Free Agent with Meg Schmitz cover art

All Episodes

Free Agent with Meg Schmitz — 217 episodes

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Title
1

Ep 8.17 Women, Money, and What's Changing

2

8.16 When Hard Work Stops Paying Off

3

8.15 She Built a Business Buyers Wanted

4

Ep 8.14 Fake Security vs Real Ownership: Why she never looked back

5

Ep 8.13 What No One Tells You About Reinventing Yourself Mid-Career

6

Ep 8.12 You're Not Stuck, You're Standing Outside The Room

7

Ep 8.11 Following the System Matters More Than Experience

8

Ep 8.10 She Took The Leap To Freedom But Where did she Land?

9

Ep 8.9 The Risk That Finally Made Entrepreneurship Make Sense

10

Ep 8.8 When "Safe" Stops Feeling Safe

11

Ep 8.7 The Trust Gap

12

Ep 8.6 The Career Wake-Up Call No One Plans For

13

Ep 8.5 Culture Is Your Risk Strategy

14

Ep 8.4 When You Realize Your Family's Future Is On You

15

Ep. 8.3 When The Call Is Clear But The Path Is Messy Part 2

16

Ep 8.2 When The Call Is Clear But The Path Is Messy Part 1

17

Ep 8.1 Don't Quit The Mission

18

Ep 7.30 Reinventing Yourself in a Time of Rising Anxiety

19

Ep 7.29 Bootstrapped and Still Standing

20

Ep 7.28 The Beauty of Subtraction: Why Freedom Begins with Less

21

Ep 7.27 When the Paycheck Ends and the Real Work Begins

22

Ep 7.26 Turning Beauty into Freedom

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Ep 7.25 Freedom Without the Freefall

24

Ep 7.24 Running from pain toward legacy

25

Ep 7.23 Truth Over Optics: Marriage, Money, and Meaning

26

Ep 7.22 Think Big, Plan Bigger: What Meg's Learning in Year One of Franchise Ownership

27

Ep 7.20 Candor Over Hype: The Free-Agent Mindset for Building Saleable, Resilient Brands

28

Ep 7.19 Build or Buy? The Brutal Truth About Control, Cash Flow, and Courage

29

Ep 7.18 De-Risk the Leap: The 4-Pillar Blueprint that Turns 'New' into Profitable & Saleable

30

Ep 7.17 Inside the Franchise Playbook: Leadership Lessons for Executives Seeking Freedom

31

Ep. 7.16 Anthony Geisler and Bob McQuillan on Building Sequel—Franchising's Next Major Force

32

Ep 7.15 The Reality Check of Franching vs. Expectations

33

Ep 7.13 Built Not Born: How One Unemployable Veteran Became the CFO of His Own Life

34

Ep 7.14 What Happens After You Go Viral?

35

Ep 7.12 The Truth About Marketing: Why Playing It Safe Is Killing Your Business

36

Ep. 7.11 Startup, Family Biz, or Franchise? The Wild Pivot That Rewrote Dan's Future

37

Ep 7.10 Your LinkedIn Profile Is Costing You Deals — Here's How to Fix It

38

Ep 7.9 Divorce-Proof Your Dreams: How Smart Couples Franchise Without Falling Apart

39

Ep 7.8 How to Vet a New Franchise (Without Getting Burned)

40

Ep 7.7 Mission Over Madness

41

Ep 7.6 Profits, Projections & Pipe Dreams: What No One Tells You About Buying or Selling a Business

42

Ep. 7.5 The Franchise Nobody Thinks About (But Should)

43

Ep 7.4 Disrupt or Be Disrupted: How Self-Inquiry Unlocks Hidden Wealth

44

Ep 7.3 No Permission Needed: How One Woman Turned Disruption into a Movement

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Ep 7.2 Bold Bets & Boutique Brands: Why Market Uncertainty Creates The Best Investments In Franchising

46

Ep 7.1 AI, Labor Shortages, and the New Rules of Business

47

Ep 6.25 Managing Construction Finances: How to Handle the Unexpected

48

Ep 6.24 How I Launched My Franchise Against the Odds

49

EP 6.23 Stepping Into the Market in Uncertain Times

50

Ep 6.22 From Single Mom to Franchise Queen

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Ep 6.21 From Small Town Kid to Franchise Tycoon

52

Ep. 6.20 Position Your Business Today for a Profitable Sale

53

Ep 6.19 Weathering Life's Storms: One Woman's Journey into Franchise Ownership

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Ep 6.18 Creating Recurring Revenue Streams with Membership-Based Franchises

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Ep. 6.17 Building a Window Cleaning Franchise from the Inside Out

56

Ep 6.16 The Accidental Career: How A Love for Music Led to Coaching

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Ep. 6.15 Growing Iconic Brands Across Borders and Cultures

