Matthew Landis.
Discover the surprising story of Fred Tomlin Jr. and Sherrod Hunter, two entrepreneurs, who revolutionized the waste industry with a technology-driven approach. From failed beginnings to mushroom cloud growth, their journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. But what's the unexpected twist that took their business from junk removal to a full-blown technological powerhouse? Stay tuned to find out how these geniuses are reshaping an entire industry and leaving a trail of success across multiple states. Take advantage of this captivating tale of entrepreneurial triumph and the unexpected role of AI in garbage disposal.
Meg Schmitz sits down with Calvin Parsons, a dynamic former military officer who recently ventured into franchise ownership with Kidokinetics. Delve into Calvin's transformative journey from the structured world of the military and corporate America to the exhilarating realm of entrepreneurship. Discover the crucial decisions and bold steps he took to reshape his career and personal destiny. What was the pivotal moment that made him take the leap? Tune in to uncover the turning point that could inspire your own path to business ownership.
Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of opening and closing doors, unsure if you could take the leap into starting your own business? Maybe you've been told to just stick to what's already out there and not pursue your unique idea. The frustration of not finding the right opportunity and feeling trapped in the corporate world can be overwhelming.
But what if there's a way to break free, take control, and become your own boss with a mobile food business? Let's explore the journey of a couple who turned their passion for food into a successful mobile food business and discover how you can do the same. It's time to take that leap and make your business dreams a reality.
My special guest is Alex Gingold
Meet Alex Gingold, the co-founder of Donut Envy, a mobile food business. With a strong background in quick service and a keen understanding of customer interactions, Alex's entrepreneurial journey from corporate employee to successful business owner is both compelling and insightful. His expertise in creating a simple and scalable business model has played a pivotal role in the growth of Donut Envy, making him an invaluable guest for aspiring food entrepreneurs venturing into the world of mobile businesses. Get ready to glean practical wisdom and inspiration from Alex's experiences as he shares his insights on starting and nurturing a thriving mobile food business.
If you need more certainty about the future of brick-and-mortar retail spaces in the post-pandemic era, then you are not alone! The fear of evolving shopping center trends and the impact of market shifts on retail bankruptcies may leave you with unease. You might wonder how to successfully navigate the changing tenant mix and leasing strategies. But don't worry; effective strategies and insights are available to help you thrive in this evolving landscape!
My special guest is Brenton Schrader
Brenton Schrader, a seasoned real estate professional with over 15 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge to the evolving landscape of shopping centers post-pandemic. As the key driver behind the transformative Mayfair Collection, in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Brenton has been instrumental in curating a dynamic mix of tenants that enhance the community and drive traffic to the retail space. His multifaceted role as a leasing agent, asset manager, and marketing advocate has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in successful commercial real estate ventures. With a knack for identifying opportunities and navigating challenges, Brenton's insights into tenant mix and leasing strategies offer valuable takeaways for real estate professionals seeking to adapt to the changing retail environment.
An attorney with an arts background? Who would have thought! Discover how this lawyer seamlessly blends creativity with the law, creating a unique and fulfilling career path. Does she have the key to balancing personal passions with business success? Find out more in this eye-opening conversation.
My special guest is Elissa Hecker
Elissa Hecker, Esquire, is a dynamic attorney with a fascinating background in the arts, from dancing and choreography to playing the piano and being involved in theater. With a strong foundation in the entertainment arts, she brings a unique perspective to her legal practice, specializing in providing counsel to businesses, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs. Elissa's extensive experience in the music industry and her passion for the arts have shaped her approach, allowing her to support her clients in protecting their creative endeavors while navigating the complexities of the business world.
Her insights into the intersection of law and the arts make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to balance their personal passions with their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Discover the surprising truth about the risks of relying on a single income source. Unearth the eye-opening journey of a corporate refugee who found financial freedom through diversification. Learn how she leveraged passive income to minimize taxes and create a life of abundance. But that's just the beginning; stay tuned for the unexpected twist that will change your perspective on wealth creation forever.
My special guest is Verna Staggers
Verna Staggers, a former corporate executive turned successful real estate entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and insights to the podcast. Her journey from the corporate world to building a diversified income stream through real estate investments is both inspiring and informative. Verna's candid approach and practical advice offer valuable lessons for corporate professionals seeking financial independence and diversification. Her story serves as a testament to the importance of creating multiple income streams and the potential rewards that come with taking the leap into self-employment. Get ready to gain valuable perspectives and actionable tips from Verna's journey as she shares her experiences and strategies for financial stability and independence.
If you're feeling the weight of transitioning from the military to civilian life, trying to find your footing in the entrepreneurial world, and facing unexpected challenges, then you are not alone! The struggle to adapt to a new identity and navigate the complexities of starting a business can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling lost and uncertain about the future.
My special guest is
Zack Husted, a military veteran, has a distinguished career that spans from his enlistment in the Iowa Air National Guard at 17 to his deployments in various locations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq. During his service, Zack specialized in working on the weapon system of the F-16, where he handled complex electrical and mechanical tasks related to arming and dearming munitions. Upon retiring from the military in 2012, Zack transitioned into civilian life and pursued entrepreneurial opportunities with a focus on supporting the military community. His dedication to giving back and his firsthand experience in navigating the shift from military to civilian life make Zack an authoritative and relatable guest for today's podcast conversation, offering invaluable insights for veterans pursuing entrepreneurship.
Discover the surprising truth about divorce and the secrets lawyers won't tell you. Hear the untold stories of relationship unraveling and the unexpected twists in the journey to freedom. Stay tuned for the eye-opening revelations that could change your life forever.
Let's navigate through this together and find the clarity you seek.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the secrets to a successful transition from corporate to entrepreneurship.
- Uncover the hidden benefits of franchising for business ownership.
- Master mediation strategies that can transform your divorce process.
- Navigate the complexities of business ownership as a couple with expert tips.
- Learn how to build a thriving career post-divorce with actionable insights.
My special guest is Karen Covy
Karen Covy is a seasoned divorce coach with extensive experience in trial law, mediation, and coaching professionals to make tough decisions with less conflict. Her career journey, from a trial lawyer to a mediator and collaborative divorce professional, reflects her commitment to finding a more practical approach to divorce law. Karen is known for her empathetic and practical guidance, offering valuable insights and support to individuals navigating the challenges of divorce. Her expertise and dedication make her a respected advocate for informed decision-making and personal empowerment in the face of life-altering circumstances.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Free Agent with Meg Schmidtz 00:01:38 - Karen Covey's Flight of the Bumblebee 00:06:11 - Navigating Career Changes and Marriage 00:11:39 - Making Major Life Decisions 00:14:39 - Challenges of Marrying into a Family Business 00:15:17 - Managing Expectations When Marrying into a Family Business 00:16:18 - Creating a Business Operating Agreement 00:17:59 - Importance of Honest Dialogue in Business and Marriage 00:25:13 - Overcoming Resistance and Finding Common Ground 00:29:46 - The Importance of Honesty in Relationships 00:31:09 - Communication in Marriage 00:32:51 - Dealing with Infidelity 00:34:43 - Options for Seeking Help 00:38:50 - Educating Clients in Divorce
Ever felt like you're being told to "just talk to your CPA" for all your business structure and funding needs, only to end up feeling lost and frustrated? You're not alone. It's time to stop spinning your wheels and start making informed decisions that actually work for your unique situation. Let's bust those myths and find the real answers together. Sound familiar?
My special guest is Michael
Michael Reader, a CPA specializing in the world of franchising, joins Meg on the show. With a background in public practice and a keen interest in small businesses and individuals, Michael's journey into franchising began when he acquired a small CPA firm in 2014. His unique approach as an entrepreneurial CPA emphasizes strategic tax entity structure, funding, and FDD item-related consultations, making him a valuable resource for business owners navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. Michael's expertise and passion for helping individuals transition from corporate roles to business ownership shine through in his insightful discussions on entity structure strategy and funding.
Do you want to discover the secret to balancing business ownership and relationship dynamics? Imagine achieving success in both areas without sacrificing one for the other. In this episode, Meg Schmitz and her guest will share the solution so that you can achieve that result. Get ready to revolutionize your approach to entrepreneurship and relationships.
My special guest is Kelly Clements
Kelly Clements, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares her experiences and insights on navigating the intricate balance between business ownership and relationship dynamics. Drawing from her own journey, Kelly brings a candid and relatable perspective to the discussion, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that come with entrepreneurial endeavors and their impact on personal relationships. Her expertise in coaching both entrepreneurs and their spouses provides valuable insights into maintaining a harmonious balance between professional ambitions and personal connections. Kelly's story exemplifies resilience and growth, making her a valuable voice in the realm of entrepreneurship and relationships.
In a moment of unexpected revelation, Karen Abrams found herself embarking on a journey into the world of franchising. Little did she know, this decision would lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, from exhilarating highs to unforeseen challenges. As she shares her captivating story, aspiring entrepreneurs are given a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of franchise ownership. But what unforeseen obstacles did Karen face, and how did she navigate them to achieve success?
My special guest is Karen Abrams
Karen Abrams, a seasoned real estate attorney with nearly 30 years of experience, stumbled into the world of franchising over a decade ago. It all began when she attended a franchise trade show out of curiosity and ended up representing franchisees on real estate matters. What started as a side interest quickly grew into owning and operating multiple franchise locations, giving her a unique firsthand perspective on the challenges and successes of the franchising world. Karen's journey from buying, building, and selling businesses, to experiencing both failure and triumph, has shaped her into a knowledgeable and insightful figure in the franchise industry. Her diverse background in the cosmetology and food industries adds a layer of depth to her understanding of the franchising landscape, making her a valuable source of practical wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Gain valuable franchise industry insights from real experiences.
- Understand the importance of personal and financial considerations in franchising.
- Overcome challenges and discover effective strategies in franchise ownership.
- Explore diversification and find the path to success in the franchising world.
Does this sound familiar? You want to gain control of your financial future but need the courage to live with the uncertainty being an entrepreneur brings. Are you seeking a way to attain the insights necessary to take the leap into business ownership?
Look no further because our guest, Kendall, will share her process of stepping into the unknown. Get ready to unlock your potential and fearlessly navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with Kendall's invaluable insights.
My special guest is Kendall
Kendal Kineard joins us on Free Agent Season 4 as a brand new franchisee in the process of training and launching her business.
In this episode, Meg and Kendall discuss:
- Discovering the secrets to leaning on family and faith.
- Building trust and relationships for exponential business growth.
- Being scared and doing it anyway.
- Explore the importance of listening and paying attention for business breakthroughs.
Does this sound familiar? You're considering investing in a franchise, but you're overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there. You've been told to research online, read articles, and attend seminars, but despite all your efforts, you still feel uncertain and confused. The pain of not having clear and valuable insights is keeping you from making an informed decision and taking that leap towards franchise ownership. But what if there's a better way?
My special guest is Kristine
We are thrilled to have Kristine Givens join us on this episode of Free Agent. With a background in accounting and a successful stint as a business owner, Kristine's journey into franchise ownership is both captivating and enlightening. She shares her experiences, including the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way. Kristine's story serves as a reminder that even the most informed and educated individuals can find themselves in unexpected situations. Her candidness and willingness to share the bumps and warts of her franchise journey make her a relatable and trustworthy source of insights for anyone considering franchise ownership. Join us as we delve into Kristine's story and discover the valuable lessons she has to offer.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the key factors to consider before investing in a franchise, ensuring a solid foundation for success.
- Learn why trust and intuition play a crucial role in making informed decisions about franchise ownership.
- Uncover effective strategies for researching a franchise's financial performance, helping you evaluate its long-term viability.
- Gain insights into the importance of evaluating the leadership team behind a franchise, ensuring their expertise aligns with your goals.
- Hear firsthand experiences from successful franchisees, providing valuable insights and tips for navigating franchise ownership.
Does this sound familiar? You've been told that in order to achieve success in business, you need to work harder and sacrifice your personal life. But despite putting in the long hours and making sacrifices, you're still not seeing the results you desire. The pain of feeling burnt out and unfulfilled is all too real. It's time to explore a different approach, one that allows you to achieve a balanced work-life while finding success in the business world.
My special guest is Lori
Meet Lori Karpman, a dynamic entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for franchising. With a background in law and a successful career as a tax lawyer, Lori made the leap into the franchise industry and never looked back. Throughout her journey, she has worn many hats, from being a master franchiseor to founding her own chain of restaurants, which she later sold. Today, as the founder of a full-service franchise consulting firm, Lori brings her wealth of experience and expertise to help businesses navigate the world of franchising. Her boutique approach ensures that every client receives personalized attention and top-notch support in areas such as legal, operations, marketing, sales, and administration. With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, Lori is a trusted advisor for entrepreneurs seeking to take their businesses to new heights through the power of franchising.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the benefits and challenges of franchising - gain valuable insights into this popular business model that can help you make informed decisions about your entrepreneurial journey.
- Explore the education process for selling franchise agreements - learn the step-by-step strategies to effectively educate potential franchisees and attract the right partners for your franchise brand.
- Uncover the qualities of a successful franchise brand - understand the key characteristics that make a franchise brand stand out and resonate with customers, setting you up for long-term success.
- Recognize the importance of profitability in franchising - learn how to prioritize profitability in order to build a sustainable and lucrative business within the franchising industry.
- Navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities for women in business - gain practical advice and inspiration to overcome obstacles, harness your strengths, and thrive as a female entrepreneur or executive in the business world.
Do you want to unlock the key to thriving in the franchising industry? Are you searching for the ultimate way to achieve financial success and personal fulfillment through owning a franchise? Look no further, because we have the solution you've been seeking. Our guest, Monica, will be sharing invaluable insights that will empower you to attain your desired outcome of becoming a successful franchise owner. Get ready to discover the secrets that will pave your path to prosperity in the franchising world.
My special guest is Monica
Franchise expert Monica reveals the surprising truth about who succeeds in franchising, defying stereotypes and showcasing the determination and resilience of women, veterans, immigrants, and individuals with limited resources who turn their dreams into profitable businesses.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Gain valuable industry insights and stay ahead of the competition in the franchising industry.
- Discover the key success factors that can make or break your franchising venture.
- Learn about the growing diversity in franchise ownership and how it can lead to new opportunities.
- Understand the significant economic impact that franchising has on local communities and the wider economy.
- Explore the personal and financial benefits of owning a franchise and how it can transform your life.
Unconventional and determined, free agent Jaime White defies societal expectations as she forges her own path, embracing challenges, seeking validation, and inspiring others to break free from traditional systems in pursuit of their dreams.
My special guest is Jaime
Jaime White is a force to be reckoned with in the world of free agency. With her vast experience as a real estate investor, entrepreneur, coach, and mentor, Jaime has carved her own path to success and is now helping others do the same. From stepping into the unknown as a young adult, running a furniture store and navigating the complexities of a toxic family business, Jaime knows firsthand the challenges and rewards of being a free agent.
As a mother of six, she understands the importance of finding balance and creating a life that aligns with your values. Jaime's journey is a testament to the power of taking control over your destiny and embracing the possibilities that come with being your own boss. Her insights and wisdom will inspire and empower individuals seeking to make their mark on the world as free agents.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the inspiring journey of Jaime White, a free agent who defied expectations and carved out her own path in the business world.
- Uncover the unique challenges faced by individuals who leave the comfort and familiarity of a family business to pursue their own dreams.
- Explore the healing process and self-discovery that comes with embarking on a new journey as a free agent, and how it can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
- Learn the importance of seeking outside help and guidance as you navigate the challenges and uncertainties of being an independent entrepreneur.
- Be inspired by the uplifting stories of individuals who bravely pursued their dreams, and discover how you can find the motivation and courage to follow your own passion.
In a world where corporate monotony seemed the only path, Jimmy's journey took an unexpected turn. From a triumphant offseason with the NBA to a newfound passion for startups, he catapulted himself into the entrepreneurial realm. But as Grubhub flourished into a behemoth, Jimmy yearned for something more. Little did he know that a project on the future of aging would ignite a fire within him, leading him to embark on a remarkable venture. Get ready to discover how Jimmy's quest for purpose took an unforeseen twist, and what it means for the future of personalized home care services.
My special guest is Jimmy Zollo.
Jimmy Zolo is an accomplished entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Joe and Bella, a personalized home care business. With a strong background in marketing research and a proven track record working with notable brands like Reebok and the NBA, Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His experience in launching new markets and product lines has been instrumental in the success of his ventures. Recognizing the growing need for quality care for older adults in the face of the impending "silver tsunami," Jimmy embarked on a mission to create a business that provides personalized and compassionate home care services. With Joe and Bella, he aims to make a positive impact in the lives of seniors and their families by offering tailored care solutions. Jimmy's entrepreneurial journey and his dedication to improving the future of aging make him a valuable guest on the Free Agent podcast. Prepare to gain valuable insights into personalized home care and entrepreneurship with Jimmy as your guide.
