Free Agent with Meg Schmitz

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 her Unlimited Potential

Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing 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 with the end in mind: The Exit- Quality of Earnings, and what that means when buying an existing businessCredits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

"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 Italy... Listen in as Patty recounts her story. You will laugh and relate to how:- Office rules about going to the bathroom made her quit her job- The real estate crash of 2008 redefined her thinking and goals- Mentors trained her to THINK how they think, not just do what they doCredits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

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 achieved success early in his journey- The decisions that cost him everything- The road to redemption Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

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 our favorite analogies tackling fear and success- Getting your foot in the door early gives Early Adopters a louder voice and more flexibility.

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, Proactive, Persevering Candidates become great owners- Technology pivots and implementations that enable owners to focus on what's important- Doing one thing well in their brands doesn't mean one revenue stream- And the Big Question: Labor, Staffing, and How Do I Make Money Owning This?Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Keausha Bradley-Macklin and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Keausha Bradley-Macklin of Porshanality Media, LLC

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 topics include:- What will be successful where I live, regardless of the economy or pandemic?- Why is there a stigma that franchising is somehow cheating in business?- What if I fail? What if I lose everything?Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Keausha Bradley-Macklin and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Keausha Bradley-Macklin of Porshanality Media, LLC

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 confidence to diversify outside of the job- Gaining efficiencies through use of business apps and platformsCredits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Keausha Bradley-Macklin and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Keausha Bradley-Macklin of Porshanality Media, LLC

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: your wife, your life, and your money.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

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 transparencyCredits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

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 successCredits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

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 SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

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 - 2022 goals they have their franchise owners to be more successfulCredits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

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 across the country with faith in the right Pioneering owners who are taking huge risks- Building a franchise where owners leverage their organizational skills, not practice the trade itselfCredits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Morgan Schnabl is full of curiosity and the entrepreneurial spirit. Morgan's career and business trajectory are far from "normal" for those who start in the corporate world. Not one to get pegged and stuck in a corner, Morgan has allowed her curiosity to drive her ambitions to build and grow businesses. In the episode, Morgan and I discuss:- Why family and spousal support are vital when the chips are down- How being willing to make bad decisions allowed her to learn FASTER- How building a franchise concept was her intention from the very beginning.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

In this episode, Kate Reithel shares her journey from retail to entrepreneurship, how the pandemic impacted her business, and her thoughts on having a seasonal business.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

If you ever wondered if you could take the leap, this is the episode for you. Pamela Belyn is the perfect guest to have this conversation with as she is a real person who made the transition from corporate to independent entrepreneurship.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

The Stanfords are franchisors of Club Pilates. They are enjoying the freedom of being business owners as they are taking steps to shift the culture of business practices. Jennifer and Mitchell both can agree that this venture was worth the leap.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Steve and Melinda Gladin share insights on making a financially stable career change. In this episode, Steve and Melinda Gladin share their unique journey into the pet care business. New decisions are best supported when the finances are stable. The Gladins are the founders and CEO of Fetch! Pet Care.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Trent joined FranChoice in 2013 and has served the company in many capacities since then, including managing the selection process for new franchisors, training and supporting the efforts of new and existing consultants, and has trained dozens of franchise developers. He has also gained experience creating sales systems that assist the franchisor in effectively delivering information to candidates in a very efficient manner.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Paul Flick shares how our businesses can be better served with the use of technology for scaling. In addition, Paul shares his journey to take the leap from Canada to the US to pursue a career in business.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

In this episode of the Free Agent Podcast, Meg has a conversation with Attorney Elisa Ruer. Elisa has practiced law for over 20 years and has had her own practice for 10. Her advice will help you no matter if you're starting a business or an established enterprise.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Welcome back to the Free Agent Podcast! Today Meg Schmitz is talking to Jonathan Thiessen of Home Franchise Concepts. Jonathan is the Chief Development Officer. He and Meg are discussing methods for successful franchise execution.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Welcome back to the Free Agent with Meg Schmitz Podcast. Brittany Driscoll of Squeeze Massage joins Meg on the podcast to discuss her creative business skills has led her to become a multi-franchise owner.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Welcome back to the Free Agent with Meg Schmitz Podcast. In this episode, Meg talks to Tom Fielder who is a multi-studio franchiser of Club Pilates, based in Nashville, TN. Tom shares his insights in hopes that listeners would feel more confident in making the choice to launch their own business.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Have you ever had a time when you thought that franchising was just for businesses like McDonald's or Burger King? If so, you're not alone. Eric Schechterman thought the same thing until he took the leap into franchising discovery. On this episode of Free Agent Podcast with Meg Schmitz, Meg has an energizing and engaging conversation with Eric Schechterman of Benetrends Financial, Inc. Benetrends Financial is a retirement plan service provider and is the leader for franchise funding. As the Chief Development Officer for the nation's leader in franchise funding, Eric oversees sales, marketing and strategic relationships. Eric has extensive knowledge on the ins-and-outs of franchising from the back end forward and has helped thousands of small businesses open their doors. He has been a featured speaker at numerous franchise conferences, inspiring entrepreneurs with successful small business funding strategies and training franchise executives on how to maximize their funding relationships. Eric was honored to earn a distinction of Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the Board of Governors of the IFA in 2016.On the podcast, Eric shares information about rollover funding for your finical retirement plan regardless of your employer. Eric also shares his knowledge about stock investments are a savvy way to buy stock in companies and what it can do for you and your business when your business is profitable There are so many options! Take a listen to the episode and please remember to rate and leave a review for Apple Podcasts.Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

Welcome back, Friends and Listeners!I am very excited to launch the new season of my Free Agent Podcast with Meg Schmitz. To kick off our new season, Lance Freeman of Xponential Fitness is joining me for what promises to be a fully engaging conversation to help you take great strides towards your future success. What makes one fitness brand stand out over another? What does an exceptional leadership team contribute to a franchise owner's success? Why did these brands grow across every modality in a year that the pandemic ravaged most competitors?Lance has been in the Franchising industry for nearly as long as I have. Lance has 25+ years as a Multi-unit Franchisee, Area Developer, Master Franchisor, and National Franchise Developer with numerous top-100 Franchisors. Lance is the President of Franchise Development for Xponential Fitness, now known as the largest boutique fitness company in the world. Lance is a Franchise Executive with a proven track record and has awarded over 3,000 Franchises in the last 5 years. Enjoy this interview to the very end, as we share insights and tidbits that are sure to enlighten you.As always, please follow, like, and rate each episode you listen to. I always want your feedback!Credits:Hosted by Meg SchmitzProduced by Kacia Huynh and Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLCEditing by Kacia Huynh of Porshanality Media, LLC

