6.2 From Healthcare Exec to Gluten-Free Bakery Owner
Release Date: 09/26/2024
Ep 6.25 Managing Construction Finances: How to Handle the Unexpected
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Ep 6.24 How I Launched My Franchise Against the Odds
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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...
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EP 6.23 Stepping Into the Market in Uncertain Times
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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...
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Ep 6.22 From Single Mom to Franchise Queen
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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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Ep 6.21 From Small Town Kid to Franchise Tycoon
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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!
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Ep. 6.20 Position Your Business Today for a Profitable Sale
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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!
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Ep 6.19 Weathering Life's Storms: One Woman's Journey into Franchise Ownership
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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!
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Ep 6.18 Creating Recurring Revenue Streams with Membership-Based Franchises
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Ep. 6.17 Building a Window Cleaning Franchise from the Inside Out
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Ep 6.16 The Accidental Career: How A Love for Music Led to Coaching
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
In this episode of The Free Agent, guest Jonathan Flaks of 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.
info_outlineHeather 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.