Someone ought to make really beautiful, comfortable clothes that make dressing safer, faster, easier, and more dignified. - Jimmy
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the freedom and fulfillment of self-employment and business ownership.
- Learn about the future of aging and how personalized home care services are revolutionizing the industry.
- Gain insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and learn how to navigate them successfully.
- Explore the importance of adaptive clothing for older adults and how it can improve their quality of life.
- Discover the power of mentors and support systems in entrepreneurship, and how they can accelerate your success.
In a world where resumes and grades often dictate our future, one man dared to challenge the norm. Meet Chad, a visionary who discovered the untapped potential of the millennial generation. As he embarked on a journey to revolutionize the way we hire, Chad stumbled upon an unexpected twist that forever changed his life. This is a story of unconventional methods, genuine connections, and the power of understanding. But what exactly did Chad discover? Stay tuned to find out how his bold step into entrepreneurship transformed everything he thought he knew.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover valuable insights and lessons learned from my career journey that can help you navigate your own path to entrepreneurship.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of mentors and guidance during the transition to entrepreneurship, and how they can accelerate your success.
- Learn practical strategies and tips for transitioning from a traditional job to entrepreneurship, including overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities.
- Explore the benefits of flexibility and control that come with entrepreneurship, and how they can enhance your work-life balance and overall satisfaction.
- Uncover the mindset shifts and focus on attitude, concentration, and effort that are key to achieving success as an entrepreneur.
- Tap into a wellspring of motivation and inspiration as you hear powerful personal stories of individuals who have successfully made the leap from a traditional job to entrepreneurship.
- Discover resources and tools to help you successfully navigate the transition process, including networking opportunities, training programs, and online communities.
My special guest is Chad
Chad Kopitzki is an expert in talent acquisition and a solopreneur based in Appleton, Wisconsin. With a diverse background that includes twelve years in a not-for-profit organization and experience working with millennials, Chad understands the importance of putting people first. His unique approach to recruitment, where he focuses on the person behind the resume, sets him apart from traditional methods. Chad's passion for creating honest and transparent conversations between job seekers and hiring managers led him to start his own business, providing executive search services and speaking engagements. As a guest on Free Agent, Chad shares his insights and experiences, offering valuable advice for individuals considering transitioning from a traditional job to entrepreneurship. Listeners will gain inspiration and practical tips for navigating the transition process successfully.
The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:15 - People First Strategy 00:06:33 - Job Search Challenges 00:09:34 - Becoming a Solopreneur 00:14:19 - The People First Principle 00:15:04 - The Importance of Mentors 00:18:02 - Finding Your Tribe 00:20:57 - The Risk of Not Taking a Chance 00:22:30 - The Freedom of Being Your Own Boss 00:26:05 - The AHA Moment 00:29:56 - Chad's Journey from Football to Baseball 00:31:39 - The ACE Presentation 00:35:23 - Overcoming Mental Barriers 00:37:51 - The Power of Taking Risks 00:39:47 - Working with Chad
Have you ever found yourself unexpectedly drawn towards a new path in life? Jeremy Dryer, a successful sales professional, certainly did. After watching HGTV, he and his wife took a leap of faith into the world of real estate, with dreams of flipping homes. Little did they know, this venture would lead them to a surprising twist that would change their lives forever. Curious about the unexpected turn of events? Stay tuned to discover the incredible journey that transformed Jeremy's life and allowed him to achieve financial and time freedom.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the power of passive investing in real estate syndications and unlock the potential for generating consistent cash flow without the hassle of being a landlord.
- Learn the importance of education in passive investing and how it can help you make informed financial decisions that can lead to long-term wealth creation.
- Gain valuable insights from past investment mistakes and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring a more successful and profitable investment journey.
- Experience the life-changing benefits of financial and time freedom, allowing you to live life on your own terms and pursue your passions without being tied down by a traditional 9-to-5 job.
- Explore the concept of diversification and discover how investing in different franchises can minimize risk and maximize potential returns, creating a well-rounded investment portfolio.
My special guest is Jeremy Dryer
Jeremy Dryer is an experienced investor and entrepreneur with a strong track record in passive real estate investing. With over 25 years of experience in sales and a proven ability to generate top results, Jeremy has successfully transitioned from a corporate job to owning his own real estate syndication fund company. He initially started his real estate journey with fix-and-flip investments, leveraging his wife's interior design skills and a trusted general contractor. However, as his family grew and priorities shifted, Jeremy made the strategic decision to focus on passive investing in real estate syndications. This move allowed him to achieve financial independence and time freedom, enabling him to prioritize his family and personal pursuits. Jeremy's expertise and success have led him to share his knowledge and educate others on the benefits of passive investing. Through his podcast appearances and real estate syndication fund, Jeremy is dedicated to helping individuals make informed investment decisions and achieve their own financial and time freedom.
The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:34 - Starting in Real Estate 00:04:58 - Educating Potential Investors 00:07:28 - Challenging Mindsets 00:09:59 - Lessons from Mistakes 00:16:03 - Diversification and Passive Investing 00:18:00 - Building a Business and Investing 00:19:33 - Hot Trends in Real Estate Investing 00:21:08 - Getting Started with Passive Real Estate Investing 00:30:43 - The Benefits of Reinvesting in Franchise Opportunities 00:32:09 - The Importance of Getting Started 00:33:11 - Take the Leap 00:33:39 - Closing Remarks
Discover how small business owners can break free from personal guarantees and unlock the power of financial independence by strategically separating personal and business credit in this eye-opening episode featuring the insightful and determined Andrew Cervenka from J Galt.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the importance of building business credit to fuel sustainable growth and increase your financial independence.
- Learn effective strategies for separating your personal and business credit, allowing you to protect your personal assets and establish a solid financial foundation for your business.
- Uncover the benefits of business credit for financing large purchases, opening up new growth opportunities and ensuring you have the capital you need when you need it.
- Gain insights into maximizing your business credit in trade industries, enabling you to take advantage of favorable trade terms, discounts, and increased purchasing power.
- Get valuable tips for building a strong business credit profile, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to position your business for success and access better financing options.
My special guest is andrew
Andrew Cervenka, a credit expert from J Gault, is the featured guest on this episode of The Free Agent. With his extensive knowledge and experience in helping small business owners separate their personal and business credit, Andrew offers valuable insights and strategies to listeners. From understanding the different tiers of business credit to navigating the intricacies of building a solid foundation, Andrew shares practical tips and advice to help entrepreneurs achieve financial independence. His expertise in maximizing the benefits of separating personal and business credit makes him a trusted resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses and secure their financial future. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and take your business credit to the next level.
The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:01:19 - Maximizing Business Credit, 00:04:19 - Building Business Credit from the Start, 00:07:42 - Non-Recourse Lending and Financing, 00:10:44 - Growth in the Trades Industry, 00:15:49 - Researching Unknown Phone Calls, 00:16:26 - Benefits of Building Business Credit, 00:17:43 - Qualifying for Corporate Accounts and Credit Cards, 00:19:38 - Building Business Credit Methodically,
In the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship, Leighann Lovely's journey took an unexpected turn. From the initial rush of independence to the sobering reality of solopreneurship, she discovered that running a business is not all glitz and glamour. In this captivating podcast, Leighann shares her triumphs and tribulations, shedding light on the challenges that await every aspiring business owner. Brace yourself for a twist that will leave you wondering: How did Leighann navigate the maze of responsibilities and emerge victorious?
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover practical strategies for achieving financial freedom through self-employment.
- Gain insights into the challenges and realities of running a business and learn how to navigate them successfully.
- Understand the importance of implementing systems and tools to drive growth and streamline operations in your business.
- Learn effective pricing strategies and how to determine the value of your services to maximize profitability.
- Discover the power of building a strong support network and prioritizing mental health to increase resilience as a business owner.
My special guest is Leighann Lovely
Leighann Lovely is a dynamic self-employed business owner hailing from the bustling market of Milwaukee. With an adventurous spirit and a drive for success, Leighann made the bold decision to venture into the world of entrepreneurship a few years ago. Since then, she has experienced the ups and downs of running her own business, gaining invaluable knowledge and resilience along the way. Leighann is renowned for her exceptional networking skills and has established strong connections within the local business community. As a fractional sales professional, she assists clients of varying sizes, from ambitious startups to established corporations, in achieving their sales objectives. Leighann's journey exemplifies the determination and tenacity required to thrive as a business owner, making her a sought-after guest on the Free Agent Podcast. Tune in to discover her practical strategies and insights for conquering the challenges of entrepreneurship.
The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:02 - Introduction, 00:01:53 - Taking the Leap into Self-Employment, 00:03:33 - The Reality of Running Your Own Business, 00:04:36 - Figuring Out the Ins and Outs of Business, 00:09:01 - Becoming Profitable, 00:16:25 - Overcoming Addictions and Setting Boundaries, 00:17:58 - Valuing Your Product and Conducting Market Research, 00:19:42 - Building a Supportive Network, 00:23:12 - Balancing Work and Personal Life, 00:26:28 - Maintaining Mental Health as an Entrepreneur, 00:33:00 - The Desire for Authenticity and Freedom, 00:34:40 - Embracing Mistakes as a Business Owner, 00:35:44 - Overcoming Resistance and Taking Action, 00:36:48 - Finding Motivation and Enjoyment in the Work, 00:37:44 - Reflection and Satisfaction in Making a Difference,
Discover how Carey Gille's journey took an unexpected turn, propelling her from the fast-paced world of startups to the structured realm of corporate America. Witness her transformation as she embraces new concepts and strategies, leading to unparalleled success for her company. But what happens when Carey returns home and stumbles upon a franchise opportunity that ignites a passion within her? Join us as we delve into her thrilling story and uncover the surprising twist that sets the stage for a whole new adventure.
My special guest is Carey Gille
Meet Carey Gille, a committed entrepreneur who flawlessly blends her affinity for business development with a personal mission for creating impactful franchise opportunities. She's a co-founder of Franchise Fastlane, a company she's been steering towards success since its inception in 2017. Carey's keen eye for spotting potential in brands and her ability to build robust infrastructures for franchisees and franchisors sets her apart. She's known for her strategic insight, hands-on approach to operations, and her distinctive ability to handle rapid growth effectively.
The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:04 - Introduction, 00:02:43 - The Genesis of Franchise Fastlane, 00:06:12 - Finding the Right Brand Fit, 00:10:47 - Case Study: Everline, 00:11:51 - Franchise Consultants as Franchisees, 00:12:56 - The Importance of Investing in the Right Leads, 00:16:08 - Development Techniques and Franchisee Selection, 00:19:09 - Programs to Enhance Brand Performance, 00:22:30 - Handling Terminated Brand Partnerships, 00:24:17 - The Role of a Franchise Sales Organization, 00:26:07 - Brands and Growth, 00:26:53 - Introducing Carpool, 00:29:21 - On-Ramp and Off-Ramp, 00:31:27 - Avoiding Heartbreak, 00:35:13 - The Value of Relationships, 00:39:47 - The Importance of Succession Planning, 00:40:09 - Waves and Flags, 00:40:40 - Future Plans, 00:41:16 - Compassion for Founders, 00:41:35 - Conclusion and Gratitude,
From criminology to the beauty industry, join us as we follow Melanie's incredible journey of determination and passion. But just as her business reaches new heights, a shocking revelation threatens to unravel everything she's worked for. Will Melanie overcome this unexpected obstacle, or will her dreams be shattered? Tune in to find out.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Explore a fascinating career switch from criminology to owning a beauty business and the lessons learned.
- Get a clue on setting up a thriving spray tanning enterprise anchored on education and top-notch service.
- Realize the importance of spotting opportunities and taking calculated risks in the entrepreneurial landscape.
- Take a peek into constructing a franchise that prioritizes customers’ preferences and adheres to clean skincare principles.
- Understand the path to starting, managing, and growing a profitable business in the beauty industry.
My special guest is Melanie
Get to know Melanie, a former criminology professional turned beauty industry entrepreneur. With a decade of experience in handling challenging profiles in her law enforcement role, Melanie demonstrated her strength and determination. When a passion for beauty and an unexplored market in tanning presented themselves, she seized the opportunity and founded Go Glow. Today, Melanie is credited with introducing a novel approach to spray tanning, revolutionizing the industry, and making beauty more accessible.
The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:02:56 - Melanie's Background, 00:07:33 - Starting Go Glow, 00:10:47 - Growth and Challenges, 00:12:23 - Educating and Improving the Industry, 00:14:02 - Expanding the Business, 00:15:41 - Building for Franchising, 00:18:27 - Unique Opportunity in the Beauty Industry, 00:21:38 - Positive Customer Experience, 00:27:23 - Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, 00:28:57 - Introduction to LMS (Learning Management System), 00:29:36 - Excitement about the Franchising Industry, 00:30:26 - Comprehensive Support for Franchisees, 00:32:12 - Confidence in Franchise Partnership, 00:33:23 - Passion for the Go Glow Brand,
Step into the extraordinary journey of Jackson Hill, a maverick in the world of commercial real estate. His story will captivate your entrepreneurial spirit and ignite your passion for revitalizing traditional businesses. But beware, the unexpected twist in his tale will leave you craving for more, eagerly awaiting the revelation that will reshape your perception of success. Brace yourself for a riveting adventure filled with innovation, courage, and the power of fresh perspectives.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Uncover the unspoken benefits of laying foundations for a thriving business by taking purposeful action.
- Discover the transformative power of mentorship and how it shapes personal growth and business success.
- Understand how fostering a nurturing community can add value to your professional path and fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
- Delve into the heart of the ever-evolving retail sector and the indispensability of innovation in this landscape.
- Learn to breathe new life into conventional businesses with a mild dash of fresh perspectives and a radical change in approach. List 2:
My special guest is Jackson Hill
Say hello to Jackson Hill, a revolutionary figure in the world of commercial real estate. His company, Reimagine, aptly captures his impactful approach towards traditional business models. Spanning over a ten-year career, Jackson has a knack for spotting potential in franchise brands and believes in partnering with them for long-term growth. His knowledge extends beyond business strategies, dipping into cultivating passionate teams and navigating through crises with solid leadership. His ethos of choosing authenticity over quick wins offers a refreshing take on entrepreneurship. Jackson's insights are incredibly valuable for anyone looking to redefine conventional business boundaries.
The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:05 - Introduction, 00:01:28 - About Reimagined Group, 00:04:36 - Choosing Brands to Align With, 00:07:08 - Focus on Health, Fitness, and Wellness, 00:10:22 - Freedom to Say No, 00:14:33 - Getting to Know Your Partners, 00:15:48 - Dividing Labor and Avoiding Resentment, 00:16:59 - Two Partners vs. Three Partners, 00:18:12 - Living in Different Markets, 00:19:15 - Surprises and Trends in the Retail Industry, 00:28:27 - The concept of giving a new approach to necessary but boring things, 00:29:24 - Just start and don't wait for the perfect time, 00:30:43 - Seek wisdom from those who have been through it before, 00:31:29 - Surround yourself with like-minded and positive people, 00:32:34 - Take the plunge and just do it,
Do you want to maximize your income by purchasing a franchise that offers high-profit margins? Are you searching for an investment that not only allows you to earn substantial income but also offers semi-absentee hours? Look no further, because in this discussion, our guest Turp Ricketts will reveal the key to achieving this desired outcome. Discover how Blingle's unique value proposition can empower professionals like you to unlock the full potential of business ownership and generate exceptional profits through a combination of high-margin sales and repeat business.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Explore the road untraveled; learning the true benefits of owning a franchise.
- Undercover Blingle's unique residual revenue strategy and the high profit margins it brings.
- See how going beyond seasonal trends with year-round lighting services has rewarded Blingle.
- Experience the magnetic vibrancy and swift growth culture within the Horsepower brands.
- Understand the massive impact of leveraging technology and data-driven decisions by analyzing Blingle's business model.
My special guest is Turp Ricketts
Meet Turp Ricketts, a dynamic and personable franchise expert with a passion for empowering emerging businesses. Boasting a rich background in franchising from working with a janitorial company to heading up a franchise finance vertical, Turp's extensive experience offers valuable insights to any business owner. His current role at Horsepower Brands has allowed him to develop the compelling franchise model of Blingle, a unique lighting company that combines high-margin sales with residual income.
The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:03:17 - Becoming the First Employee, 00:07:00 - Blingle and the Importance of Access to Lighting Products, 00:09:18 - Blingle's Business Model, 00:10:32 - Employee Range and Employment Model, 00:13:00 - Lighting up the Holidays with Firefighters, 00:14:36 - Overcoming the Seasonal Perception, 00:16:10 - Artificial Intelligence in the Business Model, 00:21:29 - The Appeal of Blingle, 00:23:06 - Attributes of a Blingle Owner, 00:25:53 - Success and Challenges of Growing Blingle, 00:28:26 - Continuous Improvement and Team Growth, 00:29:08 - The Story behind "Turp", 00:30:49 - Appreciation for Support and Collaboration, 00:31:41 - Conclusion and Call to Action,
Do you want to make well-informed decisions and discover the perfect franchising partner? Are you searching for a reputable franchise organization that values communication and values your input? Join us as Whit Shepherd shares critical solutions to help you achieve your goal of finding the ideal franchise partner. The answer lies in understanding the immense value that effective communication and franchisee input brings to franchise organizations, allowing you to make informed decisions and ultimately find success.