What if a forced pivot is the best thing that could ever happen to you? That was the experience my guest, Mark Zucker, had. When the digital revolution threatened to eliminate his photography business after 15 years, something unexpected happened. Here's what you'll learn from this week's conversation: The important decision that lengthened the runway of his wedding album business and has kept it profitable for the last 10 years. The power of applying a startup mentality to every business  How working-from-home provides the perfect opportunity to explore entrepreneurship risk-free  The financial, professional and mental health benefits of dabbling in a side hustle and potential opportunities you can go after. How he created off-the-chart growth in his outsourcing business by helping other entrepreneurs pivot and keep their business viable in the pandemic.   Guest Bio  Mark is the co-founder of MCVO Talent Outsource, and founder and CEO of Zookbinders. He is an involved leader who thrives on helping professional photographers run a more profitable business. Known for providing the wedding industry's finest quality photo albums, Zookbinders continues to innovate to keep pace with the changing needs of photographers.   In 2017, Zucker co-founded an outsourcing company that helps US companies reduce costs by providing office talent from the Philippines. MCVO Talent Outsource has a unique business model that can help companies save 20K-30K per employee! Zucker is a mentor to young entrepreneurs and a frequent speaker on topics such as: innovation, finding your niche and helping small businesses improve profits. For more information on Mark's outsourcing service visit https://www.mcvotalent.com/ and to learn more about the wedding album business visit https://www.zookbinders.com/.

Have you ever had a business idea you didn't act on? We all have!   But this week's guest took action, and I'm excited to share her story with you.   Over the course of 23 years, Colette Bell and her husband took a handyman business that started in their basement and built it into an attractive franchise system other entrepreneurs wanted to invest in.    When their success caught the attention of Ace Hardware Corporation, an unstoppable partnership and a bigger opportunity was born.    In this week's episode, Colette shares the whole story, from the early wins, to the discoveries and pivots that took them from basement to boardroom.    You'll learn;    How your choice of franchisee impacts the results of the entire organization and how you can set everyone up for success.  How to keep your carefully-cultivated culture and intellectual capital intact as you expand  What makes a larger company the perfect vehicle for impact, opportunity and market domination.  The key shift that helped the business survive both the recession and the pandemic  I love the passion Colette has for her role as a franchisor, and her perspectives on this will be valuable to anyone interested in the franchise world. You'll enjoy this rare and delightful insight into the life of a franchisor, and get inspired to start seeing more entrepreneurship opportunities around you!   Guest Bio    Colette Bell is the VP of Franchise Development at Ace Handyman Services, and her husband Andy is the CEO. The first Ace Handyman Services office was in the basement of Andy and Colette's Denver home, where they conducted business from a sheet of plywood placed atop an unused pool table. In the two decades since they started, The Ace Handyman Services Franchise Organization has expanded from coast to coast in 200 territories while continuing to embrace the same values and concepts. For more information, visit https://www.acehandymanservices.com/. 

If you've thought about moving from corporate into business ownership, this week's podcast episode is for you. After 15 years as a leader at Johnson & Johnson and DJO Global, Ken Theiler decided to scratch his entrepreneurial itch, making an unexpected but strategic choice. And I'd say it paid off in a huge way! Because of Ken's laser focus on customer satisfaction, his loyal customer base followed him even after he separated from the franchisor; an incredible feat for someone with no background in that industry. Choosing the right business vehicle for you is such an important decision. For me, franchising is the perfect foundation to explore entrepreneurship with confidence, because you're not alone. In today's episode, Ken shares what made him gravitate to an entirely new industry, and the immutable laws of ownership that can allow you to thrive in any business. Ken also shared insightful golden nuggets on; Why franchising allows you to explore new pathways in your ambition and fully tap into the strengths that were suppressed in corporate.  How his company is retaining a customer base that feeds the engine and building support mechanisms after stepping away from the franchisor. How to evaluate a business opportunity and run a company that preserves the integrity of your family.    Whether you're a corporate refugee preparing for your next move, or a business owner who wants to improve your results, I think you'll really enjoy the wisdom Ken shares in this episode!   Guest Bio  Ken is the owner of Hometown Heating and Air. He is a highly accomplished global commercial leader with a stellar track record in marketing, strategic planning, and finance. With over 15 years of marketing experience, the majority with Johnson & Johnson, Ken has developed a deep understanding of market needs and customer behavior with outstanding success in launching successful products.    Hometown Heating & Air provides a comprehensive list of services for customers to meet their HVAC needs. They have a solid understanding of what it takes to install, maintain, service, and repair HVAC systems, and they are committed to providing high-quality in-home comfort for their customers.    For more information, visit https://yourhometownheating.com/ or contact Ken directly ken.theiler@yourhometownheating.com. 

How do you leave the NFL after a career-ending injury and successfully pivot into a valuable, in-demand role in a completely different industry?    That's what I wanted to find out from my guest, former Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings tight end, Brent Novoselsky.    Many pro athletes have the rug pulled out from under them when their careers end. By having a plan, Brent put himself on a completely different trajectory.    His NFL achievements include 100 games, 100 special teams' tackles, and an induction into the Chicago Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Today, he serves as Treasurer for the Retired NFL Players Association Chicago Chapter, and Vice President of Wealth Management at GCG Financial.  Brent opened up about his journey, going in-depth about;   How to pivot the structure and work ethic of sports into a different career.  Why the NFL is a simulated war environment where all careers end unwittingly, and how to set yourself up for success beyond it.  The reason athletes struggle after sport, and why franchising is the perfect career opportunity for people trained on structure and routine How to unlock the human capital that will elevate you by connecting with intent.    Pro athletes are uniquely equipped for business ownership if they use what they learned from sports as a springboard. What's the lesson for non-athletes? You can take success in one area of your life into something completely new and rewarding.    If you're looking for insights from the sports field (including what it was like training with the Chicago Bulls), and lessons on hard work and strategic foresight, you won't want to miss this episode!   Guest Bio    Brent is a Vice President of GCG Financial, having been a member of the firm since 1995. He has been serving clients, their families and their businesses since 1989 with a particular expertise and focus on the accumulation and preservation of assets along with risk management. Brent meets his clients' financial needs through the use of the extensive resources and experts at GCG, as well as through outside, trusted advisor offices.   Brent received his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with honors with a concentration in entrepreneurial management. He received his Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation in 1999.   Brent played 7 seasons in the NFL. He was with the Chicago Bears in 1988 and the Minnesota Vikings from 1989-1994. In a career that included over 100 special teams' tackles, Brent retired after a serious neck injury. He is a member of the Chicago Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. He is also the Treasurer of B'nai B'rith Sports Lodge and the Chair for their scholarship program.    To connect with Brent, find him on LinkedIn and send an email to brent.novoselsky@gcgfinancial.com. 

