Podcasts about budget blinds

She built a global fitness brand without investors, business degree, or plans for becoming an entrepreneur.When Eliza Shirazi graduated from UMass, she thought she'd spend her career working in public health. Fitness classes were simply a side hustle—a way to make a little extra money after work.Over the next decade, that side hustle became Kick It by Eliza, a kickboxing-inspired worldwide fitness community that has transformed thousands of lives through live events, instructor certifications, social media content to her 25,000 Instagram followers, online memberships, and partnerships/appearances with brands like New Balance, NBC's "The Today Show," POPSUGAR, and more.But as is often the case, things don't always appear as they seem.In this conversation with host Troy Farkas, Portsmouth's Shirazi opens up about the rejection that's shaped her, the sponsorship deal she lost just when everything seemed to be working, the imposter syndrome she felt training in the boxing ring with George Foreman's son, the nerves she felt before making the biggest media appearances of her life, and the terrifying uncertainty of watching the pandemic threaten everything she'd spent years building.This episode, which is presented by Degree Wellness Seacoast, is about much more than fitness. It's about betting on yourself before anyone else does, learning to separate your own dreams from everyone else's expectations, embracing rejection as a competitive advantage, and discovering that the biggest opportunities often arrive disguised as your worst setbacks.In this episode, you'll learn:Why losing her biggest sponsorship became the catalyst for her greatest growthHow George Foreman's son helped her overcome imposter syndromeThe surprising business lesson behind building a fiercely loyal communityHow one YouTube workout unexpectedly changed the trajectory of her careerWhat the pandemic taught her about resilience and reinventionThe simple goal-setting framework she uses to stay motivated during overwhelming seasonsWhy rejection is one of the most valuable assets an entrepreneur can haveTroubling health trends and why she refuses to lean into themSUPPORT SEACOAST STORIES:⁠Visit the NEW ⁠⁠⁠SeacoastStories.com⁠⁠⁠ for our newsletter & LIMITED-TIME ⁠⁠⁠summer merch drop⁠⁠⁠!Follow Seacoast Stories on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get our new episodes every week.UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: The club that's regularly attracting ~100 people heads to Amesbury, Mass. on Wednesday, August 5, and back to Portsmouth on Wednesday, August 19! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book your seat at the table here.⁠⁠⁠SPONSORS:Degree Wellness Seacoast: A new all-on-one recovery center is coming to North Hampton, N.H! Learn more about becoming a founding member here.⁠Budget Blinds of the Seacoast!⁠ Custom blinds, shades, and shutters reasonably priced and professionally installed.CHAPTERS:Introducing Eliza Shirazi (00:00)Working in public health (04:56)Instructing as a side hustle (06:15)Pursuing fitness full-time (09:16)Training boxing w/ George Foreman's son (10:25)Signing a deal with New Balance (13:40)The evolution of Kick It By Eliza (21:55)Asking New Balance for more money (26:10)The POPSUGAR video that blew her up (28:35)Full details on the Degree Wellness Seacoast founding membership (34:10)Check out Budget Blinds of the Seacoast to make your home more private (35:30)Changing her business during the pandemic (36:38)Navigating online criticism (41:35)The explosion of her virtual business (44:10)Appearing on The TODAY Show (47:12)Moving to Portsmouth in 2021 (52:20)The many revenue streams of her business (57:22)Advice for entrepreneurs in the early stages (01:01:18)Troubling health-and-wellness trends (01:03:10)

Chad Coll just wanted to be an artist.A lax bro from Maryland without any dreams beyond that, Coll moved to the Seacoast in 2009 after joining the Coast Guard. From there, he fell in love with the area, and when his Coast Guard stint ended, he pursued a variety of jobs and hobbies that all involved making things with his hands, including making wooden spoons.Despite making these spoons for 10 years, he only started selling his wooden spoons two years ago at farmer's markets in Charlottesville, V.A., where he lived for five years.But when he moved his family back to the Seacoast last year, that's when things started to take off - mainly due to C.S. Spoon Co.'s OVERWHELMING success on social media.Today, C.S. Spoon Co. has 29,000 followers on Instagram and nearly an additional 10,000 on TikTok, and social media is by far and away the biggest driver of business for the Kittery-based small family business.From his woodworking studio in Kittery, M.E., Coll joins host Troy Farkas to discuss the explosion of the brand in 2026, why he focuses on only making wooden spoons, the inspiration behind his viral social media videos, how these spoons sell out every week, and how this business is finally allowing Coll to live the life he's always dreamt of.To shop C.S. Spoon & Co. merch and to be first in the queue for their weekly restocks, you can visit their web site here.CHAPTERS:Chad's early artistic ambitions (00:00)How & why he started a wooden spoon business (08:00)Leaving the Seacoast and coming back (25:21)SPONSORS: JOBTALK LLC & Budget Blinds of the Seacoast (28:25)How his business has exploded since moving back to Maine (31:18)Why he's more content than he's ever been (51:52)What makes his wooden spoons special (01:03:40)SPONSORS: JOBTALK LLC⁠⁠⁠⁠: Get 50% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠JOBTALK Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠ courses with the code "SEACOASTSTORIES50" for the rest of 2026!Budget Blinds of the Seacoast: Keep the Seacoast sun out of your home! ⁠⁠Get the deets here⁠⁠.UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: The club that's regularly attracting ~100 people heads to Newmarket, N.H. on Friday, July 17 & Amesbury, Mass. on Wednesday, August 5! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book your seat at the table here before they sell out.⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE:Seacoast Stories on YouTube for weekly videosSeacoast Stories on Substack for weekly newsletters and Seacoast news