My special guest is Whit Shepherd
Say hello to Whit Shepherd, a seasoned expert in the realm of franchising. He started his professional life by achieving his ambitious career goals in corporate America only to realize that his true calling lay in business ownership. Enroute to realizing his true potential, he has aided iconic brands from inception to success and now aligns with Horsepower, a forward-thinking franchise model. Given the breadth of his experience and the diversity of his professional journey, Whit brings an unmatched perspective to the table. He is instrumental in illuminating the importance of communication and franchisee input in franchise organizations.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:01:37 - The Power of Horsepower Brands, 00:06:09 - Witt's Journey in Franchising, 00:07:59 - Joining Horsepower Brands, 00:10:54 - Avoiding Heartache, 00:14:09 - How Franchisees Are Heard, 00:15:31 - Representing iPhone and Lingo, 00:17:57 - The Appeal of Blingle, 00:20:32 - Diversification and Empire Building, 00:24:38 - Ideal Franchisee Profile, 00:28:17 - The Excitement of Alignment, 00:28:44 - Insights into the Guest, 00:29:18 - Pre-Qualifying Brands, 00:29:36 - Changing Lives, 00:30:00 - Conclusion,
Do you want to achieve significant growth and diversify your income through owning a franchise? Are you looking for a lucrative opportunity that can cater to entrepreneurs and investors like yourself? Join me as I reveal how Heroes Lawn Care can help you attain the success and expansion you desire. Get ready to discover the key to achieving substantial growth and increasing your earnings with this exceptional franchise opportunity.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Uncover the growth formula employed by Heroes Lawn Care to become an appealing franchise prospect.
- Gauge the effectiveness of semi-absentee business models supplemented with full-service support.
- Fathom the opportunity to diversify income by capitalizing on market demand across various territories.
- Discern the need for continuous monitoring and focus on key performance indicators.
- Delve into the ways technology can be utilized to set apart and succeed in the lawn care industry.
My special guest is Jon Denton
Let me introduce you to Jon Denton, a director of development with a knack for sales and a history of success. His story starts in software and technology sales, where he spent a decade as a senior VP pitching products from CRM to cybersecurity. The transition to franchising came when a friend at Horsepower Brands nudged him just the right way - making Jon realize his passion aligned perfectly with Heroes Lawn Care. Using skills honed in the software industry, he now focuses on making Heroes grow, leveraging technology to innovate and stay ahead of competitors.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
00:01:00 - Background and Entry into Franchising,
00:03:00 - Technology in Heroes,
00:04:30 - Competitive Landscape and Revenue Streams,
00:05:20 - Ideal Franchisee Profile,
00:15:51 - "Impressive Growth and Sales Success",
00:16:26 - "Investment Strategy and Income Potential",
00:17:18 - "Semi Absentee Model and Full Support",
00:18:23 - "Data Monitoring and Business Control",
00:19:10 - "Investor Opportunity and Brand Maximization",
Experience the extraordinary journey of Anthony Spagnola as he navigates the franchise world, from the bustling streets of New York City to the heartland of Nebraska. But hold on tight, because this is no ordinary tale. Amidst the twists and turns, Anthony stumbles upon Horsepower Brands, a franchise that astounds him with its unparalleled support system for franchisees. Intrigued? Stay tuned to discover how this unexpected encounter leads to a life-changing decision, and explore the extraordinary strengths and support that Horsepower provides for individuals seeking a semi-absentee franchise opportunity.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Dive into the unique support system horse-powered Brands provide for its franchisees, critical for business success.
- Uncover the salient attributes of Mighty Dog Roofing Franchisees - a profile essential for all franchise aspirants.
- Get inspired by the success narratives voiced by Horsepower Brands' franchisees.
- Explore the prospects of expansion into other Horsepower Brands and the benefits of leveraging pre-existing infrastructure.
- Learn about the semi-absentee model, a flexible approach that allows franchisees to retain their current job while growing their business. List 2:
My special guest is Anthony Spagnola
Joining us is Anthony Spagnola, an industry expert with over ten years of experience across various layers of the franchising industry. As a vibrant professional, Anthony began his journey in New York, working for an innovative tech startup keen on penetrating the franchisee market. Anthony's strategic initiatives guided his impressive career path that included a role as the Vice President of Metric Collective. Yet, the entrepreneurial bug bit, leading him to build and run, his own small-scale restaurant franchises in New Jersey. This kaleidoscope of experiences has armed Anthony with a wealth of practical knowledge that he is now using to help others at Horsepower Brands.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:03 - Introduction,
00:00:57 - Anthony's Experience in Franchising,
00:04:33 - What Impressed Anthony about Horsepower,
00:07:26 - Success Stories with Mighty Dog Roofing,
00:10:11 - Ideal Candidate Profile for Mighty Dog Roofing,
00:15:14 - Strengths of the Horsepower system,
00:17:23 - Flexibility of owner-operator or semi-absentee model,
00:19:10 - Advantages of home service franchising,
00:20:13 - Savings and advantages for franchisees,
Discover the extraordinary journey of Zach, a young entrepreneur who defied expectations and found himself at the helm of a nutrition concept at just 18. His unexpected rise to leadership paved the way for a deep understanding of franchising that would shape his future. But as fate would have it, his path took an unexpected turn, leading to a challenging bankruptcy at 24. How did Zach bounce back from this setback and build a successful franchising empire? Find out as we explore the inspiring twists and turns of his remarkable story.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Uncover the path Zach took in creating franchises and building numerous locations.
- Discover the solutions Zach found when faced with larger competition and the threat of bankruptcy.
- Realize the success that Mighty Dog Roofing and Horsepower Brands attained in the franchise industry.
- Appreciate the impact of industry knowledge, franchisee support, and franchise development - as Zach's three pillars in the franchise business model.
- Learn about the priceless support in entrepreneurship, the importance of structured business plans and the right strategies.
My special guest is Zach
Introducing Zach Butler, a true maverick of the franchising landscape. Starting his entrepreneurial journey at 21 with a nutrition franchise, he swiftly mastered the art of advertising, sales, and people development. Despite early hurdles and a personal financial turmoil, Zach retained his entrepreneur spirit, rebounding as a stalwart in the franchising space. His astute business acumen and leadership prowess led him to co-found and develop Horsepower Brands. Zach's experiences, deep industry knowledge, and authentic grit paint his narrative as a powerhouse in the dynamic world of franchising.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:02:23 - Zach's Background in Franchising,
00:07:10 - Launching Mighty Dog Roofing,
00:10:40 - Lessons Learned and Support,
00:12:15 - Tracking Performance and KPIs,
00:14:19 - Strategies for Improving Closing Percentage,
00:15:22 - Leveraging Data and Referrals,
00:16:30 - Acquiring or Building Support Services,
00:18:28 - Loss Leader Investments,
00:24:06 - Future Growth and Disruption,
00:29:08 - Building Brands from Zero to 500,
00:31:06 - The Importance of Vision,
00:32:24 - Learning from Experience,
00:33:03 - Preparation and Prevention,
00:34:25 - Building the Perfect Franchise,
In the realm of franchise ownership, Stephanie Ruby's journey took an unexpected turn, leaving her with a bittersweet inheritance that forever changed her path. A financial gift presented an opportunity she couldn't resist - a coffee franchise that aligned perfectly with her passion. But little did she know, the twist awaiting her in the world of Image Studios salon suite concept would alter the course of her life in unimaginable ways. Hold your breath and prepare for a tale of bravery, uncertainty, and the pursuit of work-life balance that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
My special guest is Stephanie Ruby
Making a massive career leap is never easy, but Stephanie Ruby's story is one of success and constant learning. After ten long years in retail weight loss, including her final stint at Jenny Craig, Stephanie sought a career that would offer stability and work-life balance following the birth of her first child. The franchising industry beckoned her, and she found herself in Mosquito Hunters, a part of a larger franchise system. Stephanie loves her job and does it with great fervor and dedication. Moreover, Stephanie and her sister ventured into franchise ownership themselves, adding another exciting chapter to her rewarding journey.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:02:31 - Getting into Franchising,
00:05:19 - Investing in a Franchise,
00:09:17 - Choosing Image Studios,
00:11:05 - Employee vs. No Employee,
00:13:53 - The Importance of Long-Term Goals and Support,
00:15:02 - The Three Pillars and Job Satisfaction,
00:17:39 - Balancing Franchise Ownership with a Full-Time Job,
00:20:51 - Benefits of Franchise Ownership and Supportive Network,
00:26:55 - Anticipating Benefits of Ownership,
00:28:37 - Location and Development Opportunities,
00:29:31 - Grand Opening and Networking,
00:30:15 - Aligning with Image Studios,
00:31:27 - Building a Team and Reputation,
00:34:32 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Business Ownership,
Have you heard these myths about becoming a franchise owner in the home services industry? Myth #1: Franchise owners have no control over their business. Myth #2: Franchise fees are too expensive and not worth it. Myth #3: Franchise owners are bound by strict rules and regulations. In this episode, our guest Travis will debunk these myths and reveal the truth about the advantages and freedoms of becoming a franchise owner in the home services industry.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover how stepping away from the corporate world and embracing entrepreneurship can open up exciting franchising opportunities.
- Realize the vital role of in-depth training and mastering the craft in successful franchise ownership.
- Unearth the numerous advantages and freedoms that come with being a franchise owner in the dynamic home services sector.
- Learn about the collaborative and promotional opportunities that thrive within the framework of the Premium Service Brands network.
- Witness surprising career transitions and how a shift in mindset can underscore autonomy and pave the way for non-traditional careers.
My special guests are Travis Nicolette and Lou Kim
Travis and Lou are seasoned veterans in the franchising industry. With an intriguing blend of both corporate and entrepreneurial backgrounds, these gentlemen have crafted successful paths in the home service sector. Lou, with an invigorating 20 years of corporate experience under his belt, chose to break free and tread his entrepreneurial journey with Prolif, a respected garage door service brand. Lou's leadership prowess and commitment to exceeding customer expectations have been key to his success. Similarly, Travis, a long-term Verizon team member, made use of his corporate learnings and applied those to his entrepreneurial venture. Fueled by the same endeavor of providing premier client experience, Travis' journey with Prolif has been invigorating.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:02:00 - Lou's Journey to Franchising,
00:06:14 - Travis's Journey to Franchising,
00:09:43 - Impact of the Pandemic,
00:11:25 - Training and Support,
00:14:42 - Importance of Step-by-Step Training,
00:15:08 - Balancing Franchise Parameters and Business Ownership,
00:16:14 - The Regret of Not Spending More Time on Learning,
00:19:06 - The Importance of Hands-On Experience,
00:23:08 - Taking Over an Existing Franchise,
00:28:06 - The Importance of Trial and Error in Franchising,
00:28:41 - The Value of Validation Calls,
00:30:07 - The Benefits of a Mentoring Group,
00:31:20 - The Challenges of Starting a Franchise,
00:34:00 - Considerations for Diversifying and Investing in Another Brand,
00:41:52 - The Importance of Thinking Outside the Box,
00:43:23 - Embracing Non-Traditional Paths,
00:45:12 - Hiring Female Employees in a Non-Traditional Industry,
00:47:26 - Shifting Focus to Customer Service and Sales,
00:49:57 - Meeting Urgent Client Needs,
If you're feeling frustrated and unfulfilled despite your efforts to find success, then you are not alone! Despite taking on multiple projects and new roles, you may still find yourself lacking the sense of purpose and satisfaction you desire.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Uncover the vital role of a supportive network in entrepreneurship.
- Imbibe the importance of self-affirmation and a constructive attitude in scaling the ladder of success.
- Learn when to modify or spin your business course for optimum results.
- Reflect on the challenges and perks of taking the reins of your work.
- See how matching your strengths and passions can propel your personal and professional progress.
My special guest is Ethan Chazin
Meet Ethan Chazin, a renowned speaker, consultant, and author who has carved out a niche for himself in the field of business growth and development. In a career spanning over a decade, Ethan has dedicated himself to leveraging his expertise to help businesses reach their full potential. His unique approach focuses on aligning individual strengths and passions for the attainment of personal and professional growth. Ethan's grasp of organizational development sets a new precedent for many solopreneurs and career transitioners looking for insightful guidance.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
- Subscribe to the Free Agent podcast: Stay up to date with inspiring conversations about self-employment, business ownership, and financial freedom by subscribing to the Free Agent podcast with Meg Schmitz.
- Consider franchising as a business model: If you're struggling to build infrastructure, internal processes, or marketing strategies for your business, explore the option of franchising. Download Meg's free ebook on franchise ownership to learn more about the benefits and support system that franchising offers.
- Reflect on your goals: Take the time to write down your monthly, quarterly, and annual goals. Regularly assess your progress, successes, and areas for improvement. Use this reflection to adapt and pivot your approach to achieve your desired outcomes.
- Build a supportive network: Surround yourself with people who truly understand and support your entrepreneurial journey. Identify a select few individuals who know you well and will provide emotional sustenance during both the good and challenging times.
- Carve out time for self-affirmation: Spend a few minutes each day nurturing yourself and reminding yourself that you are deserving of success. Practice self-affirmation to counteract any negative thoughts or self-doubt.
- Be adaptable and flexible: While maintaining focus on your end
Discover the untold story of Brian Conrad, the numbers cruncher turned franchise owner. Journey with him through the unexpected twists and turns of his entrepreneurial path. Find out how he defied the odds and created a life of autonomy and freedom. But be prepared for a surprise twist that will leave you yearning for more. Join us as we unveil the hidden secrets of franchise ownership, and unlock the potential that lies within. Get ready to embark on a journey that will inspire and empower you to carve your own path. Can you guess what unexpected twist awaits?
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Navigate the transformation from Fortune 500 data analyst to a successful franchise owner through the story of Brian Conrad.
- Investigate how the robust infrastructure and resources provided by 360 Painting can be a catalyst for your franchise dreams.
- Grasp the essence of how a well-executed system with apt people in control can scale your business beyond expectations.
- Expose yourself to the lucrative benefits of becoming a franchise owner and see how it can unlock enormous potential.
Enter the realm of franchising and prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary tale of resilience, determination, and unexpected twists. Join Danielle Wright on her rollercoaster journey, as she defies the odds and finds her true calling with Premium Service Brands. Discover the secret behind her unwavering spirit and how she turned setbacks into stepping stones towards success. Brace yourself for a story that will leave you inspired and yearning for more. But be warned, dear reader, for the most thrilling part of this story lies ahead, an unforeseen twist that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat, desperate to unravel its mystery.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Unearth the hidden riches in journey of a franchise and business proprietorship.
- Find effective strategies to diminish imposter syndrome, adopting personal growth.
- Access first-hand narratives of franchise ownership, equipping you with wisdom for your own business path.
- Perceive the value of mentors in surmounting fears and stepping into ownership.
- Fathom the extensive range of benefits through a partnership with Premium Service Brands.
My special guest is Danielle Wright
Meet Danielle Wright, a seasoned professional in the world of franchising with an incredible story of career reinvention. She transitioned from a regular job into the unknown world of franchising during a tough economic period. Danielle courageously navigated her path and soon emerged as a successful business owner with multiple franchise acquisitions under her belt. Persisting through her challenging experiences with franchise ownership, she has gained an abundance of wisdom and insight. Today, she's a thriving franchise recruitment expert, dedicated to inspiring and guiding budding entrepreneurs on their franchising journey.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:01:11 - Evaluating Business Ownership,
00:05:32 - Lessons Learned from Franchise Ownership,
00:07:02 - Becoming a Serial Frantrepreneur,
00:11:22 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome,
00:15:14 - Family and Friends' Perception of Franchising,
00:16:47 - Inspiring Others to Consider Franchising,
00:18:18 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Addressing Concerns,
00:21:48 - Joining Premium Service Brands,
00:24:15 - Learning the Nuances of Different Brands,
00:30:30 - The Right Fit for Me,
00:31:42 - Positivity and Support,
00:32:34 - Educating Consumers,
00:35:01 - Always Looking for Opportunities,
00:37:10 - Lifestyle Balance as a Business Owner,
00:45:39 - Finding Your Path,
00:45:50 - The Benefits of Franchising,
00:46:18 - Gratitude for Opportunities,
00:46:39 - Continued Growth Together,
00:47:09 - Closing Remarks,
In this episode of Free Agent, Jennifer Arthurton shares how she found empowerment and purpose after a series of difficult life events. But just as she thought she had it all figured out, a shocking setback leaves her questioning everything. What will happen next? Tune in to find out.