How does a corporate refugee start a new business with confidence while tapping into their creative energy?    That's what I wanted to find out from my guest, Basil Bearer.    Basil is an accomplished creative leader and talented designer with a track record of graphic and design work for mega-brands like Target.    Today, Basil runs a thriving family-run business. And it all started with franchising.   He's living proof that a business that taps into your unique gifts and strengths, and impacts the community is one of the greatest gifts of breaking free from corporate.    Basil opened up about some of the big lessons and pivotal moments in his journey, sharing;    How to navigate the self-inflicted lows of starting and running a business with family The key mindset shift that helped Basil fight the urge to work IN the business The strategy that kept his company on its feet in 2020 so that a “low” meant breaking even, not going out of business.    In this insightful episode, you'll learn how Basil was able to marry his left and right brain and build an in-demand creative business. For anyone with creative talent and the drive to be a free agent, this is the episode for you!   Guest Bio  Basil is the owner at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Mequon. He's an accomplished creative leader and talented designer, passionate about inspiring actions with bold innovative concepts. Now, the owner of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More, a custom print apparel boutique. This unique retail concept offers a full service of garment print solutions for business apparel, events, nonprofits and even "one of a kind" family gifts. Basil has a track-record for delivering powerful solutions in multiple creative disciplines, for some of the most recognizable brands in the industry, delivering measurable results. For more information, visit https://www.bigfrog.com/mequon/. 

What if the stories you tell yourself about the past are sabotaging your success right now?   That's the key question I took from our latest podcast conversation.   We all have these stories we believe are true, even though they aren't.    Stories we created around the events of our lives. But it's what we do with those stories that determines our level of success.   Our guest is Sue Schultz, corporate recruiter turned career and life coach, and our conversation is all around the stories we tell ourselves and how to break free.   Sue opened up about her own life and coaching experience, sharing...   The one thing you can do every morning to ensure your tank is full and you're ready for the day ahead. How to build “non-negotiable” activities into your day to refill your emotional piggy bank How the stories you created around past events are sabotaging your success right now   As Sue said, we can't change the past, but there's a lot of good that came from the past that we can use to drive ourselves forward.   Get your free digital copy of Free Agent: From Corporate Refugee to Being the Boss. Click here to download.   Guest Bio    Sue Schultz is a Career & Life Coach and the founder of Inspired Integration. She helps women align their career and life so they can finally feel the success that is filled with passion and purpose. Her holistic experience helps her clients overcome the fear, and self-doubt interfering with their life choices. Over the years Sue has built her career on helping others understand who they are, where they're at, what is standing in their way and “what they really want to be.” As a Career Development Coach, she helps people create opportunities to take control of their careers.   For more information, visit https://inspiredintegration.org/ and connect with Sue on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-schultz-inspired/ and follow @inspiredintegration on Instagram. 

How do you go from veteran landscaping business owner, working 18 hour days outside in the elements for decades, to business coach working just 2.5 days per week?    That's what I asked our latest guest, Todd Ruedt.   Todd is a business coach and franchise owner of ActionCoach in Brookfield and Fox Cities, and was named ActionCOACH Americas #1 Coach of the Year in 2018.   And he hasn't been slacking since then, either. Todd continues to help free agents build multiple streams of income and delegate the right things so they can work on their business, not in it.   Todd pulled back the curtain on his own journey, sharing some incredible insights along the way, including:   How to use collaboration to build confidence and expand your business, whether you're in the initial stages or getting to the next level   The biggest pitfall new franchise owners fall into (and how to avoid it)   How to leverage franchise systems to drastically reduce your learning curve and get results in your business faster   As a business coach, Todd is known for asking great questions, and you'll find a hidden gem in this conversation, where he shared one simple question you can ask yourself to bring positivity to any situation.   One of the key steps for any free agent is building a support system around you, including mentors. You can't go wrong looking to someone like Todd for coaching, mentorship and support. Enjoy the conversation and reach out to Todd if you get value from his insights! Guest Bio    Todd Ruedt is a business coach and the owner at ActionCOACH of Brookfield, ActionCOACH of Fox Cities and The Offsite Collaboration Center in Brookfield/Neenah. At the onset of his experience as a business coach, Todd Ruedt hit the ground running. He was named 2018 ActionCOACH America's #1 Coach of the Year. As a certified ActionCOACH Business Coach for 4 years, and part of the ActionCOACH community for another 10, Todd is an expert in education, training & growing businesses. Add to that his experience as a veteran landscape designer and horticulturist with more than three decades of industry expertise. Todd is also an avid organizer of more than 21 golf events for notable charities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.   For more information visit, https://coachingwisconsin.com/.    Learn more about Todd's upcoming Growth Club Mid-Year Extravaganza on June 17th and 18th here. 

Corporate refugees are coming out of hibernation!    They're thinking of the future, making new plans and setting new visions. In this exciting process, many are rethinking how they present themselves online.    What better person to talk about the free agent journey and visual branding than photographer extraordinaire Stacy Kaat!    As one of Milwaukee's premier photographers and longtime free agent, Stacy is a genius at bringing out the authentic self in her clients. Her strength is seeing your true personality, giving creative input, and helping bring your entire visual brand together into a cohesive package.   In this episode Stacy shares..   How a new visual brand can help you show up to sales calls with more confidence, energy and authenticity How the right headshot serves as a “virtual handshake” - capturing the essence of your personality  How your visual brand can help you conquer common fears, such as “Am I good enough”    We also dive into Stacy's story and her experience working with a variety of mentors, and how critical it is for free agents to build the right support system.   If you're looking to supercharge your online presence, show your true personality and give people a great first impression, this episode will give you insight you won't get anywhere else!   Guest Bio    Stacy Kaat is a photographer, personal branding expert, and business owner. She helps Executives, Authors, Speakers, Trainers, Coaches and Entrepreneurs who are the FACE of their business and want quality brand photographs to attract the right people.    She collaborates with them to create pictures that accurately represent their personal brand and business for social media profile, website, and marketing materials. Stacy also provides personal brand guidance so her clients can achieve their goals by aligning their social media profiles and posts with their vision. For more information, visit https://www.stacykaat.com/, send an email to stacy@stacykaat.com and call Stacy directly 414.758.0622. 