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This podcast contains discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.It's a miracle that Victoria Arlen is still here.Before the age of 10, she entered into a vegetative state after getting diagnosed with two rare neurodegenerative diseases. From there, the Exeter, N.H. native lived incapacitated for four years, with doctors and nurses instructing Arlen's parents to accept that their daughter wouldn't live much longer.Then, on a day that continues to baffle medical professionals everywhere, she emerged from this state. And since then, against all odds, she's taken the world by storm in the form of gold medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games, a run on ABC's Dancing With The Stars, a stellar motivational speaking career, a 10-year tenure as an anchor for ESPN, and now, a two-time author. The 31-year-old's most recent book, The View Is Worth It, published in the spring, and it's her firsthand account of how she's navigated anxiety, depression, and the weight of expectations placed upon her when she was asked to be hero without ever having worn a cape.From The Unmuted Room in Newington, N.H., Arlen joins host Troy Farkas for a wide-ranging discussion about Arlen's Seacoast roots, the experience of being "locked in" to her body for four years, the abuse she experienced at the hands of doctors and nurses, and how she miraculously emerged from the state.Plus, how she became the youngest on-air talent in ESPN history, her stint on DWTS, and the lengthy battle with mental health issues that inspired her latest book, and, in 2021, nearly led her to take her own life.CHAPTERS: Victoria's favorite Seacoast hangs (00:00)Spending four years in a vegetative state (10:37)Getting abused by doctors & nurses (31:06)SPONSOR: JOBTALK LLC (35:25)Learning how to live a normal life again (37:05)Winning gold at the 2012 Paralympics (40:50)The mental health toll of success & suicide attempt (48:53)Victoria's favorite tips & tricks for navigating mental health (01:06:36)SPONSOR: Budget Blinds of the Seacoast (01:19:05)DWTS appearance & becoming an ESPN anchor (01:20:20)SPONSORS: JOBTALK LLC⁠⁠⁠: Get 50% off ⁠⁠⁠JOBTALK Academy⁠⁠⁠ courses with the code "SEACOASTSTORIES50" for the rest of 2026!Budget Blinds of the Seacoast: Keep the Seacoast sun out of your home! ⁠Get the deets here⁠.UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: The club that's regularly attracting ~100 people heads to Newmarket, N.H. on Friday, July 17 & Amesbury, Mass. on Wednesday, August 5! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Book your seat at the table here before they sell out.⁠AFFILIATE LINKS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3 Bridges Yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3BridgesYoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Studio One⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use the code COASTIE26 at checkout on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Studio One website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to unlock a 2-week trial of UNLIMITED spin, yoga, strength, pilates, and barre classes for a special price of $25 for "Seacoast Stories" listeners ONLY!

Woody Fincham, Owner of Fincham & Associates, Inc., Scott Morris, Branch Manager at Envoy Mortgage, & John Ralston, Associate Attorney at Ralston Law Group, joined Keith Smith & Jerry Miller on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

Ned Gallaway of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, Tim Hodge of the Fluvanna Board Of Supervisors & Manning Woodward of the Louisa County Board Of Supervisors, joined Keith Smith & Jerry Miller live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

The world is burning down.At least, that's what the modern media landscape convinces you into thinking. But what if there were a different way to present the news? What if, instead of focusing on all the negative, we actually celebrated the thousands of milestones and mini-victories happening each and every day?Andy DeMeo asked himself that question two years ago. Then, he founded Granite Goodness - a podcast, newsletter, social media brand, and fast-growing media company dedicated to telling the good news that's happening across all of New England.His work with Granite Goodness garnered DeMeo the 2025 Stay Work Play Young Person of the Year award, the 2025 Catapult Seacoast 10 to Watch award, and NH Union Leader 40 Under 40 award. He travels across New Hampshire, hosting panels and leading talks where he shouts from the rooftops about just how good the world actually is, and why we should all be more optimistic about the state of things.In this Season 5 launch week bonus episode, DeMeo FINALLY joins host Troy Farkas - exactly two years after they launched their own platforms on THE SAME DAY - for a conversation about the ethos driving Granite Goodness, how DeMeo stumbled into the world of "progress journalism," some very positive recent stories in New Hampshire and Maine, and how he's managed to turn Granite Goodness from hobby into a full-time career.To join the Optimists Club, visit GraniteGoodness.com for details.CHAPTERS:Andy DeMeo's accomplished resume (00:00)Do Troy and Andy hate each other? (03:35)The tricky dance of turning a newsletter into a full-time job (10:24)SPONSORS: Avery Insurance & Budget Blinds of the Seacoast (27:30)Focusing on good news in a "broken" modern media landscape (29:51)WILD good news happening in N.H. and Maine (42:02)Reflecting on the growth and success of Granite Goodness (49:05)UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Singles (Ages 25-45): Ready to meet the love of your life, or know someone who is? We're bringing the Seacoast's No. 1 dating show to The Press Room on Saturday, June 27. ⁠Snag your tickets here.⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: The club that's regularly attracting ~100 people heads to Newmarket, N.H. on Friday, July 17! ⁠⁠⁠Book your seat at the table here.⁠⁠⁠SPONSORS:Avery Insurance: Protecting Portsmouth families since 1899. Learn more at ⁠averyinsurance.net⁠.Budget Blinds of the Seacoast: Keep the Seacoast sun out of your home! ⁠Get the deets here⁠.AFFILIATE LINKS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3 Bridges Yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3BridgesYoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Studio One⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use the code COASTIE26 at checkout on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Studio One website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to unlock a 2-week trial of UNLIMITED spin, yoga, strength, pilates, and barre classes for a special price of $25 for "Seacoast Stories" listeners ONLY!

Cure is a top-rated restaurant serving upscale comfort food in downtown Portmsouth, N.H., and now the visionary behind one of the Seacoast's most beloved establishments is setting her sights on something even bigger and better.Julie Cutting-Kelley is the owner and executive chef at Cure. A lifelong Seacoast native, she's also the co-owner of Emerald Elevation (a chef-inspired cannabis company), mother of two, Lighthouse Credit Union board member, and the owner and executive chef of a new Portsmouth restaurant, a modern steakhouse entitled Char.In the Season 5 premiere of "Seacoast Stories," Cutting-Kelley sits down with host Troy Farkas to spill the beans on Char, what it will look and feel like, the menu, expected open date, and why she feels Portsmouth is missing a place like this.Plus, she takes us behind-the-scenes of building Cure, her multiple appearances on the Food Network, and more.To learn more about Char, you can follow their new instagram page @charportsmouth.CHAPTERS:Julie Cutting-Kelley's background (00:00)All of the details for Char! (11:10)SPONSORS: Avery Insurance + Budget Blinds of the Seacoast (29:05)Working in the Seacoast restaurant scene prior to opening Cure (31:18)Appearing on Food Network's "Cutthroat Kitchen" (37:18)How Cure has become a beloved Portsmouth restaurant for over a decade (41:12)Emerald Elevation, her business venture with her chef husband (55:41)UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Singles (Ages 25-45): Ready to meet the love of your life, or know someone who is? We're bringing the Seacoast's No. 1 dating show to The Press Room on Saturday, June 27. Snag your tickets here.Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: The club that's regularly attracting ~100 people heads to Newmarket, N.H. on Friday, July 17! ⁠⁠Book your seat at the table here.⁠⁠SPONSORS:Avery Insurance: Protecting Portsmouth families since 1899. Learn more at averyinsurance.net.Budget Blinds of the Seacoast: Keep the Seacoast sun out of your home! Get the deets here.AFFILIATE LINKS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3 Bridges Yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3BridgesYoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Studio One⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use the code COASTIE26 at checkout on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Studio One website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to unlock a 2-week trial of UNLIMITED spin, yoga, strength, pilates, and barre classes for a special price of $25 for "Seacoast Stories" listeners ONLY!