Meet Jennifer Arthurton, an engaging and empowering figure dedicated to helping midlife women take charge of their own destinies. Following a long and successful career in the corporate world, Jennifer faced multiple life challenges, including divorce, unemployment, and health issues. Through resilience and a strong sense of self, she emerged triumphant and has since used her experiences to become an empowerment coach and founder of the widely acclaimed podcast, Old Chicks Know Shit. Jennifer's mission to help other women in their personal journeys of growth and self-discovery is truly inspiring and serves as a beacon of hope to countless others.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
- Visit MegSchmitz.com to schedule a free informative call to explore franchise ownership opportunities.
- Listen to Jennifer Arthurton's podcast Old Chicks Know Shit for inspiration and empowerment for midlife women.
- Focus on your authenticity and uncover your gifts to leave a legacy through generativity.
- Check out ASA Collective for networking opportunities and connections with other entrepreneurs.
- Consider exploring creative outlets and finding your muse to tap into your creative spirit.
- Don't buy into limiting cultural narratives about aging and the midlife experience.
- Share your own story of reinvention and inspire others to take control of their own destiny.
- Explore the power of coaching and consider working with Jennifer Arthurton as an empowerment coach.
- Connect with other midlife women in your community or through online forums to share experiences and support each other.
- Take action and start designing the next chapter of your life on your own terms.
Meet Graham Pulliam, US Marine, MBA, and life-long learner in business.
Follow along as we navigate Graham’s decision to leave behind the “high-risk crazy” he lived in the military and entrepreneurship and try something different with TRIED AND TRUE values, vision, and outcomes by aligning with a franchise industry giant.
Nick Lopez needed more than his college scholarship, to remain in school. So, he found success using his entrepreneurial and painting skills to build a multi-million dollar painting franchise, Lime.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Foster franchise success by cultivating community and exchanging well-established methods.
- Preserve a cohesive brand image through precise franchisee selection.
- Recognize the stability of home services industries amid financial instability.
- Embrace a can-do attitude and strategic action to triumph over economic uncertainty. 5. Seek harmony with franchise culture and operations to achieve lasting growth.
When Angela Dunz moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in marketing, she had no idea that she would eventually become an expert in LinkedIn optimization. What started as her teaching a curriculum for transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship, soon blossomed into a passion and a successful career. But how did her journey lead her to this unexpected twist in her story?
In this episode, you will be able to:
1. Elevate your LinkedIn presence for increased credibility and visibility.
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Harness the impact of your photo and headline in attracting potential clients.
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Master the art of keyword usage and unique experiences for enhanced discoverability.
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Engage with connections, groups, and share content to build a strong professional community.
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Secure varied recommendations and showcase your expertise to boost your professional reputation.
Are you ready to take charge of your career and become self-employed through franchising? In this episode you will learn:
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- How Albert Hermans' background led him to join the Floor Coverings International franchise and how he has invested in the brand
- How Floor Coverings International has become the number one rated flooring company in terms of Net Promoter Score
- What traits and qualities a person needs to be successful in franchising. Albert Hermans is an entrepreneur and the current Franchise Development Director at Floor Coverings International, a mobile flooring business that has been around for 30 years and is the number one rated experience in the flooring industry.
Follow Jon Miller, a former Navy pilot, as he navigates a journey of exploration and discovery through nine different companies in 15 years, determined to become master of his own destiny and find true success as a business owner. Jon Miller is an Image Studios franchise owner and former Navy fighter pilot. He has a diverse background spanning nine different companies in 15 years, including the coffee industry, the medical device space, and the industrial metals world.
When Patrick Kagan's mentor challenges him to think differently, he rises to the challenge and, through the art of differentiation, goes from losing business to creating a category of one and ultimately secures the opportunity he had been striving for. In this episode, you will learn: 1. Exploring the concept of creating a “category of one” to stand out from the competition in a crowded marketplace. 2. Uncovering the power of differentiation as an action, and not just words, to manifest a reality of being distinguished from everybody else. 3. Examining the importance of hating one’s pain to turn it into a positive, and the motivation it can give to create a lasting impression.
John is the author of Boomer Reinvention, and an amazingly effective career transition specialist. John was forced to adapt after 18 jobs and 7 firings from the cruel world of Hollywood. Refusing to go back into the mouth of the lion, John turned to meditation, psychology, and spirituality to create a consultancy that helps others navigate towards fulfillment.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How to respond to the ever-changing world and use it to your advantage
- Techniques to connect to the part of yourself that already knows what your reinvention journey should be
- How to develop strategies and habits to cope with the uncertainty
In this episode, Jacqueline Fairfax, a 19-year franchise developer of a full service insurance restoration company, shares her insight on the remarkable success of a former military serviceman turned franchisee, highlighting the powerful mission and rewarding purpose of Paul Davis' franchise model.
After Troy and Beau uncover the hidden potential of garages, they embark on a journey to revolutionize the industry, facing obstacles and unexpected growth along the way. Here's what Troy, Beau and I cover: 1. The Untapped Potential of the Garage Space: Discover how one business is transforming the home improvement sector by unlocking the potential of the garage. 2. Pioneering a New Franchise Model: Learn how Garage Kings has developed a franchise model and the lessons learned along the way. 3. Transformative Power of Floor Coating: learn how floor coating can transform a basement or patio and make it safe, dust-free, and waterproof. Troy Rainsberg and Beau Citron are the CEO and President, respectively, of Garage Kings, a home services brand that specializes in transforming garages into living spaces. They have worked together to perfect the floor coating system and expand their services to include cabinets and storage solutions.
In this episode of the Free Agent podcast, Meg Schmidt guides listeners through the complexities of entering into a business partnership, highlighting the importance of asking the right questions to ensure success.
In this episode, you will learn: 1. What do female partnerships have that males do not when it comes to franchise businesses? 2. What is the best way to ensure success in a business partnership? 3. How do spousal arrangements affect the decision to enter a franchise business?
Elisa Ruer guides aspiring business partners through the treacherous waters of collaboration and partnership, while avoiding the ugly pitfalls of legal entanglements and personal conflict. In this episode, you will learn: 1. The Benefits of Working with an Attorney When Forming a Business Partnership 2. How Franchising Can Offer a Lower Risk of Business Failure 3. The Importance of Protecting Yourself Legally in Marital and Business Partnerships.
Following a successful year in 2022, despite inflation driving up costs, Jason Olsen, Founder and CEO of Image Studios, is on a mission to recruit and retain the right Franchisees to build a resilient salon suite Franchise, while navigating the economic implications of inflation. Here's what Jason Olsen and I cover: 1. What is the economic outlook for 2023 and how is it impacting investments? 2. How does the salon suite industry offer entrepreneurs a semi-absentee business model? 3. How is inflation impacting businesses in the beauty industry?
After Franchoice achieved record-breaking success in 2022, Meg challenges aspiring entrepreneurs to bet on themselves and make the leap into franchising to gain control of their financial future and achieve life-changing results.
When Misty Cook, a former Marine Corps officer, bets on herself and starts a concierge business to help retired generals transition from military to civilian life, she discovers that her mission-critical mindset is the key to unlocking her clients' financial freedom.
You will learn the secret strategies successful military veterans have used to transition smoothly into civilian life.
When Meg Roberts, a force of nature in the world of franchising, stepped into the unknown and became the CEO and president of The Lash Lounge, she was pleasantly surprised. Meg's journey uncovers an emerging beauty and wellness innovation with explosive demand.
I continue my conversation with Sue Petrowich, who took the leap into franchise ownership after years of dedicating her life to teaching. She risked everything to gain financial freedom and became her own boss - only to face unexpected challenges and a thrilling successful journey full of zigs and zags. Sue Petrowich is a co-founder of Great Clips Salons. She is an experienced business owner who has been in the franchising world for over 20 years, and she is passionate about creating a culture of support and success for her employees.
In this episode of the podcast, Meg Schmitz spotlights Sue Petrowich, an ambitious former teacher who, with her husband Jim, took the bold leap into franchising to gain financial freedom -- only to find out it was much more difficult than she imagined. Sue Petrowich is a former public school teacher and co-owner of 20 Great Clips Salons. She and her husband Jim took the leap into business ownership and franchising, and Sue now serves as the CFO and head of marketing for the company.
Alloy Personal Fitness is the perfect way to get in shape and take control of your destiny.
Here's what I cover with Rick Mayo in this episode: 1. How Rick Mayo's company, Alloy Personal Fitness, differentiates itself in the fitness industry 2. The importance of simplicity in a franchise concept 3. How discipline and structure can lead to more freedom, not less
Rick Mayo is the founder of Alloy Personal Fitness, a franchise that specializes in personal training. He has over 31 years of experience in the fitness industry, and has been involved in franchising for the past few years.
When Jamie Izaks, President of Northbrook Illinois and All Points PR, joins Meg Schmitz on the Free Agent podcast to discuss taking control of your future, he highlights the importance of a good PR partner, emphasizing the need for infrastructure and momentary ambition for franchisees to reach their desired success.
You will learn:
1. What strategies do good PR firms use to demonstrate the value of a franchise to potential investors?
2. What are the key considerations for franchisees transitioning to becoming free agents?
3. What are the differences between marketing for B2B and B2C businesses?
When professional car racer, Emmet O'Brien is introduced to waterless car washing technology, he takes the leap into self-employment and becomes his own boss.
This week, I interviewed one of my favorite attorneys, Andrew Bleiman. In this episode, Andrew and I have a lively exchange around these topics:
- Understanding the FDD: it’s just as important what is omitted as what is included
- War/Horror Stories that are informative and meaningful to your potential investment
- Red flags that you can find and research on your own about any franchise opportunity
Brian Garrison is significant in the world of franchising as the President and COO of Buzz Franchise Brands. Of greater importance is that Brian served for more than 22 years in the Navy with an impressive career in leadership, building teams and systems. He’s also a pilot, and knows the thrill of aviation as well as the dangers of active duty.
In this episode, Brian and I discuss;
- The compelling arguments for franchising as an Exit Strategy
- The transition from military life to civilian
- How the military culture of team work is missing in the world of independent business ownership.
Brian Garrison is significant in the world of franchising as the President and COO of Buzz Franchise Brands. Of greater importance is that Brian served for more than 22 years in the Navy with an impressive career in leadership, building teams and systems. He’s also a pilot, and knows the thrill of aviation as well as the dangers of active duty.
In this episode, Brian and I discuss;
- The compelling arguments for franchising as an Exit Strategy
- The transition from military life to civilian
- How the military culture of team work is missing in the world of independent business ownership.
A super dynamo in franchising, my interview with Cary Tober was further proof that once the Entrepreneurial Spirit hits the gene pool, it never goes away. It just gets stronger and more exhilarating!
In this episode, we discuss;
- Becoming an entrepreneur during adolescence
- Learning leadership and transparency through challenges
- Rep M plans for continued exponential growth
A super dynamo in franchising, my interview with Cary Tober was further proof that once the Entrepreneurial Spirit hits the gene pool, it never goes away. It just gets stronger and more exhilarating!
In this episode, we discuss;
- Becoming an entrepreneur during adolescence
- Learning leadership and transparency through challenges
- Rep M plans for continued exponential growth
Erik Haass was referred to me during his job search. He had a great career with a great company, but was locked in a silo without room to maneuver. Although owning a business hadn't really been on his radar, it was for his wife, Rebecca!Listen to our frank discussion about;
- Making the time to learn
- Focusing on franchising
- Finding the confidence during tumultuous changes
Erik Haass was referred to me during his job search. He had a great career with a great company, but was locked in a silo without room to maneuver. Although owning a business hadn't really been on his radar, it was for his wife, Rebecca!Listen to our frank discussion about;
- Making the time to learn
- Focusing on franchising
- Finding the confidence during tumultuous changes
Adam Griggs is a small business coach, and a serial entrepreneur. He is as self-aware as they come. Energy, enthusiasm and excitement drive Adam to support his business community. He freely shares his experience and knowledge with me, and got me to admit my own weaknesses and fears while rebooting my business.
Kelsey Stuart is a true entrepreneur and student of humanity. As one of three brothers carrying on the legacy of their serial business start-up mother, Kelsey graduated not from college, but from the School Of Hard Knocks. Starting as a youngster helping his mom work the window blinds cleaning machine that was going to make the family wealthy (not), Kelsey absorbed the fortitude necessary to make mistakes and learn from them, so that the entire franchise system grows better and stronger.
In This episode, we discuss;
- From mom and pop shop to franchisor
- How to identify ideal franchisees
- Creating a family culture
Rachel Stender graduated from college and into a multiple location expansion with a major US retailer. This was the foundation for her enthusiasm for solid, properly executed franchise development and growth. In this episode, we discuss:
- RepM Brands: their 4 pillars that ensure success for both franchisor and franchisee
- Pandemic trends and shifts that create value for business owners
- Projected opportunities in 2023: franchise related funding practices and market demand
Meet Eric Schmitz of Crescent Grove Advisors. Eric offers sage advice in this episode, targeted at the current financial climate and sound investment strategies.
Listen in as we discuss:
- Current investment opportunities and mistakes investors make
- The soothing role a good advisor offers to alleviate clients’ emotional reactions
- The benefits of franchising as a diversification strategy
Meet Eric Schmitz of Crescent Grove Advisors. Eric offers sage advice in this episode, targeted at the current financial climate and sound investment strategies.
Listen in as we discuss:
- Current investment opportunities and mistakes investors make
- The soothing role a good advisor offers to alleviate clients’ emotional reactions
- The benefits of franchising as a diversification strategy
I'm joined by my brilliant colleague, David Weaver, who shares
the same passions for the great outdoors and our weekend activities, as well as a deep love for our consulting businesses. We’ve talked about raising goats and chickens, managing invasive species on our properties, and the fun of raising our kids to love and protect nature.
Why does this matter? Freedom of choice in creating the life and lifestyle we want to enjoy.
Listen in as we discuss;
- The reward of freedom, both personal and professional, with the right investment
- Critical financial insights that motivate and inspire buyers today
- The beauty of creating financial success at an early age allowing a “retired” mindset
I'm joined by my brilliant colleague, David Weaver, who shares
the same passions for the great outdoors and our weekend activities, as well as a deep love for our consulting businesses. We’ve talked about raising goats and chickens, managing invasive species on our properties, and the fun of raising our kids to love and protect nature.
Why does this matter? Freedom of choice in creating the life and lifestyle we want to enjoy.
Listen in as we discuss;
- The reward of freedom, both personal and professional, with the right investment
- Critical financial insights that motivate and inspire buyers today
- The beauty of creating financial success at an early age allowing a “retired” mindset
My guest, Dr. Madan Kandula, is always pushing the boundaries in business and in medicine. He opened his first ENT clinic in 2004 after becoming disillusioned with the mainstream health care system. Now with more than a dozen locations in the Midwest, I was curious to learn how a medical doctor and surgeon became a visionary entrepreneur who still sees patients while meticulously expanding his clinics.
Listen in as we discuss:
- Doing the right thing as Operator and Business Owner
- The Team includes his wife, a staunch supporter in all aspects of growth
- The fundamentals of franchising and how that benefitted his privately held clinics
My guest, Dr. Madan Kandula, is always pushing the boundaries in business and in medicine. He opened his first ENT clinic in 2004 after becoming disillusioned with the mainstream health care system. Now with more than a dozen locations in the Midwest, I was curious to learn how a medical doctor and surgeon became a visionary entrepreneur who still sees patients while meticulously expanding his clinics.
Listen in as we discuss:
- Doing the right thing as Operator and Business Owner
- The Team includes his wife, a staunch supporter in all aspects of growth
- The fundamentals of franchising and how that benefitted his privately held clinics
If owning a busines was easy, everyone would have one. Owning and operating a franchise is just as challenging. Podcast host, Meg Schmitz shares her early experiences as a new franchise owner, mistakes made and learned lessons.
If owning a busines was easy, everyone would have one. Owning and operating a franchise is just as challenging. Podcast host, Meg Schmitz shares her early experiences as a new franchise owner, mistakes made and learned lessons.
In this special edition episode, I speak with Jason Olson, Founder and CEO of IMAGE Studios. Without fanfare, we jumped right into the nitty gritty success story that is now a mature brand with more than 100 units purchased, and over 50 open or under construction.
Year over year, including the last 2 during the pandemic, IMAGE has delivered on their promises of franchisee support, unit growth and profitability. As a brand, Jason is building a value proposition for future franchisees that is the Triple Win:
no labor issues
unending consumer demand
no threats from economic, pandemic, or Amazon attacks.
My guest for this episode is none other than the Fabulous Dorris Burch. Dorris has quite an empire that embraces femininity and empowerment, and her mission is to inspire women to be so much more.
Our inspiring topics today include:
- Feminine versus masculine energy
- The role that fashion played in building Dorris’ image and career
- Dorris’ start in business and building a narrative that unlocked her Unlimited Potential
What if a forced pivot is the best thing that could ever happen to you?
That was the experience my guest, Mark Zucker, had. When the digital revolution threatened to eliminate his photography business after 15 years, something unexpected happened.
