Create The Life You Want
Welcome to the official "Create the Life You Want" podcast, hosted by Jeremy Ames, CEO and Co-Founder of Guidant Financial. Join Jeremy as he interviews a diverse lineup of business owners from across America. Each episode is packed with compelling stories, invaluable lessons, and actionable advice that can help you shape your own path.
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He Chose a Cleaning Franchise — Here’s Why
04/20/2025
He Chose a Cleaning Franchise — Here’s Why
Zack Vosecky, owner of MaidPro in East Atlanta, shares what it was really like to go from restaurant manager to franchise owner — and why he’s stepping away just three years later. He opens up about the pressure to perform, the cost of hiring mistakes, and what changed when he found out he was becoming a dad. Zack talks about researching 30+ franchise options, choosing a cleaning business during COVID, and what he wishes he did differently. Whether you're thinking about buying a franchise or starting a business from scratch, this episode will give you the real story — the wins, the misses, and everything in between. --- Get insider tips and real success stories! Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter from Guidant Financial for expert advice and inspiration. Click below to sign up! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Steering His Way to Success with Auto Franchising
04/13/2025
Steering His Way to Success with Auto Franchising
Join us on “Create the Life You Want” as we chat with Eddie Dicker about his transition from internet sales to owning an auto detailing franchise. Eddie opens up about moving from a long career in railroading to diving into entrepreneurship during his retirement. He’s dedicated to making a positive impact in his community and building a meaningful legacy. Tune in for insights on adaptation and success, proving it's never too late to pursue your business aspirations. --- Get insider tips and real success stories! Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter from Guidant Financial for expert advice and inspiration. Click below to sign up! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Why He Quit a 20-Year Sports Career to Own a Swim School Franchise
04/06/2025
Why He Quit a 20-Year Sports Career to Own a Swim School Franchise
In this episode, Jeremy talks with Scott Henrichsen, owner of Sport Driven LLC dba British Swim School of Gwinnett-Hall, a swimming pool franchise in Buford, Georgia. Scott shares why he left a 20-year corporate career in professional sports – working for leagues like the NFL, NHL, NBA, and minor league baseball – to become a franchise business owner. He opens up about overcoming fear, funding his businesses using retirement funds, and what it's really like working alongside his wife. --- Get insider tips and real success stories! Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter from Guidant Financial for expert advice and inspiration. Click below to sign up! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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She Lost Her Job at 60… Then Built a Thriving Distillery: Here’s How
03/30/2025
She Lost Her Job at 60… Then Built a Thriving Distillery: Here’s How
Jan Morris never planned to be a business owner – let alone a distiller. But after being laid off just before turning 60, she took an unexpected path that led to The Hardware Distillery Co. in Hoodsport, Washington, a charming town with a storied bootlegging past. Alongside her husband, Chuck, Jan turned a rundown building into a thriving craft distillery, specializing in unique spirits like aquavit and honey-based mead. In this episode of Create the Life You Want, host Jeremy Ames gets into Jan’s fascinating story – from a career in law to learning distilling in just one week! She shares the ups and downs of starting a business later in life, the unexpected friendships that shaped her success (including a Scottish master distiller!), and why she believes business ownership keeps her young. --- Get insider tips and real success stories! Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter from Guidant Financial for expert advice and inspiration. Click below to sign up! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Reinventing Herself at 50: Her Leap into Fashion Retail
03/23/2025
Reinventing Herself at 50: Her Leap into Fashion Retail
Georgina Sussewell spent 35 years in financial services, overseeing pensions and investments. But at 50, she decided it was time for a major career change. Now, she owns Apricot Lane Boutique in Dallas, Texas, bringing her passion for fashion to life. In this episode, Georgina shares what led her to franchising, the financial planning behind her decision, and the challenges she faced in retail. She also talks about working with her daughter, navigating seasonality in boutique sales, and the surprises that came with business ownership. If you've ever considered leaving a corporate job to start something completely different, this episode is for you. --- Get insider tips and real success stories! Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter from Guidant Financial for expert advice and inspiration. Click below to sign up! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Breaking the Mold: His Switch from Corporate Comfort to Craft Pours
