Podcasts about sba

Brian Seeling sought a blue-collar business with a good manager in place. He found exactly that — with $2.6m in revenue.Register for the webinar: Tactical EQ to Win Over Sellers and Brokers - TODAY! - https://bit.ly/46MlUhCTopics in Brian's interview:Being an entrepreneurial kidMoving from IT to blue-collarGetting value from SMBootcamp“Riches are in the niches”Satisfaction of developing peopleNot all SBA lending is the same“Billionaires do business with billionaires”Tactfully bringing about changeContinuing the commission-based compensation modelReplacing old tech in the businessReferences and how to contact Brian:LinkedInPGM ServiceWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Think you need perfect credit and a pile of cash to buy a franchise? Think again. Former funding experts Shirley Kefgen and Tera Thomas from FranPath reveal the insider secrets that most aspiring business owners never hear about.    In this eye-opening conversation with host Sam Schweitzer, they expose why your local bank will probably say no, how to access your own retirement money without penalties or taxes, and the funding strategy that lets you borrow from yourself interest-free. From ROBS rollovers to home equity hacks, they break down every option that banks don't want you to know about.   Discover why "using other people's money" isn't always the smartest move, the myth about SBA loans that keeps people broke, and how one FranPath team member turned under $200K into a seven-figure business sale. If you think you can't afford to buy a franchise, this episode will completely change your perspective on what's possible.

This week I chat with Heather Mueur who is the owner, founder, and visionary behind The Embers, a glamping and RV resort in Branson, Missouri. Heather and her husband Ryan built and sold an auto parts business, and used the proceeds from that to purchase this abandoned campground.  Heather takes us through the 2-year process of permits, plans, and construction, as well as the financing process–everything from SBA loans to finding investors. I asked all about the additional income streams they created, including an onsite laundromat and coffee shop. And you'll also hear how she grew her social media account from a couple hundred followers... to over 100,000 from LITERALLY JUST ONE POST. Lastly, Heather teases us on her newest project, a boutique motel located just a couple miles from her campground which will be slowly renovated in phases to accommodate existing reservations! Connect with Heather @roaminghomeheather Follow @theembersbranson Thank you to my sponsors! Lodgify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Receive 20% off Lodgify's most powerful plans with code NoVacancy20 at checkout Proper - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the link to claim your free risk assessment with Proper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A “too-good-to-be-true?” SBA-prequalified cat-content brand with 3.9M Facebook followers, ~$872–$920k revenue and ~95% margins sparks a lively debate on platform risk, AI headwinds, and creative deal structures to de-risk the buy.Business Listing – https://quietlight.com/listings/17899268/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

Jon is a top Franchise Consultant, investor, author, and speaker specializing in non-food franchising. As CEO of FranBridge Consulting, he draws on his experience as a former Inc. 500 franchise system president and multi-brand franchisee to help clients explore business ownership. Through FranBridge, Jon connects entrepreneurs with over 600 high-growth non-food franchise opportunities, providing expert guidance throughout the process. Previously, Jon served as President of ShelfGenie, a national franchise with 200 locations, and was Vice President of Sales at Carter's Inc., where he managed over $350 million in annual sales. He began his career as a Consultant with Accenture, working internationally. He is also the author of Non-Food Franchising and a recognized thought leader in the franchise and investment space. Jon earned a BBA in Finance and an MBA from the University of Georgia and was named to UGA's “40 Under 40” list in 2014. He lives in the Atlanta area with his wife and three children and serves on the boards of Growing Leaders, Inc. and the Entrepreneur's Organization while mentoring through various nonprofits.   During the show we discussed: Why focus on non-food franchises Why non-food often beats food franchising Helping clients discover unexpected franchise options What it's like to work with FranBridge Consulting Finding the right franchise fit Typical franchise investment range Common funding options (SBA, retirement, etc.) Why franchises earn 1.5X higher exit multiples Balancing risk vs. return in franchising Owner-operator vs. semi-absentee models Support systems from franchise partners Common franchising misconceptions Traits of successful franchise owners Resources: https://franbridgeconsulting.com/  

In this episode, a $5.1M portfolio of seven KidStrong gyms in Texas is analyzed for its valuation, investor fit, and whether a multi-location kids fitness business is a scalable opportunity or operational headache.Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/turnkey-multi-unit-kidstrong-franchise-opportunity-in-texas/2381018/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

The Lion panel breaks down the escalating federal government shutdown that kicked off October 1, 2025, as Democrats block funding bills and the Trump administration threatens mass layoffs of federal workers, furloughs for 900,000 employees, and cuts to programs like Medicaid and student loans. Host Chris Stigall and the team dissect the partisan blame game, with agencies like the VA and SBA using official channels to finger Democrats, while VP JD Vance warns of imminent reductions in force. They also tackle Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's sweeping military reforms, mandating "highest male standards" for combat fitness and daily PT for all ranks to end "fat generals." Plus, reactions to The Chosen shattering a Guinness World Record with Season 5 available in 50 languages, the Smithsonian's "anti-American" exhibits drawing White House ire for overemphasizing slavery and race, and teacher training shortfalls hindering school choice growth in states like Texas and Tennessee. A raw look at policy battles shaping our future.00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:10 - Smithsonian Bias00:02:20 - History Reframed00:03:37 - Immigration Op-Ed00:04:55 - Shutdown Surge00:05:42 - Teacher Training00:06:45 - Choice Expansion00:08:50 - Fitness Mandates00:10:18 - Hegseth Reforms00:12:16 - Furlough Threats00:15:42 - Partisan Blame00:18:21 - Chosen Record00:26:16 - Faith and Freedom 250Follow The Lion on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

Onu Okebie and Brian Boland wanted to retain 100% ownership when they began, so they used an SBA loan. It has paid off.Register for the webinars: The ABCs of Franchise M&A: Deal Sourcing, Diligence, and Integration - TODAY! -  https://bit.ly/481yThOHow PACT Simplifies Investor Deals Using SBA - Tue Oct 7th - https://bit.ly/48FjAvqTopics in Brian and Onu's interview:Forming a partnership in business schoolSearching for 2.5 yearsClosing on their first business while still in schoolBootstrapping their first acquisitionSacrifice and long commute the first yearWillingness to “be bad at something”Complexity of niche/time-sensitive freightAthletic grit carried them through acquisition challengesLearning to pitch to investors5 acquisitions in less than 5 yearsReferences and how to contact Brian and Onu:Brian LinkedInOnu LinkedInHTL FreightWebinar: Use an SBA Loan to Start a Roll-UpDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

This week on The Art of SBA Lending, we explore the world of USDA Business & Industry (B&I) lending, often considered the "last frontier" of government-guaranteed small business finance. Host Ray Drew, who admits to knowing very little about the program, is joined by a panel of USDA experts—Steve Small, Jason Hoerr, and Charles Conoley—to demystify this often misunderstood loan program. The panel provides a deep dive into the B&I program, which is designed to stimulate economic activity and job creation in rural areas (populations of 50,000 or less). They reveal key advantages over the SBA 7(a), including larger loan amounts (up to $25 million), 30-year terms on real estate, and eligibility for investment real estate and non-profits. We tackle the common misconception that USDA loans take forever, clarifying that acquisitions can be approved in 2-4 weeks after bank approval. The panel explains why the USDA culture is fundamentally different from the SBA, acting more as a participant in a conventional loan rather than a strict insurer. Finally, we dive into the controversial question: Should the USDA B&I program be absorbed by the SBA?

On today's episode of the podcast I'm breaking down the good, the bad and the ugly of the Big Beautiful Bill and how it impacts small business owners. The “Big Beautiful Bill” passed in July. Trump and the right are calling it a game-changer for small businesses and working families. On the surface, there are a few provisions worth celebrating. But as always, the devil is in the details. Much of the bill's benefit flows upward, not into the hands of true small business owners, freelancers, or everyday entrepreneurs. Let's break it down. The “Good” (At First Glance) There are some shiny pieces in the bill that sound great: Bigger Deduction for Pass-ThroughsOwners of LLCs, sole proprietorships, and S-corps now qualify for a 23% deduction on pass-through income (up from 20%). If you're already making decent money, this can cut your tax bill. If you're curious how this deduction works, I discuss that towards the end of Chapter 4 in the Unf*ck Your Biz book. No Tax on Tips & Overtime (for a while)Tipped income up to $25,000 and overtime pay up to $12,500 can be excluded from taxes between 2025–2028, as long as you fall under certain income thresholds. That's a temporary boost for some service workers. This is a tricky provision that will save some folks some minor taxes. Child Tax Credit BumpFamilies get a small, temporary increase in the Child Tax Credit, nudging it upward by $200. However, the bill also introduced stricter eligibility requirements. To claim the credit, both the taxpayer and the qualifying child must have valid Social Security numbers. This change could exclude millions of children from receiving the credit, particularly affecting low-income families Permanent Expensing for Equipment Businesses can now permanently write off the full cost of qualifying equipment in the year they buy it (100% Section 179 expensing). That's useful if you're investing in new tools, tech, or machinery. Estate & Gift Tax BreaksFamily-owned businesses and farms get higher exemptions from estate and gift taxes, making it easier to transfer assets to the next generation without a huge IRS bill. This expands, once again, tax breaks for the ultra wealthy as the first $13.61 million was already excluded. The “Not So Beautiful” Reality While the headlines sound fabulous, here's what's lurking beneath: Temporary Gimmicks The no-tax-on-tips and overtime breaks expire after 2028. Same with the boosted child credit. They'll feel good for a few years, but unless Congress acts again, they vanish. Skewed Toward the WealthyAccording to the Tax Policy Center, 60% of the tax cuts in the bill would go to the top 20% of households, with more than one-third benefiting those making $460,000 or more. In contrast, the lowest-income 20% would see a tax cut of less than 1%, or about $160 on average, and including the loss of some Affordable Care Act health insurance premium subsidies, their net tax cut would fall to only about $60. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the top 10% of earners would see incomes rise by 2.7% by 2034 mainly due to tax cuts, while the lowest 10% would see incomes fall by 3.1% due to cuts to programs such as Medicaid and food aid. These analyses highlight the disproportionate distribution of tax benefits, with higher earners receiving significantly more substantial cuts compared to lower-income households. Cuts Elsewhere to Pay for ItTo offset revenue loss, the bill guts key credits for clean energy and electric vehicles—areas where many small businesses and families were saving money. At the same time, it sets the stage for future cuts to social programs like Medicaid and SNAP that working families actually rely on. Deficit ExplosionThe Congressional Budget Office projects this will blow up the federal deficit. And history tells us that when deficits balloon, lawmakers often come for small business programs or the social safety net next. Complexity Creeps InPoliticians called this “simplification,” but the IRS and tax pros now face a mountain of changes to implement. For many small business owners, that means more time with your accountant and more money out of your pocket just to stay compliant. Health Insurance & Medicaid: The Coverage Cliff If you or your team rely on the ACA marketplace, brace yourself: the enhanced premium tax credits that made health insurance more affordable are set to expire at the end of 2025. That means monthly premiums could skyrocket. A 60-year-old couple earning $85,000 could see their annual premium jump from around $7,000 to over $22,000 (Kaiser Family Foundation). On the Medicaid side, the bill makes deep cuts—hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade. It also reintroduces work-reporting requirements and forces enrollees to reverify eligibility every six months starting in 2027. Millions of people will fall through the cracks, not because they don't qualify, but because the paperwork is too complex or because they lose hours at work. For small businesses, this means: Higher costs if you cover employees. Less stable coverage for staff and contractors. Communities with more uninsured neighbors, which ultimately hurts local economies. The Bigger Picture The bill is marketed as “beautiful” because it offers short-term tax cuts and shiny perks. But it comes with a long-term price tag: exploding deficits, weakened safety nets, and higher health costs for millions. History shows us what comes next: calls for even deeper cuts to programs small business owners actually rely on, like SBA loans, workforce training, and infrastructure. So yes, you might get a slightly bigger deduction today. But tomorrow? You're looking at higher health premiums, fewer community supports, and a more fragile economy to build your business in. That's not so beautiful. My jaded take. Republicans have a tendency to cut programs that make real differences in people's lives, they phase out health care assistance, cut medicaid, and act in favor of large corporations. But then they will throw us all an extra $200 tax credit, send it with a check with Trump's signature. Maybe if we're lucky, we will get a Trump commemorative coin, a hat, or a box of steaks. Wooo. They rely on us remembering the simple things and forgetting about or not understanding the more complex laws they passed that furthers the wealth divide and makes life harder for almost everyone. As always, stay informed, keep your tax pro close, and don't buy the spin just because it comes with a flashy name.