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Ep 6.14 Taking The Leap Again

59

Ep 6.14 Battling Burnout and Bankruptcy

60

Ep 6.13 Rebuilding After the Breaking Point

61

Ep 6.12 Labor Pains to Profit Gains

62

Ep 6.11 How I Built a Business Around Family

63

Ep 6.10 Integrity, Influence and Intentionality: How to Build a Winning Franchise Team

64

Ep. 6.9 Balancing Big Dreams and Daily Reality

65

Ep 6.8 Building Generational Wealth Through Franchising: Anirban's Story

66

Ep 6.7 Becoming Teflon: How Life Experience Creates Resilience and Toughness

67

Ep 6.6 From Corporate to Sugaring: An Accountant's Sweet Journey to Franchise Ownership

68

Ep 6.5 Funding Your Franchise Without Fear: Strategies for Smart Investing

69

Ep 6.4 Planning for the Silver Tsunami: Preparing to Launch a Senior Care Franchise

70

6.2 From Healthcare Exec to Gluten-Free Bakery Owner

71

6.1 Escaping Wall Street to Bake with Purpose

72

Ep 5.24 From Grassroots to Growth: One Nurse's Journey to Provide Compassionate End-of-Life Care

73

Ep 5.23 From Military Spouse to Mompreneur: Overcoming Loneliness and Pivoting to Profit

74

6.3 From Camo to CEO: An Army Vet's Journey to Entrepreneurship

75

Ep 5.22 Family, Finance, and Frozen Treats: My Calculated Leap Into Milkshake Factory Ownership

76

Ep 5.21 Reigniting My Entrepreneurial Flame with an Image Studios Franchise

77

Ep 5.20 From Retail Failure to Multi-Business Success w/ Dr. Shakkiah Curtis

78

Ep. 5.19 Navigating Risk and Resolving Conflicts in Franchising

79

Ep 5.18 From 1 to 35: An Attorney's Journey Into Franchise Investing

80

Ep 5.17 The Fine Line Between Brave and Crazy: Stepping Off the Corporate Ladder

81

Ep 5.16 How I Took Control of My Financial Future w/ Brad Herda

82

Ep 5.15 Business Unchained: The Power of B2b Franchising for Executives

83

Ep 5.14 From Scrappy Startup to Pioneering Franchisor

84

Ep 5.13 Relationship Rules for Romantic Business Partners

85

Ep 5.12 Family, Franchising & Finding Your Tribe

86

Ep 5.11 Quitting the Salon Empire for a Suite: How Downsizing Grew My Profits

87

5.10 Disrupting Waste Management with Technology

88

5.9 From Nurse to Entrepreneur

89

Ep 5.8 The Power of Persistence: Building Community Ties as a Small Business Owner

90

Ep 5.7 Corporate Refugees Take the Leap into Sweet Success

91

Ep 5.6 Insider Strategies to Thrive in Evolving Retail Landscapes

92

Ep 5.5 From Dancing to Drafting Contracts

93

Ep 5.4 Mindset, Motivation and Mailbox Money

94

Ep 5.3 Battling Darkness to Brewing Coffee: How This Veteran Found His Entrepreneurial Calling

95

Ep 5.2 Why You Need a Mediator Before a Divorce Lawyer

96

Ep 5.0 Entity Formation and Funding Strategies: A CPA Unpacks the Details

97

Ep 5.1 Balancing Business & Marriage - An Entrepreneur's Guide

98

Ep. 4.26 Navigating Franchise Challenges and Achieving Success

99

Ep. 4.25 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Anxiety: Kendall's Journey into Franchise Ownership

100

Ep 4.24 Franchisee Conversations: Learn directly from those who have walked the franchise path