Here's what you’ll learn from this week's conversation:
- The important decision that lengthened the runway of his wedding album business and has kept it profitable for the last 10 years.
- The power of applying a startup mentality to every business
- How working-from-home provides the perfect opportunity to explore entrepreneurship risk-free
- The financial, professional and mental health benefits of dabbling in a side hustle and potential opportunities you can go after.
- How he created off-the-chart growth in his outsourcing business by helping other entrepreneurs pivot and keep their business viable in the pandemic.
Guest Bio
Mark is the co-founder of MCVO Talent Outsource, and founder and CEO of Zookbinders. He is an involved leader who thrives on helping professional photographers run a more profitable business. Known for providing the wedding industry's finest quality photo albums, Zookbinders continues to innovate to keep pace with the changing needs of photographers.
In 2017, Zucker co-founded an outsourcing company that helps US companies reduce costs by providing office talent from the Philippines. MCVO Talent Outsource has a unique business model that can help companies save 20K-30K per employee!
Zucker is a mentor to young entrepreneurs and a frequent speaker on topics such as: innovation, finding your niche and helping small businesses improve profits. For more information on Mark’s outsourcing service visit https://www.mcvotalent.com/ and to learn more about the wedding album business visit https://www.zookbinders.com/.
Have you ever had a business idea you didn't act on? We all have!
But this week's guest took action, and I’m excited to share her story with you.
Over the course of 23 years, Colette Bell and her husband took a handyman business that started in their basement and built it into an attractive franchise system other entrepreneurs wanted to invest in.
When their success caught the attention of Ace Hardware Corporation, an unstoppable partnership and a bigger opportunity was born.
In this week's episode, Colette shares the whole story, from the early wins, to the discoveries and pivots that took them from basement to boardroom.
You’ll learn;
- How your choice of franchisee impacts the results of the entire organization and how you can set everyone up for success.
- How to keep your carefully-cultivated culture and intellectual capital intact as you expand
- What makes a larger company the perfect vehicle for impact, opportunity and market domination.
- The key shift that helped the business survive both the recession and the pandemic
I love the passion Colette has for her role as a franchisor, and her perspectives on this will be valuable to anyone interested in the franchise world. You’ll enjoy this rare and delightful insight into the life of a franchisor, and get inspired to start seeing more entrepreneurship opportunities around you!
Guest Bio
Colette Bell is the VP of Franchise Development at Ace Handyman Services, and her husband Andy is the CEO. The first Ace Handyman Services office was in the basement of Andy and Colette’s Denver home, where they conducted business from a sheet of plywood placed atop an unused pool table. In the two decades since they started, The Ace Handyman Services Franchise Organization has expanded from coast to coast in 200 territories while continuing to embrace the same values and concepts. For more information, visit https://www.acehandymanservices.com/.
If you've thought about moving from corporate into business ownership, this week's podcast episode is for you.
After 15 years as a leader at Johnson & Johnson and DJO Global, Ken Theiler decided to scratch his entrepreneurial itch, making an unexpected but strategic choice. And I’d say it paid off in a huge way!
Because of Ken’s laser focus on customer satisfaction, his loyal customer base followed him even after he separated from the franchisor; an incredible feat for someone with no background in that industry.
Choosing the right business vehicle for you is such an important decision. For me, franchising is the perfect foundation to explore entrepreneurship with confidence, because you’re not alone.
In today’s episode, Ken shares what made him gravitate to an entirely new industry, and the immutable laws of ownership that can allow you to thrive in any business.
Ken also shared insightful golden nuggets on;
- Why franchising allows you to explore new pathways in your ambition and fully tap into the strengths that were suppressed in corporate.
- How his company is retaining a customer base that feeds the engine and building support mechanisms after stepping away from the franchisor.
- How to evaluate a business opportunity and run a company that preserves the integrity of your family.
Whether you’re a corporate refugee preparing for your next move, or a business owner who wants to improve your results, I think you’ll really enjoy the wisdom Ken shares in this episode!
Guest Bio
Ken is the owner of Hometown Heating and Air. He is a highly accomplished global commercial leader with a stellar track record in marketing, strategic planning, and finance. With over 15 years of marketing experience, the majority with Johnson & Johnson, Ken has developed a deep understanding of market needs and customer behavior with outstanding success in launching successful products.
Hometown Heating & Air provides a comprehensive list of services for customers to meet their HVAC needs. They have a solid understanding of what it takes to install, maintain, service, and repair HVAC systems, and they are committed to providing high-quality in-home comfort for their customers.
For more information, visit https://yourhometownheating.com/ or contact Ken directly ken.theiler@yourhometownheating.com.
How do you leave the NFL after a career-ending injury and successfully pivot into a valuable, in-demand role in a completely different industry?
That’s what I wanted to find out from my guest, former Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings tight end, Brent Novoselsky.
Many pro athletes have the rug pulled out from under them when their careers end. By having a plan, Brent put himself on a completely different trajectory.
His NFL achievements include 100 games, 100 special teams’ tackles, and an induction into the Chicago Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Today, he serves as Treasurer for the Retired NFL Players Association Chicago Chapter, and Vice President of Wealth Management at GCG Financial.
Brent opened up about his journey, going in-depth about;
- How to pivot the structure and work ethic of sports into a different career.
- Why the NFL is a simulated war environment where all careers end unwittingly, and how to set yourself up for success beyond it.
- The reason athletes struggle after sport, and why franchising is the perfect career opportunity for people trained on structure and routine
- How to unlock the human capital that will elevate you by connecting with intent.
Pro athletes are uniquely equipped for business ownership if they use what they learned from sports as a springboard. What's the lesson for non-athletes? You can take success in one area of your life into something completely new and rewarding.
If you’re looking for insights from the sports field (including what it was like training with the Chicago Bulls), and lessons on hard work and strategic foresight, you won’t want to miss this episode!
Guest Bio
Brent is a Vice President of GCG Financial, having been a member of the firm since 1995. He has been serving clients, their families and their businesses since 1989 with a particular expertise and focus on the accumulation and preservation of assets along with risk management. Brent meets his clients' financial needs through the use of the extensive resources and experts at GCG, as well as through outside, trusted advisor offices.
Brent received his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with honors with a concentration in entrepreneurial management. He received his Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation in 1999.
Brent played 7 seasons in the NFL. He was with the Chicago Bears in 1988 and the Minnesota Vikings from 1989-1994. In a career that included over 100 special teams’ tackles, Brent retired after a serious neck injury. He is a member of the Chicago Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. He is also the Treasurer of B’nai B’rith Sports Lodge and the Chair for their scholarship program.
To connect with Brent, find him on LinkedIn and send an email to brent.novoselsky@gcgfinancial.com.
How does a corporate refugee start a new business with confidence while tapping into their creative energy?
That’s what I wanted to find out from my guest, Basil Bearer.
Basil is an accomplished creative leader and talented designer with a track record of graphic and design work for mega-brands like Target.
Today, Basil runs a thriving family-run business. And it all started with franchising.
He’s living proof that a business that taps into your unique gifts and strengths, and impacts the community is one of the greatest gifts of breaking free from corporate.
Basil opened up about some of the big lessons and pivotal moments in his journey, sharing;
- How to navigate the self-inflicted lows of starting and running a business with family
- The key mindset shift that helped Basil fight the urge to work IN the business
- The strategy that kept his company on its feet in 2020 so that a “low” meant breaking even, not going out of business.
In this insightful episode, you’ll learn how Basil was able to marry his left and right brain and build an in-demand creative business. For anyone with creative talent and the drive to be a free agent, this is the episode for you!
Guest Bio
Basil is the owner at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Mequon. He’s an accomplished creative leader and talented designer, passionate about inspiring actions with bold innovative concepts. Now, the owner of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More, a custom print apparel boutique. This unique retail concept offers a full service of garment print solutions for business apparel, events, nonprofits and even "one of a kind" family gifts. Basil has a track-record for delivering powerful solutions in multiple creative disciplines, for some of the most recognizable brands in the industry, delivering measurable results. For more information, visit https://www.bigfrog.com/mequon/.
What if the stories you tell yourself about the past are sabotaging your success right now?
That’s the key question I took from our latest podcast conversation.
We all have these stories we believe are true, even though they aren’t.
Stories we created around the events of our lives. But it’s what we do with those stories that determines our level of success.
Our guest is Sue Schultz, corporate recruiter turned career and life coach, and our conversation is all around the stories we tell ourselves and how to break free.
Sue opened up about her own life and coaching experience, sharing...
- The one thing you can do every morning to ensure your tank is full and you’re ready for the day ahead.
- How to build “non-negotiable” activities into your day to refill your emotional piggy bank
- How the stories you created around past events are sabotaging your success right now
As Sue said, we can’t change the past, but there’s a lot of good that came from the past that we can use to drive ourselves forward.
Get your free digital copy of Free Agent: From Corporate Refugee to Being the Boss. Click here to download.
Guest Bio
Sue Schultz is a Career & Life Coach and the founder of Inspired Integration. She helps women align their career and life so they can finally feel the success that is filled with passion and purpose. Her holistic experience helps her clients overcome the fear, and self-doubt interfering with their life choices. Over the years Sue has built her career on helping others understand who they are, where they’re at, what is standing in their way and “what they really want to be.” As a Career Development Coach, she helps people create opportunities to take control of their careers.
For more information, visit https://inspiredintegration.org/ and connect with Sue on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-schultz-inspired/ and follow @inspiredintegration on Instagram.
How do you go from veteran landscaping business owner, working 18 hour days outside in the elements for decades, to business coach working just 2.5 days per week?
That’s what I asked our latest guest, Todd Ruedt.
Todd is a business coach and franchise owner of ActionCoach in Brookfield and Fox Cities, and was named ActionCOACH Americas #1 Coach of the Year in 2018.
And he hasn’t been slacking since then, either. Todd continues to help free agents build multiple streams of income and delegate the right things so they can work on their business, not in it.
Todd pulled back the curtain on his own journey, sharing some incredible insights along the way, including:
-
How to use collaboration to build confidence and expand your business, whether you’re in the initial stages or getting to the next level
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The biggest pitfall new franchise owners fall into (and how to avoid it)
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How to leverage franchise systems to drastically reduce your learning curve and get results in your business faster
As a business coach, Todd is known for asking great questions, and you’ll find a hidden gem in this conversation, where he shared one simple question you can ask yourself to bring positivity to any situation.
One of the key steps for any free agent is building a support system around you, including mentors. You can’t go wrong looking to someone like Todd for coaching, mentorship and support. Enjoy the conversation and reach out to Todd if you get value from his insights!
Guest Bio
Todd Ruedt is a business coach and the owner at ActionCOACH of Brookfield, ActionCOACH of Fox Cities and The Offsite Collaboration Center in Brookfield/Neenah. At the onset of his experience as a business coach, Todd Ruedt hit the ground running. He was named 2018 ActionCOACH America’s #1 Coach of the Year. As a certified ActionCOACH Business Coach for 4 years, and part of the ActionCOACH community for another 10, Todd is an expert in education, training & growing businesses. Add to that his experience as a veteran landscape designer and horticulturist with more than three decades of industry expertise. Todd is also an avid organizer of more than 21 golf events for notable charities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
For more information visit, https://coachingwisconsin.com/.
Learn more about Todd’s upcoming Growth Club Mid-Year Extravaganza on June 17th and 18th here.
Corporate refugees are coming out of hibernation!
They’re thinking of the future, making new plans and setting new visions. In this exciting process, many are rethinking how they present themselves online.
What better person to talk about the free agent journey and visual branding than photographer extraordinaire Stacy Kaat!
As one of Milwaukee’s premier photographers and longtime free agent, Stacy is a genius at bringing out the authentic self in her clients. Her strength is seeing your true personality, giving creative input, and helping bring your entire visual brand together into a cohesive package.
In this episode Stacy shares..
- How a new visual brand can help you show up to sales calls with more confidence, energy and authenticity
- How the right headshot serves as a “virtual handshake” - capturing the essence of your personality
- How your visual brand can help you conquer common fears, such as “Am I good enough”
We also dive into Stacy’s story and her experience working with a variety of mentors, and how critical it is for free agents to build the right support system.
If you’re looking to supercharge your online presence, show your true personality and give people a great first impression, this episode will give you insight you won’t get anywhere else!
Guest Bio
Stacy Kaat is a photographer, personal branding expert, and business owner. She helps Executives, Authors, Speakers, Trainers, Coaches and Entrepreneurs who are the FACE of their business and want quality brand photographs to attract the right people.
She collaborates with them to create pictures that accurately represent their personal brand and business for social media profile, website, and marketing materials.
Stacy also provides personal brand guidance so her clients can achieve their goals by aligning their social media profiles and posts with their vision. For more information, visit https://www.stacykaat.com/, send an email to stacy@stacykaat.com and call Stacy directly 414.758.0622.
2020 was a pivotal departure from work as we knew it before the pandemic. It wasn’t just an interruption - it was a full scale disruption.
We made huge strides in bringing more freedom and autonomy to the workplace, and it’s evident that how we feel about the work we do definitely impacts the bottom line.
We don’t have to return to the “normal” so many people hated. 2020 taught us that the desire for more autonomy, flexibility and freedom resonates across industries, job titles and career levels. We have the opportunity to create just that.
How has 2020 changed the way employees engage with their jobs, and what should employers be doing in response? What is the roadmap to being a happier employee?
In this episode, I’m joined by author and speaker, Josh Allan Dykstra, business owner, Pamela Belyn, and executive recruiter, Corbin Beastrom. They share the perspectives of thought leaders, recruiters, and entrepreneurs as we discuss why returning to the pre-pandemic work paradigm would be a big mistake.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why working from home made many people happier
Working from home gave people more flexibility, autonomy and balance. We were able to share more of our humanity in the virtual workspace. This led to a reduction in workplace disengagement, and made employees more productive. Going forward, we need to create work environments that make people feel comfortable with sharing their humanity. Forcing people into the silo of just being a worker, and nothing else, won’t cut it anymore.
The job market shifts we’re going to see as more people return to the office
Recent stats show that 52% of the workforce is looking for a new job. With work-from-home coming to an end, a lot of people are looking at the culture they left at the office, and dreading to return. If people are dissatisfied at work, it will trigger movement in the market. If employers don’t focus on their people, and make the work environment better, they will lose good employees.
Why we don’t have to be victims of a new paradigm, but creators
Calling something “the new normal” is passive. It takes away the power and autonomy we all have in creating The Next Normal. We all have the agency and power to create the next iteration and culture of work. The future isn’t a defined thing that just happens to us, it’s what we create it to be.
Guest Bios
Josh Allan Dykstra
Josh Allan is an author, speaker, thought leader and co-founder and CEO of Helios, a community of leaders and work revolutionaries committed to creating a world where everyone can love work. His articles and ideas have been featured by Fast Company, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and Business Insider and he's worked with some of the most iconic brands in the world (Apple, Sony, Genentech, Microsoft, among others).
He holds an MBA in Executive Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his latest book, Igniting the Invisible Tribe: Designing An Organization That Doesn’t Suck, is available on Amazon and Audible. He lives with his family in beautiful Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshallan/.
Pamela Belyn
Pamela Belyn is the owner of Zoom Drain of Chicago. In her work as an attorney, she often represented clients in the home services industries. She was inspired by these trade clients and eventually left her law career behind to become President and Owner of Men In Sewers (MBE/WBE Certified), learning the trade and exploring ways to innovate and improve the business side of the industry. In early 2020 she opened Zoom Drain of Chicago, doubling its staff, growing apprentices to technicians, and expanding commercial and residential business month over month. You’ll often find Pamela alongside her crew in the field (look for the purple steel toed boots), at home with her family, or avidly supporting the Bears. For more information, visit https://www.zoomdrain.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-b-a095677/.
Corbin Beastrom
Corbin Beastrom is an Accounting and Finance Executive Recruiter and Search Partner at SkyWater Chicago. Corbin currently works with a “full desk” on the Accounting and Finance recruiting team. The SkyWater Accounting & Finance team focuses on growth-oriented, middle-market companies based in the Midwest. Corbin lives in Chicago, IL, and primarily serves clients in that area. Within Accounting and Finance, Corbin specializes in recruiting & placing talent in full-time, permanent positions at various levels & titles: CFO, Controllers, Accounting Managers, Senior Accountants, VP Finance, Finance Directors, Finance Managers, Senior Financial Analysts, Audit Directors, and Audit Managers. His team also has the capability to work on staff-level accounting and finance roles. For more information visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbinbeastrom/.
Periods of economic turbulence and social change apply pressure to every corner of our lives. In recent years, the labor landscape has shifted tremendously, creating new challenges and opportunities along the way.
This isn’t happening in a vacuum.
The pandemic and a greater collective push for diversity and inclusion have caused massive shifts in the laws that govern how we work.
The legal platform employers operate from has changed, and we have to navigate new territory. This is an amazing time to create more value through business practices that benefit and protect both the employee and the employer.
