Discover how WOW WindowBoxes grew from a simple idea in a garage to a multi-million-dollar franchise that’s transforming the home services industry. In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Bret Schneider the founder and CEO of Wow Window Boxes, to talk about how a passion project turned into a $5 million brand — without subscriptions, without outside investors, and with 87% customer retention. You’ll learn: 🌱 How Brett’s mom sparked the original idea 🚀 What changed when they finally went “all in” 💡 How Wow Window Boxes is capturing the booming “Do-It-For-Me” market 💰 Why this niche is one of the most exciting new franchise opportunities in 2025 If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, franchise investor, or small business owner looking for inspiration — this story will motivate you to take the leap.   Wow Windowboxes website: https://www.wowwindowboxes.com/   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #Success

When most people think of franchising, they picture burgers, coffee, or car washes. But Joshua Tree Experts proves there’s massive opportunity hiding in your own backyard — literally. In this episode, Wes Barefoot sits down with Josh Malik, Founder and CEO of Joshua Tree Experts, to talk about how he built a high-growth, multi-service franchise brand around tree care, lawn care, and pest control. Josh started as a climber and crew leader, working his way up from the bottom of the industry to owning one of the most respected tree-preservation brands in the U.S. He shares how focusing on preservation over removal created recurring revenue, loyal clients, and a brand with deep roots. 🌳 You’ll learn: -Why tree preservation beats removal for long-term value -How to scale from one service line to three without confusing customers -The psychology behind pricing, upsells, and customer trust -How Joshua Tree Experts recruits and trains top arborists -The smart way to franchise an equipment-heavy business -What kind of entrepreneurs thrive in this “three-in-one” model This episode is packed with insights on branding, leadership, and building culture in blue-collar industries that are anything but boring. 👉 Learn more about Franchise Unfiltered:FranchiseUnfiltered.com 👉 Explore franchise opportunities with Wes: PathToFreedom.com 👉 Discover Joshua Tree Experts: JoshuaTreeExperts.com   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #Success

Ever think the “sexiest” franchise would be… drains? In this Franchise Unfiltered episode, Wes sits down with Jim Foley, Brand President of Zoom Drain, to unpack a focused service model that’s creating massive opportunities in franchising. You’ll learn why Zoom Drain is thriving with B2B and B2C demand, how “truck math” makes scaling predictable, and why plumbers actually refer business to Zoom Drain instead of competing with them. Topics we cover: -Why specializing in drains beats being a generalist -The referral flywheel with plumbers -How apprentices become six-figure technicians -Predictable growth using “truck math” -The power of consult-don’t-sell in home services -Flat-rate pricing and a systemized playbook Whether you’re exploring franchise ownership or just curious how an “unsexy” industry turns into big business, this episode breaks it all down. 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #Success

Franchisors are drowning in stale Zooms, dead Facebook groups, and unread newsletters. Enter Studio F—our internal podcast model that turns franchise communication into binge-worthy, high-engagement episodes your system will actually consume. From peer-to-peer “masterclass” wins, to hiring/retention playbooks, to FAQ Unplugged that answers once and scales forever—we show how private podcasts boost culture, speed up SOP adoption, and even power candidate marketing with repurposable clips. Featuring big-brand lessons (AmEx, PepsiCo, Keurig, Harman) and a turnkey rollout franchisors can pilot fast. If you’re a franchisor or franchisee who wants real adoption (not another email), this is your playbook. Subscribe, then grab the strategy call link in the show notes to see if Studio F fits your brand. 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #Success  

What happens when the guy who built Club Pilates, UFC Gym, and a multi-billion dollar franchise empire decides to start over? 👀 Enter Anthony Geisler and Sequel Brands—the “third choice” in franchising. Forget sold-out territories and underfunded startups… this is McDonald’s-level support with ground-floor access.    In this episode, Anthony reveals: ✅ How he scaled brands from 12 units to 1,300+ ✅ Why no private equity + no debt is a game changer ✅ The portfolio (Pilates Addiction, iFlex, BODY20, BEAM) ✅ And why wellness + recovery isn’t a fad—it’s the future   If you’re dreaming of owning a franchise, this convo will change how you think about what’s possible.   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes:  https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #Success