101

Ep 4.23 Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Greatness

102

Ep 4.22 From Dreams to Reality: How Franchising Transform Lives

103

Ep 4.21 From Family Business To Entrepreneurship

104

Ep 4.20 Entrepreneurial Spirit Meets Compassion

105

Ep 4.19 Breaking Away to a Path of Freedom and Flexibility

106

Ep 4.18 The Power of Passive Real Estate Investing with Jeremy Dryer

107

Ep 4.17 Strategies to Separate Personal and Business Credit w/ Andrew Cervenka

108

Ep 4.16 Mastering the Art of Business w/ Leighann Lovely

109

Ep: 4.15 Strengthening Franchisor-Franchisee Relationships w/ Carey Gille

110

Ep 4.14 From Criminology to Owning a Beauty Business w/ Melanie Richards

111

Ep 4.13 Breaking Barriers in Commerical Real Estate w/ Jackson Hill

112

Ep 4.12 Blingle! The Franchise with High Profit Margins

113

Ep 4.11 How Communication Drives Success w/ Whit Shepherd

114

Ep 4.10 How Heroes Lawn Care Franchise Achieves Rapid Growth - Jon Denton

115

Ep 4.9 Apex Support & Training for Franchises w/ Anthony Spagnola

116

Ep 4.8 Building Franchises That Last w/ Zack Beutler

117

Ep 4.7 Unveiling the Secrets to Work-Life Balance in Franchise Ownership

118

Ep 4.6 Home Services Franchise Freedom w/ Travis and Lou

119

Ep 4.5 What It's Like To Be Self- Employed w/ Ethan Chazin

120

Ep 4.4 From Data Analytics to Franchise Ownership: Brian Conrad's Journey

121

Ep 4.3 Benefits of Joining Premium Service Brands w/ Danielle Wright

122

Ep 4.2 Embracing Midlife Power with Jennifer Arthurton

123

Ep 4.1 Creating Freedom for Other with Graham Pulliam

124

Ep 3.30 Lime Painting Franchise Delivers Excellence

125

Ep 3.29 How to Make Yourself Irresistible on LinkedIn

126

Ep 3.28 How Floor Coverings International became the #1 Rated Flooring Company

127

Ep 3.27 From Navy Pilot to Businessowner

128

Ep 3.26 Differentiating Yourself in a Competitive Marketplace

129

Ep 3.25 The Power of Reinvention

130

Ep 3.24 Build an Empire with Paul Davis

131

Ep 3.23 Untapped Potential of the Garage Space

132

Ep 3.22 Pros and Cons of Partnering Up with Meg Schmitz

133

Ep 3.21 Partnership Agreements

134

Ep 3.20 IMAGE Studios Outperforms Industry Expectations in 2022

135

Ep 3.19 State Of Franchising In 2023

136

Ep 3.18 How to Transition from the Military to Entrepreneurship

137

Ep 3.17 How The Lash Lounge Is Revolutionizing The Beauty Industry

138

Ep 3.16 Grace Under Pressure Part 2

139

Ep 3.15 Grace Under Pressure Part 1

140

Ep 3.14 Rick Mayo on Taming Your Inner Entrepreneur to Create a Successful Franchise

141

Ep 3.13 Unlock the Secrets to Franchise Success with Jamie Izaks

142

Ep 3.12 No H2O: The Waterless Car Wash for a Cleaner Environment

143

Ep. 3.11 How to Review Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD)

144

Ep 3.10 Using Franchising As an Exit Strategy

145

Ep 3.9 Game Face On & Ready To Rock

146

Ep 3.8 Finding Confidence During Tumultuous Changes

147

Ep 3.7 Creating Insurmountable Strength Through Community

148

Ep 3.6 How To Spot Momentary Ambition

149

Ep 3.5 How Great Leadership Sets Emerging Franchisees Up For Success

150

Ep 3.4 Where Are The Consumer Dollars Going?

151

Ep 3.3 Insights That Inspire People To Buy

152

3.2 Executing Simple Things Lead To Success

153

Ep. 3.1 More Than a Conqueror

154

***Summer Bonus Episode with Jason Olsen

155

Ep 2.28 One Woman's Journey into FABULOUS

156

Ep 2.27 Amy Gardner

157

Ep 2.26 Laura Liss: The Cool Franchise Attorney

158

Ep 2.25 How Patty Farmer Built An International Empire

159

Ep 2.24 Rise of The Phoenix: Mike Morawski Lives To Tell How Success Leaves Clues

160

Ep 2.23 Business Secrets of a Confident Leader with Sharon Cupach

161

Ep 2.22 The Gooey, Chewy Stuff That Makes Franchise Owners Happy with Eric Martin

162

Ep 2.21 An Extensive Conversation About Diversification Through Business Ownership with Melissa VanderMel

163

Ep 2.20 Jolt Your Career: Finding Joy in Self Employment and Diversification with Teegan Bartos

164

Ep 2.19 The Decision that Led to 4-day Work Weeks with Jason Weseman

165

Ep 2.18 Welcome to the School of Hard Knocks with Josh Skolnick

166

Ep 2.17 What To Do Next: Rethinking Your Career Options with Melanie Ramos

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Ep 2.16 How Pioneering a Franchise Created Growth Opportunities with Jim and Diane Wilson

168

Ep 2.15 How the Tight Market has Created Exponential Growth for Patrice & Associates with Brian and Jason Miller

169

Ep 2.14 Amy Leclerc Shares How She Made A Successful Pivot Into the Children's Market

170

Ep 2.13 Working on the Business with Grace and Resilience with Morgan Schnabl

171

Ep 2.12 Kate Reithel Leaves Retail Behind For A Shot At Franchising

172

Ep 2.11 Pamela Belyn Shares Her Leap From Corporate Attorney to Entrepreneur

173

Ep 2.10 Shifting Company Culture with Jennifer and Mitchell Stanford

174

Ep 2.9 Steve and Melinda Gladin Share Insights On Making A Financially Stable Career Change