What are the key labor law changes we’ve seen come out of the social movements of recent years and COVID-19? What do employers need to be aware of and consider putting in place to protect themselves and retain their employees?
In this episode, corporate and employment litigator, Dave McClurg shares valuable legal wisdom for business owners navigating today’s employment landscape.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How social change has impacted employment policy
The conversation around equality, diversity, and inclusion at work has driven the creation of labor laws and policies that reflect these values. There are so many things that used to be acceptable that are now viewed as problematic, which has given more people a voice and contributed to a better working environment.
The importance of keeping track of the details
As employers, it’s easy to get so caught up in the day-to-day that we overlook critical legal details that will protect the business. When we hire people, it’s important to document all aspects of the disciplinary process from day 1. When we don’t document everything, we can’t protect the business and our employees.
How vaccines are going to create new challenges for employers
As people return to the office, the big question is whether to make vaccinations mandatory for employees. This question requires careful consideration so we don’t inadvertently create a liability issue.
Guest Bio
Dave McClurg is a member of the firm's Labor + Employment practice group. He has a long record of successfully defending employers accused of wrongful termination and discrimination on the basis of race, religion, age, disability and gender. Dave frequently represents employers facing OSHA violations and workers compensation claims alleging safety violations or an “unreasonable refusal to rehire" following a work-related injury.
Dave also has a wealth of experience involving the litigation of wage & hour, theft of trade secrets and breach of duty of loyalty claims, and the enforcement of non-compete and confidentiality agreements. In addition, Dave regularly advises clients on issues relating to reduction-in-force layoffs, terminations, severance agreements and return to work issues, helping employers avoid pitfalls that can lead to expensive claims.
For more information call (414) 559-7704 and let Dave know you heard him on The Free Agent Podcast.
Visit https://petriepettit.com for more information and email dmcclurg@petriepettit.com.
We become entrepreneurs for freedom, peace and joy, but it’s so easy to get off track and become trapped by our own businesses. It’s human nature to keep going after more clients and revenue streams, but when that comes at the expense of our inner peace, joy, and ability to be present, we’re paying a steep price.
If we’re struggling to find inner peace as entrepreneurs, it’s critical to do the inner work to make every single day a joyful and meaningful experience.
What are the warning signs of being trapped by your own business, and how do you turn things around? In this episode, I’m joined by “The Joy Slinger”, Erin McCullough (Erin Mac). She shares how she went from extreme stress to stillness as a business owner, and the process we can use to start finding joy alongside the prosperity we business owners aim to achieve.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The difference between happiness and joyHappiness is a fleeting, temporary experience, based on an external event or achievement. We often race towards certain accomplishments seeking a lasting emotional boost, and discover that the feeling is temporary. Joy is an internal experience, something we can cultivate daily.
Why entrepreneurs struggle to find true happinessAs entrepreneurs, we diminish our joy when the work we’re doing isn’t in alignment with what we value. When we combine our purpose with the clients we take on, and the service we provide, we make room for joy and fulfillment. If we try to do all the things and serve everyone, we’ll always miss the mark.
How to shift our perceptions so we can find joyChange starts with awareness. When we aren’t happy, we have to start paying attention to the voice inside our heads. That voice is rooted in structures we created at a young age, and it’s where we form all of our important decisions. If this voice constantly brings up negative messages, awareness can help us start challenging our beliefs and inserting new perspectives.
Erin is a thought leader, speaker, coach, and the “Joy Slinger”. She teaches people how to have impenetrable JOY so they can be calm, have peace of mind and meaning in their lives.
For more information, and for a free consult discovery call visit https://www.erin-mac.com and follow @erinmacllc on Instagram.
“Successful but not satisfied” is a very common experience high achievers have in the corporate world. Many people find themselves paying a high price for their success, and they have to reconnect, reground and pivot in order to get career happiness on their own terms.
We all have a wellspring of information and data within us that tells us what lights us up. In corporate, we’re so focused on what the job expects of us, we end up defined by other people.
How do we step out of the corporate mental silo, and leverage being the multidimensional people we are? How can we feel more confident about the pricing of our services?
In this episode, executive and career coach, speaker and best-selling author of Winning the Game of Work, Terry McDougall shares how she empowers people to find true happiness and fulfillment at work.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How to re-establish fulfillment in our careersWhether we excel and find joy working with people, ideas, problems or data, there’s a thread that runs through the work we love doing, our zone of genius is also found in that area. When we get away from those things, that’s when we start feeling unhappy in our careers. If we have an important value and a place we derive our professional energy from, moving away from it will make us unhappy.
How to price our services without undervaluing ourselvesOne of the biggest challenges of stepping out of the corporate structure and becoming a consultant is knowing how to price the service we offer, and determine the value of the coaching we provide. It’s so important not to undervalue ourselves and overlook the costs that go into running a business.
Why our limiting beliefs hold us back from getting what we wantA lot of the times, when we want something, we hold ourselves back from getting it because we immediately think about why we can’t get it, or that we don’t deserve it. Wanting something and going after it are two separate things. When you admit that you want something, and step into the feeling of deserving it, you put yourself in alignment to receive it from the Universe.
For many free agents, the last year has been a period of pivots, adaptations and growth. Even though the entire business world was faced with a huge crisis, many leaders saw past the difficulty and tapped into opportunity.
As a result, the companies that used the crisis to reframe and reimagine their businesses externally and internally are now miles ahead of their competition.
Businesses that used the recent challenges to create new connections and ease of engagement for their customers have accelerated their success for years to come. They have future-proofed their businesses.
When the normal way of doing business is interrupted, those who adapt quickly will realize success, leaving everyone else struggling to catch up.
What are the opportunities of a crisis in business and how do we capture them? How can business owners position themselves for success, not stagnancy?
In this episode, I’m joined by business coach, speaker, author and entrepreneur, Patti Mara. She shares her greatest insights from the last year, and why we should never waste a crisis.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The key thing that determines success in a crisis
One of the most fatal mistakes companies made in 2020 was choosing to hunker down to just get through it, and waiting for the crisis to inevitably blow over. Every crisis interrupts our daily patterns, which gives us a wealth of information about what’s working and what’s not. By digging into this information, we can find the insights that help us get better going forward.
How to win at the game of business
Most independently-owned businesses play the wrong game, they focus on what they’re selling instead of the value and relationships that drive their growth. Our goal should be to understand our customers so well that we can speak to their pain points and create value by coming up with specific solutions.
Why business metrics need our constant attention
As businesses evolve and mature, metrics need to be the driving force of future decisions and growth. Every business needs to have a dashboard of the top 5 metrics that matter and need regular reviewing. These metrics serve as the barometer of whether we’re on track or not, and we can’t ignore or neglect them.
Guest Bio
Patti Mara is a business coach, speaker, author, owner of Maranet Inc. and creator of The Profit Generator Program. She has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurial owned and operated businesses to reposition them for success and dramatically increase their growth, customer retention, and profit. Patti also created the Breaking Through Barriers Program, which helps business owners identify and eliminate the bottlenecks that impede growth and success.
Patti is a popular speaker to groups from diverse industries, ranging from finance and commercial real estate, to restoration and cleaning, restaurants, and independent pharmacies. She has also been a featured speaker to North American women’s and entrepreneurs’ groups. For more information, visit https://www.pattimara.com for more information.
To get Patti’s free resource, training and a copy of her book visit https://www.pattimara.com/freeagent.
Free agents start their business in order to have more control over their lives, and more fulfillment from the work they do - but our ventures also have to be financially rewarding and sustainable.
It’s impossible to build something financially stable without systems and procedures that keep the pipeline full.
What we’ve learned from the last year is that the state of the economy doesn’t always spell success. When we build a sustainable referral-based business and diversify our income streams, we can always navigate challenging times.
What are the most important systems free agents need to be aware of? How do we find the most beneficial and productive networking opportunities? Why is a healthy business pipeline so important?
In this episode, I’m joined by entrepreneur, B2C & B2B ad pro and real estate agent, Robert Krieghoff.
He shares the most important business lessons he’s learned on his journey and how he has created a diversified and self-sustaining business model.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How to find a productive networking group
Networking is about being willing to give. You can’t go into it from the perspective of what you’re going to get out of it. Focus on being a resource for other people and learning from that environment. If you find yourself in a networking community where people are selfish and impatient, you’re in the wrong place.
The two things business owners have to focus on to have sustainable results
As business owners, we have to spend a lot of time cultivating the business, while also doing the actual work at a high level. If we focus on current business at the expense of our future pipeline, our income will always be unstable. It’s really important to have systems and people in place to help us manage both sides of this equation.
Why pivoting can be dangerous
There’s a difference between making a pivot and getting away from our purpose, and the things our clients hire us for. Sometimes, when we pivot, we actually end up eliminating the things that drive our results and make us different from everyone else. It’s also a common mistake to veer away from our purpose by working with the wrong clients. Business isn’t just about adapting, it’s also about staying true to ourselves.
Guest Bio
Robert Krieghoff is an entrepreneur, B2C & B2B Ad Pro and Real Estate agent. He is a 27-year veteran of the media industry who has achieved success as an Account Executive, Sales Manager and independent consultant in Madison and Milwaukee.
His areas of expertise are account management, digital sales, and statewide campaign strategies. Robert uses proven solutions for local business owners looking to get more out of their English and Spanish advertising.
For more information on Robert and Amy Krieghoff’s real estate business visit https://amykrieghoff.firstweber.com and email rkrieghoff@firstweber.com.
Leveraging LinkedIn is a blend of business invigoration and authentic connection; it’s a critical piece of putting our best professional selves forward and establishing relationships.
Simply put - in today’s world, establishing a personal brand and showing up online in a powerful, consistent and impactful way is must!
Jobs, company roles, projects and businesses may end, but our personal brands carry on. They are living, breathing things that constantly need tending.
The first impression, when someone seeks us out online, is solely dependent on how we brand ourselves. LinkedIn isn’t just a place to list our qualifications and work experience, it’s a platform for us to showcase our value and set ourselves apart.
Instead of selling ourselves, we have to show how we can serve.
What makes a LinkedIn profile stand out? How do we make our profiles more reflective of the unique things that make us who we are?
In this episode, I’m joined by brand builder and LinkedIn specialist, Andrea Enright. She shares how we can create LinkedIn profiles that make people want to connect with us.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How to create an impactful and relevant LinkedIn profile
Our LinkedIn should be treated as a living representation of our free agency journey. It should always be a reflection of what we’re doing professionally. Train your mind to recognize the things you can share on LinkedIn to make yourself more relevant on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
How to leverage your LinkedIn profile
In your LinkedIn profile, it’s okay to throw in small tidbits of information that reveal your personality. Leverage all the real estate that LinkedIn provides to share what makes you interesting.
Creating consistency across all our social media channels
Know yourself and know your messaging. If you are going to have a presence on multiple social media platforms, create a uniform presence and branding. That way you ensure that even if the audience is different, you have consistency and continuity.
Guest Bio
Andrea is a brand builder and messaging strategist, LinkedIn expert, storyteller, boot-wearer and founder and owner of The Boot Factor. She partners with entrepreneurs, coaches and creatives to help their brand sing and generate a little thing called leads.
For more information, visit https://www.thebootfactor.com and call (303) 746-1503.
So many Corporate Warriors grew up in the system to believe that working a job is a straight line to retirement, and that their singular value is determined by the role that they assume within the corporate structure.
Through free agency, we can expand beyond how a 9 to 5 defines us, without being confined. We’re all multi-dimensional human beings, and being able to transition our skills is key to success outside of the corporate world.
As a free agent, you can exert freedom on your life by leveraging your unique capabilities and skills.
How do we invest our lives in work we’re passionate about? Where can we find more opportunities to expand our skills?
In this episode, career development and career transition expert, Howard Fox shares his own journey to free agency and how to align our work with our passion.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The truth about the corporate world
While there are companies that care about their people, ultimately they will always take care of the business first. When things get tough, those same companies will have to manage their expenses and when that happens, jobs will always be on the line.
Why we should look beyond the roles our corporate jobs set for us
In corporate, our value and our usefulness is often limited to one role and one silo. This puts us into a trap of thinking that our skills are only useful in one company and in one job position. Our skills are actually extremely valuable and transferable into other companies, businesses and even free agency.
How to find where we have the most value
The hardest thing as an entrepreneur is figuring out how to monetize what we have to offer. We have to learn to represent and advocate for ourselves so we can uncover our value, build our confidence and zone in on the most monetizable opportunities for us.
Guest Bio
Howard Fox is a Career Development and Career Transition Coach, LinkedIn strategist and host of The Success InSight Podcast. He is a self-proclaimed recovering IT Business Consultant, and for the last 13 years, he has pursued a career in coaching and leadership development.
Howard currently delivers one-on-one career development & transition services, facilitates classes, including Strategic Career Management, Personal Branding, Resumes, Networking, Interviewing, and LinkedIn, for a Fortune 500 company’s onsite, Las Vegas Career Development Center.
For more information, and to connect with Howard visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcoachinginc.
Franchises are extremely powerful financial engines. When built properly, franchised salon systems are a potent business model leveraging community, industry training and support.
Becoming part of a franchise is a path many investors choose for diversification, to enhance financial freedom. But for some entrepreneurs, becoming The Franchisor is an opportunity to leverage past business success to create something that aligns with a future vision: systematic financial reward for all, in any economic or pandemic climate.
Here we learn how to build an invincible system for stylists to invest in themselves, to grow a stable income, get advanced training, all with proven leadership, and to support qualified free agents to thrive and grow beyond their wildest expectations. Listen in!
My guests today are brothers who took a hard look at their struggling car dealerships to then pivot and build a franchise system of salon suites. They jumped into this business at the height of the recession and now they have built a thriving empire.
What is the story of Image Studios, and what makes this franchise such a great model? How do they build value in their franchise, deliver exceptional initial and ongoing support, and help their franchisees build stable businesses?
In this episode, Shaun and Jason Olsen share their free agency journey and what they have learned about building super successful franchise business owners.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The power of the franchisor path
Becoming a franchisor is one of the best ways to grow our vision and also bring people along on the journey. We can create a community of people moving in the same direction as us, and we can help them get to the next level and provide them with not just business support, but emotional support too.
How to provide value in a beauty suite franchise system
In the beauty industry, people don’t just need technical skills training, they also need ongoing training on new techniques and skills to help them build and grow a business. The problem in the beauty industry is that most education is skills based. As a franchisor in the industry, we need to provide business and technical training to help solve our clients changing expectations.
Why we need to lean into fear
It’s natural to feel fearful about starting a business and going out on our own. Instead of letting it stop us, we can use fear as leverage to guide us. There are two kinds of fear - the fear of taking a leap into free agency and the fear of staying in the same place and not achieving anything. If we lean into the fear that comes with going after what we want, we won’t live with regret.
Guest Bio
Shaun is the Vice President/Co-Founder of Image Studios. In 2004, Shaun joined Corey and Jason Olsen, as co-owner and Purchasing Director for Prestman Auto, and now serves as company president. Through their success at Prestman Auto, and their mutual desire to create and innovate, Jason and Shaun developed their salon suite concept, Image Studios 360. Image Studios 360 has grown from five corporate locations to 50+ franchised units nationwide.
As Vice President, Shaun drives company image and culture as he partners with the leadership team on onboarding support and resources for franchisees. Shaun Olsen is a member of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and has been recognized for his work with Prestman by the INC 5000 “Fastest Growing Companies in America” two years running, as well as the top 100 growing companies in Utah by the Mountain West Capital Network.
Jason is the President and Co-Founder of Image Studios. He started his first business at the age of 16, launching a specialty automotive parts and accessories website under the name www.street-looks.com. As the company grew he began selling products all over the world, eventually importing and private labeling his own line of automotive lighting under the name “VisualFX”. He sold the company seven years later in 2004 and made the move from his hometown in Atlanta, GA to Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 2009, he and his brother Shaun put their heads together to create an upscale salon suite business model, and in June 2010 IMAGE Studios® was born. Today they oversee the growth and expansion of the brand across the country with plans to open 300 locations nationwide by 2023 – eventually, they’ll take the company into international markets that are ready for the IMAGE business model.
For more information visit https://imagestudios360.com
Building a high-performance business requires a leader who has the desire to build something bigger, and discipline to consistently follow through with the actions that matter.
Business owners can learn a lot from athletes who have the mindset and dedication to get better at their game every single day. Even though they are superstars, they still commit to practicing their craft and hold themselves accountable to the team's greater goal.
Why are athletic-minded business owners more primed for success? What are some of the most important things we need to do as free agents to build a business that survives and thrives?
In this episode, I’m joined by Focal Point business coach, Kristin Carlson. She shares what athletes can teach us about business, and how to build with freedom in mind.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The true meaning of work-life balance
When we think about having more balance between our lives and our businesses, we often think of it in terms of time, but it’s also about our ability to be present in every area of our lives. We have to be present when we’re with our families, and also present when we’re with our clients. When we have ownership of our schedule, we can protect the things that matter.