🚀 Burned out from corporate America, Ryan ditched banking layoffs and the acquisition rat race to take control of his future. Instead of buying a business, he chose a Cabinet IQ franchise — and the results have been incredible. In this episode, Ryan shares why franchising beat acquisitions, how he scaled fast, and the systems that changed everything.    💡 If you’re tired of corporate burnout and dreaming of building something of your own, this episode shows what’s possible. 7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising 🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes: https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes Connect with Wes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/ #Franchising #Entrepreneurship #Success

Most people don’t know this franchise even exists—but it’s one of the most impactful and emotionally intense businesses you’ll ever hear about. BioOne franchisees clean up crime scenes, drug houses, and trauma sites with a mission-first mindset. In this episode, Wes sits down with Danessa Itaya and Cheryl Chason to uncover the powerful, gritty, and purpose-driven world behind BioOne.   Timestamps 00:00 – What is BioOne? 02:30 – “Help First, Business Second” philosophy 06:45 – How Cheryl got into crime scene cleaning 08:50 – Why they left corporate jobs for franchising 12:00 – Juggling multiple franchises 17:00 – The mission behind BioOne 22:15 – Drug remediation & industry regulations 29:30 – How to find and keep great technicians 37:00 – Getting out of the day-to-day grind 46:00 – The machine that detects drugs in 8 seconds   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes:  https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   #TraumaCleanup #Franchise #BioOne

🍕 Is This the Smartest Food Franchise Model in America?   Cascadia Pizza might just be the best-kept secret in franchising.   In this episode, Thomas Reinhard, co-founder of Cascadia Pizza Co., breaks down how they turned a mobile wood-fired pizza truck into a booming franchise with brick-and-mortar stores, high-margin catering, and massive community buzz — all while offering a launch runway in just 12 weeks.   We cover:   Why small towns are outperforming big cities   How one high schooler became a franchise owner   Why Gen Z is fighting for jobs here   What makes this model different from every other food franchise you've seen   And how Cascadia is redefining pizza as “affordable luxury”   If you're curious about business ownership, community-driven growth, or building something fun and profitable, you don't want to miss this.   🎯 16–20% net margins | 🚛 Mobile-first launch | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly & community-focused   00:00 – Is This the Smartest Food Franchise Model in America? 01:26 – What Makes Cascadia Pizza So Unique 03:50 – From Law School to Pizza Franchise Co-Founder 06:45 – The Unexpected Path to Franchising 08:37 – How the First Franchisee Launched with Success 11:32 – Who Should (and Shouldn't) Own a Cascadia Franchise 13:29 – Why Small Towns Are a Secret Weapon 16:09 – Pizza as “Affordable Luxury” and a Community Magnet 22:33 – How to Launch with a Food Truck in Just 12 Weeks 42:52 – Cascadia’s Impressive 16–20% Profit Margins Explained     7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes:  https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   Cascadia Pizza: https://www.cascadiapizzafranchising.com/   #Franchise #Podcast #FranchiseUnfiltered

Raisa Zovklaya didn’t have the money to start a franchise—so she entered a $20K fitness contest. She lost… but kept going anyway. In this episode, Wes sits down with Raisa to unpack her bold leap from nursing into franchise ownership with Project Lean Nation, how she funded it, built community, and found purpose. This is what betting on yourself really looks like.   ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Wes mispronounces Raisa’s last name 😅 00:44 – Meet Raisa: Ukrainian-born, Syracuse-raised 05:13 – From CrossFit curiosity to franchise opportunity 06:50 – The $20K fitness contest that sparked everything 09:40 – Losing the contest but refusing to quit 11:15 – High-interest loan → franchise fee paid 13:30 – Choosing the perfect location with Tim 18:45 – What Project Lean Nation actually does 22:00 – Why passion, not profit, drove her decision 29:50 – Burnout, delegation, and team building 37:00 – How community and networking fuel real growth 45:10 – Why she says: “If you're in it just to open a business, this isn’t for you.” 55:00 – Her vision for store #2 (and beyond)   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes:  https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!   #Franchise #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes Barefoot welcomes back Andy Fuller, founder and CEO of Mosquito Hunters — now expanded into Pest Hunters and Humbug Holiday Lighting. Andy shares the story behind the rebrand, the mindset shift from seasonal hustle to empire-building, and how his franchise model grew from a $2B niche into a $31B multi-service powerhouse.   Whether you're a franchisee, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with gold.   ⏱️ Timestamps   00:16 – Why Andy Fuller is back: A major rebrand & new service lines 02:05 – From corporate burnout to business with purpose 05:14 – The 3-in-1 model: Pest Hunters, Mosquito Hunters, and Humbug Holiday Lighting 08:53 – Why holiday lighting isn’t just a side hustle anymore 15:01 – The “keeping up with the Joneses” effect driving massive demand 21:26 – Marketing strategy: Why “Christmas in July” works 26:59 – What the DQ Blizzard, Big Mac, and stuffed crust pizza have in common with franchising 30:30 – From $2B to $31B: The math that justified the rebrand 33:43 – Higher-caliber franchisee candidates since launching the 3-in-1 model 36:56 – Costs, equipment, and what new owners need to get started   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes:  https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!   #Franchise #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

