EP 6.23 Stepping Into the Market in Uncertain Times
Release Date: 03/13/2025
Ep 7:17 Inside the Franchise Playbook: Leadership Lessons for Executives Seeking Freedom
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Ep. 7:16 Anthony Geisler and Bob McQuillan on Building Sequel—Franchising's Next Major Force
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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7:15 The Reality Check of Franching vs. Expectations
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
"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.
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Ep 7:13 Built Not Born: How One Unemployable Veteran Became the CFO of His Own Life
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Ep 7.14 What Happens After You Go Viral?
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Episode 7.12 The Truth About Marketing: Why Playing It Safe Is Killing Your Business
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Ep. 7.11 Startup, Family Biz, or Franchise? The Wild Pivot That Rewrote Dan's Future
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Ep 7.10 Your LinkedIn Profile Is Costing You Deals — Here’s How to Fix It
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Ep 7.9 Divorce-Proof Your Dreams: How Smart Couples Franchise Without Falling Apart
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
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Ep 7.8 How to Vet a New Franchise (Without Getting Burned)
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
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.
info_outlineIn 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.