Create The Life You Want

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...

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 suc...

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 hi...

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 aquav...

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. Sh...

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. ---...

"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 dow...

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 C...

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...

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 busine...

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 discu...

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 B...

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...

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...

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, coffe...

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...

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...

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 ab...

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 empowerin...

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 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. S...

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...

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 entre...

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, th...

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...