175

Ep 2.8 Trent Halvorson Shares His Perspective on the Evolution of Franchising

176

Ep 2.7 How New Technology Can Be Implemented For Scaling Your Business

177

Ep 2.6 How Attorney Elisa Ruer helps Businesses Succeed From a Legal Perspective

178

Ep 2.5 Methods for Successful Franchise Execution and Acquisition

179

Ep 2.4 Building and Franchising with Creativity

180

Ep 2.3 The Confidence to Diversify with Multi Franchise Owner Tom Fielder

181

Ep 2.2 Savvy Investments with Your Retirement Funds

182

Ep 2.1 Growing Financial Footprints with Lance Freeman of Xponential Fitness

183

Ep 1.35 How to Strengthen Your Pivoting Muscle & Keep Your Business Viable in the Face of Disruption

184

Ep 1.34 From Basement to Boardroom: How One Couple Built the Handyman Service That Became a 200-Territory Franchise Empire

185

Ep 1.33 Ken Theiler on Franchising: How to Choose the Right Entrepreneurship Vehicle & Explore an Unfamiliar Industry

186

Ep 1.32 How an NFL Career Spring-boarded Brent Novoselsky into Business Leadership

187

Ep 1.31 Basil Bearer On How His Creative Talent Propelled Him Into Confident Business Ownership

188

Ep 1.30 How to Change the Stories & Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back w/Sue Schultz

189

Ep 1.29 Break Through Your Limits by Getting Out of Day-to-Day Work in Your Business w/Todd Ruedt

190

Ep 1.28 3 Ways to Supercharge Your Online Presence & Show Your Authentic Self w/Stacy Kaat

191

Ep 1.27 UNSTUCK: The Power of An Energized, Satisfied & Happy Workforce

192

Ep 1.26 How To Protect Everyone; Clients, Employees and Employer

193

Ep 1.25 Erin McCullough On Finding Stillness & Joy in Entrepreneurship

194

Ep 1.24 Terry McDougall On Maximizing the Overlap Between Professional Success & Personal Happiness

195

Ep 1.23 Patti Mara on Using a Crisis to Future-Proof your Business

196

Ep 1.22 Robert Krieghoff On Going From Uncertainty and Inconsistency to Entrepreneurial Staying Power

197

Ep 1.21 Andrea Enright on Taking Your LinkedIn from Resume to Relevant Resource

198

Ep 1.20 Howard Fox On How to Transition Your Most Valuable Skills Into Free Agency

199

Ep 1.19 Shaun & Jason Olsen on Moving From the Brink of Bankruptcy to High-Powered Franchisors

200

Ep 1.18 Kristin Carlson On The Power of Being an Athletic-Minded Business Owner

201

Ep 1.17 Debbie Harris On The Life-Changing Responsibility & Impact of Free Agency

202

Ep 1.16 Peter J. Layton On How to Nurture Your Entrepreneurship & Find Lasting Success

203

Ep 1.15 Barry Hintz On Business Leadership Lessons from the Military

204

Ep 1.14 Lynn Corazzi On Leveraging Data & Bringing Corporate Finance to Small Businesses

205

Ep 1.13 Chad Coe On The Business Ownership Secrets Of A Confident Leader

206

Ep 1.12 How Candace Spears Shifted Out of a Corporate Identity & Created a Path to Freedom

207

Ep 1.11 Patricia Leonard On Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone and Onto Your Runway to Success

208

Ep 1.10 Kirk Gramoll On Discovering the Franchise Opportunity For You

209

Ep 1.9 Dave Paeske On His Business Ownership Journey & Why He Chose the Franchise Model

210

Ep 1.8 John Tarnoff On Why Over 50 Is the Perfect Time for a Reinvention

211

Ep 1.7 Julie Silverman On The Biggest Business Insurance Concerns of the Pandemic

212

Ep 1.6 Ethan Chazin On Striking a Work-Life Balance With Conscious Prioritization (Part 2)

213

Ep 1.5 How Ethan Chazin Went From Dog-Eat-Dog Corporate to Fulfilling Free Agency (Part 1)

214

Ep 1.4 Dave Morbeck On The Challenges & Rewards of Running an Essential Business in the Pandemic

215

Ep 1.3 Andy Weins On Running an In-Demand Business & Meeting New Consumer Demands in a Pandemic

216

Ep 1.2 The Shift From Corporate America to Empowered Business Ownership w/Tamara Burkett (Part 2)

217

Ep 1.1 The Shift From Corporate America to Empowered Business Ownership w/Tamara Burkett (Part 1)