Why we have to transition from working in to working on the business
If we want to run a business that gives us freedom, we can’t spend all of our time working in the business and being the technician. We have to work ourselves out of the day-to-day so we can work on the strategy and get some time back in our lives. If we become too entrenched in the day-to-day, we make it harder for our business to scale.
Why free agency is so different from corporate
In the world of business ownership and franchises, we have a strong support system and a network of people who want us to succeed. This is very different from the corporate world which tends to have a less collaborative culture.
Guest Bio
Kristin Carlson is a Focal Point Business and Leadership coach, corporate trainer, and National Speaker. Kristin coaches business owners and executives to elevate their game. FocalPoint believes any company can dramatically improve the quality of their business results faster than they ever imagined possible - that it's simply a matter of choice and commitment.
For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-carlson, email Kcarlson@focalpointcoaching.com or call (262) 955-4861.
In corporate America, people are often forced to fit into a toxic work environment and culture, and this makes their daily experience difficult and uninspiring. As free agents, we can take that bad experience, and use it to inspire us to create a business and culture where people are happy to come to work every single day.
As business owners, we don’t just have financial responsibility. We are the glue that holds the team together, and we get to determine what experience and culture our employees enjoy.
How can we create a job environment that enhances lives? What is the biggest misconception people have about the world of franchising? How does the idea of corporate job security hold people back from great opportunities?
In this episode, I’m joined by LinkedIn expert and CEO of PIMedia, Debbie Harris. She shares her perspective on business ownership, franchising, and company culture.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The power of being part of a franchise
Starting your own business can really feel like you’re going it alone, but being part of a franchise gives you a community. You have the support and success formula to achieve the same results. The franchise leaders with more experience are great mentors because they’ve navigated challenging times and succeeded through them.
Why we need to care about leadership
Free agency and running your own business isn’t just about having control, it’s about getting to lead. We’re not just responsible for the livelihoods of people, we’re also responsible for creating a good work experience and nurturing a culture and work environment they can thrive in.
The biggest misconception about leaving corporate
Many people don’t want to leave corporate America because they don’t want to lose the benefits of a traditional 9-5 job, but this is a misconception perpetuated by big companies. There are many options outside of a corporate benefits package for business owners, we just have to learn more about it and find what fits us.
Guest Bio
Debbie Harris is a digital marketing and LinkedIn expert, CEO, and founder of PIMedia, and a Regional Connector and National Trainer at Trustegrity. PIMedia is a leading social media and digital marketing firm that specializes in assisting clients with their online presence. The company works to bolster clients’ business potential through the effective use of the most relevant digital channels available today.
For more information, visit https://pimedia.me, https://www.linkedin.com/in/fordebbielee, email debbie@pimedia.me or call (702) 465-4082.
Having a network of advisors is one of the most powerful ways we can confidently navigate free agency, especially for new entrepreneurs.
There’s so much value in having an infrastructure of support around you. If we want to build a business that will give us freedom we need a solid foundation, utilizing good advice from the right people.
What many people discover in their free agency journey is the power of human capital, and why it’s just as critical as financial capital. What are the benefits free agents get from maturing their network and tapping into the wisdom and experience of other people? How can we communicate effectively with advisors and investors?
In this episode, I’m joined by entrepreneur, business advisor, CEO of Blackthorne Capital Management, and my husband Peter J. Layton. He talks about his career, and the most important lessons he’s learned along the way.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
What it takes to be a successful investor
One of the biggest challenges investors face is investing in an industry or niche we don’t have experience in. In that case, it’s important for that venture to have a lead investor. Go into the venture with someone who knows that sector well and brings in cash because they understand and believe in the idea.
The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make
Entrepreneurs shoot themselves in the foot by not keeping their investors up to speed with what’s going on. A good board will demand good reporting, governance and transparency into what’s going on. It’s hard to get additional funding or support if you don’t maintain clear channels of communication.
How to find support, advice and resources as a free agent
New entrepreneurs often feel like they have no support. The truth is, if we have good ideas, integrity, transparency, a strong work ethic and a willingness to pay that help forward, many people will gladly step forward to help.
Guest Bio
Peter J Layton is an entrepreneur, business advisor, commodity trading advisor, venture and angel capital investor, and the CEO of Blackthorne Capital Management and a managing member at Warhawk Fund.
He is an expert on Big Data, Alternative Investments, and Liquid Managed Macro Futures.
For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjlayton.
To learn more about Enactus visit https://enactus.org.
When we make the transition to Free Agent, we take on the added responsibility of leadership. Driving the business forward and making sure it thrives rests squarely on our shoulders. Every outcome, both positive and negative, can be attributed to our decisions and actions.
If we don’t understand our responsibility as leaders, the culture we want will never take hold, and ultimately our businesses will fail. It’s our job to keep our eyes fixed on our long-term vision so that we can stay on our mission and achieve continued success.
My guest today is a successful leader and free agent who credits his business leadership to his time in the military.
What are the most important lessons and systems he learned from the military, and how is he applying them to his business? How do we build and promote a positive culture and work environment?
In this episode, owner of AdvantaClean of Suburban Milwaukee, Barry Hintz shares his important insights on business and how he executes on his vision.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
What Barry learned about leadership from the military
In the military, systems are documented and drilled into everyone on the team to ensure the success of the mission. This ensures that even the weakest link on the team is able to carry the mission forward. Even though business is a different field, we also need to have our systems and processes documented so that everyone is trained to execute at the highest level.
How to make our team culture a reality
Talking about our culture is one thing, but making it a reality in our business is vitally important. Until your culture is drummed in at the employee level and everyone on your team has bought into it, it’s hard to keep any promise we make to our clients and truly deliver on it.
Where our focus needs to be as leaders
As a leader, our job is to set the vision, steer the culture, and ensure the long term viability of the business. At some point, our job comes down to running and leading the business. That means hiring people who excel at what they do, and getting out of their way so they can execute at a high level.
Guest Bio
Barry Hintz is an entrepreneur, veteran, and the owner of AdvantaClean of Suburban Milwaukee. AdvantaClean of Suburban Milwaukee is an independently owned and operated business that provides essential indoor air quality services to residential and commercial customers.
They offer professional services that include 24/7 emergency water removal and drying, mold inspection and removal, air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, environmental air sampling, and other related services. The commitment to Barry’s customers is to provide honest, meaningful service at a fair & reasonable price.
For more information visit https://www.advantaclean.com/milwaukee-wi or call (414) 312-5999.
People take the leap into free agency because they love what they do, but often misunderstand the key numbers driving business. Leveraging the data and key performance indicators enables us to continue doing work we’re passionate about in a financially sustainable way.
Small business owners can struggle with details like financial data and struggle to formulate a plan to direct their operations. If there was only one thing small businesses could learn from corporate, it’s how they make use of financials to help a company expand its capabilities.
Knowing more about the finances and operational measures in our businesses is one of the most empowering things we can do, and today I’m joined by a free agent who has made this his life’s work.
How is accounting different to corporate finance? What should every business owner ask themselves when it comes to financials? How do we set ourselves apart in a crowded market?
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Data Magician, Finance Confidence Coach and Chief Data Analyst at Data2Profit, Lynn Corazzi. We discuss his free agency journey and why the work he does with small businesses is so vital to their success.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How to find your value as a free agent
When we do the work of branding ourselves and go from a generalist to a specialist, we increase our chances of successfully monetizing our expertise. If we brand ourselves around something specific, simplify our messaging and distill our value down to where we are most effective, that’s how we serve at the highest level.
Why we can’t just focus on the areas we love in our businesses
Many small business owners and free agents struggle to find balance between what they love to do, and the things they need to do to keep the business on its feet. When we focus on only what we love, we can risk missing key elements that keep our businesses healthy and growing.
The biggest benefit to running your own business
One of the greatest benefits of running our own business and not being beholden to a corporate job is the freedom we have to step away from work, and have a better balance between our work and our lives. We have the gift of time to nurture our souls and recharge our batteries. When we have space to clear our heads, that is when the ideas start to flow.
Guest Bio
Lynn Corazzi is a Finance Confidence Coach, Data Magician, Creator of Sales & Profit Insights and Chief Data Analyst at Data2Profit. For businesses that are drowning data but lacking new information to improve results, Lynn creates insights, solutions, and strategies that make a business more money and leaders more confident.
As if by magic, a messy, unstructured data transforms into facts you didn't know about sales and profit.
For more information visit https://data2profit.net, send an email to lcorazzi@data2profit.net or call/text (920) 948-3355.
The people who leave corporate and become free agents understand they have power. Instead of having a corporation dictate what they can or cannot do, they choose to be the owners of their own destiny.
When you’re confident and self-assured, you can lead yourself towards the right opportunities, the best mentorship, and ultimately, the achievement of your goals.
If you tap into your own confident leadership, you have the power to build a business you love and the life you want.
What are the habits of confident leaders? Who do we need to surround ourselves with if we want to achieve our goals? In this episode, I’m joined by speaker, wealth advisor and strategist, Chad Coe. He talks about his path, becoming a confident leader, and why perseverance is at the core of his success.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
What drove Chad out of corporate
A major catalyst for the move into business ownership is the shallow and controlling nature of corporate America, and how it treats people as disposable. As the CEO of your own company, you’re not at the mercy of a corporation and how it treats its employees. You are the owner of your own universe, and you get to set the standard for how you’ll be treated.
Why we need to surround ourselves with the right people
The right kind of mentorship rewards us and drives us to be better. Don’t align with just anybody. We have to find people who push us to get out of our heads and into action. When we have the right people around us, it gives us the confidence to go after what we want.
The power of deep perseverance
A big part of having an entrepreneurial mindset is perseverance and the willingness to keep trying new things. Every venture we pursue becomes the stepping stone for a bigger opportunity. There will always be setbacks, but if we’re persistent and stay focused on our goals, our hard work will pay off.
Guest Bio
Chad Coe is a business owner, speaker, wealth advisor, strategist, and author of The Confident Leader.
His unique ability to align people with their goals in the peer-to-peer setting, challenge each other, and create their own success has earned him the moniker of “The Mastermind.” When it comes to strong, decisive, and empathic leadership, nobody lives it, teaches it, and develops it like Chad a real difference maker!
For more information visit https://www.coefinancial.com, connect with Chad on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadcoe, and call (847) 282-3170.
Going from being a highly successful and accomplished corporate executive to a free agent isn’t just a career change, it’s a complete mindset shift. It’s about shedding the corporate identity, seeing past the success traps of a 9 to 5, and knowing that there’s something more fulfilling on the other side.
In order to successfully exit that 9 to 5 life, we have to redefine ambition so that it’s on our terms.
The great thing about being in business for yourself is that you’re truly independent and able to make your own decisions and create your own path to success. You get to do what you love, make a real impact, and fulfill your purpose.
Why do we need to transition out of a corporate identity? What plans can we put in motion to get us out of the corporate world and into free agency?
In this episode, entrepreneur, author, business coach, and host of Ambition, Honey & Hustle, Candace Spears talks about her journey from corporate and the navigational changes she’s made along the way.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The 9 to 5 trap and how we can escape it
Very often, when we work in corporate, we become attached to our corporate identity and our ego, and the success traps that come with working for a big company. It’s important that we connect with our own identity and separate who we are from that corporate identity.
Why coaching is important to our business ownership journey
There are so many aspects of free agency that are hard to navigate on our own, and if we don’t get help, we can start feeling like we’re drowning. That’s where coaching and mentorship come in. Coaching accelerates our knowledge and builds up our confidence because we have the guidance of people who have been where we are.
How to deal with the negativity of naysayers and saboteurs
Sometimes the people who are closest to us can also be the biggest saboteurs to our free agency and business ownership dreams. Candace surrounded herself with people who understood her, supported her, and people who were models for success. By shutting out the naysayers, her dreams never got derailed.
Guest Bio
Candace is an entrepreneur, author, life and business coach, marketer, investor and host of Ambition, Honey & Hustle, and founder of Spears Sparrow Collective. Candace specializes in helping women become legendary by removing corporate shackles, reframing mindsets, magnifying confidence, and unleashing hidden potential onto the world through service-based entrepreneurship.
For more information, visit https://www.candacespears.com, follow @candacespears.
To sign up for Candace’s free training, go to thrivein90days.com
So many people have the potential to be free agents, but they never take the leap because it feels intimidating and overwhelming. That’s because we think of making that change as a reinvention, instead of seeing it as a continuation of self-discovery, and another evolution of our individuality.
There are ways to explore free agency and explore our potential in other areas so that we’re prepared to make the leap. We live in a world with so many opportunities to combine our skills and our passions to create our own unique runway to success.
What steps do we need to take if we want to grow out of our comfort zones? What resources can we tap into? Why is free agency such a rewarding emotional experience?
In this episode, performance-focused speaker, author, and career transition coach, Patricia Leonard shares how to create freedom for ourselves so we can live the life we want.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How our corporate experience benefits us in free agency
Many people who are leaving the corporate world worry about whether or not they have skills to start a new venture, and if they can cut it in free agency. The truth is, every skill we gain in the corporate world is transferable and can be applied to our free agency path.
One thing that holds women back from free agency
We often become so focused on taking care of other people that we put ourselves and our own fulfillment on the back burner. We hold ourselves back because we’re stuck in what we ‘ought’ to be doing.
How to take steps towards business ownership
Explore free agency one step at a time. Choose your passion or a hobby you want to turn into a business, and start building your client base while you’re employed. Tap into resources like relationships and mentorship so that you gain the confidence and the support to fully make the leap.
Guest Bio
Patricia is a performance-focused speaker, author, business, life and career transition coach, and president of Runway to Success. She has an extensive background in leadership and talent development, career transition coaching and business restructuring.
As a career woman with experience in Corporate America and business ownership her passion is and has always been to be an advocate for women.
For more information visit https://patricialeonard.net and https://www.linkedin.com/in/epatricialeonard.
When we make the leap from corporate into free agency, the first big decision we have to make is the kind of business we want to run. The franchise model has always been one of the best business ownership paths because there’s so much support and structure available to us from day one.
We get the benefits of buying into a proven model and following a blueprint that has been used successfully by other business owners. Everyone in the franchise is waving the same flag and pulling on the same rope, so we have a bigger chance of success and stability.
Why did my guest choose a franchise opportunity in IT? How is he finding balance while still running an essential business?
In this episode, technology advisor and the owner of TeamLogic IT, Kirk Gramoll talks about his journey into free agency, and how shifting his operating procedures has impacted his business.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why the franchise model is so attractive to new free agents
The support structure of a franchise provides massive opportunity. The existing fabric of other business owners who know the systems is the foundation for our own success. There will always be incredible resources and when business owners in the franchise can share insights, we can benefit.
How to maintain team culture in an essential workplace
Many businesses that have been deemed essential have adopted a hybrid model of interchangeably working from home and going into the office. This allows for social distancing, while also allowing teams to continue to have culture and cohesion.
The power of having a business plan, even when the business grows
A solid business plan is important when the business is new, but it becomes even more critical as the business grows, and business owners need to stay focused, and hold themselves accountable. Even when we pivot, we still need a plan to refer to and a direction for where to go next.
Guest Bio
Kirk is a Technology Advisor for Small and Medium Businesses and the Owner of TeamLogic IT. TeamLogic IT of Milwaukee aims to become their customer's trusted technology advisor. Their location is part of a nationwide network specializing in managed IT, computer services and network solutions.
For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkgramoll or call (262) 834-6207.
Free agency is a powerful vehicle for freedom and an opportunity to be more instrumental in the customer’s happiness and satisfaction than we could ever be as corporate workers.
In this journey, there are two paths we can take, independent business ownership or owning a franchise. Many people gravitate to the franchise model because it’s so much more collaborative. We have the support of other businesses who have gone through the same pain points, and we can also help other franchise owners build from our own experiences.
My guest today is the epitome of the powerful choice to move into free agency. Why did he choose to own a franchise in the flooring industry, and how has the pandemic impacted it? How has business ownership impacted his family? What are the biggest lessons and best practices he’s implemented along the way?
In this episode, owner of Floor Coverings International, Dave Paeske talks about his journey and how he’s cultivating loyal customers right from the first Google search.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why the franchise model was more attractive than going independent
Franchises allow us to have more support and collaboration. We go through things other people have gone through in the business, which gives us the solutions we need. Having the support of other business owners, and also being able to help other franchise owners is infinitely rewarding.
How to use Google reviews to cultivate loyal customers
One of the ways we can get loyal clients is to move from general internet leads to getting business from people searching for us specifically. Building up our Google reviews is how we can start getting clients who purposely sought out our services.
The benefits of being closer to the client experience
In corporate, we’re so far removed from the customer’s experience. In free agency, we get to see and impact the customer’s journey. The way the client is treated in a large company is often out of our hands, while in free agency, we have the power to directly affect the customer’s entire purchasing journey.