Show Summaryfeaturing a conversation with PsychArmor's own Jenna Pryor, Vice President of Partnerships, and the Co-Hosts of Humana Radio's The Debrief Podcast, Donny Distler and Leigh Barnett. Donny and Leigh have a great conversation about how PsychArmor's courses can support Suicide Prevention and greater awareness of military culture in the health provider community.  Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestThis week's episode is a replay of a conversation with PsychArmor's Vice President of Partnerships, Jenna Pryor, and the Co-Hosts of Human Radio's The Debrief Podcast, Leigh Ann Barnett and Donnie Distler. Leigh Ann is a military family member who serves as an SNP Care Management and Case Manager with Humana, and Donnie is a Navy Veteran and Senior Acquisition Integration Professional with Humana. The Debrief Podcast is a series that is produced on behalf of Humana's SALUTE network resource group for Humana staff that have a military and veteran affiliation. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeHumana's SALUTE Network Resource GroupVA S.A.V.E. Training15 Things Veterans Want You to Know PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the VA S.A.V.E. course. In collaboration with the Department of Veteran Affairs, this course covers suicide risk in the military and Veteran communities. Learn to identify at-risk Veterans and use S.A.V.E. steps to help make a difference.   You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-s-a-v-e Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Aizik Zimerman bought a home services business to build a consumer brand into his life's work. It seems to be working. Register for the webinar: The ABCs of Franchise M&A: Deal Sourcing, Diligence, and Integration - Thu Oct 2nd -  https://bit.ly/46E2uv8Topics in Aizik's interview:There is endless opportunity in home servicesHis goal of $1 billion in revenueAdvantage of his youthful energyGoing all-in on digital advertisingSmall business = big problemsFounder Mode theoryOrganic growth over acquisitionsYour must earn your right to diversifyWinning on Google with reviewsHiring overseas for auditing and marketingReferences and how to contact Aizik:LinkedInJohn Wilson on Acquiring Minds: Buying Small, Growing Big: From $1m to $26mGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

#608 We're wrapping up our three-part series on the Seven Rules for Creating Wealth with Andrew Giancola of The Personal Finance Podcast! In this final episode, Justin and Andrew dive into the power of entrepreneurial opportunities, whether starting a side hustle, buying a business, or scaling an existing one. Andrew shares his journey into business acquisition, including how he grew a thriving pickleball business, and breaks down the numbers behind smart business investments. Plus, they discuss the final (and most important) rule — using money as a tool to create a fulfilling life. If you haven't listened to Parts 1 and 2, go back and check them out, and don't forget to share this series with someone who needs it! (Original Air Date - 3/6/25) What we discuss with Andrew: + Entrepreneurial opportunities for wealth-building + Buying vs. starting a business + Andrew's pickleball business success story + Finding businesses for sale online and off-market + Business financing with seller financing & SBA loans + Side hustles before quitting your job + Passive income for financial freedom + Smart spending as a skill + Wealth as a tool for a great life + Abundance mindset for success Thank you, Andrew! Check out Master Money at ⁠MasterMoney.co⁠. Listen to ⁠The Personal Finance Podcast⁠. Watch the ⁠video podcast⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What does it really look like when employees step up to buy the agency they've helped run for years? Today's featured guest will share how she and her partners carried forward the 30-year legacy of an agency founded in the days of print and stamp, a business that has not only survived but thrived through three different ownership handoffs. You'll hear how they transitioned from licking envelopes to leading digital campaigns, navigated buying the business during COVID, and tackled the imposter syndrome that comes with suddenly being “the boss.” If you've ever thought about selling your agency, or buying one, this conversation is packed with lessons on culture, succession, and keeping an agency alive for the long haul. Alyssa Ash is one of the principals and co-owners of AOR, a creative and digital agency focused on branding, marketing, and web, with a strong focus on real estate development, municipalities, and economic development projects. Think housing solutions, community connections, and projects that shape cities—that's their sweet spot. Alyssa and her two business partners are the third generation of owners keeping AOR alive since its founding in 1992. A rare kind of legacy in agency land. In this episode, we'll discuss: How employees can be groomed into ownership. Lessons from buying an agency during COVID. Why imposter syndrome is normal (and even healthy). Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. A Legacy of Print and Culture Back in '92, AOR wasn't cranking out websites or SEO strategies. It was the time of print design, direct mail, licking stamps, and die-cut lounge chair mailers that made people long-time clients. It's not common that an agency that gets acquired lives on like this, but the founders had built something special. Each generation of owners didn't just grow the client list—they protected the culture. When the founders sold 13 years after starting the business, keeping that culture intact was non-negotiable. Fast forward again, and Alyssa's crew inherited not just an agency, but a philosophy: honor the people and the community as much as the work. Transitioning from Employee to Owner Unlike an outside buyer swooping in with an SBA loan, Alyssa and her partners were homegrown leaders. They'd each put in 10–15 years, running departments in strategy, sales, and operations. By the time the second set of owners started floating the idea of selling, the trio was already running day-to-day operations. At first, the conversation was casual, “Would you even want to own the agency someday?”, but over time it got real. The financial side was initially not even part of the conversation, although they did give a reasonable runway of five to ten years for the acquisition to happen. The fact that three of them shared the load made the acquisition possible. While the thought was intimidating at first, the gradual handoff built their confidence. By the time the deal closed, ownership felt less like a leap and more like the next natural step. Navigating an Agency Acquisition During COVID If you've ever thought about buying or selling an agency, you know the financing part can get tricky. For Alyssa and her partners, COVID hit right in the middle of negotiations. On one hand, this made it somehow easier for her and her partners to step even more into their roles as heads of the agency. While the owners stepped back from daily operations, Alyssa and her partners made the transition to their new roles. On the other hand, the pandemic did complicate things as SBA loans looked risky with interest rates climbing. Thankfully, the old owners worked out a five-year owner-financed note instead. That decision didn't just save them financially, it cemented trust. The outgoing owners wanted the next generation to succeed and structured the deal so everyone won. As Alyssa put it, “It didn't feel like a big shift… because we'd already been doing it.” Fighting Imposter Syndrome (and Why That's Healthy) Even with 15 years in the trenches, Alyssa admits stepping into ownership brought its fair share of imposter syndrome. She was still quite young, even though she felt comfortable leading day-to-day operations. This is where the former owner's trust really helped. They put her in a position to succeed and trusted she could make it. Ultimately, every agency owner feels that, no matter the stage of their career they're at when becoming an owner. In fact, it's the ones who don't who usually get tripped up by ego. Preparing the Next Generation So, is Alyssa grooming her team for eventual ownership? Not yet, it's too soon. But she is watching for the traits that made her and her partners natural fits: entrepreneurial thinking, leadership instincts, and a bias for taking responsibility. Her advice to other agency owners thinking about succession: Don't overlook your employees as potential buyers. Give them time and a runway to grow into the role. Protect your culture by keeping it in the hands of people who already live it. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

The FAR Part 19 deviation is here, and the world is not on fire. In this episode, I break down why “small business first” largely formalizes how agencies already operate, and why overreliance on 8(a), WOSB, and SDVOSB status is a risky strategy going forward. We talk about legal headwinds to socioeconomic programs, the SBA's shrinking role, and what contractors should do right now. The punchline is simple: position around outcomes, spend more time in pre-acquisition, build real relationships, and communicate value with clear metrics. If you do that, you will not just survive these changes, you will thrive. ----- Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