After 14 years of building one of the highest-performing ShelfGenie franchises, Alan Regala sold his business and stepped into a brand-new chapter of life. In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Alan shares how he went from mechanical engineer to successful franchise owner — and what it really takes to build a business that’s actually sellable.   We cover: ✅ The mindset behind long-term success ✅ How to avoid burnout as a franchise owner ✅ The systems that make a franchise valuable ✅ Why most people don’t think about the exit early enough ✅ What Alan is doing now with Athlete2Owner   Whether you're considering buying a franchise, scaling your business, or preparing for a future exit, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.   🎯 Learn how to build a business with freedom, flexibility, and long-term value.   Timestamps:   00:00 – From Franchisee to Friend: Alan’s 7-Year Journey 03:10 – The Exit Strategy Most Franchise Owners Ignore 05:45 – How to Build a Franchise That Doesn’t Depend on You 08:30 – The Systems That Made His Business Sellable 13:20 – From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Alan’s Career Shift 16:00 – The Book That Sparked His Business Mindset 20:10 – Why Franchising Was the Perfect Fit (And Almost Didn’t Happen) 25:40 – Innovating Inside the Franchise System 44:00 – The Moment He Knew It Was Time to Sell 57:00 – Life After the Exit: Coaching New Franchise Owners   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes:  https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!   #Franchise #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered podcast, Wes Barefoot sits down with Larry Oglesby—a former corporate executive turned fast-scaling franchisee. Larry shares how he transitioned from a 30-year corporate career into owning two franchise businesses in just 18 months: Redbox Plus Dumpsters and Cool Bins.   We dive deep into how Larry built his franchise portfolio under the Belfor umbrella, the surprising synergy between dumpster rentals and portable storage, and why trust, leadership, and people-first hiring are his secret weapons. Larry also reveals why he believes franchise ownership, franchise scalability, and franchise opportunity are more attainable than most think—even after losing seven figures during COVID.   Whether you're a burned-out executive, a curious entrepreneur, or someone looking to buy a franchise business, this episode is packed with raw, real-world wisdom from someone who’s walked the walk.   ✅ Learn why Larry calls franchising a “second career with more freedom” ✅ Hear how he went from consulting global CEOs to hauling dumpsters (by choice!) ✅ Find out how to scale your franchise, scale your team, and scale your income   📍Larry operates Redbox Plus and Cool Bins in Greater Athens, GA. Find him by searching: Redbox Plus Dumpsters Athens, Cool Bins Athens, or connect on LinkedIn.   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   🔗 Want help finding the right franchise? Book a free strategy call with Wes:  https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!   #Franchise #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

Is boutique fitness oversaturated? Discover Strength doesn’t think so — because they’re doing it completely differently.   In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Scott Breimhorst, VP of Franchise Development for Discover Strength, a cutting-edge fitness brand redefining what it means to own and operate a premium fitness franchise.   With a science-backed, twice-per-week strength training model, degreed exercise physiologists, and a high-end client experience, Discover Strength is turning heads — not just with customers, but with serious franchise investors.   💡 Learn:   -Why Discover Strength turns down unqualified candidates -What makes resistance training the most in-demand fitness solution -The unique culture and retention strategy behind their explosive growth -Why they aim for 250 elite locations instead of 1,000+ mediocre ones   🔥 Whether you’re exploring fitness franchises or just want to know what’s next in boutique wellness, this episode is a must-watch.   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.   https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/     👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!   #Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Fitness