Guest Bio
Dave is owner and designer at Floor Coverings International. Floor Coverings International offers an unmatched selection of flooring products including carpet, hardwood, ceramic tile and vinyl, as well as specialty products including cork, bamboo and slate.
Our expert Design Associates perform free in-home consultations, visiting customers’ homes in a Mobile Showroom with thousands of flooring choices to assist them in choosing the perfect flooring solution.
For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpaeske or get in touch with us directly at (262) 424-0768.
Career transition and reinvention are no longer a rare path, they are the new normal. A confluence of factors in our world has led to career displacement or a change in what work means to us.
Whether it’s the lack of job security in corporate, getting older and wanting to leave an unfulfilling job, or external factors like the pandemic, many people are choosing the path of free agency. It allows them to take control of their lives and maximize their full potential.
This is especially true for seasoned professionals who want a more meaningful job in the second or third part of their careers. Their work and life experience make them perfect candidates for a new career direction.
Why is this moment in history creating a massive push for career reinvention? How do we hone in on where we can be most valuable in a new career? In this episode, I’m joined by career transition coach, author of Boomer Reinvention: How to Create Your Dream Career Over 50, and speaker John Tarnoff. He talks about the factors and forces driving the career transition trend.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why people over 50 make great candidates for career pivots
As we get older, we tend to pivot from a focus on material wealth to a focus on meaning, purpose, and spirituality. This meaning and purpose can be applied to our profession and the work that we do. By going into a second career that’s aligned with a value proposition, we can get more fulfillment.
How to set yourself apart in the job market
Instead of trying to apply for every single job available, come up with a value proposition that aligns you with a specific profession. If you get clear on the value you provide and have a really clear sense of the impact you can make in your work, you’re going to find jobs that align with that. That way, you’re not doing their work for them, you’re doing your work for them.
The importance of closing open mental loops
The things that have been on your to-do list for years occupy valuable space in your head and in your psyche. They create subtle anxiety and interfere with your ability to move forward. In order to be more efficient and more valuable in your career pivot, you have to clear out those open loops.
Guest Bio
John Tarnoff is a Breakthrough Executive & Career Transition Coach, Strategist for Professionals across Mid, Late, & Second-Act Careers, Keynote Speaker and Best-selling Author of Boomer Reinvention: How to Create Your Dream Career Over 50.
John provides career counseling for baby Boomers and late-career professionals looking to defy ageism, work beyond retirement, and pivot to a new job or new business as a second act or encore career.
For more information and to find out about John’s coaching visit https://www.johntarnoff.com.
The volatility and uncertainty of 2020 has made insurance a bigger deal than ever before. In this environment, commercial insurance agents have become trusted advisors who help free agents operate in a turbulent and fast-changing world.
Not only are business owners contending with the insurance needed to keep their businesses going. They are also dealing with new coverage demands and the constant need to evaluate their systems to make sure they’re compliant, accurate and consistent.
How has the pandemic impacted businesses and their insurance? What are the biggest concerns of business owners right now? What areas of insurance should we be paying attention to?
In this episode, Commercial Insurance Advisor and Vice President at Associated Agencies, Julie Silverman talks about how the business insurance world is responding to the pandemic.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How insurance is helping business owners retain their valued employees
One of the biggest challenges business owners are facing is being able to keep key employees onboard, and affording to pay them in some capacity to show that we value them. Key person insurance and other protections, benefits and bonuses have become a lifeline for free agents.
The impact of growth on insurance
While some businesses have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, many other companies are seeing an explosion of growth and demand in their services. Because they are busier than ever before, business owners are struggling to keep up with the new insurance coverage needs of operating a business in these uncertain times.
Why entrepreneurs are so necessary right now
This is not a bad time to get into business, and it’s not predatory to want to get into business. Many areas have a demand for businesses who can become lifelines and trusted advisors to help them navigate these times. There’s still a need for business leaders who can step in and do their part to help their communities.
Guest Bio
Julie Silverman is a Commercial Insurance Advisor and Vice President at Associated Agencies, Inc. She is a Strategic Advisor in helping organizations and individuals with their primary goals and initiatives. Associated is a full service brokerage firm that assists individuals and businesses with their Insurance & Risk Mitigation, Compliance, Cyber Security, WC, EPLI, Creative Employee Benefit Programs and all individual insurance needs.
Associated’s longevity in the business (over 130 years) allows them to draw upon years of experience, and unparalleled expertise. They service clients nationwide as well as globally, which allows them to create innovative solutions to all clients' risk management needs that will in turn drive down costs and maximize compliance.
To get in touch with Julie, send an email to jsilverman@associated.cc.
The reality of free agency is that our businesses are something we can never fully disconnect from. This is rewarding but also stressful and emotionally taxing. When we have so much responsibility and so much is required from us, the business can take over our entire lives.
There are pieces we need to put in place to make sure we’re not carrying more than we can manage. We need to make sure that our personal relationships and emotional health don’t suffer at the expense of our businesses.
A brand makes marketing easier, clear priorities and boundaries keep us healthy, and strategic relationships give us support and resources.
Where do we start when it comes to building a brand? How do we strike a work-life balance from the get-go? How can we forge relationships in a socially distanced world?
In the second part of my interview with business coach and strategist Ethan Chazin, he shares the things we need to prioritize as business owners, and some of the challenges entrepreneurs are facing today.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How to practice conscious prioritization in our business
Even though we’re with our businesses all the time, we can’t focus on it to the detriment of our personal lives and primary relationships. It’s self-damaging and also does a disservice to our families. Prioritize your family and build the business around them.
The power of building a brand based on your Big Why
What sets us apart in business ownership is our brand. It’s the thing that makes us remarkable, memorable and pushes people to want to work with and for us. Our brand is built on the foundation of our big why and personal values, and this instantly becomes the culture that underpins everything we do.
Why relationships matter in business
It’s easy to focus on the things that make us money, but cultivating relationships is just as important and valuable to the business as marketing. Whether we’re looking for coaching, mentorship, funding, employees and support, we can’t do it without relationships. We have to focus on forging and cultivating relationships because that provides the resources we need.
Guest Bio
Ethan Chazin is a business, executive and transformation coach, speaker, author and founder and president of The Chazin Group. The Chazin Group delivers executive coaching, business consulting, strategic planning, business coaching to entrepreneurs, start-ups and business owners to plan, launch and grow world-class organizations and achieve top line and bottom line results.
Ethan applies his 20 years of experience in Corporate America leading teams through significant transformation, by leveraging employee engagement to unleash people’s untapped potential and provide organizations with lasting competitive advantage. He is passionate About Driving Employee Empowerment to Maximize Profits, Productivity, and Performance.
For more information, visit https://thechazingroup.com, email ethan@thechazingroup or phone (917) 239-5571.
Some of the world’s best entrepreneurs became free agents to escape a toxic corporate culture. It’s easy to feel disposable in the corporate machine and become the victim of restructuring, downsizing and other unfavorable cost-cutting measures.
Toxic corporate culture has created the platform for people to jump into free agency and experience true impact and fulfillment. By removing the shackles of a corporate overlord, we create our own path to freedom and success on our own terms.
Entrepreneurship is anything but smooth sailing, but free agents know that being their own boss beats even the best day in corporate.
What should entrepreneurs leaving corporate be aware of? How can we overcome the loneliness that comes with free agency? What are the rewards of running your own business?
In this episode, I’m joined by business coach, strategist, speaker and author, Ethan Chazin. He talks about getting downsized 9 times, leaving the corporate meat grinder and why he wanted to be a free agent.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How corporate culture impacts lives and careers
In corporate, many highly skilled individuals find themselves at the mercy of a culture that deems them disposable. Marketing is never seen as critically important so it easily gets restructured, downsized or cut meaning there’s never any job security. We can experience freedom by taking those valuable skills into free agency.
Why a support network is critical to our success
Solo practitioners often feel overwhelmed by their own inner state. If we don’t have people to provide support, it can feel lonely in our business, and we start to operate with blinders on. We need to create a strong support network around us and have people in our lives who can be strategic voices, champions and advocates.
Key attributes that prepare you for entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is an emotionally and mentally demanding pursuit. In order to make it through the challenges, we need to have thick skin, a sense of humor, a tenacious approach to going forward, brutal self-honesty, maturity, and an ability to identify our blind spots.
Guest Bio
Ethan Chazin is a business, executive and transformation coach, speaker, author and founder and president of The Chazin Group. The Chazin Group delivers executive coaching, business consulting, strategic planning, business coaching to entrepreneurs, start-ups and business owners to plan, launch and grow world-class organizations and achieve top line and bottom line results.
Ethan applies his 20 years of experience in Corporate America leading teams through significant transformation, by leveraging employee engagement to unleash people’s untapped potential and provide organizations with lasting competitive advantage. He is passionate About Driving Employee Empowerment to Maximize Profits, Productivity, and Performance.
For more information, visit https://thechazingroup.com/, email ethan@thechazingroup or phone (917) 239-5571.
The pandemic has affected businesses across the country in different ways that are unique to each industry and locale.
For companies that go beyond the call of a 9 to 5 business, the pandemic created more intensity and complexities to operate under. Since health services are essential in the pandemic, the day-to-day operations have had to shift. Leaders have had to focus on keeping things running efficiently, protecting the people they serve, and making sure the business survives and even thrives.
ComForcare Senior Services is one of these essential businesses that have made quick changes during the pandemic. The business owners have successfully adjusted to the new normal while also thinking of business beyond the pandemic.
What has the ComForcare Senior Services team done differently in order to survive, and to thrive through the pandemic? What does business ownership offer that working in corporate doesn’t?
In this episode, Dave Morbeck shares the rewards of free agency business ownership, how the pandemic has impacted his companies and how they are responding to it.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why being a free agent is more rewarding than corporateIn corporate, we’re just cogs in a wheel, and we don’t usually see the end result of our work or the direct outcome of our efforts. In your own business, you get to feel the reward of seeing the direct results of your daily effort while also enjoying the impact that your business makes.
The importance of focusing on our own well being in a demanding businessOne of the biggest challenges of running a 24-hour health business is finding or carving out the time to rest and re-energize as the business owner. As much as we care about the wellbeing of the people we serve, we also have to prioritize our own health.
Continuous improvement vs. perfectionOur goal as business owners shouldn’t be to aim for perfection but rather to strive for continuous improvement. Seeking perfection is an unattainable goal, but if we work hard to get better every single day, we will see better outcomes.
Guest Bio
Dave Morbeck is the President/Owner at ComForcare Senior Services and owner of Just like Home Adult Day Center. After leaving a 20 year corporate career, Dave and his wife got into the franchise business. ComForcare provides in-home non-medical services for Seniors and Pregnant Women who need assistance. In addition to their franchise, they opened an adult day center.
For more information on the home care service visit https://www.comforcare.com/wisconsin/west-bend or call 262.674.1515.
To learn more about the Adult Day Center visit https://justlikehomeadultdaycenter.com or call 262.423.4411.
Covid-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives, and businesses have had to adjust to new market and customer demands. While some industries came to a halt because of the pandemic, others have seen an explosion in demand.
The Antimicrobial Protection space has gone from being relatively unknown to one of the most necessary services in a covid-19 world. A fast ramp up of business in a pandemic brings its own unique set of challenges, including more competition, operational volumes and procedures.
How can we set ourselves apart in a high-demand industry that has a lot of noise and competitors? When so many of our competitors only care about the short-term gain, what do we need to focus on if we’re in it for the long haul?
In this episode, entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker, and president of GreenUp Solutions, Andy Weins shared how the pandemic impacted his new business, and how he’s ensuring the longevity of his company.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How to create sustainable business solutions
Sustainable business solutions need to be economically viable, socially desirable and environmentally sound. It’s about taking a scientific approach, and using it to fulfil the needs of the consumer while making it economically viable as a commercial product.
Why investing in people in important
Following a process leads to success, but we can’t leave our employees out of it. An engaged workforce is the key to making sure a process actually works. We need to invest in people and training as much as we invest in the process itself.
The importance of having the right expectations when we expand
The profitability we’ll have with one site isn’t always repeatable across the board to all our franchise locations. Even if we follow the exact same path and use the same systems, our locations won’t have the same results. Each location and area has its own variables, which need to be considered.
Guest Bio
Andy Weins is an entrepreneur, leader, soldier, TEDx Speaker, and president of GreenUp Solutions. GreenUp Solutions focuses on advanced Long-term Antimicrobial Protection for Work and Living Spaces. Their guiding principles are cultural leadership, environmental impact, and organizational efficiency.
For more information visit https://www.greenupsolutions.org and connect with Andy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyweins.
2020 has been a challenging time for entrepreneurs, but business is far from dead. Even though we’ve had to adapt to the virtual space and struggled with a sense of isolation from our business support structure - many businesses are thriving, seeing significant growth and an increase in their effectiveness.
My goal is to help people transition into business ownership and navigate this new world. I want to provide support so you can make the leap to franchise ownership and land on your feet. Now more than ever, business owners need a space that can inspire and encourage them. This podcast is that space.
How is Zoom creating more freedom for business owners, and how can we create a community of ongoing support for businesses operating in a socially distanced world?
In part 2 of my conversation with author, speaker and entrepreneur, Tamara Burkett, we discuss pivoting our businesses during a pandemic.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How franchising puts us in control of our destiny
We have the power to generate our own income instead of being at the mercy of a boss or company. We can set our own financial goals and adapt our operations and activities to meet them. Despite the economic outlook, we are empowered by our own abilities to control what we earn.
How to maintain a sense of ‘virtual community’
Building a community and having a support system is so important in the entrepreneurial journey. The pandemic has made it harder to tap into that community and have the support we need to continue to expand our businesses. Business owners have pivoted to using virtual platforms to grow and nurture their communities.
The surprising impact of the pandemic on business
Even in the midst of a pandemic, business owners are still finding success and supporting their communities. While the media may paint a grim picture, there are business owners who are currently thriving. Sharing our stories is important because it can inspire people to re-engage with entrepreneurship and make better decisions for their future.
Guest Bio
Tamara Burkett is a CRM consultant, virtual meeting facilitator, author, speaker and entrepreneur. She fully believes in the power of personal connection to motivate, inspire, and educate. She helps companies squeeze every penny of profitability and service out of their current CRM. Her services include CRM selection, customization, CRM strategy, training, coaching, virtual training and logistics & social selling training.
Tamara Burkett knows that authentic relationships are the lifeblood of a thriving business. She also understands that nurturing those relationships in a meaningful way requires both a personal touch and the proper technology.
Through her consulting and training company, Tamara helps entrepreneurs and small business owners identify and onboard the system best suited to help them scale their business. Using the results of her signature 5-point personalized assessment Tamara's clients are able to quickly automate their backend systems and start working on what matters.
For more information, visit https://www.tamaraburkett.com or go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaraburkett1
Taking the leap from corporate America to business ownership is an incredible journey that changed my life. Successfully making that transition isn’t as simple as changing where we work, it’s about actually changing who we are, and transforming from the traditional corporate persona to a mindset of business ownership.
We have to shed some of the habits we picked up in the corporate world, so we can create thriving working environments and nurture good working relationships. This can be a challenging shift to make but in my own experience and through my clients, I know it’s possible with the right support.
That’s why I created this podcast. I wanted to create a space of inspiration and encouragement with stories from real business owners who have found freedom through franchising.
In our first episode, I’m joined by Tamara Burkett, an entrepreneur and consultant I’ve had the joy of partnering with in my own business. We discuss our own unique journeys to business ownership, and why there’s so much power in sharing our stories.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The value of our life experiences in business
Social media and podcasting give us the opportunity to share lessons from our unique journeys and life experiences. People are searching for a story to inspire them to chase their own dreams. Our unique stories and experiences make our marketing more compelling, engaging and honest.
How a corporate mindset can hurt our business
If we take a corporate mentality into our business endeavors, we risk creating a toxic work environment. We’ll ultimately replicate the same mindset and culture that made us leave corporate in the first place.
Why business is the ultimate empowerment vehicle
Starting our own franchise business gives us 100% ownership of each day of our lives, which is both empowering and rewarding. It gives us the freedom to create a business that feels authentic to us and a life around the things that are most important to us.
Guest Bio
Tamara Burkett is a CRM consultant, virtual meeting facilitator, author, speaker and entrepreneur. She fully believes in the power of personal connection to motivate, inspire, and educate. She helps companies squeeze every penny of profitability and service out of their current CRM. Her services include CRM selection, customization, CRM strategy, training, coaching, virtual training and logistics & social selling training.
Tamara Burkett knows that authentic relationships are the lifeblood of a thriving business. She also understands that nurturing those relationships in a meaningful way requires both a personal touch and the proper technology.
Through her consulting and training company, Tamara helps entrepreneurs and small business owners identify and onboard the system best suited to help them scale their business. Using the results of her signature 5-point personalized assessment Tamara's clients are able to quickly automate their backend systems and start working on what matters.
For more information, visit https://www.tamaraburkett.com or go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaraburkett1