Free Agent with Meg Schmitz

A super dynamo in franchising, my interview with Cary Tober was further proof that once the Entrepreneurial Spirit hits the gene pool, it never goes away. It just gets stronger and more exhilarating! In this episode, we discuss; Becoming an entrepreneur during adolescence Learning leadership and transparency through challenges Rep M plans for continued exponential growth

Erik Haass was referred to me during his job search.  He had a great career with a great company, but was locked in a silo without room to maneuver. Although owning a business hadn't really been on his radar, it was for his wife, Rebecca! Listen to our frank discussion about; - Making the time to learn - Focusing on franchising - Finding the confidence during tumultuous changes 

Adam Griggs is a small business coach, and a serial entrepreneur.  He is as self-aware as they come.  Energy, enthusiasm and excitement drive Adam to support his business community.  He freely shares his experience and knowledge with me, and got me to admit my own weaknesses and fears while rebooting my business.

Kelsey Stuart is a true entrepreneur and student of humanity.  As one of three brothers carrying on the legacy of their serial business start-up mother, Kelsey graduated not from college, but from the School Of Hard Knocks.  Starting as a youngster helping his mom work the window blinds cleaning machine that was going to make the family wealthy (not), Kelsey absorbed the fortitude necessary to mak...

Rachel Stender graduated from college and into a multiple location expansion with a major US retailer.  This was the foundation for her enthusiasm for solid, properly executed franchise development and growth. In this episode, we discuss: RepM Brands: their 4 pillars that ensure success for both franchisor and franchisee Pandemic trends and shifts that create value for business owners Projected op...

Meet Eric Schmitz of Crescent Grove Advisors.  Eric offers sage advice in this episode, targeted at the current financial climate and sound investment strategies. Listen in as we discuss: Current investment opportunities and mistakes investors make The soothing role a good advisor offers to alleviate clients' emotional reactions The benefits of franchising as a diversification strategy  

I'm joined by my brilliant colleague, David Weaver, who shares the same passions for the great outdoors and our weekend activities, as well as a deep love for our consulting businesses.  We've talked about raising goats and chickens, managing invasive species on our properties, and the fun of raising our kids to love and protect nature.  Why does this matter?  Freedom of choice in creating the lif...

My guest, Dr. Madan Kandula, is always pushing the boundaries in business and in medicine. He opened his first ENT clinic in 2004 after becoming disillusioned with the mainstream health care system. Now with more than a dozen locations in the Midwest, I was curious to learn how a medical doctor and surgeon became a visionary entrepreneur who still sees patients while meticulously expanding his cli...

If owning a busines was easy, everyone would have one. Owning and operating a franchise is just as challenging. Podcast host, Meg Schmitz shares her early experiences as a new franchise owner, mistakes made and learned lessons. 

In this special edition episode, I speak with Jason Olson, Founder and CEO of IMAGE Studios. Without fanfare, we jumped right into the nitty gritty success story that is now a mature brand with more than 100 units purchased, and over 50 open or under construction.    Year over year, including the last 2 during the pandemic, IMAGE has delivered on their promises of franchisee support, unit growth a...

My guest for this episode is none other than the Fabulous Dorris Burch.  Dorris has quite an empire that embraces femininity and empowerment, and her mission is to inspire women to be so much more. Our inspiring topics today include: Feminine versus masculine energy The role that fashion played in building Dorris' image and career Dorris' start in business and building a narrative that unlocked he...

Credits: Hosted by Meg Schmitz Produced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLC Editing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Meet Laura Liss, who was described by a client as being COOL because she is relatable, speaks in plain English, and takes the time to be personally involved in your franchise review, including a whole smorgasbord of additional areas of expertise. In this episode, Laura and I cover these hot topics: - Historical practices that put a bad name on franchise sales - Enter your franchise acquisition wit...

"Patty Farmer is an award-winning marketing & media strategist, international speaker, radio host, magazine publisher, and best-selling author specializing in marketing & business." She began her career as a single mom in Las Vegas. Self-taught in so many ways, Patty LEANS IN with vigor, sees pain as an opportunity to pivot. And she won't stop there. Just wait until you hear what she's doing in It...

Coach, entrepreneur and author, Mike had a blue collar upbringing where he learned the trades and became a General Contractor. The more he learned about real estate, the more he knew he wanted to build a substantial investment portfolio. And build he did, with the backing of some major investors. But some bad decisions lead to an avalanche of consequences. In this episode we discuss: - How Mike ac...

Sharon Cupach has been a resource and mentor to many in the franchise community. She spent several years as an entrepreneur herself partnering with emerging brands, setting systems and processes in place as well as outsourced franchise development responsibilities. In this episode, Sharon and I discuss: - Aligning with ESSENTIAL need-based businesses for resilience and financial success - Some of...

One of my great pleasures is to have decades of relationships with business owners I have placed and the franchise developers who helped those candidates land safely. Today my guest is one of those "Best In Class" franchise developers who has an instinct for great brands and finding the RIGHT FIT for each individual he works with. In this episode Eric and I talk about: - The Three P's: Positive, P...

Life has changed dramatically for Melissa over the last few years. Now a single mom and done with her corporate gig, she is attempting to organize her finances to achieve the diversification dream once again. Melissa hit me with a series of questions that reflected not only her interests, but also her concerns. In this interview I field questions from Melissa that are timely and universal. Our top...

In this episode, my guest Career Transition specialist, Teegan Bartos shares her thoughts on finding joy in your work, and saying YES to diversifying your income streams for greater FUN in gaining financial rewards and insulation. We discuss: - Pandemic trauma has empowered people to find their true value systems to find fulfillment - Corporate Women who struggle to leave guilt behind and gain con...

In this episode I interview President and Area developer of FocalPoint, Jason Weseman. Jason Weseman is a man of many talents, and the best of those is a coach/mentor. Each of his four kids have had the benefit of their dad being a hands-on dad and coaching their respective sports teams. How did Jason get the time to do all this? In this episode, we discuss the Three Pillars of business ownership:...

My guest on this episode is a true leader in the advancement of franchise systems. Josh Skolnick, Co-Founder and Chairman of HorsePower Brands, has a deep history in entrepreneurial activity. In this episode we discuss: - The challenges and rewards of franchising - The importance of listening to the customer and leadership - Creating a foundation of transparency Credits: Hosted by Meg Schmitz Prod...

What do you do when your forever job is eliminated? Melanie Ramos, formerly a Walt Disney World leader, shares her journey to discovering her best next move. In this episode we discuss: - Finding a franchise option with flexibility - Ramping up to profitability - Tapping into support for success Credits: Hosted by Meg Schmitz Produced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media,...

Jim and Diane share their journey of franchise ownership, passing the business on as a family legacy, and now lead the International Franchise Development efforts for Tutor Doctor. This episode features great highlights about: - The tutoring business - The role of the business owner - Staffing simplicity Credits: Hosted by Meg Schmitz Produced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanali...

Meet Brian and Jason Miller of Patrice & Associates. This father and son duo are experts with decades of experience in recruiting. They know exactly who will be successful owning a staffing business, and the training programs that go into perfect execution. In this episode you will hear about: - Patrice & Associates stunning growth during the pandemic - Pivots into virtual relationship development...

Amy LeClerc is laser-focused on building a great franchise. And making sure that the path to expansion is clearly marked for her owners. She cut her teeth with a New York advertising agency, and loved the opportunity to build a story with brands that make a big impact. In this episode, Amy and I discuss: - Why it's easy for her to recognize a great brand and build customer loyalty - Expanding acro...