2020 was a pivotal departure from work as we knew it before the pandemic. It wasn't just an interruption - it was a full scale disruption. We made huge strides in bringing more freedom and autonomy to the workplace, and it's evident that how we feel about the work we do definitely impacts the bottom line. We don't have to return to the “normal” so many people hated. 2020 taught us that the desire for more autonomy, flexibility and freedom resonates across industries, job titles and career levels. We have the opportunity to create just that. How has 2020 changed the way employees engage with their jobs, and what should employers be doing in response? What is the roadmap to being a happier employee? In this episode, I'm joined by author and speaker, Josh Allan Dykstra, business owner, Pamela Belyn, and executive recruiter, Corbin Beastrom. They share the perspectives of thought leaders, recruiters, and entrepreneurs as we discuss why returning to the pre-pandemic work paradigm would be a big mistake.     Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode    Why working from home made many people happier  Working from home gave people more flexibility, autonomy and balance. We were able to share more of our humanity in the virtual workspace. This led to a reduction in workplace disengagement, and made employees more productive. Going forward, we need to create work environments that make people feel comfortable with sharing their humanity. Forcing people into the silo of just being a worker, and nothing else, won't cut it anymore.    The job market shifts we're going to see as more people return to the office Recent stats show that 52% of the workforce is looking for a new job. With work-from-home coming to an end, a lot of people are looking at the culture they left at the office, and dreading to return. If people are dissatisfied at work, it will trigger movement in the market. If employers don't focus on their people, and make the work environment better, they will lose good employees.    Why we don't have to be victims of a new paradigm, but creators Calling something “the new normal” is passive. It takes away the power and autonomy we all have in creating The Next Normal. We all have the agency and power to create the next iteration and culture of work. The future isn't a defined thing that just happens to us, it's what we create it to be.   Guest Bios   Josh Allan Dykstra Josh Allan is an author, speaker, thought leader and co-founder and CEO of Helios, a community of leaders and work revolutionaries committed to creating a world where everyone can love work. His articles and ideas have been featured by Fast Company, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and Business Insider and he's worked with some of the most iconic brands in the world (Apple, Sony, Genentech, Microsoft, among others).    He holds an MBA in Executive Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his latest book, Igniting the Invisible Tribe: Designing An Organization That Doesn't Suck, is available on Amazon and Audible. He lives with his family in beautiful Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshallan/.    Pamela Belyn   Pamela Belyn is the owner of Zoom Drain of Chicago. In her work as an attorney, she often represented clients in the home services industries. She was inspired by these trade clients and eventually left her law career behind to become President and Owner of Men In Sewers (MBE/WBE Certified), learning the trade and exploring ways to innovate and improve the business side of the industry. In early 2020 she opened Zoom Drain of Chicago, doubling its staff, growing apprentices to technicians, and expanding commercial and residential business month over month. You'll often find Pamela alongside her crew in the field (look for the purple steel toed boots), at home with her family, or avidly supporting the Bears. For more information, visit https://www.zoomdrain.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-b-a095677/.  Corbin Beastrom Corbin Beastrom is an Accounting and Finance Executive Recruiter and Search Partner at SkyWater Chicago. Corbin currently works with a “full desk” on the Accounting and Finance recruiting team. The SkyWater Accounting & Finance team focuses on growth-oriented, middle-market companies based in the Midwest. Corbin lives in Chicago, IL, and primarily serves clients in that area. Within Accounting and Finance, Corbin specializes in recruiting & placing talent in full-time, permanent positions at various levels & titles: CFO, Controllers, Accounting Managers, Senior Accountants, VP Finance, Finance Directors, Finance Managers, Senior Financial Analysts, Audit Directors, and Audit Managers. His team also has the capability to work on staff-level accounting and finance roles. For more information visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbinbeastrom/.   

Periods of economic turbulence and social change apply pressure to every corner of our lives. In recent years, the labor landscape has shifted tremendously, creating new challenges and opportunities along the way.    This isn't happening in a vacuum.    The pandemic and a greater collective push for diversity and inclusion have caused massive shifts in the laws that govern how we work.    The legal platform employers operate from has changed, and we have to navigate new territory. This is an amazing time to create more value through business practices that benefit and protect both the employee and the employer.    What are the key labor law changes we've seen come out of the social movements of recent years and COVID-19? What do employers need to be aware of and consider putting in place to protect themselves and retain their employees?    In this episode, corporate and employment litigator, Dave McClurg shares valuable legal wisdom for business owners navigating today's employment landscape.  Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode    How social change has impacted employment policy  The conversation around equality, diversity, and inclusion at work has driven the creation of labor laws and policies that reflect these values. There are so many things that used to be acceptable that are now viewed as problematic, which has given more people a voice and contributed to a better working environment.    The importance of keeping track of the details  As employers, it's easy to get so caught up in the day-to-day that we overlook critical legal details that will protect the business. When we hire people, it's important to document all aspects of the disciplinary process from day 1. When we don't document everything, we can't protect the business and our employees.    How vaccines are going to create new challenges for employers  As people return to the office, the big question is whether to make vaccinations mandatory for employees. This question requires careful consideration so we don't inadvertently create a liability issue.    Guest Bio    Dave McClurg is a member of the firm's Labor + Employment practice group. He has a long record of successfully defending employers accused of wrongful termination and discrimination on the basis of race, religion, age, disability and gender. Dave frequently represents employers facing OSHA violations and workers compensation claims alleging safety violations or an “unreasonable refusal to rehire" following a work-related injury.Dave also has a wealth of experience involving the litigation of wage & hour, theft of trade secrets and breach of duty of loyalty claims, and the enforcement of non-compete and confidentiality agreements. In addition, Dave regularly advises clients on issues relating to reduction-in-force layoffs, terminations, severance agreements and return to work issues, helping employers avoid pitfalls that can lead to expensive claims.   For more information call (414) 559-7704  and let Dave know you heard him on The Free Agent Podcast.   Visit https://petriepettit.com for more information and email dmcclurg@petriepettit.com. 

