Franchise Unfiltered

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered Podcast, Wes Barefoot chats with Susan, a former teacher turned franchise owner, who started her Gotcha Covered window treatment business in the middle of the 2008 recession.   Now, 17 years later, Susan shares how she created a successful and flexible business that gives her control over her time, lifestyle, and legacy. If you're thinking about franchis...

In this episode, Wes sits down with Mike Bahun, founder and CEO of Fundraising University, a fast-growing franchise that's transforming the way schools and sports teams raise money.   Mike shares how he turned his coaching background and entrepreneurial drive into a scalable business model that’s helped raise over $11 million for schools—while building a high-retention, high-impact franchise syste...

In this episode, I sit down with Shideler Bennett, a multi-unit Crumbl Cookies franchisee, SaaS founder, and business builder who scaled a $12 million portfolio by the age of 30. From cold-calling insurance agencies to building a 10-unit franchise empire and launching a software company that’s changing how franchisees operate — Shideler shares the gritty, behind-the-scenes truth of what it really...

🚀 Thinking about franchising your business? In this episode of Path to Freedom, I sit down with Tom DeFore, Founder & CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team, to uncover the essential steps to turning your business into a thriving franchise.   👉 We dive deep into: ✅ What makes a business franchisable ✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when franchising ✅ The timeline and costs of franchising...

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes sits down with Rick Mayo, the founder and CEO of Alloy Personal Training. They dive deep into Alloy’s explosive growth in the franchising space, hitting over 300+ awarded licenses and the strategies behind sustainable expansion.   Rick shares insights on: ✅ The key to supporting franchisees for long-term success ✅ The mindset shift from hands-o...

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes is joined by Jody Grunden, the founder of Summit Virtual CFO by Anders. Jody pioneered the virtual CFO model over 20 years ago and has helped countless businesses optimize their financial strategies.   They discuss:   -The origins of Summit Virtual CFO and its evolution over two decades -How virtual CFO services help small businesses scale strate...

Connect with Rocky Lalvani:   Website: https://profitcomesfirst.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-lalvani/   Podcast: https://profitcomesfirst.com/podcasts/   Episode Summary: In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes sits down with Rocky Lalvani, also known as the "Profit Answer Man." Rocky is a certified Profit First professional dedicated to helping small business owne...

In this episode of Path to Freedom, host [Your Name] sits down with Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, to discuss how their cutting-edge software is transforming the home service industry. From streamlining operations to leveraging AI for customer service and marketing, Roland shares the incredible ways Housecall Pro helps business owners grow by 30% year over year. If you're a home s...

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, I sit down with Boris Katsnelson, Managing Director at Black Iron Advisors, to uncover the real playbook for franchise success. Boris shares his unique experience from buying, scaling, and selling franchises for millions to advising franchisors and multi-unit franchisees on successful exits.    If you’ve ever considered franchising or want to underst...

Chris King, the dynamic CEO of Monster Mini Golf, joins us for an episode filled with exciting insights into the world of indoor family entertainment. Chris shares the innovative concept behind this monster-themed wonderland, where blacklight courses, animatronic creatures, and even a DJ booth ensure fun for all ages. He discusses the adaptable franchise model that allows each location to offer un...

Struggling to grow your business? Feeling overwhelmed by hiring, financial challenges, and leadership shifts? In this episode, we dive deep into business scaling strategies, leadership growth, and financial management to help entrepreneurs like you take your business to the next level.   Join Wes as he sits down with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial Management Consulting, to uncover:   ✅...

Russ Morgan from Wealth Without Wall Street makes a compelling case for financial independence through non-traditional investing strategies. What if you could attain financial freedom not by stashing cash in a 401k but by building a passive income stream that exceeds your monthly expenses? We explore Russ's insights on creating a financial strategy tailored to your unique perspective, moving beyon...