03/16/2025
Breaking the Mold: His Switch from Corporate Comfort to Craft Pours
Meet Russ Broome, who pivoted from a 27-year career in the corporate plastics industry to embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship at Oak City Pours in Raleigh, North Carolina. In this episode, Russ unpacks his transition to business ownership, highlighting the life events and decisions that propelled him from a stable corporate path to launching his own bottle shop during a global pandemic. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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She Opened a Restaurant 9 Days Before COVID – Here’s How She Survived
03/09/2025
She Opened a Restaurant 9 Days Before COVID – Here’s How She Survived
"Plan, pivot, and persevere." That’s the mindset Ann Ulrich and her husband, Chef Robert, have embraced as restaurant owners for over 15 years. From launching Mendoberri Café and Wine Bar in Mendota Heights to now running FoodSmith Bistro Pub in West St. Paul, MN, Ann shares the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, Jeremy Ames, CEO of Guidant Financial, sits down with Ann to discuss what it takes to build and sustain a restaurant business, why they made the leap to owning their own building, and how they navigated the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as they consider their next chapter, Ann reflects on the realities of the restaurant industry, the importance of contingency planning, and what’s next for her and Robert. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Engineering to Innkeeping: His 30-Year Career Transformation
03/02/2025
Engineering to Innkeeping: His 30-Year Career Transformation
Join Jeremy Ames as he explores Don Zalek's remarkable transition from a seasoned engineer to the owner of the 1825 Inn Bed & Breakfast in Palmyra, PA. In this episode, Don shares the pivotal moments and critical decisions that shaped his shift from the corporate sphere to the world of entrepreneurship and hospitality. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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40 Years a Pharmacist, Now He Runs a B&B
02/23/2025
40 Years a Pharmacist, Now He Runs a B&B
In this episode, host Jeremy Ames talks with Steve Riggins, a former pharmacist who transitioned to a more fulfilling lifestyle as the co-owner of Solomons Victorian Inn. Located in the picturesque Solomons, Maryland, Steve and his wife Shawn have transformed their lives by running this charming bed and breakfast, offering guests a unique and intimate experience. Explore Steve’s inspiring journey from a 40-year career in pharmacy to embracing the world of hospitality alongside his spouse. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: https://www.guidantfinancial.com/newsletter --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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How a Tech Professional Turned Auto Shop Entrepreneur
02/16/2025
How a Tech Professional Turned Auto Shop Entrepreneur
In this episode of "Create the Life You Want," host Jeremy Ames dives deep with James Kellas, owner of T&L Elite Automotive in Milpitas, CA. From an English teacher in training to a tech industry veteran to becoming an auto shop owner, James shares his unique journey into the world of entrepreneurship. Discover how he navigated career changes, the pivotal role of the pandemic in shaping his business strategies, and his innovative approaches to running T&L Elite Automotive. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Leaving Corporate Life Behind: A Success Story from Rural Arizona
02/09/2025
Leaving Corporate Life Behind: A Success Story from Rural Arizona
This week, host Jeremy Ames sits down with Terri Candelaria, the enterprising owner of Springerville Smokeshop. After an illustrious 45-year career with corporate giants like Motorola and GE, Terri took a bold leap into entrepreneurship. Discover how her extensive experience in managing large real estate portfolios has been instrumental in her new venture in rural Arizona. In this insightful discussion, Terri shares her journey from the high-paced corporate world to opening a smoke shop in a small town, leveraging her skills in real estate to create a thriving business that serves an underserved market. She also opens up about the strategic decisions that have led to the expansion of her business, including purchasing and revitalizing local properties, and how these moves have contributed to the community's economic vitality. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Award-Winning Entrepreneurs: Building 20 Sports Clips Franchises
02/02/2025
Award-Winning Entrepreneurs: Building 20 Sports Clips Franchises
Join Jeremy Ames in this episode of “Create the Life You Want” as he interviews Jason Bowman, a successful entrepreneur who transitioned from a corporate career to building a multi-unit franchise empire. Alongside his wife, Alyssa, Jason owns 20 Sports Clips Haircuts franchises in Idaho and Utah. Recently named the 2023 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA), the Bowmans were honored at the 63rd IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, for their outstanding achievements as franchise owner-operators. Learn about Jason's journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, his decisions during pivotal economic times, and how he strategically expanded his business footprint through franchising. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Building a Business with Family: The Journey of Proactive Prevention