We become entrepreneurs for freedom, peace and joy, but it's so easy to get off track and become trapped by our own businesses. It's human nature to keep going after more clients and revenue streams, but when that comes at the expense of our inner peace, joy, and ability to be present, we're paying a steep price.    If we're struggling to find inner peace as entrepreneurs, it's critical to do the inner work to make every single day a joyful and meaningful experience.    What are the warning signs of being trapped by your own business, and how do you turn things around? In this episode, I'm joined by “The Joy Slinger”, Erin McCullough (Erin Mac). She shares how she went from extreme stress to stillness as a business owner, and the process we can use to start finding joy alongside the prosperity we business owners aim to achieve.   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode    The difference between happiness and joyHappiness is a fleeting, temporary experience, based on an external event or achievement. We often race towards certain accomplishments seeking a lasting emotional boost, and discover that the feeling is temporary. Joy is an internal experience, something we can cultivate daily. Why entrepreneurs struggle to find true happiness As entrepreneurs, we diminish our joy when the work we're doing isn't in alignment with what we value. When we combine our purpose with the clients we take on, and the service we provide, we make room for joy and fulfillment. If we try to do all the things and serve everyone, we'll always miss the mark.    How to shift our perceptions so we can find joyChange starts with awareness. When we aren't happy, we have to start paying attention to the voice inside our heads. That voice is rooted in structures we created at a young age, and it's where we form all of our important decisions. If this voice constantly brings up negative messages, awareness can help us start challenging our beliefs and inserting new perspectives.   Erin is a thought leader, speaker, coach, and the “Joy Slinger”. She teaches people how to have impenetrable JOY so they can be calm, have peace of mind and meaning in their lives.  For more information, and for a free consult discovery call visit https://www.erin-mac.com and follow @erinmacllc on Instagram.

“Successful but not satisfied” is a very common experience high achievers have in the corporate world. Many people find themselves paying a high price for their success, and they have to reconnect, reground and pivot in order to get career happiness on their own terms.    We all have a wellspring of information and data within us that tells us what lights us up. In corporate, we're so focused on what the job expects of us, we end up defined by other people.   How do we step out of the corporate mental silo, and leverage being the multidimensional people we are? How can we feel more confident about the pricing of our services?    In this episode, executive and career coach, speaker and best-selling author of Winning the Game of Work, Terry McDougall shares how she empowers people to find true happiness and fulfillment at work.    Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode    How to re-establish fulfillment in our careersWhether we excel and find joy working with people, ideas, problems or data, there's a thread that runs through the work we love doing, our zone of genius is also found in that area. When we get away from those things, that's when we start feeling unhappy in our careers. If we have an important value and a place we derive our professional energy from, moving away from it will make us unhappy.    How to price our services without undervaluing ourselvesOne of the biggest challenges of stepping out of the corporate structure and becoming a consultant is knowing how to price the service we offer, and determine the value of the coaching we provide. It's so important not to undervalue ourselves and overlook the costs that go into running a business.     Why our limiting beliefs hold us back from getting what we wantA lot of the times, when we want something, we hold ourselves back from getting it because we immediately think about why we can't get it, or that we don't deserve it. Wanting something and going after it are two separate things. When you admit that you want something, and step into the feeling of deserving it, you put yourself in alignment to receive it from the Universe. 

For many free agents, the last year has been a period of pivots, adaptations and growth. Even though the entire business world was faced with a huge crisis, many leaders saw past the difficulty and tapped into opportunity.    As a result, the companies that used the crisis to reframe and reimagine their businesses externally and internally are now miles ahead of their competition.    Businesses that used the recent challenges to create new connections and ease of engagement for their customers have accelerated their success for years to come. They have future-proofed their businesses.    When the normal way of doing business is interrupted, those who adapt quickly will realize success, leaving everyone else struggling to catch up.    What are the opportunities of a crisis in business and how do we capture them? How can business owners position themselves for success, not stagnancy?    In this episode, I'm joined by business coach, speaker, author and entrepreneur, Patti Mara. She shares her greatest insights from the last year, and why we should never waste a crisis.     Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode    The key thing that determines success in a crisis  One of the most fatal mistakes companies made in 2020 was choosing to hunker down to just get through it, and waiting for the crisis to inevitably blow over. Every crisis interrupts our daily patterns, which gives us a wealth of information about what's working and what's not. By digging into this information, we can find the insights that help us get better going forward.   How to win at the game of business  Most independently-owned businesses play the wrong game, they focus on what they're selling instead of the value and relationships that drive their growth. Our goal should be to understand our customers so well that we can speak to their pain points and create value by coming up with specific solutions.    Why business metrics need our constant attention  As businesses evolve and mature, metrics need to be the driving force of future decisions and growth. Every business needs to have a dashboard of the top 5 metrics that matter and need regular reviewing. These metrics serve as the barometer of whether we're on track or not, and we can't ignore or neglect them.    Guest Bio    Patti Mara is a business coach, speaker, author, owner of Maranet Inc. and creator of The Profit Generator Program*. She has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurial owned and operated businesses to reposition them for success and dramatically increase their growth, customer retention, and profit. Patti also created the Breaking Through Barriers Program*, which helps business owners identify and eliminate the bottlenecks that impede growth and success.   Patti is a popular speaker to groups from diverse industries, ranging from finance and commercial real estate, to restoration and cleaning, restaurants, and independent pharmacies. She has also been a featured speaker to North American women's and entrepreneurs' groups. For more information, visit https://www.pattimara.com for more information.    To get Patti's free resource, training and a copy of her book visit https://www.pattimara.com/freeagent.