Keith Smith & Jerry Miller were live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

Taylor Odom, John Ralston & Bill Tucker joined Keith Smith & Jerry Miller live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

Neil Williamson & Jerry Miller were live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners, Keith Smith and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

Ned Gallaway of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, Mike Pruitt of the Albemarle County Board Of Supervisors & Jesse Rutherford of the Nelson County Board Of Supervisors, joined Jerry Miller live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

Scott Morris, Branch Manager at Envoy Mortgage, Tovah Payne, Loan Officer at Envoy Mortgage, and Woody Fincham, Owner of Fincham & Associates, Inc., joined Jerry Miller live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

Alex Urpí, CEO of Emergent Financial Services, LLC, joined Keith Smith & Jerry Miller live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

Scott Morris of Envoy Mortgage and Mike Buczynski of First Heritage Mortgage, LLC. joined Keith Smith & Jerry Miller live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

If you enjoy cannabis, then you owe a debt of gratitude to Dana Brearley.Why? Because Brearley, along with his co-founder, James Folan, spent YEARS lobbying at the state house in Maine, running a medical marijuana company (Arcana), and learning all of the ins and outs of the business, all of which helped to pave the way for the legalization of recreational cannabis in Maine in 2016.Now, the two best friends own East Coast Cannabis. They opened their flagship shop in Eliot, Maine, in 2020 - the first recreational cannabis store south of Portland. Since then, business has EXPLODED, and they now own two more locations in Waterville and Lebanon, Maine.On today's special 4/20 edition of the episode, Brearley joins host Troy Farkas to discuss his path from payroll to plants, the numerous medical benefits of cannabis and how it "changes people's lives," the long fight to legalize recreational cannabis in Maine, how ECC became the Seacoast's most recognizable cannabis brand, and more.Plus, why hasn't New Hampshire legalized it yet?To learn more about ECC's offerings, visit ECCannabis.com. EPISODE CHAPTERS:SS Live at Stone Church! (00:00)Dana's introduction to cannabis (01:20)Working in the medicinal marijuana scene (10:00)Lobbying to get recreational legalized (20:55)SPONSOR: Studioh! Salon (22:55)BTS of building ECC after Maine legalized recreational (24:38)Why Meta keeps taking down ECC's social media accounts (46:42)Expanding to three stores (50:45)SPONSORS: Brass Tacks Photography & Budget Blinds of the Seacoast (54:35)When will N.H. legalize? (57:38)Inside the shopping experience at ECC (01:06:20)SPONSORS:⁠⁠Studioh! Salon⁠⁠: Get $100 off your consultation regarding preventative hair loss! Visit ⁠⁠⁠their website⁠⁠⁠, book an appointment, and say that "Seacoast Stories" sent you for your discount.⁠⁠Visit Budget Blinds of the Seacoast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for local windows, shades, & creating your cozy Seacoast dream home!⁠Brass Tacks Photography⁠: Book your Mother's Day session for your mother, grandmother, or wife TODAY by clicking ⁠this link⁠.UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Singles (35+) at 3S Artspace: THIS FRIDAY: 16 brave singles will stand on stage in a room full of single folks. It's hilarious, wholesome, and (single or not) we'd love to see you there. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here.⁠⁠⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: May 6 in Exeter, N.H. + May 20 in Portsmouth's West End! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Seacoast Stories LIVE: On Thursday, May 7, the Seacoast's No. 1 podcast hits Stone Church in Newmarket, N.H.! ⁠⁠Space is limited. Secure your tickets here.⁠⁠AFFILIATE LINKS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3 Bridges Yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3BridgesYoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Studio One⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use the code COASTIE26 at checkout on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Studio One website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to unlock a 1-month trial of UNLIMITED spin, yoga, strength, pilates, and barre classes for a special price of $25 for "Seacoast Stories" listeners ONLY!

Chris Fairchild of the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors, Ned Gallaway of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors & Jesse Rutherford of the Nelson County Board Of Supervisors joined Keith Smith & Jerry Miller live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=feapr0926We dive into the latest franchise business sales data, offering a thorough data analysis of 2023 vs. 2024 figures. This segment provides key insights into average and median sales, helping you with your own data interpretation for smarter decisions. Learn how to better understand your sales reports and drive significant business analytics.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise?

Neil Williamson & Jerry Miller were live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners, Keith Smith and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

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Keith Smith & Jerry Miller were live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

Scott Morris, Branch Manager at Envoy Mortgage, and Alex Urpí, CEO of Emergent Financial Services, LLC, joined Keith Smith & Jerry Miller live on “Real Talk With Keith Smith” powered by YES Realty Partners and Yonna Smith! “Real Talk” airs every Friday from 10:15 am – 11 am on The I Love CVille Network! “Real Talk With Keith Smith” is presented by El Mariachi Mexican Bar & Grill, Fincham & Associates, Inc., Free Enterprise Forum, Intrastate Service Co, Mejicali, Tailored Closet, Premier Garage, Budget Blinds and YES Realty Partners.

FLORESVILLE — Performances! More than 100 vendors! Classes! Food trucks! Indoor and outdoor plants! Home décor! Plus a blood drive, tractor displays, face painting — and the chance to win one of seven stupendous door prizes! Where can you find all this and more? At the Floresville Event Center, 600 S.H. 97 W. in Floresville, on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as the Wilson County News presents the 19th annual South Texas Home and Garden Show. Admission and parking are free! Sponsors for this year's event include the Floresville Economic Development Corp., Budget Blinds, Kinetico of...Article Link

Budget Blinds might sound boring, but this home service franchise is quietly generating serious revenue. In this video, we break down how much it costs to start a Budget Blinds franchise, what franchisees are actually making, how the royalty model is changing in 2026, and whether this is truly a good investment. I've personally looked into buying a resale myself, and I know multiple owners in the system. If you're looking for a low-cost franchise that isn't flashy but has real numbers behind it, this breakdown will help you decide if this “boring” business could actually build wealth. Comment below if you would ever own a business like this. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Free Resources to Get You Started!Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf?utm_source=TJfeb222026Download our FREE StarterKit: The Zero to Profitable Franchise in Less Than 12 Months Guide:  https://www.franchiseempire.com/o-ztpf-guide?utm_source=TJfeb222026