01/26/2025
Building a Business with Family: The Journey of Proactive Prevention
Join us on this episode of "Create The Life You Want" where host Jeremy Ames dives deep with Janae Brown, co-founder of Proactive Prevention in Chicago, IL. Learn about their unique journey from corporate careers to creating a thriving family-owned handyman and preventative maintenance business. Discover the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, including transitioning from technician work to full business development, leveraging personal experiences, and the critical role of business coaching. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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From Sports TV to Board Game Entrepreneur
01/19/2025
From Sports TV to Board Game Entrepreneur
This week, Jeremy Ames sits down with Neil Goldberg, a former sports TV producer who reinvented himself as the entrepreneur behind Main St. Board Game Cafe in Huntington, NY. Tune in to hear about Neil's inspiring journey from the broadcasting booth to the board game table. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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A Corporate Leader’s Leap into Sports Entrepreneurship
01/12/2025
A Corporate Leader’s Leap into Sports Entrepreneurship
Join host Jeremy Ames on a compelling journey into the life of Jason Cohen, co-owner of East Coast Sports and Fitness in Yorktown Heights, NY. Once a high-flying executive in the agricultural commodities sector, Jason made a dramatic shift to pursue his true passion through entrepreneurship with his wife Erin. In this episode, Jason shares his transition from handling commodities like sugar, coffee, and cocoa to creating a vibrant community hub for sports and fitness. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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From Corporate Life to Bed & Breakfast Owners
01/05/2025
From Corporate Life to Bed & Breakfast Owners
In this episode, host Jeremy Ames introduces Ed and Connie Binot, proud owners and operators of the historic Cuthbert House Inn in South Carolina. Located on Bay Street, just a block from downtown Beaufort, the Cuthbert House Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast with a rich history and Southern charm. Ed and Connie share their inspiring journey of transitioning from corporate careers to running a successful bed and breakfast. They explain how they turned their retirement dream into a thriving business, the challenges they faced, and the creative strategies they used to grow revenue through packages, micro-weddings, and guest experiences. Now, after selling their beloved inn, Ed and Connie continue to support other innkeepers as “interim innkeepers” across the country. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Brewing Passion and Business Success: The Tall Guy Brewing Story
12/29/2024
Brewing Passion and Business Success: The Tall Guy Brewing Story
This week, Patrick Broderick, founder and owner of Tall Guy Brewing in Fort Bragg, California shares his journey of leaving a 30-year brewing career to create his own taproom brewery, Tall Guy Brewing. Discover how Patrick turned his expertise into a thriving business while overcoming funding challenges, equipment delays, and a steep learning curve as a first-time entrepreneur. Patrick dives into the evolution of his brewery, the power of a solid business plan, and how he’s used his passion for beer and creativity to become a local icon in Fort Bragg. --- Want more empowering stories and entrepreneurial advice? Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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He Went from High-Tech to Changing Lives in Senior Care
12/22/2024
He Went from High-Tech to Changing Lives in Senior Care
Jon Younger, owner of Assisted Living Locators in Northeast Massachusetts, shares his inspiring journey from high-tech manufacturing to solopreneurship in the assisted living placement industry. Discover how he turned personal challenges into a thriving franchise business, helping families navigate the emotional and complex decisions of senior care. This episode is packed with valuable insights about entrepreneurship, finding purpose, and building a business aligned with the life you want. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Building a Bridal Business from Scratch
12/15/2024
Building a Bridal Business from Scratch
Join us today as Jeremy meets Franco and Wendy Salerno, the dynamic duo behind one of Pennsylvania's favorite bridal and tuxedo boutiques, Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo! They share their journey from real estate to retail, the challenges and wins they've encountered, and how they've used creativity and resilience to build their dream life through entrepreneurship. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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How He Built a Million-Dollar Pool Business
12/08/2024
How He Built a Million-Dollar Pool Business