Free agents start their business in order to have more control over their lives, and more fulfillment from the work they do - but our ventures also have to be financially rewarding and sustainable.    It's impossible to build something financially stable without systems and procedures that keep the pipeline full.   What we've learned from the last year is that the state of the economy doesn't always spell success. When we build a sustainable referral-based business and diversify our income streams, we can always navigate challenging times.     What are the most important systems free agents need to be aware of? How do we find the most beneficial and productive networking opportunities? Why is a healthy business pipeline so important?    In this episode, I'm joined by entrepreneur, B2C & B2B ad pro and real estate agent, Robert Krieghoff.    He shares the most important business lessons he's learned on his journey and how he has created a diversified and self-sustaining business model.     Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode    How to find a productive networking group  Networking is about being willing to give. You can't go into it from the perspective of what you're going to get out of it. Focus on being a resource for other people and learning from that environment. If you find yourself in a networking community where people are selfish and impatient, you're in the wrong place.    The two things business owners have to focus on to have sustainable results As business owners, we have to spend a lot of time cultivating the business, while also doing the actual work at a high level. If we focus on current business at the expense of our future pipeline, our income will always be unstable. It's really important to have systems and people in place to help us manage both sides of this equation.    Why pivoting can be dangerous  There's a difference between making a pivot and getting away from our purpose, and the things our clients hire us for. Sometimes, when we pivot, we actually end up eliminating the things that drive our results and make us different from everyone else. It's also a common mistake to veer away from our purpose by working with the wrong clients. Business isn't just about adapting, it's also about staying true to ourselves.     Guest Bio    Robert Krieghoff is an entrepreneur, B2C & B2B Ad Pro and Real Estate agent. He is a 27-year veteran of the media industry who has achieved success as an Account Executive, Sales Manager and independent consultant in Madison and Milwaukee.    His areas of expertise are account management, digital sales, and statewide campaign strategies. Robert uses proven solutions for local business owners looking to get more out of their English and Spanish advertising.    For more information on Robert and Amy Krieghoff's real estate business visit https://amykrieghoff.firstweber.com and email rkrieghoff@firstweber.com. 

Leveraging LinkedIn is a blend of business invigoration and authentic connection; it's a critical piece of putting our best professional selves forward and establishing relationships.   Simply put - in today's world, establishing a personal brand and showing up online in a powerful, consistent and impactful way is must!   Jobs, company roles, projects and businesses may end, but our personal brands carry on. They are living, breathing things that constantly need tending.   The first impression, when someone seeks us out online, is solely dependent on how we brand ourselves. LinkedIn isn't just a place to list our qualifications and work experience, it's a platform for us to showcase our value and set ourselves apart.   Instead of selling ourselves, we have to show how we can serve.   What makes a LinkedIn profile stand out? How do we make our profiles more reflective of the unique things that make us who we are?   In this episode, I'm joined by brand builder and LinkedIn specialist, Andrea Enright. She shares how we can create LinkedIn profiles that make people want to connect with us.   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode    How to create an impactful and relevant LinkedIn profile  Our LinkedIn should be treated as a living representation of our free agency journey. It should always be a reflection of what we're doing professionally. Train your mind to recognize the things you can share on LinkedIn to make yourself more relevant on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.    How to leverage your LinkedIn profile In your LinkedIn profile, it's okay to throw in small tidbits of information that reveal your personality. Leverage all the real estate that LinkedIn provides to share what makes you interesting.    Creating consistency across all our social media channels  Know yourself and know your messaging. If you are going to have a presence on multiple social media platforms, create a uniform presence and branding. That way you ensure that even if the audience is different, you have consistency and continuity.   Guest Bio    Andrea is a brand builder and messaging strategist, LinkedIn expert, storyteller, boot-wearer and founder and owner of The Boot Factor. She partners with entrepreneurs, coaches and creatives to help their brand sing and generate a little thing called leads. For more information, visit https://www.thebootfactor.com and call (303) 746-1503.  

So many Corporate Warriors grew up in the system to believe that working a job is a straight line to retirement, and that their singular value is determined by the role that they assume within the corporate structure.   Through free agency, we can expand beyond how a 9 to 5 defines us, without being confined. We're all multi-dimensional human beings, and being able to transition our skills is key to success outside of the corporate world.   As a free agent, you can exert freedom on your life by leveraging your unique capabilities and skills.   How do we invest our lives in work we're passionate about? Where can we find more opportunities to expand our skills?   In this episode, career development and career transition expert, Howard Fox shares his own journey to free agency and how to align our work with our passion.     Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   The truth about the corporate world While there are companies that care about their people, ultimately they will always take care of the business first. When things get tough, those same companies will have to manage their expenses and when that happens, jobs will always be on the line.   Why we should look beyond the roles our corporate jobs set for us In corporate, our value and our usefulness is often limited to one role and one silo. This puts us into a trap of thinking that our skills are only useful in one company and in one job position. Our skills are actually extremely valuable and transferable into other companies, businesses and even free agency.   How to find where we have the most value The hardest thing as an entrepreneur is figuring out how to monetize what we have to offer. We have to learn to represent and advocate for ourselves so we can uncover our value, build our confidence and zone in on the most monetizable opportunities for us.     Guest Bio    Howard Fox is a Career Development and Career Transition Coach, LinkedIn strategist and host of The Success InSight Podcast. He is a self-proclaimed recovering IT Business Consultant, and for the last 13 years, he has pursued a career in coaching and leadership development.    Howard currently delivers one-on-one career development & transition services, facilitates classes, including Strategic Career Management, Personal Branding, Resumes, Networking, Interviewing, and LinkedIn, for a Fortune 500 company's onsite, Las Vegas Career Development Center.   For more information, and to connect with Howard visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcoachinginc.   