Kevin Breen and Mariah Kimball have a unique relationship.High school sweethearts since the Winnicunnett days, they've experienced a tumultuous 18 years of being together.Yet, after 13 years of marriage, they say their marriage is the best (and hottest) it's ever been.Now, they're on a mission to help struggling Seacoast couples feel the same way.In a special Valentine's Day bonus episode, Kevin & Mariah sit down with host Troy Farkas to discuss the crazy personal evolutions they've undergone, why it's actually not a crime for a man to embrace his masculine side in 2026, the power of bringing men together, why it's O.K. for women to lean into their "swirly" feminine energy, the (strange) intimacy workshops they're hosting on the Seacoast, and much more.To learn more about Kevin's men group, you can message him on Instagram @_kevinbreen. For Mariah's offerings, visit her Instagram page @mariahgkimball.SPONSORS:⁠Visit Budget Blinds of the Seacoast⁠⁠⁠⁠ for local windows, shades, & creating your cozy Seacoast dream home!⁠⁠Sage Portsmouth⁠: Portsmouth's newest luxury condominiums are here! ⁠Inquire and book a showing here.To get started on a path toward better financial investment, email our friend David Higgins ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! He's a Portsmouth legend, and you won't regret it.AFFILIATE LINKS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3 Bridges Yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠3BridgesYoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.⁠⁠⁠Studio One⁠⁠⁠: Use the code COASTIE26 at checkout on ⁠⁠⁠⁠the Studio One website⁠⁠⁠⁠ to unlock a 1-month trial of UNLIMITED spin, yoga, strength, pilates, and barre classes for a special price of $25 for "Seacoast Stories" listeners ONLY!UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: Wednesday, February 18, in Portland, ME! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: Wednesday, March 4, in Dover, NH! ⁠⁠⁠Sign up here.⁠⁠EPISODE CHAPTERS:Why Kevin and Mariah married each other (00:00)Mariah's personal transformation that forever changed their marriage (08:20)How Kevin learned what masculinity actually is (28:32)SPONSORS: Investment advisor David Higgins & Budget Blinds of the SeacoastWhy all men actually aren't horrible people (34:10)Kevin's men's group and how it's changed his life (43:05)Why men need men and women need women (55:52)SPONSOR: Sage Portsmouth (01:00:22)Troy's experience at their intimacy workshop (01:02:00)Investment and insurance products are Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate, Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Emma Morse didn't want to become a yoga teacher.A native of South Hampton, N.H. and a UNH alum, the 33-year-old owner of The Yoga Parlor (Hampton, N.H.) took a yoga teacher training in California during her college years, immersing herself in the program to get away, and to try something new.Awestruck while taking in picturesque scenes of blue skies, she realized she not only wanted to teach yoga, but that she needed it for her sanity.She hasn't looked back since.On today's episode, Emma sits down with host Troy Farkas from the four walls of her expanded space in Hampton, where the two discuss what led her to take a YTT, her lifelong battles with ADD, anxiety, and depression, teaching yoga at MISSION (now Studio One) in the studio's early days, the not-so-good aspects of working in the Seacoast fitness scene, starting The Yoga Parlor at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, opening a new studio weeks before giving birth to her daughter late last year, and so much more. CHAPTERS:Bartending at Libby's for 13 years (00:00)Emma's lifelong struggles with ADD & anxiety (05:20)Becoming a teacher & Emma's teaching style (14:32)A CRAZY schedule when she started teaching (25:02)Emma's mental health struggles (31:25)SPONSORS: Jenn Bakos Photography & Budget Blinds of the Seacoast (35:30)Why Emma opened a yoga studio during COVID (38:20)Giving birth & opening a new location late 2025 (54:00)SPONSORS:Jenn Bakos Photography: Get 10% off your first photography session with one of the Seacoast's finest photographers! DM Jen @jennbakosphoto on Instagram to get started.⁠Visit Budget Blinds of the Seacoast⁠⁠⁠ for local windows, shades, & cozy vibes!UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club pres. by Mainelove: Friday, February 6, in Newmarket, NH! ⁠⁠Sign up here.⁠⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: Wednesday, February 18, in Portland, ME! ⁠⁠Sign up here.⁠AFFILIATE LINKS:⁠⁠3 Bridges Yoga⁠⁠⁠: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit ⁠⁠⁠3BridgesYoga.com⁠⁠⁠, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.Studio One: Use the code COASTIE26 at checkout on ⁠the Studio One website⁠ to unlock a 1-month trial of UNLIMITED spin, yoga, strength, pilates, and barre classes for a special price of $25 for "Seacoast Stories" listeners ONLY!

*TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains references to suicide. Listener discretion is advised.Freddy Petrone wanted to die.He was going blind. His body, following years of addiction to alcohol and hard drugs, began to fail him. He couldn't keep a job. No family member could get through to him. Until one day, he finally made the commitment to himself that long eluded him.From the West End of Portsmouth, Freddy joins ⁠host Troy Farkas⁠ to discuss how he flipped the switch, paving the path for him to form I Got Bridged, a Portsmouth nonprofit which seeks to bridge the gap for Seacoast residents in need. But before that - in vivid detail - he explains the lows he sunk to to feed his addiction, and how it nearly cost him everything.To learn more about the I Got Bridged mission and how to volunteer, please visit ⁠IGotBridged.com. You can also watch Freddy's 2025 TedxPortsmouth talk here, or read this Portsmouth City Lifestyle magazine article about him.If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988.CHAPTERS:How bad Freddy's addiction got (00:00)When Freddy started going blind (18:42)SPONSORS: 3 Bridges Yoga & Budget Blinds of the Seacoast (27:00)Freddy's road to recovery (29:20)The inspiration behind I Got Bridged (38:35)How I Got Bridged helps save lives on the Seacoast (45:10)SPONSORS:⁠⁠3 Bridges Yoga⁠⁠: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit ⁠⁠3BridgesYoga.com⁠⁠, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.Budget Blinds of the Seacoast⁠⁠UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: Friday, February 6, in Newmarket, NH! ⁠Sign up here.⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: Wednesday, February 18, in Portland, ME! ⁠Sign up here.⁠

Danielle Festa couldn't believe it.She'd lived for decades without knowing the truth.Until one day in 2020, she received a phone call from her cousin, a call that would eventually inspire the formation of The Aplomb Project, a Dover-based nonprofit which uses the power of art to help trauma survivors overcome their dark pasts, and to celebrate how far they've come in their recovery.From her art gallery in Dover, Danielle joins host Troy Farkas to discuss what happened on that phone call, why she decided to start painting portraits of trauma survivors, the extensive (and emotional) process of painting each survivor, how the Seacoast art community has rallied around the project, why the studio has become a healing space for all who enter, and so much more.To learn more about the art cafe, splatter room, exhibits, events, and open gallery hours, please visit TheAplombProject.org.CHAPTERS:What Danielle learned in a 2020 phone call (00:00)SPONSORS: 3 Bridges Yoga & Budget Blinds of the Seacoast (20:18)Why she wanted to start painting trauma survivors (23:08)The extensive BTS process for creating a portrait (29:36)What it's like working for a nonprofit (42:58)Cancer diagnosis (46:28)The Aplomb Project's offerings (58:04)SPONSORS:⁠3 Bridges Yoga⁠: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit ⁠3BridgesYoga.com⁠, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.⁠Studio One⁠⁠: NEW CLIENTS can use promo code "COASTIE26" at checkout to get UNLIMITED classes for only $25 in one month (that's an insanely good deal) at the Seacoast's top destination for spin, strength, and pilates classes.⁠Budget Blinds of the Seacoast⁠UPCOMING EVENTS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: Friday, February 6, in Newmarket, NH! Sign up here.Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: Wednesday, February 18, in Portland, ME! Sign up here."Seacoast Stories" FINALLY has a newsletter! You can subscribe to our Substack ⁠⁠here for free.⁠⁠