In this episode of “Create the Life You Want,” host Jeremy Ames sits down with Werner Bartels, an entrepreneur with a remarkable story. Werner’s journey began in 2007 when he left a secure corporate job in IT to pursue business ownership, buying a residential pool contracting business in Kansas City — just six months before the housing market crash and ensuing recession. Facing a drastic 90% drop in pool sales, Werner had to make tough decisions, pivot his business, and dive into the commercial pool market to stay afloat. Throughout the conversation, Werner shares valuable insights about surviving financial downturns, his experiences with family-owned business dynamics, the importance of having backup capital, and how he transitioned from residential to high-value commercial pool projects. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Why He Left 30 Years of Corporate to Become a Small Business Owner
12/01/2024
Why He Left 30 Years of Corporate to Become a Small Business Owner
In this episode of the "Create the Life You Want" podcast, Jeremy Ames interviews Steve Horner, owner of Home for Life (also known as Home Ability), a business specializing in mobility and accessibility solutions in Jacksonville, FL, and beyond. Home Ability is dedicated to empowering customers and serving the community with products that ensure safety, comfort, and independence in their homes. Steve shares his inspiring journey from a 30-year corporate career at the PGA Tour to owning and growing a successful business. He discusses financing the purchase using his retirement funds, navigating the challenges of business ownership, and the surprising impact of COVID-19 on his business. Learn key insights about entrepreneurship, creating a family business, and designing a life that aligns with your vision and values. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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How a Tech Guru Became a Pet Care Pioneer
11/24/2024
How a Tech Guru Became a Pet Care Pioneer
In this episode of the "Create the Life You Want" podcast, Jeremy Ames hosts Jodi Liscio, who shares her journey from a successful 27-year career in information technology to becoming the founder of her own pet care franchise, The Dog Wizard, located in Hilliard, Ohio. Initially drawn to the prospect of reaching a C-suite position, Jodi achieved her goal only to find that it lacked the fulfillment she sought, leading her to pursue a passion-driven career in the pet industry. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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From Banking to Baking: How They Created a Gluten-Free Business
11/17/2024
From Banking to Baking: How They Created a Gluten-Free Business
Meet Kathryn and Phil Ernst, the dynamic duo behind Twist Bakery Cafe. With locations in Millis and Burlington, MA, they transitioned from careers in finance to founding a thriving gluten-free bakery and café – motivated by personal struggles with food allergies and the lack of convenient, tasty gluten-free options. Discover their inspiring journey of overcoming food allergies, the trials of entrepreneurship, and their expansion into a beloved community staple. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Succeeding with a Postal Annex Franchise
11/10/2024
Succeeding with a Postal Annex Franchise
Today, we're excited to share an insightful conversation with Robin Taylor, a franchisee owner of Postal Annex, who shares her story from dreaming about business ownership to becoming a successful franchise owner. She discusses the initial appeal of the franchise model, partnership formation, and the nuances of operating a business daily. Robin offers insights into overcoming financial hurdles, the importance of community engagement, and strategies for effective marketing and employee management. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, Robin’s story provides practical advice and inspiration for navigating the challenges and rewards of business ownership. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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The Welsh Baker Journey
11/03/2024
The Welsh Baker Journey
Dive into the inspiring journey of Joe and Denise Carbone, the dynamic duo behind The Welsh Baker, as they share their story from inception to scaling their unique business. From griddle-cooked Welsh cakes to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, discover how they created a life and business on their own terms, all on this episode of the "Create the Life You Want" podcast hosted by Jeremy Ames. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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How He Built a Successful Handyman Franchise After Leaving Corporate America
10/27/2024
How He Built a Successful Handyman Franchise After Leaving Corporate America
Join host Jeremy Ames and John Thomas – a seasoned entrepreneur who transitioned from corporate life back to business ownership in a whole new way – in this new episode. John shares his journey of starting a handyman business during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers valuable lessons learned, from franchise challenges to family-first business decisions. John’s story is one of resilience, careful planning, and finding the balance between work and family. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Opening Two StretchLab Studios: His Path to Profitable Franchising
