Free Agent with Meg Schmitz

Discover the untold story of Brian Conrad, the numbers cruncher turned franchise owner. Journey with him through the unexpected twists and turns of his entrepreneurial path. Find out how he defied the odds and created a life of autonomy and freedom. But be prepared for a surprise twist that will leave you yearning for more. Join us as we unveil the hidden secrets of franchise ownership, and unlock...

  Enter the realm of franchising and prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary tale of resilience, determination, and unexpected twists. Join Danielle Wright on her rollercoaster journey, as she defies the odds and finds her true calling with Premium Service Brands. Discover the secret behind her unwavering spirit and how she turned setbacks into stepping stones towards success. Brace yourself...

In this episode of Free Agent, Jennifer Arthurton shares how she found empowerment and purpose after a series of difficult life events. But just as she thought she had it all figured out, a shocking setback leaves her questioning everything. What will happen next? Tune in to find out.   Meet Jennifer Arthurton, an engaging and empowering figure dedicated to helping midlife women take charge of the...

Meet Graham Pulliam, US Marine, MBA, and life-long learner in business. Follow along as we navigate Graham's decision to leave behind the "high-risk crazy" he lived in the military and entrepreneurship and try something different with TRIED AND TRUE values, vision, and outcomes by aligning with a franchise industry giant.

Nick Lopez needed more than his college scholarship, to remain in school. So, he found success using his entrepreneurial and painting skills to build a multi-million dollar painting franchise, Lime. In this episode, you will be able to: Foster franchise success by cultivating community and exchanging well-established methods.  Preserve a cohesive brand image through precise franchisee selection. R...

  When Angela Dunz moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in marketing, she had no idea that she would eventually become an expert in LinkedIn optimization. What started as her teaching a curriculum for transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship, soon blossomed into a passion and a successful career. But how did her journey lead her to this unexpected twist in her story? In this episode,...

Are you ready to take charge of your career and become self-employed through franchising? In this episode you will learn: 1. How Albert Hermans' background led him to join the Floor Coverings International franchise and how he has invested in the brand How Floor Coverings International has become the number one rated flooring company in terms of Net Promoter Score What traits and qualities a perso...

Follow Jon Miller, a former Navy pilot, as he navigates a journey of exploration and discovery through nine different companies in 15 years, determined to become master of his own destiny and find true success as a business owner. Jon Miller is an Image Studios franchise owner and former Navy fighter pilot. He has a diverse background spanning nine different companies in 15 years, including the co...

When Patrick Kagan's mentor challenges him to think differently, he rises to the challenge and, through the art of differentiation, goes from losing business to creating a category of one and ultimately secures the opportunity he had been striving for. In this episode, you will learn: 1. Exploring the concept of creating a "category of one" to stand out from the competition in a crowded marketplac...

John is the author of Boomer Reinvention, and an amazingly effective career transition specialist. John was forced to adapt after 18 jobs and 7 firings from the cruel world of Hollywood. Refusing to go back into the mouth of the lion, John turned to meditation, psychology, and spirituality to create a consultancy that helps others navigate towards fulfillment. In this episode, you will learn:  How...

In this episode, Jacqueline Fairfax, a 19-year franchise developer of a full service insurance restoration company, shares her insight on the remarkable success of a former military serviceman turned franchisee, highlighting the powerful mission and rewarding purpose of Paul Davis' franchise model.

After Troy and Beau uncover the hidden potential of garages, they embark on a journey to revolutionize the industry, facing obstacles and unexpected growth along the way. Here's what Troy, Beau and I cover: 1. The Untapped Potential of the Garage Space: Discover how one business is transforming the home improvement sector by unlocking the potential of the garage. 2. Pioneering a New Franchise Mode...

In this episode of the Free Agent podcast, Meg Schmidt guides listeners through the complexities of entering into a business partnership, highlighting the importance of asking the right questions to ensure success. In this episode, you will learn: 1. What do female partnerships have that males do not when it comes to franchise businesses? 2. What is the best way to ensure success in a business par...

Elisa Ruer guides aspiring business partners through the treacherous waters of collaboration and partnership, while avoiding the ugly pitfalls of legal entanglements and personal conflict. In this episode, you will learn: 1. The Benefits of Working with an Attorney When Forming a Business Partnership 2. How Franchising Can Offer a Lower Risk of Business Failure 3. The Importance of Protecting Your...

Following a successful year in 2022, despite inflation driving up costs, Jason Olsen, Founder and CEO of Image Studios, is on a mission to recruit and retain the right Franchisees to build a resilient salon suite Franchise, while navigating the economic implications of inflation. Here's what Jason Olsen and I cover: 1. What is the economic outlook for 2023 and how is it impacting investments? 2. H...

After Franchoice achieved record-breaking success in 2022, Meg challenges aspiring entrepreneurs to bet on themselves and make the leap into franchising to gain control of their financial future and achieve life-changing results.

When Misty Cook, a former Marine Corps officer, bets on herself and starts a concierge business to help retired generals transition from military to civilian life, she discovers that her mission-critical mindset is the key to unlocking her clients' financial freedom. You will learn the secret strategies successful military veterans have used to transition smoothly into civilian life.

When Meg Roberts, a force of nature in the world of franchising, stepped into the unknown and became the CEO and president of The Lash Lounge, she was pleasantly surprised. Meg's journey uncovers an emerging beauty and wellness innovation with explosive demand.

I continue my conversation with Sue Petrowich, who took the leap into franchise ownership after years of dedicating her life to teaching. She risked everything to gain financial freedom and became her own boss - only to face unexpected challenges and a thrilling successful journey full of zigs and zags. Sue Petrowich is a co-founder of Great Clips Salons. She is an experienced business owner who h...

In this episode of the podcast, Meg Schmitz spotlights Sue Petrowich, an ambitious former teacher who, with her husband Jim, took the bold leap into franchising to gain financial freedom -- only to find out it was much more difficult than she imagined. Sue Petrowich is a former public school teacher and co-owner of 20 Great Clips Salons. She and her husband Jim took the leap into business ownershi...

Alloy Personal Fitness is the perfect way to get in shape and take control of your destiny. Here's what I cover with Rick Mayo in this episode: 1. How Rick Mayo's company, Alloy Personal Fitness, differentiates itself in the fitness industry 2. The importance of simplicity in a franchise concept 3. How discipline and structure can lead to more freedom, not less Rick Mayo is the founder of Alloy Pe...

When Jamie Izaks, President of Northbrook Illinois and All Points PR, joins Meg Schmitz on the Free Agent podcast to discuss taking control of your future, he highlights the importance of a good PR partner, emphasizing the need for infrastructure and momentary ambition for franchisees to reach their desired success. You will learn: 1. What strategies do good PR firms use to demonstrate the value o...

When professional car racer, Emmet O'Brien is introduced to waterless car washing technology, he takes the leap into self-employment and becomes his own boss.

This week, I interviewed one of my favorite attorneys, Andrew Bleiman. In this episode, Andrew and I have a lively exchange around these topics: Understanding the FDD: it's just as important what is omitted as what is included War/Horror Stories that are informative and meaningful to your potential investment Red flags that you can find and research on your own about any franchise opportunity  

Brian Garrison is significant in the world of franchising as the President and COO of Buzz Franchise Brands.  Of greater importance is that Brian served for more than 22 years in the Navy with an impressive career in leadership, building teams and systems.  He's also a pilot, and knows the thrill of aviation as well as the dangers of active duty. In this episode, Brian and I discuss; The compellin...