Franchises are extremely powerful financial engines. When built properly, franchised salon systems are a potent business model leveraging community, industry training and support.   Becoming part of a franchise is a path many investors choose for diversification, to enhance financial freedom. But for some entrepreneurs, becoming The Franchisor is an opportunity to leverage past business success to create something that aligns with a future vision: systematic financial reward for all, in any economic or pandemic climate.   Here we learn how to build an invincible system for stylists to invest in themselves, to grow a stable income, get advanced training, all with proven leadership, and to support qualified free agents to thrive and grow beyond their wildest expectations. Listen in!   My guests today are brothers who took a hard look at their struggling car dealerships to then pivot and build a franchise system of salon suites. They jumped into this business at the height of the recession and now they have built a thriving empire.   What is the story of Image Studios, and what makes this franchise such a great model? How do they build value in their franchise, deliver exceptional initial and ongoing support, and help their franchisees build stable businesses?   In this episode, Shaun and Jason Olsen share their free agency journey and what they have learned about building super successful franchise business owners.   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   The power of the franchisor path Becoming a franchisor is one of the best ways to grow our vision and also bring people along on the journey. We can create a community of people moving in the same direction as us, and we can help them get to the next level and provide them with not just business support, but emotional support too.   How to provide value in a beauty suite franchise system In the beauty industry, people don't just need technical skills training, they also need ongoing training on new techniques and skills to help them build and grow a business. The problem in the beauty industry is that most education is skills based. As a franchisor in the industry, we need to provide business and technical training to help solve our clients changing expectations.   Why we need to lean into fear It's natural to feel fearful about starting a business and going out on our own. Instead of letting it stop us, we can use fear as leverage to guide us. There are two kinds of fear - the fear of taking a leap into free agency and the fear of staying in the same place and not achieving anything. If we lean into the fear that comes with going after what we want, we won't live with regret.   Guest Bio    Shaun is the Vice President/Co-Founder of Image Studios. In 2004, Shaun joined Corey and Jason Olsen, as co-owner and Purchasing Director for Prestman Auto, and now serves as company president. Through their success at Prestman Auto, and their mutual desire to create and innovate, Jason and Shaun developed their salon suite concept, Image Studios 360. Image Studios 360 has grown from five corporate locations to 50+ franchised units nationwide.    As Vice President, Shaun drives company image and culture as he partners with the leadership team on onboarding support and resources for franchisees. Shaun Olsen is a member of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and has been recognized for his work with Prestman by the INC 5000 “Fastest Growing Companies in America” two years running, as well as the top 100 growing companies in Utah by the Mountain West Capital Network.   Jason is the President and Co-Founder of Image Studios. He started his first business at the age of 16, launching a specialty automotive parts and accessories website under the name www.street-looks.com. As the company grew he began selling products all over the world, eventually importing and private labeling his own line of automotive lighting under the name “VisualFX”. He sold the company seven years later in 2004 and made the move from his hometown in Atlanta, GA to Salt Lake City, Utah.    In 2009, he and his brother Shaun put their heads together to create an upscale salon suite business model, and in June 2010 IMAGE Studios® was born. Today they oversee the growth and expansion of the brand across the country with plans to open 300 locations nationwide by 2023 – eventually, they'll take the company into international markets that are ready for the IMAGE business model.  For more information visit https://imagestudios360.com

Building a high-performance business requires a leader who has the desire to build something bigger, and discipline to consistently follow through with the actions that matter.   Business owners can learn a lot from athletes who have the mindset and dedication to get better at their game every single day. Even though they are superstars, they still commit to practicing their craft and hold themselves accountable to the team's greater goal.   Why are athletic-minded business owners more primed for success? What are some of the most important things we need to do as free agents to build a business that survives and thrives?   In this episode, I'm joined by Focal Point business coach, Kristin Carlson. She shares what athletes can teach us about business, and how to build with freedom in mind.   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   The true meaning of work-life balance When we think about having more balance between our lives and our businesses, we often think of it in terms of time, but it's also about our ability to be present in every area of our lives. We have to be present when we're with our families, and also present when we're with our clients. When we have ownership of our schedule, we can protect the things that matter.   Why we have to transition from working in to working on the business If we want to run a business that gives us freedom, we can't spend all of our time working in the business and being the technician. We have to work ourselves out of the day-to-day so we can work on the strategy and get some time back in our lives. If we become too entrenched in the day-to-day, we make it harder for our business to scale. Why free agency is so different from corporate In the world of business ownership and franchises, we have a strong support system and a network of people who want us to succeed. This is very different from the corporate world which tends to have a less collaborative culture.   Guest Bio   Kristin Carlson is a Focal Point Business and Leadership coach, corporate trainer, and National Speaker. Kristin coaches business owners and executives to elevate their game. FocalPoint believes any company can dramatically improve the quality of their business results faster than they ever imagined possible - that it's simply a matter of choice and commitment.    For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-carlson, email Kcarlson@focalpointcoaching.com or call (262) 955-4861.

In corporate America, people are often forced to fit into a toxic work environment and culture, and this makes their daily experience difficult and uninspiring. As free agents, we can take that bad experience, and use it to inspire us to create a business and culture where people are happy to come to work every single day.   As business owners, we don't just have financial responsibility. We are the glue that holds the team together, and we get to determine what experience and culture our employees enjoy.   How can we create a job environment that enhances lives? What is the biggest misconception people have about the world of franchising? How does the idea of corporate job security hold people back from great opportunities?   In this episode, I'm joined by LinkedIn expert and CEO of PIMedia, Debbie Harris. She shares her perspective on business ownership, franchising, and company culture.   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   The power of being part of a franchise Starting your own business can really feel like you're going it alone, but being part of a franchise gives you a community. You have the support and success formula to achieve the same results. The franchise leaders with more experience are great mentors because they've navigated challenging times and succeeded through them.   Why we need to care about leadership Free agency and running your own business isn't just about having control, it's about getting to lead. We're not just responsible for the livelihoods of people, we're also responsible for creating a good work experience and nurturing a culture and work environment they can thrive in.   The biggest misconception about leaving corporate Many people don't want to leave corporate America because they don't want to lose the benefits of a traditional 9-5 job, but this is a misconception perpetuated by big companies. There are many options outside of a corporate benefits package for business owners, we just have to learn more about it and find what fits us.   Guest Bio    Debbie Harris is a digital marketing and LinkedIn expert, CEO, and founder of PIMedia, and a Regional Connector and National Trainer at Trustegrity. PIMedia is a leading social media and digital marketing firm that specializes in assisting clients with their online presence. The company works to bolster clients' business potential through the effective use of the most relevant digital channels available today.    For more information, visit https://pimedia.me, https://www.linkedin.com/in/fordebbielee, email debbie@pimedia.me or call (702) 465-4082.

Having a network of advisors is one of the most powerful ways we can confidently navigate free agency, especially for new entrepreneurs.   There's so much value in having an infrastructure of support around you. If we want to build a business that will give us freedom we need a solid foundation, utilizing good advice from the right people.   What many people discover in their free agency journey is the power of human capital, and why it's just as critical as financial capital. What are the benefits free agents get from maturing their network and tapping into the wisdom and experience of other people? How can we communicate effectively with advisors and investors?   In this episode, I'm joined by entrepreneur, business advisor, CEO of Blackthorne Capital Management, and my husband Peter J. Layton. He talks about his career, and the most important lessons he's learned along the way.   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode What it takes to be a successful investor One of the biggest challenges investors face is investing in an industry or niche we don't have experience in. In that case, it's important for that venture to have a lead investor. Go into the venture with someone who knows that sector well and brings in cash because they understand and believe in the idea.   The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make Entrepreneurs shoot themselves in the foot by not keeping their investors up to speed with what's going on. A good board will demand good reporting, governance and transparency into what's going on. It's hard to get additional funding or support if you don't maintain clear channels of communication.   How to find support, advice and resources as a free agent New entrepreneurs often feel like they have no support. The truth is, if we have good ideas, integrity, transparency, a strong work ethic and a willingness to pay that help forward, many people will gladly step forward to help.   Guest Bio  Peter J Layton is an entrepreneur, business advisor, commodity trading advisor, venture and angel capital investor, and the CEO of Blackthorne Capital Management and a managing member at Warhawk Fund.    He is an expert on Big Data, Alternative Investments, and Liquid Managed Macro Futures.    For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjlayton.    To learn more about Enactus visit https://enactus.org. 