Unlock the secrets to franchise success as we sit down with Doug Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Belfor Franchise Group. Discover how Belfor's unique approach to franchising—entirely rooted in the home service sector—provides a winning formula for aspiring franchisees. Learn how being part of an operating giant like Belfor Property Restoration gives franchisees a unique ad...

Leslie Hassler, the dynamic president of Your Biz Rules, joins us to unravel the complex journey of finding true freedom in entrepreneurship. Many start their businesses dreaming of autonomy, only to find themselves trapped in a self-made cage. Leslie shares invaluable strategies on how intentional daily decisions and mindset shifts can lead entrepreneurs to genuine liberation. Together, we challe...

Gavin Lancey, a pivotal figure in the smart home technology arena, joins us to unravel the exciting possibilities of this burgeoning industry. From his humble beginnings in a house painting business to leading franchise sales at Daisy, Gavin's journey is nothing short of inspiring. We discuss the surge in demand for smart solutions like automated blinds, smart lighting, and security systems, which...

Unlock the secrets to revolutionizing your fitness routine with Sweat 440, the game-changing boutique fitness concept founded by Matthew Miller and Cody Patrick. Discover how their innovative rolling class schedule, with sessions starting every 10 minutes, offers unparalleled flexibility for those with unpredictable schedules. This episode promises to transform the way you think about fitness stud...

Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in business with Mike Liu, founder and CEO of FreeFuse, and Alex Londo, founder and CEO of Klarissa AI. Mike and Alex share their expertise on how AI goes beyond mere buzzwords to become a crucial element in business strategy, offering innovative solutions for franchise owners and small business operators. They reveal ho...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jen O'Neill, vice president of @MyMosquitoNix , as we explore the innovative approach this outdoor living brand takes to pest control. Discover how Mosquito Nix has transformed over the past two decades from a family business into a thriving franchise model. Jen shares fascinating insights into their misting systems, initially developed for horse barns...

Dr. Jason Williams, the innovative mind behind Ironclad Underwriting, shares his transformative journey from chemical engineering to the dynamic world of real estate investing. Join me as Dr. Jason unpacks his evolution from managing data systems to leveraging equity in multifamily properties, offering gems from his 20-year tenure. Discover how his engineering acumen translates into robust real es...

Join us on the Path to Freedom Podcast as we uncover the niche business opportunity of 1-800-Packouts with Stefan Figley, the company's president. Stefan shares his insights on the packout business, an essential yet lesser-known segment of the restoration industry. This unique business specializes in packing, cleaning, storing, and returning personal belongings affected by disasters such as floods...

Unlock the secrets to thriving in the glass installation and repair industry with our latest podcast episode. Discover how this established franchise, a powerhouse since 2004, presents a resilient business model that thrives even in economic downturns. With its emphasis on recyclability and energy efficiency, glass is a cornerstone of modern construction, and our franchise opportunity offers you a...

What if franchising could be your ticket to a life of freedom and flexibility? Join us on the Path to Freedom podcast as we welcome Wes, a franchise broker and consultant with firsthand experience on both sides of the franchise equation. Wes takes us on his remarkable journey from a corporate career to owning franchises, shedding light on how his diverse roles shaped his unique perspective. His in...

What if you could transform your small business into a media sensation without breaking the bank? Join us for insights from Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, as we uncover the secrets to press release success. Mickie shares his expertise on making press release distribution accessible for small businesses and the power of storytelling in today's fast-paced digital world. Learn how to craft nar...

Matt Bodnar, founder and CEO of Eidolon Capital, takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of acquiring old economy businesses, offering a rare peek into the world of private equity focused on the lower middle market. With a keen eye on baby boomer-owned businesses in need of succession plans, Matt shares his unique strategies for modernizing and scaling traditional manufacturing and di...

Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Andy Fuller, the pioneering founder and CEO of Mosquito Hunters, as he shares his path from the rigid confines of corporate life to the liberating world of entrepreneurship. Andy's early frustrations with a lack of innovation and pride in the corporate sphere propelled him to create a multi-service empire, starting with mosquito control and expan...