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered Podcast, Wes sits down with franchise veteran Zach Beutler to talk about his latest venture: Jungle Driving — a groundbreaking driver’s education concept that's saving teen lives and reshaping what franchising looks like in the education space.   We dive deep into:    ✅ How Jungle Driving blends UPS safety methods with teen-focused learning ✅ What it takes to scale a franchise from one concept to a national brand ✅ Why most driver’s ed programs are outdated (and how Jungle fixes it) ✅ How Zach bounced back from bankruptcy to build one of the most promising new brands in franchising ✅ Creative, low-cost customer acquisition strategies without relying on digital ads ✅ Building a franchise system that parents and kids love   Whether you’re a parent, a franchise investor, or just someone passionate about business innovation — this is one you don’t want to miss.   🔗 Learn more: https://www.jungledriving.com     7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.    https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   Like this episode? Hit the like button, subscribe for more unfiltered franchise stories, and drop a comment if this inspired you.   #FranchisePodcast #JungleDriving #TeenDriversEd #FranchiseOpportunity #BusinessInnovation

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Tim Dougherty, the founder and CEO of Project Lean Nation, for one of the most jaw-dropping comeback stories in franchising.   In 2006, the FBI walked into Tim’s office and charged him with conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He served time in federal prison—and came out with nothing. But out of that brokenness, Tim rebuilt his life by serving others, starting with a few homemade meals and a dream to change lives through health and nutrition.   Today, Project Lean Nation is a fast-growing franchise built on purpose, accountability, and powerful transformation.   Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring franchisee, or someone looking for hope—you need to hear this story.   Timestamps:   0:00 Intro 0:48 The FBI shows up 2:11 What is Project Lean Nation? 15:22 From prison to purpose 21:00 The first 1,000 meals 23:21 Redemption through service 34:04 How franchising came into play 55:04 Tech, scalability, and support 59:56 What makes a great franchisee? 1:08:54 Revenue potential and membership model 1:13:00 Final thoughts and contact info   Resources & Links:   Website: https://www.projectleannation.com Franchise Info: https://www.projectleannation.com/franchise Email Tim: tim@projectleannation.com Follow Tim on Instagram: https://instagram.com/plntim   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.   https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   Like this episode? Hit the like button, subscribe for more unfiltered franchise stories, and drop a comment if this inspired you.   #Franchise #RedemptionStory #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered Podcast, Wes Barefoot chats with Susan, a former teacher turned franchise owner, who started her Gotcha Covered window treatment business in the middle of the 2008 recession.   Now, 17 years later, Susan shares how she created a successful and flexible business that gives her control over her time, lifestyle, and legacy. If you're thinking about franchise ownership, making a mid-life career change, or just want to learn how to build a business that fits your life—this episode is for you!   👇 Timestamps & Topics   00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Susan’s background: from teacher to franchise owner 03:30 – Why she started a business during the 2008 recession 06:00 – Building through referrals & relationships 08:30 – What Gotcha Covered does (and why it’s a great franchise) 12:45 – Selling design services with zero prior experience 20:00 – What franchise training and support look like 26:00 – Designing a business around lifestyle and freedom 33:00 – Community involvement & business growth 36:00 – Hiring subcontractors and installers 42:00 – Why Susan hasn’t scaled her sales team (and that’s okay) 47:30 – Advice for aspiring franchisees and career changers   🌐 Susan’s Business: Gotcha Covered of Eastern South Dakota: https://www.gotchacovered.com/eastern-sd/   📱 Follow Susan on Social Media:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanbtjarks/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-tjarks-811a3916/   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.   https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   💡 Who This Episode Is For: ✔️ Aspiring entrepreneurs ✔️ People exploring franchise ownership ✔️ Career changers in their 40s, 50s, and beyond ✔️ Women in business ✔️ Anyone wanting more flexibility and control over their career   👍 Like this episode? Give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more interviews with real franchise owners and business experts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode! 💬 Drop your questions and thoughts in the comments!       #FranchiseOwnership #FranchiseSuccess #CareerChange #GotchaCovered #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #BusinessOwnership #FranchisePodcast #LifestyleBusiness #HomeServicesFranchise