James Bohannon of family office Belzberg & Co. explains the FO world and its untapped potential for searchers & sponsors.Topics in James's interview:What is a family office?Family office capital sustains private marketsYou may wear jeans, but there are tradeoffsPrivate, insular nature of family officesHow to network with family officesWhen it makes sense to exit to a family officeLong-term holds are a good fitPlaying defense and offense within family officesFamily offices do not need to raise capitalFamily offices may be friendlier to smaller dealsReferences and how to contact James:LinkedInGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

This week on The Art of SBA Lending, we're doing something special: a Money Store reunion episode. The Money Store pioneered the Business Development Officer (BDO) model and revolutionized the SBA lending industry, holding the top position for 16 consecutive years. Host Ray Drew brings together four Money Store alumni-John Handmaker, Vince Calicchia, Joe Weiner, and Sam Renta-to share stories and insights from the company that changed SBA lending forever. The panel reminisces about the legendary BDO boot camps, the company's aggressive marketing, and its commitment to a sales-driven culture. They discuss what made The Money Store so successful and how that culture has influenced a generation of SBA lenders. From Mark Turtletaub's visionary leadership and theatrical flair to the infamous "Purple Palace," the alumni provide a rare glimpse into the "good old days" of SBA lending. The episode also features a surprise appearance from Mark Rattfield, a former underwriter who became a successful BDO after being inspired by a colleague's W-2 form.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Most agency owners stumble into their first business almost by accident, learning as they go. But have you ever considered buying your first agency as a way to enter the industry with a head start? The right acquisition can give you an established team eager to keep growing, a base of engaged clients, and strong positioning in the market. Today's featured guest took this path and is now the proud owner of a thriving agency. He always knew he wanted to run his own business, and when it came time to choose an industry, the agency model was the perfect fit for his love of project management and tech. He shares how he chose and purchased his agency, why he was fortunate to instantly click with the previous owner, the kind of deal structure he recommends for these situations, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Zander Barth is the Director of Colophon New Media, a website development and digital marketing agency in Charleston, South Carolina. He isn't your typical agency owner since he didn't start his agency from scratch. Before that, he was managing boiler houses and wastewater plants as a chemical engineer. His path went from factory floors and Tesla consulting gigs to agency owner. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why buy instead of build an agency from scratch? Retaining clients and culture in an ownership transition. Acquisition deal structure: earnouts, financings, and gotchas. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Buy vs Build: Why Acquistion Wins Most agency stories start the same way: someone freelances, gets referrals, and suddenly they're running an agency. Not Zander. Having always wanted to work for himself, he was set on finding a business to acquire after realizing he didn't want to stay in the corporate grind. Instead of an MBA, he gave himself what he calls a “redneck MBA”—a crash course in QuickBooks, masterclasses, and every free course he could get his hands on. His search started broad. He looked at electrical contractors, engineering firms, and everything in between. But when a broker introduced him to Colophon New Media, something clicked. The agency world lined up with his love for project management, customer communication, and tech. He hit it off with the founder, who was ready to retire, and within four months, Zander was under a Letter of Intent (LOI). The Transition: Keeping Clients and Culture Intact One of the biggest risks in buying an agency is losing clients or losing the team. But Zander got lucky. The founder stayed on for six months to ease the transition, the team had incredible tenure (average of 8–10 years), and clients stuck around. Instead of turnover chaos, he stepped into a culture that was already strong. What he focused on was core values. He knew the agency's success was built on the team's shared beliefs and long-term commitment. His goal: protect that culture while adding new faces who align with it. Processes and systems matter, but at the end of the day, it's the people and values that keep clients around. The Deal: No Earnout, Straightforward SBA Financing Zander's purchase deal was simple: 10% equity down 10% seller note 80% SBA loan (7A) No earnout. Was it risky? Maybe. But for him, it worked because he and the seller had great rapport. They respected each other, and shared the goal of keeping clients happy and the agency thriving. However, Zander is very aware of how lucky he was and that is not always the case. So his advice for agency owners is to structure the deal in a way that people are incentivized to help the business grow after they're gone. Pro tip: Before buying, always ask the seller why they're really selling. Burnout, boredom, or just wanting to hit the road in an RV with their spouse - it all matters. If their motivations align with your vision, you've got a shot at a smooth handoff. Surprises, Gotchas, and the Role of Luck in Acquisition Every acquisition has surprises. For Zander, it wasn't massive skeletons in the closet but rather small bits of “tribal knowledge” that came up months later. Old client quirks, history buried deep, the stuff you don't see in due diligence. His mindset was just to roll with it. “I just try to get good at riding the wave,” he said. And he's honest about it: luck played a big role. You can prep all you want, but signing a deal that puts you on the hook for big debt is scary. You've got to trust your gut on the seller and back yourself to figure out the rest. Zander's advice is to make sure you vibe with the seller. As odd as it sounds, there's nothing more important in his experience than feeling he was able to truly understand the seller. He wanted someone who was really proud of their legacy and willing to grow and protect it. How AI is Shaping M&A and Agency Operations Back when he bought the agency, Zander was still not using AI in both due diligence and agency work. Now, however, he's building “co-pilot bots” to analyze data, troubleshoot, and even stress-test M&A opportunities. His advice for other agency owners: if you're not using AI daily, you're leaving efficiency—and insights—on the table. AI won't always 100% right, but it gets you thinking differently. For M&A especially, tools like ChatGPT can surface blind spots you didn't even know existed. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

In this episode, Kyle sits down with Robert Withers, from M1 Capital, and seasoned pro in commercial real estate finance, to discuss the recent changes in SBA rules and their implications for franchisors and franchisees. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Robert Withers and His Journey01:32 Understanding SBA Rule Changes03:03 The Importance of Equity in Lending05:01 The Shift in Lending Practices06:44 Challenges with Sold but Not Open Stores09:43 Navigating Franchise Agreements and Locations10:58 The Role of Business Plans in Financing11:49 The Importance of Proper Financing Structure14:07 The Shift from Residential to Commercial Financing15:18 Item 7 and Item 20 in Franchise Financing17:05 Capitalization and Investment Costs18:28 Advice for Franchisors on Financing18:50 Building a Strong Team for Success20:37 The Role of Specialists in Financing23:57 Real Estate Considerations in Financing24:33 The Importance of Title and Environmental Checks28:49 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysGet in touch with Robert WithersLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-withers-602b16/Email:rwithers@mortgage1.com

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this powerful episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with George Otel, a finance expert, entrepreneur, and investor who has carved a unique path from trucking fleets to becoming “the finance guy” for business and real estate deals. George immigrated to the U.S. in 2011, built a trucking fleet, then pivoted into real estate, business loans, and funding strategies after realizing the leverage and creativity that come from finance. Today, he's the go-to resource for SBA loans, equipment financing, commercial real estate, private lending, and complex deal structuring.George reveals how he helps entrepreneurs and investors unlock capital, stack funding sources, and position themselves for growth—whether it's acquiring businesses, scaling commercial assets, or tapping into the $10 trillion wave of baby boomer business exits. With a deep belief in buying back your time and focusing on one core skill, George shares how discipline, mentorship, and deal structuring literacy shaped his journey.If you're looking for a roadmap to financing smarter, leveraging hidden equity, and positioning yourself for the coming wealth transfer, this episode is packed with practical strategies and actionable insights. Tune in now to learn how George's “finance-first” approach can change how you play the game.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:21:38 George talks about creative financing.43:45 George talks about the $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer.KEEPING IT REAL:09:10 – Redefining financing12:40 – Structuring deals with multiple funding stages17:18 – Equity in equipment as collateral19:13 – Commercial brokers vs. finance brokers22:28 – Seller financing and tax advantages in acquisitions26:05 – Bridge loans, DSCR loans, and refinancing strategies31:12 – From trucking fleets to real estate and finance37:45 – Adding value when networking with mentors44:00 – The $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer opportunity51:50 – The sweet spot for acquisitions55:30 – Buying back your time and building teams using Dan Martell's frameworks1:02:25 – Business owners should own their buildings1:09:00 – Where capital is flowing next1:27:04 – How to connect with GeorgeCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite:https://www.usbizfunding.net/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeotel/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgeotel/?hl=enX: https://x.com/george_otel#BusinessFunding #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #WealthTransfer #PrivateLending #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessAcquisition #FinancialLiteracy #IndustrialRealEstate #DealStructuring

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, hosted by Tom Kindred, the focus shifts to the financial tools that support Florida's small businesses, specifically within the craft brewing industry. Recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in downtown Tampa, the episode features an insightful conversation with Gayle Hoshstrasser, Florida Sales Manager for Florida First Capital. Gayle shares her extensive experience in SBA lending and provides an in-depth look at how Florida First Capital, a Certified Development Company (CDC), works alongside the U.S. Small Business Administration to deliver SBA 504 loans. These loans are designed to help small business owners like those in the brewing industry acquire real estate, expand operations, and invest in long-term growth through fixed-rate, low-down-payment financing. The episode also breaks down what it takes to prepare for capital acquisition, including the importance of a solid business plan, tax documentation, financial statements, and expert guidance. Gayle emphasizes that building strong relationships with lenders and advisors is key to making informed decisions and sustaining long-term success. Whether you're a brewery owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about how SBA financing works, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most impactful loan programs available to small businesses. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest & Sponsor: https://www.ffcfc.com