Natalie Tilton always knew.As a child in Lowell, Mass., she knew helping people was her calling.Fast forward three decades, and now the former Division I (and near Olympian) athlete is quickly taking over the physical therapy genre on the Seacoast.After growing tired of working under the duress of New Hampshire's hospital system, Natalie decided to launch her own practice, Ability Allies, in the darkest days of the pandemic. From her basement, she provided clients with personalized 1-on-1 care, a critical component of healthcare she felt was missing from her previous job.From the West End of Portsmouth, Natalie joins host Troy Farkas for a wide-ranging discussion, where the two discuss her earliest memories of wanting to be a PT, working with Red Sox players while attending Northeastern, moving to Newmarket, N.H., after meeting her husband online, her issues with traditional PT, the scary life-changing moment that made her reevaluate her career, launching Ability Allies, and later expanding it to four locations. Plus, Natalie lays out three critical things you must do to stay on top of your health in 2026.To book a PT appointment with Natalie and her amazing staff, you can visit AbilityAllies.com.CHAPTERS:Natalie's childhood dreams (00:00)Meeting her husband on Match.com (07:37)The grind of running four locations (13:12)SPONSORS: 3 Bridges Yoga & Budget Blinds (22:44)The (tragic) turning point that caused Natalie to leave the hospital system (25:40)Starting Ability Allies in her basement (35:28)3 healthy habits for 2026 (44:48)Ability Allies' rapid growth (57:42)Natalie's own wellness routine (01:03:50)SPONSORS:3 Bridges Yoga: NEW yoga students can unlock a stellar deal of $45 for unlimited classes at the Seacoast's top yoga studio for a month! Visit 3BridgesYoga.com, select the "Seacoast Stories" special, and type in promo code SEACOASTSTORIES to activate the deal.Studio One⁠: NEW CLIENTS can use promo code "COASTIE26" at checkout to get UNLIMITED classes for only $25 in one month (that's an insanely good deal) at the Seacoast's top destination for spin, strength, and pilates classes.Budget Blinds of the Seacoast"Seacoast Stories" FINALLY has a newsletter! You can subscribe to our Substack ⁠here for free.⁠Oh, and you can check out Troy's recent article on Stephanie Paolini of 3 Bridges Yoga here in the Portsmouth City Lifestyle Magazine.

I sit down with Corey Benish, President & CEO of Home Franchise Concepts (HFC) — the powerhouse behind brands like Budget Blinds, Kitchen Tune-Up, Bath Tune-Up, Tailored Closet, AdvantaClean, Lightspeed Restoration, PremierGarage, Two Maids, and Aussie Pet Mobile.In this episode, Corey reveals the truth about semi-absentee franchising, how HFC builds multi-million-dollar franchisees, and why their brands like Budget Blinds, Lightspeed Restoration, Kitchen Tune-Up, Bath Tune-Up, and PremierGarage dominate their categories. Learn how to evaluate franchise opportunities, compare franchising vs. business acquisition, understand scalability, and tap into the power of franchise systems, training, tools, community, and operational playbooks that actually work. If you want to build generational wealth through franchising — this is the episode you need.Sponsored by SEO Samba — AI-driven, predictable franchise marketing.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – “Corey… before I hit record—” (Oops, we're already recording!)00:27 – Welcome to Franchise Fit Podcast (formerly Eye On Franchising)01:00 – Introducing Corey Benish, President & CEO of Home Franchise Concepts02:00 – HFC wins Franchise Innovation of the Year02:40 – “Are you getting to 3,000 Budget Blinds franchisees?”03:50 – Why franchising beats buying an existing business06:00 – The REAL risks of buying a non-franchise business07:40 – Why partnership is in HFC's DNA09:20 – How HFC onboards and empowers franchisees11:10 – International convention, collaboration, vendor partnerships12:20 – What sets Home Franchise Concepts apart from competitors14:55 – Backed by a $22B+ parent company — JM Family Enterprises16:00 – Balancing emerging brands vs. mature ones17:40 – How HFC decides where to invest brand-by-brand19:10 – What it takes to scale a brand to national dominance20:30 – Why “scalable & repeatable” is the heart of franchising22:00 – AI, visualization tech, and the future of home services23:20 – Is semi-absentee REAL or pure marketing hype?25:10 – The truth: commitment, investment, and growth mindset27:00 – “Fall in love with the operating model — not the logo”28:10 – Great Clips story: Bald guy buys a hair salon29:15 – How HFC guides candidates across 10 brands31:00 – The millionaire franchisees: what they ALL do differently33:20 – Advisory councils, innovation feedback, and collaboration35:00 – The “mastermind effect” unique to franchising36:40 – Multi-brand and multi-unit expansion at HFC38:10 – Spotlight on Lightspeed Restoration — massive, fragmented, mandatory market41:10 – Insurance relationships, 24/7 model, and explosive growth potential43:00 – Why getting in early matters (my Wingstop story)45:10 – Final advice: Don't wait. Be curious. Love the model. Choose franchising.47:00 – Closing thoughts + call to action47:40 – Schedule your free Franchise Fit call below

Send us a textSome dreams take everything you've got. And then they ask for more.Today, I sat down with Krista Guagenti, founder of Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique, whose story proves what it really means to keep moving—even when the setbacks pile up and the odds feel impossible.Krista didn't grow up with a roadmap to entrepreneurship. She was the first in her family to graduate college, worked 90-hour weeks in corporate America, got turned down by banks (and then turned down again), and faced roadblock after roadblock on the way to bringing Panacea to life. Most people would've quit. Krista doubled down.Because when you believe in your vision—even when no one else does—you find a way.In this episode, we dig into: ⚡ Why grit—not luck—is the real differentiator in business ⚡ How Krista kept pushing when every door slammed in her face ⚡ The messy, non-linear path from Budget Blinds to Panacea ⚡ How personal loss solidified her mission to create a space for healing ⚡ The future of Panacea, including a major new expansion in Bridge ParkIf you've ever felt like giving up on your dream, Krista's story will remind you: setbacks aren't stop signs. They're the proving ground.Follow Krista & Panacea:Panacea Luxury Spa BoutiqueInstagram: @panacealuxuryspaTune into Krista's podcast Serenity and Fire wherever you listen. Also, give her a follow on IG @serenityandfire