In this episode, Wes sits down with Mike Bahun, founder and CEO of Fundraising University, a fast-growing franchise that's transforming the way schools and sports teams raise money.   Mike shares how he turned his coaching background and entrepreneurial drive into a scalable business model that’s helped raise over $11 million for schools—while building a high-retention, high-impact franchise system.   You’ll learn:   ✅ Why traditional school fundraisers are broken ✅ How Fundraising U’s service-based model raises more, faster ✅ The franchise opportunity and what makes it scalable ✅ Mike’s journey from pro baseball to business ownership ✅ How Fundraising U is helping schools meet critical funding needs   Whether you're a parent, coach, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone exploring franchise ownership, this conversation is packed with value.   🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:   🌐 Fundraising University: https://fundraisingu.net 🎧 Coaching Matters Podcast: https://coachingmatters.org   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.   https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/   👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!   #Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, I sit down with Shideler Bennett, a multi-unit Crumbl Cookies franchisee, SaaS founder, and business builder who scaled a $12 million portfolio by the age of 30. From cold-calling insurance agencies to building a 10-unit franchise empire and launching a software company that’s changing how franchisees operate — Shideler shares the gritty, behind-the-scenes truth of what it really takes to grow fast, take risks, and build a business that lasts.   Whether you're looking to buy a franchise, start a SaaS business, or just get inspired by someone who took massive action during uncertain times, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.   🔑 What We Cover in This Episode:   How Shideler started with Crumbl Cookies during the pandemic Scaling from 1 to 10 Crumbl locations across 3 states Raising capital through creative funding (friends, family, investors) Why he launched a SaaS platform for franchisors & franchisees (CoverPanda) The emotional toll of rapid growth and how he pushed through doubt Practical tips for franchise funding, scaling, and operations What to know about owning a franchise in California Why he believes franchising is the best fast track to entrepreneurship   🎯 Who This Episode Is For:   Aspiring franchise owners Entrepreneurs in their 20s & 30s Founders scaling multi-unit businesses SaaS startup builders Anyone looking for business growth inspiration   📈 Connect with Shideler Bennett: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scheidlerbennett 💼 CoverPanda (SaaS for Franchises): https://coverpandaco.com   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.    https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/     👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!   #Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

🚀 Thinking about franchising your business? In this episode of Path to Freedom, I sit down with Tom DeFore, Founder & CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team, to uncover the essential steps to turning your business into a thriving franchise.   👉 We dive deep into: ✅ What makes a business franchisable ✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when franchising ✅ The timeline and costs of franchising your business ✅ Pros & cons of emerging vs. established franchises ✅ How to scale with confidence and avoid common pitfalls   If you've ever considered expanding your business through franchising, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss!   🔗 FREE DOWNLOAD: "9 Pitfalls to Avoid When Franchising" → https://www.ninepitfalls.com   🎧 Listen to the Multiply Your Success Podcast: https://www.bigskyfranchiseteam.com/podcast   📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:00 - What Big Sky Franchise Team does 05:45 - What makes a business franchisable? 10:30 - The biggest reasons business owners fail at franchising 15:20 - Unconventional franchise opportunities you’ve never heard of 22:00 - The process & timeline for franchising a business 30:45 - Emerging vs. Established franchises: Pros & Cons 40:10 - How to evaluate if a franchise is the right investment 45:00 - Closing thoughts & where to connect with Tom DeFore   🔥 Resources & Links: ✅ Book a FREE Strategy Call with Tom DeFore → https://www.bigskyfranchiseteam.com ✅ Download "9 Pitfalls to Avoid When Franchising" → https://www.ninepitfalls.com ✅ Multiply Your Success Podcast → https://www.bigskyfranchiseteam.com/podcast ✅ Follow Path to Freedom for More Content → www.path2frdm.com   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.   https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/     👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!   #Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseYourBusiness #BigSkyFranchise #PathToFreedomPodcast

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes sits down with Rick Mayo, the founder and CEO of Alloy Personal Training. They dive deep into Alloy’s explosive growth in the franchising space, hitting over 300+ awarded licenses and the strategies behind sustainable expansion.   Rick shares insights on: ✅ The key to supporting franchisees for long-term success ✅ The mindset shift from hands-on operator to visionary CEO ✅ Lessons learned from scaling a business while maintaining quality ✅ The challenges and rewards of transitioning from corporate life to franchise ownership   Wes and Rick also discuss the traits of top-performing franchisees, the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, and what’s next for Alloy—including their ambitious goal of 800 awarded locations by 2030.   Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, franchise owner, or business leader, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on leadership, delegation, and scaling a thriving business.   🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe!   🔗 Resources & Links:   Connect with Rick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teamalloy/ Learn about Alloy: https://alloypersonaltraining.com/   7 Steps to Owning a Franchise: https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising   If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.   https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes   Connect with Wes:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/     #Franchise #Franchising #AlloyPersonalTraining