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Air Force Veteran Chris Jachimiec, a dedicated speaker and proponent for suicide prevention based on his own experience as a suicide loss survivor, and will be sharing his role at the upcoming event MCON, a live event in Las Vegas Nevada from October 23rd to October 26th, 2025Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestChris Jachimiec devoted 20 years to the United States Air Force, serving in critical leadership roles throughout his career. A veteran of Operation Southern Watch and the war in Afghanistan, he spent over 15 years stationed in Las Vegas, where he shaped the next generation of Airmen through mentorship and operational excellence. His dedication earned him three Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, and the Air Force Achievement Medal, among numerous other accolades. He was also recognized as Air Combat Command First Sergeant of the Year (2016), the United States Air Force Warfare Center NCO of the Year (2012) and was a Distinguished Graduate at every level of Air Force Professional Military Education, demonstrating his leadership at the highest levels. After his medical retirement in 2020, Christransformed personal adversity into a mission of advocacy and support forfellow service members. Following the tragic loss of his brother, a Marineveteran, to suicide in 2017, he dedicated himself to mental health awarenessand suicide prevention. As a distinguished member of both the Governor's andMayor's Suicide Prevention Challenge teams, he works to create real change inveteran mental health initiatives. His commitment to this cause also led him towork with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), providingcompassionate support to military families dealing with loss. His advocacyreached a national audience through his participation in the Ad Council's"Service Never Stops" campaign, which promotes responsible firearmstorage as a means of suicide prevention.  Chris currently provides livedexperience and subject matter expert support to a Department of Veteran'sAffairs led suicide prevention pilot program. Beyond his advocacy, Chris is also a champion inadaptive sports, competing in the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games,where he claimed multiple gold medals. His resilience, both physically andmentally, embodies the spirit of perseverance. Whether leading on thebattlefield, mentoring fellow veterans, or competing as an athlete, Chriscontinues to demonstrate that service extends far beyond active duty; it is alifelong commitment to supporting others and strengthening the veterancommunity. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeChris Jachemic on LinkedInMCON Web Site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is a recently released episode as part of our MCON Series, episode 235 with Marine Corps veteran Melissa Hawkins. Melissa is a member of the board of advisors of MCON, and shares her perspective on the event.   You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/melissa-hawkins Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Savanna gets real real about hitting rock bottom — then building her way back up. From spiritual warfare and spooky kid ghost stories to therapy breakthroughs and AC unit meltdowns, she and Tyler unpack one of the most chaotic (and transformational) years yet. SBA 2.0 is here... and so is SB 2.0.Shop here now: https://www.savannaboda.com

Jamie Munoz, founder of Catalyst Integrators, shares how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped her scale a printing business from $2 million to $15 million in revenue and how it can work for video business owners of any size. She breaks down why so many entrepreneurs get trapped in the operator seat doing work that drains their soul, and provides a clear roadmap for getting out of operations and into the visionary role. Jamie also shares practical advice on hiring virtual assistants and the mindset shifts needed to stop being the bottleneck in your own business.  Key Takeaways Core values are your hiring and firing framework - When employees don't align with your company's core values (like being "hungry"), you have a clear framework for making personnel decisions rather than relying on gut feelings The accountability chart shows your scaling path - Instead of traditional org charts, EOS uses accountability charts that show people in multiple seats, making it clear where to hire next as the business grows Start with 20% time savings - Hire help for just 20% of your weekly tasks (about 8 hours) to free up a full day for revenue-generating activities that can pay for the help and then some Perfect is the enemy of profitable - Learning to let go of "10 out of 10" creative standards and accepting that "7 or 8 out of 10" often exceeds client expectations while maintaining profitability About Jamie Munoz Jamie Munoz is a rescue dog mom, who lives in Cave Creek, Arizona. She is the founder of Catalyst Integrators™ a fractional COO firm, winners of the SBA 2022, 2023 and 2024 Best Business Coaches award and ranked #640 on the 2024 INC5000 awards. They provide fractional COO Leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®) from the book ‘Traction' by Gino Wickman. By teaming up with the CEO and the Leadership team, Jamie and her team of COO's help crystallize and execute on the vision for the companies they serve. In This Episode  [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:03] Meet Jamie Munoz [06:02] Entrepreneurial Operating System [14:23] Vision Traction Organizer [25:18] When Can You Use EOS? [33:24] Getting Your Time Back [40:39] Who Not How [45:24] Connect with Jamie [46:52] Outro Quotes "Your people are free to be excellent elsewhere." - Jamie Munoz "No one will care about your business as much as you do. And no one will do things as good as you, right? Or as right as you would, or the same way you would." - Jamie Munoz "Being wanted, not needed is a nice seat to be in on the chart." - Jamie Munoz "Protecting your time as an entrepreneur is the number one thing." - Jamie Munoz "We are people who entrepreneurs want to figure it out themselves... But like over time, that only works so much." - Jamie Munoz Guest Links Find Jamie Munoz online  Connect with Catalyst Integrators on LinkedIn Links  FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

On today's episode of The Daily Windup, I sit down with an entrepreneur who launched a blue-collar oil company in Boston with nothing more than grit, sacrifice, and a risky SBA loan. Starting with just $7,000 in cash and a $25,000 SBA loan, he went all-in during the worst possible timing—the 2007 financial downturn—when everyone thought he was crazy to get into the unstable oil markets. He shares how word-of-mouth, community support, and his background as a firefighter and veteran helped him grow from a one-man side hustle to nearly 50 employees supporting their families today. We also talk about the sacrifices required to get a business off the ground, how he used discounts to reward public servants, and why his military background gave him the discipline to survive in a cutthroat industry. His story is a powerful reminder that hard work and persistence can outlast market crashes, bank rejections, and doubt from others. This is one of those raw, unfiltered success stories that every aspiring government contracting or small business entrepreneur needs to hear.

Corey Goode EXPOSED! Is he really recycling old fake Randy Cramer stories?Music by Karl Casey @WhiteBatAudioPlease subscribe to our new clips channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@Truthseekersclips Graphics by SpookyContent created here by Spectral International, LLC.Buy me a coffee (or 100) to support the show : https://buymeacoffee.com/truthseekersMusic videos by Simon Fly.Visit our website here : https://truthseekershow.comJoin our patreon here : https://www.patreon.com/c/stevencambianSubscribe to our youtube channel here :http://www.youtube.com/c/truthseekershowFollow Steven Cambian on twitter : @stevencambianJoin our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/stevencambianDonate by paypal : Send a paypal to TRUTHSEEKERSHOW@GMAIL.COM Any amount you wish. Please include your chatroom user id, and any message you would like me to read on air. We read every paypal message we are sent and thank every person who sends any paypal support.Listen to the audio podcast : https://www.spreaker.com/user/14526799Email us : TRUTHSEEKERSHOW@GMAIL.COM

Welcome to this week's Blonde Intelligence, I am your host Ms. Roni, and I always seek to give you exquisite cranial repertoire. Economic instability threatens to reshape our entertainment landscape in ways few have considered. As food prices climb and agriculture struggles, reality TV shows highlighting luxury and excess feel increasingly disconnected from viewers' daily challenges. Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis reveals that a mere 10% increase in food prices can slash entertainment spending by 5% – a statistic with profound implications for networks, producers, and talent.The most fascinating transformation is happening in viewer preferences. While lavish reality formats struggle during hardships, content focused on practical skills and budget-friendly solutions is thriving. YouTube channels featuring Dollar Tree Dinners, tiny house construction, and off-grid living provide valuable survival strategies rather than escapism. This cultural shift represents more than temporary viewing habits; it signals a fundamental reevaluation of what we value in entertainment during challenging times.For those working in entertainment or pursuing creative careers, adaptation is essential. Trade skills like plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC provide stability when traditional employment wavers. Healthcare positions remain consistently in demand despite economic fluctuations. Women entrepreneurs can access SBA grants and loan programs to build sustainable businesses. The message is clear – diversification and practical skills are crucial safeguards against economic uncertainty. As computer chip shortages potentially threaten technology-dependent aspects of entertainment, particularly for independent artists, preparing alternative pathways becomes increasingly important. The entertainment industry must recognize that as audiences' economic realities evolve, so too must the content created to engage them. Subscribe to hear more insights on navigating these changing landscapes and share your thoughts on how economic changes have affected your entertainment choices.Donate to the channel: $RoniR1#BlondeIntelligence #EntertainmentEvolution #EconomicReality #BudgetConscious #SurvivalSkills #RealityTVShift #ThriveNotSurvive #PracticalEntertainment #WomenEntrepreneurs #SBAGrants #DiversifyYourSkills #CrisisCreativity #IndependentArtists #FutureOfEntertainment #SmartSpending #CulturalShiftSupport the show

On today's Daily Windup, I hammer home one of the most powerful—and most misunderstood—concepts in government contracting: the Rule of Two. If there's a reasonable expectation that at least two small businesses can bid at fair market prices, agencies are required to set contracts aside. Yet too often, agencies sidestep this by funneling work into IDIQs awarded to large firms. That's why the SBA is preparing a rule change to codify and expand the Rule of Two into law—closing loopholes and creating more set-aside opportunities for small businesses. I break down what this means for you: how small firms can shape requirements before solicitations are finalized, why teaming with competitors in logistics or IT is smarter than fighting each other, and why most small businesses are losing out simply because they're not responding. With 55 people on our call, I stressed this isn't theory—it's your chance to protect opportunities from being swallowed by the big players. Learn the Rule of Two, use it, and stop letting contracts slip away.

Episode 184: Should You Use a Loan to Grow Your Practice?Thinking about taking on debt to start or grow your private practice?In this episode, we're breaking down the most common types of loans available to practice owners—including the pros, cons, and risks no one talks about. From lines of credit to SBA loans and even credit cards, we'll walk through when (and if) it makes sense to borrow money—and how to avoid financial decisions that could haunt you later.If you're considering a loan—or just want to grow wisely—this one's for you.

On this week's episode of Passive Income Playbook, Pascal Wagner interviews Sean Smith. They dig into the search fund landscape from traditional and self-funded models to independent sponsors, why the silver tsunami and SBA financing make now a compelling moment, and Sean's thesis of backing essential businesses serving attractive end markets. Sean also walks through his four-part diligence system and a 200+ point checklist, how he evaluates terms so LPs are actually protected, and what realistic deal flow looks like when you're only closing on roughly 2 percent of what you review. If you're curious how to be a sharper LP in small business acquisitions without running a company yourself, this one's your roadmap. Sean SmithCurrent role: Managing Partner, Search Fund VenturesBased in: Chicago, IllinoisSay hi to them at: https://www.searchfundventures.co/ | Linkedin This is a limited time offer, so head over to aspenfunds.us/bestever to download the investor deck—or grab their quick-start guide if you're brand new to oil and gas investing. Visit investwithsunrise.com to learn more about investment opportunities.  Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com with code BESTEVER Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Art of SBA Lending, we're getting a unique look at the state of the SBA marketplace from the perspective of the loan broker. Host Ray Drew brings together a panel of top-producing SBA loan brokers whose combined volume would rank them among the top 1 or 2% of all SBA shops. Joining the conversation are Matthias Smith from Pioneer Capital Advisory, Jerry Freedman from Freedom Business Financing, and Zach Renta from SBA Loan HQ. The panel discusses why the traditional BDO model is becoming outdated as brokers build sophisticated operations and gain direct access to information and lenders. They reveal which lenders are winning and losing in today's competitive landscape, and why the old way of doing business — relying on personal relationships over product competitiveness — is no longer enough to succeed. The conversation gets candid as the brokers air their biggest pet peeves about working with lenders, from slow response times to a lack of respect for the work they put into a deal.