What happens when a rockstar franchisee enters a struggling market—and when a weak operator steps into a booming territory? In this episode, Erik Van Horn sits down with Kevin Sill, a second-generation franchisee who helped scale a family-owned Budget Blinds operation to 17 territories and over $20M in annual revenue. But that's not all—Kevin also made the leap into owning a mom-and-pop flooring business, and he's sharing the raw, unfiltered lessons from both worlds.   Whether you're a franchisee, an aspiring business owner, or curious about building generational wealth through franchising, this conversation is packed with insights on:   -Scaling in diverse markets (rural vs. metro) -Building a franchise empire with your family -Diversifying beyond franchising -Why customer service is still king -How great operators outperform weak ones—regardless of market  

In this inspiring and relatable episode, Evan Wohl chats with Sonie Skogerson, a Budget Blinds franchise owner who turned a leap of faith into a thriving business. Sonie shares how she launched her window treatment company with minimal training, the value of early marketing hustle, and how her love for fabric and design fueled her … Read More Read More

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Franchise Woman Podcast featuring Lisa Borja!

In this episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes Courtney Laufketter, co-owner of Budget Blinds of Lee's Summit. They discuss the significance of community service and local business involvement, exploring how giving back not only enriches the community but also strengthens business relationships. Courtney shares her family's commitment to supporting local organizations, the impact of their volunteer work, and how small businesses can thrive through community engagement. Tune in to learn about the symbiotic relationship between local businesses and non-profits, and discover ways to get involved in your own community. If you, and your business, are interested in telling your story of community involvement and would like to help others find local nonprofits to support, contact Nick Parker at nick@link2leessummit.com.

In this deeply moving episode, Joey Coco shares his incredible story of survival after a near-fatal car accident. Left with severe burns, Joey embarked on a life-changing journey of recovery that tested his mental, emotional, and physical strength. With determination, a passion for fitness, and an unwavering spirit, Joey not only rebuilt his life but also found new purpose in his personal and professional endeavors. Tune in to hear how he transformed trauma into triumph, and how his experiences now fuel his leadership, community service, outlook on life, and his business.  Find him on Instagram under joeystrong6! Check out Joey's Budget Blinds location. 

Episode #31: In this episode of the Positive Traction Podcast, Coach Henry Castro interviews Daniel McElroy, an entrepreneur who shares his journey from the film industry to owning multiple Budget Blinds franchises. Daniel discusses the life lessons learned from his experiences in LA, the shift from materialism to valuing meaningful experiences, and the importance of being present with family. He also addresses the challenges of managing a diverse team and the support he receives from his therapist and business coach. In this conversation, Daniel shares his journey as a young entrepreneur navigating the complexities of running a business while being a single dad. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of managing diverse personalities in his team, and the joy of celebrating successes with his employees. Daniel emphasizes the need for work-life balance, particularly in being present for his daughter, and reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences as a father. The conversation also touches on the significance of maintaining a positive relationship with his ex-wife for the sake of their child, setting the stage for deeper discussions in future episodes.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Daniel McElroy 02:15 Daniel's Journey to Entrepreneurship 06:41 Life Lessons from LA's Glamour 10:34 The Shift from Materialism to Meaning 15:38 Creating Lasting Memories with Family 19:10 Building a Business: Budget Blinds Experience 21:18 Navigating Employee Dynamics and Challenges 27:32 Celebrating Wins and Team Dynamics 31:30 Balancing Fatherhood and Entrepreneurship 40:35 Reflections on Fatherhood and Personal Growth  

On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Jeff Schubert. Jeff is the owner of three local franchises of Budget Blinds. Budget Blinds offers a wide range of innovative and stylish cordless and motorized window covering solutions. In this episode, Jeff and Mike discuss the many different facets of owning a franchise. This episode provides an overview of business franchising, how it works, and many of the advantages of franchising. Topics include: franchising vs. owning a business, tax incentives of a franchise, franchise flexibility and freedoms, and prior experience needed. For more information on Menninger & Associates Financial Planning visit https://maaplanning.com

With more than 30 years in the franchise space that includes 20 years leading Fran Dev at Home Franchise Concepts, JT opened doors and created opportunities for thousands of those who aspire to own their own business. Helping people make their dreams of business ownership a reality with low-cost, home-based franchise opportunities in the home services industry is his passion. At HFC, their elite portfolio of brands;includes segment leaders Budget Blinds®, Tailored Living®, Kitchen Tune-Up, Bath Tune-Up, AdvantaClean, Two Maids & A Mop, and Concrete Craft®; offers aspiring business owners a uniquely comprehensive and professional support program that provides every opportunity for success. Through thoughtful analysis and inspiring leadership, his team at Home Franchise Concepts works with and empowers the next generation of men, women, couples, veterans, seniors, and others to control their own lives through successful business ownership. He joined Home Franchise Concepts in 2003 as a Franchise Licensing Advisor and have worked his way to Chief Development Officer, where he's responsible for strategic planning, direction, and franchise growth of HFC's 10 brands. While at HFC, he's championed the expansion of their footprint to include more than 2,400 franchise territories in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.  JT was also actively involved in three acquisitions and two exit events during his time at HFC.  Overall, his award-winning team of professional Franchise Advisors and he have awarded over two thousand franchise territories to deserving candidates.

Join Nick Parker and Liesl Hays in the latest Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast episode for a roundup of community happenings and political updates. Highlights include the upcoming Storytime with Santa event at Budget Blinds, encouraging donations for the Pro Deo Youth Center, and the successful Grandparent's Day celebration at Summit Christian Academy. The episode previews an imminent City Council meeting focusing on a proposed citizen survey and provides updates on notable candidates filing for April's election. Teasing the podcast's "Favorite Things" series giveaway for dog lovers, participation details from local retailers are revealed. Tune in for a succinct overview of local news, events, and political insights relevant to Lee's Summit.