10/20/2024
Opening Two StretchLab Studios: His Path to Profitable Franchising
In this episode of the "Create the Life You Want" podcast, Jeremy Ames, CEO of Guidant Financial, sits down with Stephen Siegel, a multi-unit StretchLab franchise owner. Stephen shares his inspiring journey from a career in fundraising to becoming a successful business owner during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how he navigated the challenges of opening his first StretchLab studio, why he chose franchising, and what advice he has for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're looking to start your own business or are interested in the franchise world, Stephen's story is packed with valuable insights. --- Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: --- Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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How He Built a Booming Pickleball Business
10/13/2024
How He Built a Booming Pickleball Business
In this episode of the Create The Life You Want podcast, Jeremy Ames sits down with Paul Starita, founder of The Flying Pickle, an indoor pickleball paradise offering lessons, a restaurant, a pro shop, and more. Paul shares his inspiring journey from working in his family's beauty school business to creating his own vision of a thriving pickleball club in Boise, Idaho. Tune in to hear how Paul turned a passion for pickleball into a growing business and navigated the challenges of launching a unique sports facility. If you're passionate about sports, entrepreneurship, or looking to create the life you want, this episode is for you! Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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Brewing Success: How He Grew Sapori Fine Flavors
10/06/2024
Brewing Success: How He Grew Sapori Fine Flavors
In this episode, host Jeremy Ames meets with David Golder, owner of Sapori Fine Flavors. David discusses his fascinating journey from his roots in a longstanding family business to his strategic leap into entrepreneurship during a global pandemic. Sapori Fine Flavors is not just a distributor of high-quality espresso machines from brands like UNIC and La Marzocco, but a comprehensive partner to its clients, offering on-site training, regular maintenance, full technical support, and more to ensure top-notch coffee experiences. David shares his insights on the transition from corporate finance to business ownership, the challenges of securing funding, negotiating business purchases, and the crucial role of strategic patience. He also dives into the importance of quality control and how Sapori Fine Flavors goes beyond supplying illy coffee beans by ensuring clients have the necessary skills and support to deliver perfect espresso. Watch now to gain invaluable insights into effective business strategies, understanding ESOPs, and the entrepreneurial determination needed to navigate and thrive in business ownership. Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy's website:
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How He Built a Viral Business with Just $20 and a Dream
09/29/2024
How He Built a Viral Business with Just $20 and a Dream
Join Jeremy Ames on this exciting episode of "Create the Life You Want" as he welcomes Eric Torres-Garcia, the innovative founder of Cocoa Bombs LLC. Explore Eric's entrepreneurial journey from a simple idea conceptualized during a study abroad internship to creating a viral sensation with his unique hot chocolate bombs. Discover how Eric leveraged social media to transform his prototype into a booming business, navigated the challenges of rapid growth, and continued to innovate with new products. This episode is packed with insights on starting from scratch, the power of viral marketing, and the importance of adapting and expanding in business. In this episode, Eric unpacks: His transition from corporate job to entrepreneurship. The inception of Cocoa Bombs during a study abroad internship. Strategies he used to make his product go viral on social media. Challenges faced during rapid business growth and solutions. Expansion into new products and future business directions. Tune in to learn how a small idea can explode into a successful enterprise and inspire your own entrepreneurial path! Don't miss out on more empowering stories and expert advice on making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Subscribe to the Create the Life You Want newsletter brought to you by Guidant Financial. Click the link below to sign up and start your journey today! Sign Up for the Newsletter: Guidant Financial, sponsor of "Create the Life You Want," is America's leading provider of Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS). Since 2003, Guidant has assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the U.S. in securing funding to start or grow their companies. With a strong focus on building the American entrepreneurial dream, Guidant Financial offers the tools and resources needed to launch a successful business. Learn more about Guidant: Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn: Visit Jeremy website:
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