The Producer Price Index is declining and the Purchasing Price Index has fallen a third time in 2025, all used to determine inflation, yet Gene Marks says the “Big I” isn't the huge threat everyone thinks it is. He looks at potential interest cuts as a possible result, which might help businesses. Also, a boon or manufacturing businesses is a new SBA loan program with less red tape and an 85% guarantee by the agency. Safety training programs are getting better funded, which is great news for workers and employers who want to avoid OSHA penalties. And talk about “safety net” but 67% of pet owners would switch jobs if they had to give up remote work and staying with their pets. Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Today's episode features Paul Knowlton, Senior VP of Sales at PEAC Solutions. With deep experience in equipment financing and a keen understanding of today's credit landscape, Paul joins us to unpack the real mechanics of financing your next equipment purchase. We'll talk leasing vs. buying, how to think about preserving cash, when to use a line of credit, and how SBA options can play a role. Paul also shares how PEAC evaluates deals today—including their flexible “C” credit approval program—and what shop owners need to know about the new tax bill and its implications for capital equipment decisions. Whether you're a seasoned operator or a first-time buyer evaluating your options, this one is packed with insight you can take to the bank—literally. Connect with Paul: Website: https://peacsolutions.com/ Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-knowlton-5817b5a/ Email: pknowlton@peacsolutions.com     This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering  Considering getting into the ADAS calibrations business? Then consider visiting Hunter Engineering's centralized ADAS Information Hub learning resource and take advantage of a large library of easy-to-digest videos, insightful articles, interactive training modules, educational tools and much more, covering all aspects of the business of calibration. The ADAS calibrations market is large and getting larger. Schedule a demo at https://www.hunter.com/alignment-machines/hawkeye-elite/?#overview. 

In the heart of Middletown, Virginia, a beloved historic landmark is experiencing a renaissance. The Wayside Inn, a fixture of the Shenandoah Valley for over two centuries, is now home to Clem's Kitchen—a new restaurant venture by Bill and Amanda Whitson. In this episode of “The Valley Business Today,” host Janet Michael, joined by Carl Knoblock of the Small Business Administration, sat down with the Whitsons to discuss their journey, vision, and the challenges of breathing new life into a storied space. From Food Truck AND Brick-and-Mortar Many locals know Bill from Billy Sous food truck and Amanda from her work as a real estate agent. But together, they are embarking on a new chapter as restaurateurs. The idea to open Clem's Kitchen in the Wayside Inn was born from Amanda's deep personal connection to the building—she worked there as a teenager, her first office perched above the original well of Middletown. Bill, initially hesitant to return to restaurant life after the freedom of the food truck, was ultimately swayed by Amanda's passion and the unique magic of the space. The transition from food truck to restaurant is an unusual one, as Bill notes—most often, it's the other way around. Yet, the Whitsons see the move as an opportunity to create a community hub, offering a modern twist on Southern classics while maintaining the beloved food truck in the parking lot. Their vision is to foster a welcoming environment where locals can gather, celebrate, and enjoy good food. A Space for Community and Collaboration Clem's Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it's a catalyst for community engagement. The Whitsons have already hosted events, including a Bridgerton-themed Sweet 16 and upcoming weddings, and they're eager to share their expansive kitchen with other food entrepreneurs. Recognizing the challenges faced by small food businesses—especially the need for commercial kitchen space—they hope to support local vendors, caterers, and food trucks, even considering the possibility of a nonprofit kitchen model in the future. The couple's commitment to giving back is evident in their launch of a community fridge, inspired by similar initiatives in nearby Winchester. By providing access to fresh, healthy food for those in need, they are addressing food insecurity and encouraging others to contribute. “Garbage cans aren't the place for food. Hungry people are the place for food,” Bill reflects, underscoring their philanthropic philosophy. Honoring History, Embracing Change The Wayside Inn's transformation is both respectful of its past and optimistic about its future. The Whitsons have painstakingly cleaned and renovated the space, preserving historic elements like the Tavern sign while introducing a brighter, more vibrant atmosphere. Amanda's stories of the building's previous owner, Leo Bernstein, and his contributions to the community—donating historic properties for a dollar, supporting the arts—highlight the legacy they hope to continue. Clem's Kitchen will initially serve breakfast Thursday through Sunday, with plans to expand as the community responds. The menu promises Southern staples with creative flair, family-friendly touches like a kids' corner and tableside chocolate milk service, and a flexible approach to dinner offerings, including pop-up events and evolving dishes based on customer feedback. Navigating Challenges and Looking Ahead Opening a restaurant in a historic building comes with its share of hurdles, from deep cleaning to navigating regulations. The Whitsons credit their supportive landlord and collaborative relationships with local agencies for easing the process. Still, they acknowledge the broader challenges faced by small businesses, particularly the burden of compliance with regulations designed for much larger companies. Carl encourages business owners to advocate for change by reaching out to elected officials, emphasizing the importance of community voices in shaping policy. As Clem's Kitchen prepares to open its doors, the Whitsons are optimistic about the future—not just for their business, but for Middletown as a whole. They envision the restaurant as a gathering place that honors the town's history, supports its residents, and inspires others to invest in the community. “This town deserves that,” Bill says. “You need to make good food. You need to give them a reason to come back.” With their passion, experience, and commitment to service, Bill and Amanda Whitson are poised to make Clem's Kitchen a cornerstone of Middletown's revitalization—one meal, one event, and one act of kindness at a time.

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Air Force Veteran exits the military and bets on himself. After building relationships during his time in service, Anthony Closson created Colossal LLC,  which is an SBA-certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Colossal specializes in Government Contracting to include services such as: IT Integration, Route/Switch, Mobility, Collaboration, Cloud, Data Center, Security and more. Anthony has also contributed over $1 Million dollars to Mission 22 to show that he not only talks about ending Veteran suicide, but is trying to do something about it!  Come get some insight on how he did all this and what he is now doing, On The Other Side.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Melissa Hawkins, a retired Sergeant Major and a seasoned Physical Therapist with a specialization in sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, and the tactical athlete. We talk about her work as well as her role as a member of the Advisory Board of MCON, a live event in Las Vegas Nevada from October 23rd to October 26th, 2025Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestMelissa Hawkins' legacy is one of optimizing the human mind, body, and spirit, for greatness. A seasoned Physical Therapist with a specialization in sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, and the tactical athlete, Melissa has spent her entire adult life dedicated to enhancing the human body through injury prevention, rehabilitation, and human performance enhancement.Her career took an extraordinary turn when she served, and subsequently retired from, the Marine Corps Reserve. Her last assignment as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Human Performance Branch allowed her to combine her two careers and play a pivotal role in optimizing the well-being and performance of the men and women of the United States Marine Corps. Her commitment to ensuring that Marines not only operated at their peak physical condition, but also that of mental resilience, cognitive enhancement, and holistic well-being, solidified her reputation as a true advocate for human performance optimization.Continuing her mission to push the boundaries of human capability, Melissa now works with the Optimizing the Human Weapon System program, where she utilizes her expertise to enhance the lethality and capabilities of today's warfighters. Her work in this groundbreaking field is reshaping how we approach the future fight. With a keen understanding of the human body and a commitment to excellence, her tireless efforts continue to impact the lives of servicemen and women, as her commitment to those who serve, remains her top priority.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMelissa Hawkins on LinkedInMCON Web Site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is a previous podcast episode talking about MCON, Episode 223. In this episode, we talk with Marine Corps veteran Waco Hoover, an entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, M&A, entertainment, media and live events. We talk about MCON, an annual event that celebrates military culture and includes MCON Health conducted in partnership with PsychArmor. You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/waco-hoover-mcon Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Register for the webinar: Employee Issues & Non-Competes When Buying a Business - Thu Sep 18th - https://bit.ly/4mbU9EIJerod Pierce bought an HVAC business with $500k of SDE. Five years later, private equity was desperate to buy him out.Topics in Jerod's interview:Challenging upbringing in foster careAdaptability as a survival skillJoining the investment club in collegeGetting his MBA from Harvard Business SchoolLearning about ETA from Rick and RoyceSearching only in Seattle by cold callingBuying HVAC before it was coolValue of being there every dayExiting for $90 million-ishHis nightmare second acquisitionReferences and how to contact Jerod:LinkedInOlympic Holdings InvestmentsWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

In this episode, the hosts break down a jaw-dropping $6.5M AI-driven OnlyFans agency for sale—raising questions about revenue math, adult industry risks, and whether it's genius or just gross.Business Listing – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EXFqF7L2x2LeM5ncFNfDEqRk6iRhDHiT/view?usp=sharingWelcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