In this episode of Vegas Business Spotlight, host Tim Knifton sits down with Ryan Stafford, the owner of Budget Blinds of Las Vegas. Ryan shares his remarkable journey of turning a sales position into a thriving business that serves the window treatment needs of the Las Vegas community and beyond. Ryan's passion for providing high-quality window coverings and exceptional customer service shines through in his discussion with Tim.Listeners will hear how Ryan has grown his business by building strong relationships and leveraging the diverse business landscape of Las Vegas. From residential to commercial projects, Ryan shares his insights into the competitive blind and shutter business and the advantages of being based in a city known for its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.Ryan also emphasizes the importance of networking and building meaningful connections within the Las Vegas business community. He shares how his involvement in organizations like BNI and his partnerships with interior designers and contractors have contributed to his business's success.Throughout the conversation, Ryan highlights the commitment to innovation and continuous improvement that sets Budget Blinds apart. He discusses their unique no-questions-asked warranty and the value they provide to customers through personalized sales and installation teams.If you want to gain valuable insights from a Las Vegas entrepreneur who is transforming the window-covering industry, this episode with Ryan Stafford is a must-listen. Discover how he combines his knowledge of the market, dedication to customer satisfaction, and a passion for continuous learning to create a successful business in the dynamic city of Las Vegas.Listen now to learn how Ryan Stafford and Budget Blinds of Las Vegas are making a difference one window at a time.About Ryan Stafford:Ryan Stafford has been leading the company since 2020, but his journey began as an inside sales member for Lutron Electronics, one of the company's vendors. Initially joining as a salesperson for Budget Blinds, Ryan quickly proved his capabilities and within three months, he took over the helm of the business. Under his leadership, the company has experienced remarkable growth, with monthly numbers tripling and a significant expansion of customer outreach efforts. Starting with only two employees, including a part-time salesperson, Ryan has successfully transformed the company into a thriving enterprise.CONTACT RYANAbout The Show Sponsor:“Vegas Business Spotlight” podcast is proudly sponsored by RSVP Las Vegas, your premier direct mail postcard service in the heart of Las Vegas. With a commitment to delivering outstanding results and effective marketing solutions, RSVP Las Vegas specializes in helping businesses connect with their target audience through direct mail.Visit their website at RSVPLasVegas.com to explore the range of direct mail services they offer. From designing eye-catching postcards to precisely targeting your desired audience, RSVP Las Vegas has your direct mail marketing needs covered. Their team of experts is dedicated to helping your business make a lasting impression and drive results.Whether you're launching a new marketing campaign, promoting a special offer, or aiming to boost brand awareness, RSVP Las Vegas is your trusted partner in direct mail marketing success. Contact them at (725) 333-8660, and their knowledgeable team will be ready to assist you.Experience the power of effective direct mail marketing with RSVP Las Vegas. Trust their expertise and enjoy the benefits of reaching your audience directly. Visit their website or give them a call today to start your next successful marketing campaign with RSVP Las Vegas, your premier direct mail postcard service in Las Vegas.Vegas Business Spotlighthttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/vegas-business-spotlight/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/ryan-stafford-of-budget-blinds-transforming-windows-and-homes-in-las-vegas

Courtney Stoddard Laufketter is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Budget Blinds of Lee's Summit and Overland Park. She has been involved with Hope House for 10 years. She co-created "12-ish Bars of Christmas" in downtown Lee's Summit and this year will be its 10th event! Courtney is also President of Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street Board, Social chair for Lee's Summit Rotary and involved in many aspects of the community. She is married to her wonderful husband Josh, has a beautiful daughter born in May and is a dog mom to Burt Macklin.The 12ish Bars of Christmas - 10th Anniversary Ticket Info:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/12ish-bars-of-christmas-10th-anniversary-tickets-741042356637?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurlFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LS12barsofchristmas/Join us for the 10th anniversary of the 12ish Bars of Christmas event! Get ready to spread some holiday cheer as we embark on a festive bar crawl benefiting Hope House through the heart of Lee's Summit, Missouri.Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023Time: 2:00 PM onwardsLocation: 302 SW Main St, Lee's Summit, MO 64063Grab your friends, don your most outrageous holiday attire, and get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of merriment and indulgence. This year, we're celebrating a decade of jolly memories!Experience the joy of the season as you visit some of the finest bars in town, each offering their own unique holiday-themed drink specials. Sip on delicious cocktails, craft beers, and festive concoctions while enjoying the lively atmosphere and camaraderie of fellow revelers.Don't forget to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater or your most dazzling elf costume! So, dust off your Santa hats, jingle all the way, and let's make this year's 12ish Bars of Christmas the most memorable one yet!Hope House Calendar of Events:https://www.hopehouse.net/events/calendar-of-events

Back by popular demand, we are revisiting part 2 of our episode with Lisa McGill!In this second part of our two-part series, your host Giuseppe Grammatico is joined once again by Lisa McGill from Home Franchise Concepts. Lisa underscores the adaptability of Budget Blinds for individuals from various backgrounds but underscores the necessity of feeling comfortable with sales and customer interaction. Ultimately, the message is clear: prospective franchisees should prioritize self-awareness and meticulous evaluation to ensure the perfect alignment of skills, aspirations, and their chosen franchise opportunity.In this episode, you will learn: Franchisee Confidence: Support and SustainabilityAssessing Franchisor Support During Challenging TimesFranchisor Growth Plans and ReinvestmentChallenging the Franchisor: Why This Brand?Responsible Franchising: Evaluating Business Ownership FitAnd so much more! About Lisa W. McGill:  Lisa W. McGill is a Franchise Licensing Advisor at Home Franchise Concepts. In this role, she guides prospective candidates interested in Home Franchise Concepts' various businesses, including Budget Blinds, Concrete Craft, Tailored Living, Kitchen Tune Up, Bath Tune Up, Two Maids and a Mop, and AdvantaClean. Her responsibilities encompass educating and supporting candidates throughout the franchise development process, from initial contact and validation to FDD disclosure, business planning, forecasting, and discovery day. Lisa's primary objective is to help individuals achieve their entrepreneurial dreams by connecting them with a well-established and successful franchise business model. Find Lisa on... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisawmcgill/ Connect with Franchise Freedom on: Website: https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/podcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gg-the-franchise-guide Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GGTheFranchiseGuide Twitter: https://twitter.com/ggrammatico Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gg_the_franchise_guide/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@ggthefranchiseguide Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/franchise-freedom/id1499864638 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/13LTN5UzA57w2dTB4iV0fm Google: https://cutt.ly/gkG7t2g The Franchise Freedom: Discover Your New Path to Freedom Through Franchise Ownership, Book by Giuseppe Grammatico: https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/book  or you can purchase directly on Amazon

