Free Agent with Meg Schmitz

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'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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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,

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.

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",

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,

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,