Today we're going to talk about business funding. Where do you get the money to start a business? Screw The Commute Podcast Show Notes Episode 1033 How To Automate Your Business - https://screwthecommute.com/automatefree/ Internet Marketing Training Center - https://imtcva.org/ Higher Education Webinar – https://screwthecommute.com/webinars See Tom's Stuff – https://linktr.ee/antionandassociates 00:23 Tom's introduction to Business Funding 01:36 Bootstrapping, personal loans, credit cards 05:40 Preselling, line of credit, SBA loans 08:23 Debt and equity investors, crowdfunding, grants 11:08 Microlenders Entrepreneurial Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Higher Education Webinar - https://screwthecommute.com/webinars Screw The Commute - https://screwthecommute.com/ Screw The Commute Podcast App - https://screwthecommute.com/app/ College Ripoff Quiz - https://imtcva.org/quiz Know a young person for our Youth Episode Series? Send an email to Tom! - orders@antion.com Have a Roku box? Find Tom's Public Speaking Channel there! - https://channelstore.roku.com/details/267358/the-public-speaking-channel How To Automate Your Business - https://screwthecommute.com/automatefree/ Internet Marketing Retreat and Joint Venture Program - https://greatinternetmarketingtraining.com/ KickStartCart - http://www.kickstartcart.com/ Copywriting901 - https://copywriting901.com/ Become a Great Podcast Guest - https://screwthecommute.com/greatpodcastguest Training - https://screwthecommute.com/training Disabilities Page - https://imtcva.org/disabilities/ Tom's Patreon Page - https://screwthecommute.com/patreon/ Tom on TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@digitalmultimillionaire/ Email Tom: Tom@ScrewTheCommute.com Internet Marketing Training Center - https://imtcva.org/ Related Episodes Exemplary Eyesight - https://screwthecommute.com/1032/ More Entrepreneurial Resources for Home Based Business, Lifestyle Business, Passive Income, Professional Speaking and Online Business I discovered a great new headline / subject line / subheading generator that will actually analyze which headlines and subject lines are best for your market. I negotiated a deal with the developer of this revolutionary and inexpensive software. Oh, and it's good on Mac and PC. Go here: http://jvz1.com/c/41743/183906 The Wordpress Ecourse. Learn how to Make World Class Websites for $20 or less. https://screwthecommute.com/wordpressecourse/ Join our Private Facebook Group! One week trial for only a buck and then $37 a month, or save a ton with one payment of $297 for a year. Click the image to see all the details and sign up or go to https://www.greatinternetmarketing.com/screwthecommute/ After you sign up, check your email for instructions on getting in the group.

What does it take to leave behind a secure six-figure salary, student debt, and the “safe” path… to take a leap into business ownership? In this episode, Kevin and Chris sit down with Mike Jackson and Matt Nettles - two ordinary guys with steady jobs, families to provide for, and everything to lose. Instead of playing it safe, they bet on themselves, bought a business, and began building a new future. Inside this conversation:

Join The Creative Finance Playbook Coaching Program & Learn Directly from Jenn & Joe:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativefinanceplaybook.com/wait-list?utm_source=zoom&utm_campaign=wlist⁠The BEST 2025 Wealth Move: Self-Storage + Creative FinanceIn this episode of the Creative Finance Playbook Podcast, Joe Delle Fave sit down with Alex Pardo (Storage Wins, The Flip Empire Show) to share how he went from closing 750+ single-family deals to building freedom with cash-flowing self-storage facilities—all without banks, big credit, or his own money.If you're a real estate investor looking for cash flow, wealth building, and financial freedom in 2025, this is your roadmap. Discover why so many investors are pivoting from BRRRR and traditional rentals to the recession-resistant storage asset class—and how to use creative finance strategies like seller financing, lease purchase, SBA blends, and partnerships to fund your next deal.In this episode you'll learn:✅ How to find motivated storage owners ready to sell✅ Defining your “buy box” to target the right facilities✅ Virtual “unmanned” operations with call centers + boots on the ground✅ Due diligence checklists & capital stack breakdowns✅ Why masterminds and mentorship compress your timeline to success