Back by popular demand, we are revisiting our 2 part episode with Lisa McGill! Lisa's dynamic career history spans ownership and operation of various businesses. Lisa helps people realize their dream of business ownership through an excellent franchise business concept and practice of responsible franchising. Suppose you are a corporate executive seeking to experience time and financial freedom, then this episode is for you.In this episode, you will learn: Home Franchise Concepts: A Multi-Brand Franchise Success StoryCross-Pollination in Franchising: Leveraging Multiple BrandsThe Key to Successful Franchising: Responsible MatchmakingLong-Term Commitment in Franchising: Building Strong PartnershipsAnd so much more! About Lisa W. McGill:  Lisa W. McGill is a Franchise Licensing Advisor at Home Franchise Concepts. In this role, she guides prospective candidates interested in Home Franchise Concepts' various businesses, including Budget Blinds, Concrete Craft, Tailored Living, Kitchen Tune Up, Bath Tune Up, Two Maids and a Mop, and AdvantaClean. Her responsibilities encompass educating and supporting candidates throughout the franchise development process, from initial contact and validation to FDD disclosure, business planning, forecasting, and discovery day. Lisa's primary objective is to help individuals achieve their entrepreneurial dreams by connecting them with a well-established and successful franchise business model. Find Lisa on... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisawmcgill/ Connect with Franchise Freedom on: Website: https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/podcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gg-the-franchise-guide Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GGTheFranchiseGuide Twitter: https://twitter.com/ggrammatico Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gg_the_franchise_guide/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@ggthefranchiseguide Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/franchise-freedom/id1499864638 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/13LTN5UzA57w2dTB4iV0fm Google: https://cutt.ly/gkG7t2g The Franchise Freedom: Discover Your New Path to Freedom Through Franchise Ownership, Book by Giuseppe Grammatico: https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/book  or you can purchase directly on Amazon

Gwinnett Young Professionals (GYP) believes that collaboration is a catalyst for success. With that in mind, GYP brought together Chambers and young professional groups from across Metro-Atlanta for an Off The Clock event like none other! The event on June 22, 2023 at the Gas South District included young professionals from across the metro Atlanta […] The post Off the Clock: Gwinnett Young Professionals Metro-Atlanta Mixer appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Josh Shapiro & Avary Shapiro/Budget Blinds Duluth Budget Blinds Duluth provides custom window treatment design and installation. They are located at 575 Old Norcross Road in Lawrenceville, GA.   Jim Clarke/Apex Disaster Management Apex Disaster Management is a full-service water, fire and mold remediation company, serving both residential and commercial clients. They handle both remediation […]

Andrew sits down with a fellow entrepreneur and family friend, Joseph Elder with Budget blinds in Mansfield, TX. Joseph takes the listener down the road of being franchisees with his wife Raquel from the last 10 years. Joseph shares nuggets of wisdom picked up along the the ladder of business they have both traversed together.  Take from the show what you need to create more margin not just in your pocket book, but also in your calendar. Please consider leaving a Five-star rating and review and sharing with a friend if you have found value in the show. Follow the Guest:  Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/budgetblindsofmansfield Our Partners, Sponsors & Affiliates we believe in: X-mas Light Mentor : Professional x-mas light business resources.  Lawntrepreneuracademy.com: Lawncare business resources.  johnpajak.com: Budgets, Break Evens & Bottom lines. Ballard-inc.com: Premium products for your lawncare service business. Brandedbullinc.com: Media, Website, branding & Graphic design. Mention is for $100 OFF your purchase. My Service Area: Routing Software Contact Us: D.M. me on Instagram :@lonestarlawntalk Email us: andrewslands@gmail.com

On today's episode, Colin sits down with Emmett Brost, franchise owner of Budget Blinds in the TRI-cities area. Emmett recently moved with his family from Washington state. They were avid listeners of the podcast and found it a wonderful resource for people relocating to the region. Thanks for listening! Connect with Emmett: https://www.instagram.com/budgetblindstricitiestn/ Contact Colin: https://www.colinandcarly.com/ Johnson City Living is hosted by Colin Johnson with Keller Williams Realty in Johnson City, TN. Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media LLC

Pauly speaks with Jessi Chichelli of Budget Blinds of Northwest Rochester about the emotional roller coaster that is.. entrepreneurship!

Mack Moore of Budget Blinds, and one of Forsyth Magazines Podcast's very first guests, joins Brooke to tell listeners about everything Budget Blinds has to offer the Triad. Mack explains how Budget Blinds can provide a service for every type of customer, how to schedule a consultation, and the types of custom treatments his team can create for clients. Brooke shares how Budget Blinds came to her rescue, and how the Budget Blinds warranty is truly one-of-a-kind. Find Budget Blinds online and call today to schedule a consultation: Website: https://budgetblinds.com/northwinstonsalem/?fid=2943 Phone: (336) 701-5474

I'm joined by AJ Vaden, the CEO and Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group, one of the world's leading authorities on personal brand strategy. We dive into what it means to have a personal brand and address some of the common misconceptions that people have around the idea. AJ emphasizes the importance of shifting the focus to who you really are, not just relying on your professional title to tell your whole story. She details some fascinating discoveries that her firm made through the first-ever US study on the state of personal branding, and shares the current trends she and her team are seeing in marketing. Plus, she breaks down the four most important questions that you need to get really clear on before launching your personal brand and gives her top tips about where to start that process.    IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: Creating a monetization plan for your reputation What motherhood has taught AJ about personal branding  Why your comfort will ultimately hold you back from your calling  AJ's process for being present and consistent with follow-ups  The three questions that Brand Builders Group sought to answer in their national personal branding study  The best way to get started with your personal branding strategy    RESOURCES Schedule your FREE personal brand strategy call with one of the Brand Builders Group experts at freebrandcall.com/loriharder!  Thanks to Indeed for supporting Earn Your Happy. Go to indeed.com/happy to redeem a $75 sponsored job credit.  Thanks a Little Passports for supporting my show. Little Passports is offering new customers 20% off when you go to littlepassports.com/lori. Sign up for The Spritz newsletter at litepink.com! Text PODCAST to 310-496-8363 for updates and a chance to be featured on the show!   CONNECT WITH AJ  Follow AJ: @aj_vaden  Learn more about Brand Builders Group: brandbuildersgroup.com  Listen to The Influential Personal Brand Podcast    CONNECT WITH LORI Follow me: @loriharder Follow Lite Pink: @drinklitepink Follow Earn Your Happy: @earnyourhappy Follow Girlfriends & Business: @girlfriendsandbusiness Listen to Girlfriends & Business   GUEST BIO AJ Vaden is CEO and Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group, one of the world's leading authorities on personal brand strategy.    She's also the co-host of the Influential Personal Brand podcast, named one of Forbes' top 10 podcasts to listen to in 2021. Along with her company she's been featured in Inc, Success Magazine, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and Good Morning America.  With an entrepreneurial career that spans 15 years, AJ has been part of founding, building, and leading 4 different 7 and 8 figure companies all centered about personal and professional development practices.  Her client roster includes senior executives from Fortune 100 Companies and 9 Figure Entrepreneurs to Hollywood Actors, Award Winning Musicians and Politicians to New York Times Bestselling Authors and world-renowned thought leaders.    She has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people from across the world spanning globally recognized brands such as Bridgestone and DIRECTV to industry leaders including Budget Blinds, Verizon Cellular Sales, and American Pacific Mortgage to nationally recognized organizations like NAWBO and EO on how to become more well known in your space and leverage your reputation to be recognized as your industry's “go-to” expert.