When we make the transition to Free Agent, we take on the added responsibility of leadership. Driving the business forward and making sure it thrives rests squarely on our shoulders. Every outcome, both positive and negative, can be attributed to our decisions and actions.   If we don't understand our responsibility as leaders, the culture we want will never take hold, and ultimately our businesses will fail. It's our job to keep our eyes fixed on our long-term vision so that we can stay on our mission and achieve continued success.   My guest today is a successful leader and free agent who credits his business leadership to his time in the military. What are the most important lessons and systems he learned from the military, and how is he applying them to his business? How do we build and promote a positive culture and work environment?   In this episode, owner of AdvantaClean of Suburban Milwaukee, Barry Hintz shares his important insights on business and how he executes on his vision.   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode What Barry learned about leadership from the military In the military, systems are documented and drilled into everyone on the team to ensure the success of the mission. This ensures that even the weakest link on the team is able to carry the mission forward. Even though business is a different field, we also need to have our systems and processes documented so that everyone is trained to execute at the highest level.   How to make our team culture a reality Talking about our culture is one thing, but making it a reality in our business is vitally important. Until your culture is drummed in at the employee level and everyone on your team has bought into it, it's hard to keep any promise we make to our clients and truly deliver on it.   Where our focus needs to be as leaders As a leader, our job is to set the vision, steer the culture, and ensure the long term viability of the business. At some point, our job comes down to running and leading the business. That means hiring people who excel at what they do, and getting out of their way so they can execute at a high level.   Guest Bio  Barry Hintz is an entrepreneur, veteran, and the owner of AdvantaClean of Suburban Milwaukee. AdvantaClean of Suburban Milwaukee is an independently owned and operated business that provides essential indoor air quality services to residential and commercial customers. They offer professional services that include 24/7 emergency water removal and drying, mold inspection and removal, air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, environmental air sampling, and other related services. The commitment to Barry's customers is to provide honest, meaningful service at a fair & reasonable price.   For more information visit https://www.advantaclean.com/milwaukee-wi or call (414) 312-5999.

People take the leap into free agency because they love what they do, but often misunderstand the key numbers driving business. Leveraging the data and key performance indicators enables us to continue doing work we're passionate about in a financially sustainable way.   Small business owners can struggle with details like financial data and struggle to formulate a plan to direct their operations. If there was only one thing small businesses could learn from corporate, it's how they make use of financials to help a company expand its capabilities.   Knowing more about the finances and operational measures in our businesses is one of the most empowering things we can do, and today I'm joined by a free agent who has made this his life's work.   How is accounting different to corporate finance? What should every business owner ask themselves when it comes to financials? How do we set ourselves apart in a crowded market?   In today's episode, I'm joined by Data Magician, Finance Confidence Coach and Chief Data Analyst at Data2Profit, Lynn Corazzi. We discuss his free agency journey and why the work he does with small businesses is so vital to their success.   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode How to find your value as a free agent When we do the work of branding ourselves and go from a generalist to a specialist, we increase our chances of successfully monetizing our expertise. If we brand ourselves around something specific, simplify our messaging and distill our value down to where we are most effective, that's how we serve at the highest level.   Why we can't just focus on the areas we love in our businesses Many small business owners and free agents struggle to find balance between what they love to do, and the things they need to do to keep the business on its feet. When we focus on only what we love, we can risk missing key elements that keep our businesses healthy and growing.   The biggest benefit to running your own business One of the greatest benefits of running our own business and not being beholden to a corporate job is the freedom we have to step away from work, and have a better balance between our work and our lives. We have the gift of time to nurture our souls and recharge our batteries. When we have space to clear our heads, that is when the ideas start to flow.   Guest Bio Lynn Corazzi is a Finance Confidence Coach, Data Magician, Creator of Sales & Profit Insights and Chief Data Analyst at Data2Profit. For businesses that are drowning data but lacking new information to improve results, Lynn creates insights, solutions, and strategies that make a business more money and leaders more confident.   As if by magic, a messy, unstructured data transforms into facts you didn't know about sales and profit.   For more information visit https://data2profit.net, send an email to lcorazzi@data2profit.net or call/text (920) 948-3355.

The people who leave corporate and become free agents understand they have power. Instead of having a corporation dictate what they can or cannot do, they choose to be the owners of their own destiny.   When you're confident and self-assured, you can lead yourself towards the right opportunities, the best mentorship, and ultimately, the achievement of your goals.   If you tap into your own confident leadership, you have the power to build a business you love and the life you want.   What are the habits of confident leaders? Who do we need to surround ourselves with if we want to achieve our goals? In this episode, I'm joined by speaker, wealth advisor and strategist, Chad Coe. He talks about his path, becoming a confident leader, and why perseverance is at the core of his success.   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode What drove Chad out of corporate A major catalyst for the move into business ownership is the shallow and controlling nature of corporate America, and how it treats people as disposable. As the CEO of your own company, you're not at the mercy of a corporation and how it treats its employees. You are the owner of your own universe, and you get to set the standard for how you'll be treated. Why we need to surround ourselves with the right people The right kind of mentorship rewards us and drives us to be better. Don't align with just anybody. We have to find people who push us to get out of our heads and into action. When we have the right people around us, it gives us the confidence to go after what we want. The power of deep perseverance A big part of having an entrepreneurial mindset is perseverance and the willingness to keep trying new things. Every venture we pursue becomes the stepping stone for a bigger opportunity. There will always be setbacks, but if we're persistent and stay focused on our goals, our hard work will pay off.   Guest Bio  Chad Coe is a business owner, speaker, wealth advisor, strategist, and author of The Confident Leader.   His unique ability to align people with their goals in the peer-to-peer setting, challenge each other, and create their own success has earned him the moniker of “The Mastermind.” When it comes to strong, decisive, and empathic leadership, nobody lives it, teaches it, and develops it like Chad a real difference maker!   For more information visit https://www.coefinancial.com, connect with Chad on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadcoe, and call (847) 282-3170.