Register for the webinar: Buyer of Choice Series Pt 1: Building Your Personal Buyer Brand (in a Sea of Searchers) - TODAY!- https://bit.ly/46ntJLGDoug Lepisto has partnered with 7 searchers to acquire businesses strictly in Western Michigan. Momentum is building.Topics in Doug's interview: Having one foot in academia, one in businessPlace-based private equity modelDelivering returns while elevating Western MichiganCompetitive advantage through building local trust“Find the operator, find the deal” philosophyInvesting in searchers with one-on-one educationThe tide is shifting to long-term hold strategyWestern Michigan students intern at portfolio companies5 elements of his private equity modelPlenty of businesses, shortage of owner-operatorsReferences and how to contact Doug:LinkedInSleeping Giant CapitalCenter for Principled Leadership and Business StrategyGet complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Brad and Lesley recap her conversation with franchise expert Jon Ostenson, unpacking how non-food franchising helps risk-averse entrepreneurs own a business without reinventing the wheel. They highlight funding paths, corporate support, and why following the playbook matters. You will hear practical ways to start while keeping your day job and how Jon's services are paid by franchisors, not you.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:When to treat Reformer footwork differently from leg press.How franchise ownership works even if you keep your day job.Why matching your strengths to the right franchise matters.Why matching your strengths to the right franchise matters.Common mistakes franchisees make when they don't follow the playbook.The mindset shifts around seeing $50K as possible, not impossible.Episode References/Links:Indivisible Movement - https://indivisible.orgBook: She Caused A Riot by Hannah Jewell - https://a.co/d/cGhs5UYP.O.T. Chicago 2025 - https://pilates.com/pilates-on-tour-chicagolandCambodia October 2025 Waitlist - https://crowsnestretreats.comWinter Tour Waitlist - https://opc.me/eventsSubmit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questionsEp. 544 Matthew Lesko - https://beitpod.com/matthewleskoBook: Non-Food Franchising by Jon Ostenson - https://a.co/d/29XayrQ If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Brad Crowell 0:00  His services to you are free. How are they free, you ask, because he sees what you're trying to do. Then he goes to the franchise, the parent company, and he says, pay me, and I'll help these guys succeed doing your franchise. Pretty brilliant. I was like, wow, that's amazing.Lesley Logan 0:20  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.Lesley Logan 0:59  Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap where my co-host in life, Brad, and I are going to dig into the supporting convo I had with Jon Ostenson in our last episode. If you haven't yet listened to that interview, feel free to pause this now, go back and listen to that one, and then come back and join us, or listen to this one, and then you can decide if you want to listen that one. I think it's great. Jon has a book. It's really wonderful. It's a very niche topic. It's a nerdy topic. It's one I wanted to have because I don't think entrepreneurs, I'm like, making your own idea is for everybody, but I do think everybody deserves to have the wealth and agency that they want to have in this world and make what they want to make. So I'm excited about it. Brad Crowell 1:30  Well, I thought I really liked, I really liked the conversation. I was very I mean, especially for me, because I am very entrepreneurial, but I appreciated the back and forth. So, yeah, I, I think that it was very revealing. Lesley Logan 1:51  Are you saying it was a great interview? Did I do a good job? Brad Crowell 1:51  I'm saying it was a great interview. Not only that, but I think the information that he's sharing is shocking. He's super smart dude, and I thought, I thought it was very revealing for someone who might be hoping, wishing they could own a business. This was very empowering, because it, it created hope I think. So, yeah, great. Lesley Logan 2:17  I well, you'll, you guys, stay tuned. You'll hear what we're talking about in a second. Today is September 11th, 2025 and it's Patriot Day, which gives us all time to reflect on the devastating terror attacks that took 3000 lives. We commemorate those who we lost, and give thanks to the brave responders who put their lives on the line. Take a moment today to consider what we stand for as a nation, how we can work together to make the world a better place for all. It's a hard day. Brad Crowell 2:39  Yeah, I mean.Lesley Logan 2:40  Especially with 20, with 25 years to reflect on what fucking lies we're told afterwards, and then how we treat the first responders and how fucking hard it was to get their medical bills paid because they're dying from cancer right now. Like.Brad Crowell 2:56  Yeah, it's like, it's like a story that keeps repeating itself where something devastating happens that is wrong and tragic. People die and then motherfuckers in office take advantage of the public's emotional state, and they use it to go do some wrong shit. Lesley Logan 3:18  Go, so seriously, go watch the movie Vice. I happen to be really lucky to be teaching Christian Bale's wife at the time that he was filming that. And so it was a really interesting time, because, like, he was becoming Dick Cheney, which, like, it is a, I mean, of course, he won an, I think he won a bunch of awards for that. And he literally thanked Satan for the inspiration. Brad Crowell 3:41  Yes, he did. Lesley Logan 3:37  And I remember, I remember my client. I remember my client was, my client was just like, I fucking told him not to do that, or something like that. And so anyways, but go watch it, because it, while it's not historical, it is pretty fucking accurate about like, how rich Cheney and these bitches got after doing what they did and using, using the heartbreak, and what people fought with patriotism to go make these fucking wars, and then we did a bunch of bullshit, and then we ruined places. And it just pisses me off, because. Brad Crowell 4:04  Over, over, lies. Lesley Logan 4:09  Lies and so. And also, if you don't believe in September 11th being what it was like, I don't know why you're here, but like, I, I just really.Brad Crowell 4:18  Well, it was, I mean, it was a terrorist attack, no question. But what we did after it, how the public was manipulated, to then go to war for 20 years after, based on literal lies, you know.Lesley Logan 4:30  Yeah, it's, I it's hard because, like, okay, reflecting on what we consider as a nation today, I think, as an I think the people running our nation today reflect something I would never want to be a patriot of.Brad Crowell 4:42  Yeah, and that that's, that's the thing that really frustrates me as a person who, when you read the definition of patriot, I want to be that. That is absolutely, I mean, I consider myself a patriot. But also there's this, there's this frustrating association with angry white men, usually, who don't give a shit about people. And there's so much fear of others associated with it. And there's this ego that's associated with it that.Lesley Logan 5:17  It's, it's so it's so fragile. What they're like, they're thinking is so they are. They're such fragile people. Because they're just like, they're the way that they think, that they're showing strength. And we're like, protesting, they're like, like, making sure that we see the middle finger, and like, just like, and it's like, I have never driven in my entire life, of driving past something, we're talking about this with the protest where I disagree. Brad Crowell 5:39  We used to live by protests all the time, where we lived in L.A., we're literally next to the federal building, so it was like, every weekend, forever.Lesley Logan 5:45  Every weekend, it was like, who's protesting today? And like, there were times I was like, oh, I wonder why. It made me get curious as to, like, what is going on here. It was very fascinating. And it was like, what the fuck like, but I never was like, here's my middle finger to you. It's like, just, you know, move along. Move right along. The fact that you have to make sure I see your face in your lifted stupid truck while you flip me off, it makes you and that makes you feel good. You're like, yeah, I did it to them. I did it like, we were in Idaho, and there was a big ass sign in this guy's house. I was walking by the lake, and it was like, make liberals cry again, and it's like, oh, you think I'm crying. I'm pissed off. Like the tears of the tears are of what we are losing, of course, but like, no, I'm pissed off. James Baldwin, I want to, I want to make sure everyone hears this quote, because I think it's really beautiful, and I think it's this is what being a patriot is. I love America more than any other country in the world, and exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually. And I think that, like, this country has so many shortcomings, and no country is perfect. Like, I was listening to Sophia Bush on a podcast recently, and she's like, like, I'm not gonna move because, like, I love this place. I'm gonna fight for her. And so, like, if you moved and whatever, like, I have no judgments for that, but if you're here, like, you have to fight, because we're losing rights. We're losing rights. And it really pisses me off, because in the time of my mother being an adult and married woman, she could not get a credit card until, like, the 80s, right? Like, like, I if you're listening to this and you're just like, la, la, la, I just want to hear about how to be till I see it. Ladies, you are going to lose your ability to have your own bank account. You're gonna lose your ability to have your own vote. And if you think it's not going to happen because, oh, it's not going to happen. It's they want it to happen. And the right people are in power. And I'm tired of being told that Project 2025 is bullshit. It is happening right now. Lesley Logan 5:46  They're more than 50% of the way through completing Project 2025.Lesley Logan 5:48  In the time we're recording this, seven months. Brad Crowell 7:40  Yeah, seven months. And, I mean, you know, if you go through and you actually read the things that are in that platform, they they do want to make single family voting, which is literally taking away the white the rights of women, because they would consider the man the head of the household. Lesley Logan 8:02  And if you think, oh, I'm not married yeah your brother get to vote for you. I don't have a brother, your uncle get to vote for you. Like they will find a man if and when this type of life existed, they would find someone in the government to become your vote. You don't get there's no getting out of this. You don't get one.Brad Crowell 8:17  Yeah, and, and, and the people in power are Tweeting about that stuff, literally right now, right like they're they're putting it out there. They're trying to normalize the idea so that when they go and try to do it, it doesn't seem like it's as big of a deal as it actually fucking is. Lesley Logan 8:32  So you know what I think patriotism is right now, babe, it is, find a protest. I know you're busy. I know you have fucked tons, going on. We are, too. Find one. Go for an hour. Go yell. Go meet friends. Go meet people who are different than you. It's, these protests people, some people are fighting for their their gay marriages to still exist. Some people are fighting further to not be war. Some people are fighting for God. Some people are fighting to like for the Epstein list. I don't care what gets you out there, but like you think that this, that what they're gonna do is not gonna affect your life, it is. It is. Brad Crowell 8:55  Yeah, go, go check out individual, indivisible.org, for a local, you know, event, or how you can get involved near you. So, you know, we're gonna move on, and we're gonna actually. Lesley Logan 9:11  Well, people like this, Brad, we've been told, hi, Vicky.Brad Crowell 9:14  I think it's so important y'all and and it's like this, I know that we this isn't a podcast about politics, but it is. Lesley Logan 9:22  But also, but also. Brad Crowell 9:23  Being it until you see it is a pod, it is about like politics, and it is a part of every single element of our life, even if you have the perfect life, quote, unquote, it's because of politics that you are able to live the way that you live. And what's happening right now is such fast, dramatic change in our countries. Like, historically, there's so much change happening so quickly there, that when we wake up, you know, in even six months from now, it's going to be like, there we are at the brink of things. Lesley Logan 9:53  I don't even know how we're going to make it to the midterms. That's my fear. That's my fear, and I put it out right now, but I will just say, even if you're like, less. I just want a homestead. I want to be like tradwife. The fact that you get to choose that is because of politics. So that is fine if that's what you want to choose to do. But do not think that everybody wants to do that and that that should be the choice for everybody. So I think that like that is why we have to get involved. And if you are a woman, you are political. Your existence in any room is political has been and if you really want to get fired up, go read the book, She Caused A Riot. Go look at history. Like fucking Socrates, his teacher was a woman. Did you know that? The reason you don't know that is because politics, they didn't want you to know that there was leaders in this world.Brad Crowell 10:39  Politics and religion. Lesley Logan 10:39  Fuck that. Anyways. Brad Crowell 10:39  Frustrating. Lesley Logan 10:39  I'm pissed off, but we're currently in the U.K. We're in the U.K. and then when we get home, well, we're home for a couple of weeks, and we gotta see my best friends and come visit, and then we're gonna go to Chicagoland for Pilates On Tour with Balanced Body. I'm doing the Joe's Gyms there. That's in Burr Ridge. If there's any spots left, you should snag one, because it's super, super fun, and we have a huge party coming with all of our agency eLevate OPC members, then we're gonna be in Cambodia. That's also in October. You can still join like you can join last minute. Guess what? Flight planes will sell a seat as long as there is one. So you can get the fuck out of town and retreat a little bit and be in a different world and get some empathy for what it's like to live in different places.Brad Crowell 11:21  Yeah, and experience a different culture and see that not everybody.Lesley Logan 11:24  If you are worried. Sorry, I cut you off. If you're worried about being an American in a different country, let me tell you, they see what's happening right now, and they are, in Cambodia, they are sad for us. They are scared for us. They know that they know where we're headed, and they're sad for us.Brad Crowell 11:25  Yeah, I was just gonna say with our experience recently about trying to cross borders and getting stuck and turned around and not being able to, it wasn't the it wasn't the attendees of the events that we were not able to attend who were angry with us. It was the border guard who was, you know, unfortunately, misinformed and, you know, and angry. And he's angry because the border guards of our country were turning away people for no reason. So he could just, that's the only power he had, was to turn away, you know, Americans for no reason. And we just kind of got caught up in that. So there's a lot of, there is a lot of frustration, but it's not from the people, right, in this country, it's like, you know? So, so I would say, you know, yeah, it did feel a little bit stressful to you know, as we were approaching, once we got there and started talking to them, it became clear that that there was just silly reasons being turned away but, but even in that, like the you know, the guy wasn't like, he wasn't an asshole about it. So, but I it was really frustrating. If you're worried about something like that, when you come to a place like Cambodia, you apply for your visa ahead of time. You will know before you arrive if they're going to turn you around, because you'll have the right paperwork.Lesley Logan 13:06  And also you're we're all going as tourists. The Canadian thing, we were going into work. Brad Crowell 13:11  That's true. Lesley Logan 13:11  And that was it, we'll have to do a whole episode on it, because it's a longer, longer conversation. That being said, you go to. Brad Crowell 13:18  But as a tourist, they want a tourist. They want that because. Lesley Logan 13:21  That's how they're that's literally how their country survives. Brad Crowell 13:24  Yep, it's how well, it's how the city that we're going to, that's how the economy there survives, from tourism. So, you know, and they are very aware of that, so. Lesley Logan 13:32  Yes, they want us there. They're so welcoming, they're so kind, and you can see what it's like to be living in a different part of this world. I think that's so important. I think one of the biggest reasons why people in this, in the U.S., are so fucking scared of people of a different color is because they've never, they've never gone and seen how they live. Yeah, you know, go get worldly. You will have more empathy, crowsnestretreats.com. After we leave Cambodia, we're going to be in Singapore. We're going to teach at a beautiful studio there, and then we're gonna see the Botanical Gardens. And then we're home. We're home for the whole month of November. Oh my God, no, Brad, I'm not going camping anywhere. We're home for the whole month of November. Brad Crowell 14:10  But my parents are coming. We're gonna go camp. Lesley Logan 14:12  No, we're, that is not why they're coming to visit us. Help make an, help you with the roof or something. And then October, we're gonna be on our winter tour. And if you want to make sure you hear about that first, go to opc.me/events, opc.me/events, because our people on our waitlist will get the access to the tickets first. And the winter tour does have cities that sell out in 24 hours. Okay, we have to get to our interview, but we do have an audience question. So Brad, go for it.Brad Crowell 14:37  Yes. Okay. DMK asks on Instagram, hey Lesley, my footwork question is this, what cue or cues do you like to use during footwork? I'm sorry, if footwork students, very confused. They made a mistake on the word here.Lesley Logan 14:42  What cues do you like to use, if during footwork, students are using it like a leg press? Brad Crowell 14:56  Oh, sorry. Okay. Lesley Logan 14:57  Yeah, thank you. Brad Crowell 14:59  Well, I just read that wrong. That's all.Lesley Logan 15:00  It's okay, it's all good. So.Brad Crowell 15:04  First off, we're clearly talking about. Lesley Logan 15:06  Footwork on the Reformer. Yeah. DMK, this, I hate cues.Brad Crowell 15:13  Well, hold on, let's explain what the problem is. What is the problem that she's experiencing with her class? Lesley Logan 15:17  The problem that she's probably seen is they're, they're, they're pushing out and in, like, it's a leg press machine, like, it's like a leg machine, and they're making it only a leg exercise versus a full body exercise, right? And then the other thing is that they're not using all the muscles of their legs, because they're just, like, shoving their knees straight. And they're probably pausing at the top, which is what you do on a leg press machine. And then kind of, hopefully, on a leg press machine, you're resisting. But a lot of people just kind of, like, close the the weights, or just like, kind of float in or ride the springs in. So here's the deal, DMK, my teacher, Jay Grimes, and the teachers I studied with him, talked a lot about how Joe didn't really correct during footwork. You use footwork to tell you what's kind of going on in the person's body. So I also happen to like three or four springs on for footwork. So some people think that, like heavy springs means they're gonna use it like a leg press machine, but ideally you want those heavy springs to warm the body up. Two lightest springs can actually affect someone's lower back, if they have a tight lower back, or they're not getting the connection, and the warm up for what's to come. So I do like three to four springs. That being said, what you can do for those people who want to make it a leg press machine, take all the springs off, go down to one light spring and see what happens. They're going to fly off. And you're like, yeah, you actually have to push into the foot bar the whole time, even as you come in. So I love a one spring, because it kind of helps teach the actual movement, and then load the springs up. If you take my fast workshop, I think you can get it on our OPC website. You'll see how I explain how to use especially with arches and heels to do that. The other thing I would say is ask them, if they are opening the front of the hips or opening the back of the knees. What is their intention? Meaning, the, when you focus on opening the knee joint, you're a leg press machine. When you focus on opening the front of the hips, you're making this move from your center. I am looking, I actually don't care people's knees go straight. I'm looking at, can they move their thigh away from their center and open the front of their hips and then pull that back in. So I'm kind of looking at that, but if they don't do those things, the footwork is just really telling me how they're actually moving. And I have to pick other exercises to assist. So other ways to help them understand that's not like press machine would be doing leg springs. Single leg springs, both leg springs, footwork on the Tower is gonna be really helpful, because that's a whole different plane. And so like, find different exercises that get your point across. Ask them what they're feeling and then take them back to the Reformer and say, find that feeling here.Lesley Logan 17:39  Great. Love it. That's the best cue you could do. Lesley Logan 17:50  There you go. Brad Crowell 17:50  I love it. Great question, DMK. Lesley Logan 17:52  Thanks, DMK. Brad Crowell 17:52  If you have a question, just text us. 310-905-5534, 310-905-5534 or you can actually send your question in through, beitpod.com/questions, beitpod.com/questions.Lesley Logan 18:07  That's where you can also send your wins in, too. I want your wins, people. Brad Crowell 18:14  We want your wins. Let's do it. All right. Stick around. We'll be right back. We're actually going to talk about Jon Ostenson next. Lesley Logan 18:20  Finally. Brad Crowell 18:22  All right, let's talk about Jon Ostenson. An expert in franchising and based out of Atlanta, Georgia, Jon Ostenson left his W2 job eight years ago, after years in the corporate world, to become president of Shelf Genie, a large franchise system where he says he fell in love with the franchise model, which he explained amazingly and in detail during the interview. So if you didn't get a chance to listen to that, I would, I would very much encourage you to go listen to it. It was super informative. He is, Jon, is now the founder of FranBridge Consulting and author of the bestselling book, Non-Food Franchising, which, Lesley, I know you read, I've seen it on our table out there. Jon helps clients find suitable franchise opportunities from over 600 different brands outside of the fast food industry. His mission is to guide individuals who want to own a business but may feel risk-averse or lack a, quote unquote, genius idea connecting with them with proven scalable franchise model, and here's the, models, and here's the crazy thing, this is where I was like, oh my God, this guy's brilliant, his services to you are free. How are they free, you ask, because he sees what you're trying to do then he goes to the franchise, the parent company, and he says, pay me, and I'll help these guys succeed doing your franchise. Yeah, pretty brilliant. I was like, wow, that's amazing. So.Lesley Logan 19:44  I love it. I love it so much because it's, like, it's completely risk-averse for you, like, and the reason I thought this, I really wanted to dig in with this guy, because I don't even understand how you get into a franchise, and. Brad Crowell 19:58  Well, it makes me want to get into franchises. Lesley Logan 20:00  I know. And we just met someone who's like, all he does is all these different franchises and and so I just like it because, like, first of all, we talked a lot about how you could, like, work and have a franchise. Like, it's like, there's like, there's all these different ways you can do it. So, anyways.Brad Crowell 20:16  Yeah, he said a lot of franchisors, the people on the franchise, still might have a day job, because. Lesley Logan 20:21  Yeah. Aren't they a franchisee? Brad Crowell 20:24  Oh, sorry, franchisee. You're, you're right. The franchisor is the parent company. The franchisee is the person who's, who's like, purchase one of the locations or whatever. So the franchisee as if you could still be working your normal life and have a franchise, obviously, then it's about the team that you put in place to make sure that they can run it without you having to be there. But, but this guy was talking about having franchises all over the country, so he's clearly not in them operating them. Lesley Logan 20:51  Yeah. But also. No. And so you can be an owner-operator. He has, he, like, his book has got a lot of this stuff in it, if you want to, like, dig in even more and then chat with him, but like, here's what I. Brad Crowell 20:51  And by the way, we're not just talking about Pilates franchises. Lesley Logan 21:02  No, he is, like, there's so many, there's some out there. And also, like, I personally, I personally don't want to grab someone else's Pilates franchises, because, the way I like to teach, I probably would want to make my own, but maybe I want to get one that's in the like, maybe that's like a red light sauna space or something that goes along with what I do, that's like in the thing that I am interested in, in life, like I'm already. Brad Crowell 21:23  Or salt path, float, float, yeah, floating, yeah.Lesley Logan 21:27  By the way, there is a float place that I'm sure, is a franchise in Nashville that I'm like, how the fuck do we get it out here in our neighborhood? Because I'm tired of driving 30 minutes to go fucking float, I'm pissed off by the time I get back. Anyways, we just need, I don't know, a few thousands of dollars, and then we can do it, babe. I think, here's where our next adventure is. Brad Crowell 21:45  (inaudible) crazy is you said that, like, a lot of people, will start a franchise with maybe, you know, $50,000 to $100,000 down, and the rest of it is actually from a an SBA loan, because the SBA and the banks believe in the franchise model so much that they are willing to effectively front the rest of the startup capital. And I was like, wow, I never thought about that. That's amazing. Because, and like, you know, $50,000 is still a shitload of money. I understand that. But it also isn't a million dollars, right? Lesley Logan 22:18  And also, like, anyone who wants to start to make legitimate money, you have to stop thinking that $50,000 is a lot of money, start thinking it's possible, that you can get it, that there's a way, because I remember thinking that, oh, my God, it's so much money. And let me tell you the long as you think 50,000 is so much money you're gonna have, it's gonna feel so far away when you start to think like, of course I still have to find $50,000 you, go listen to that podcast we have with the guy with the question marks, I forget his name, anyways, go and find it, but let's just talk about things I loved that he said. Okay, let me get into my notes. He said, you're in business for yourself, but not by yourself. And I love this, because so many of the people I meet, they're like, so lucky that you and Brad, like, are married and like, you work together. And our biggest response is, like, not everyone should do what we do. So if you want to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself, instead of working with your partner, why don't you get a partner? And it can be a franchise like, I think that's really cool.Brad Crowell 23:09  And different franchisors offer different support, and that's one of the conversations that that you could have with a person like Jon, where you might be like, hey, I am innately a marketer, but I'm terrible at operations, right? Then he, he might say, okay, well, this franchise, you know, whatever, they can help. Or, or conversely, I hate marketing. I'm really, that's not my jam. I need a franchise that will create the content for me that I can just use to put out there. So they're different, like, corporate offices will do different things for the business to support the franchisee and but, but, but as a as a layman, how am I supposed to know? But Jon gets to see hundreds of franchises. Lesley Logan 23:53  I think that's what's so cool. Is like, if you know your strengths, then you can talk to Jon and figure out, like, what are the different franchises that I'm interested in that are, like, in an area I want to be in, and then, okay, of those, which one matches my strengths and my weaknesses? Because you don't want to have something that's like, great at marketing and you're great at marketing, but like, has the systems are not there for the operations, like things like that, but also the franchiser does a lot for you. And remember, it's a proven business model, so like, it's already figured like, it's already thrown ideas at the wall, figured out what works, and then you just get to rinse and repeat that. And I really, I really like that for people who want to create their own schedule, create their own impact, be part of the community, but are risk-averse, you know? And by the way, I get it, we just.Lesley Logan 24:39  I'm risk-averse, too. Lesley Logan 24:39  Oh my god, you really are. Brad Crowell 24:41  But in a measurable way. But it's like, I wouldn't want to go, just go throw money away and hope, hope that something works. Imagine being able to follow a systematic approach where they figured out all the kinks in the business. Like, like the business that Lesley and I run that we've created, it has taken us a lot longer to get to where we are today. It's literally 10 years now, 10 years of running this business, yeah, 10 years of trying to figure things out, making mistakes, doing all this stuff, when with a franchise model, there are so many less mistakes to make, because hypothetically, they've already made the mistakes for you and figured it out and put together the playbook that you can simply follow the plan, the process, right? I really loved when he talked about business ownership is really hard. It takes a lot of work. And, yeah, that's that's very true, too. And he said, if it was easy, everyone would be a business owner, and what he what so, so, of all the pros that we've been talking about with a franchise model, it still does take a lot of work, and it's it takes focus and and the biggest thing he mentioned was the people who fail don't follow the plan, right? And Jon goes, calls up the franchise corporate office and goes, yo, what happened here? What's going on? And the franchisor said, you know, would say to Jon, well, look, we did everything we could to support this person, but they didn't listen. They just didn't fucking listen, you know. And that doesn't mean that, like, there won't still be challenges, because every single location is different, every market is different, every opportunity. And what I mean that, I mean different franchise model is different, you know. So it still will take work, but you don't have to do it alone, you know. And that that's amazing, you know. So, so anyway, he doesn't sugarcoat franchises but he said it's a lot easier and a lot more predictable. Lesley Logan 26:40  His book, actually, like, talks about, like, like, kind of like, if it's for you, you know, and this is where like, it, for us to follow the rules, right, with you, you have to know, okay, we're gonna do this thing with this company. We're gonna follow their rules, which means I'm gonna hire someone to go follow their rules, because I am unemployable, so I will probably fuck him up, but you have to know that about yourself, you know. Such a cool dude. He also was like, because I told him I have an idea, I still have an idea that I might want to, like happen and make, and franchise and he's like, just give me a call. Run it by me. And I'm like, amazing. I just love how generous people can be. Brad Crowell 27:18  Yeah, yeah. Well, stick around, we're going to talk about how generous Jon is with his Be It Action Items, in just a minute. Brad Crowell 27:25  All right, so finally, let's talk about those Be It Action Items. What bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted action items can we take away from your convo with Jon Ostenson? He said he really encourages people who are interested in franchising or the concept of franchising, to just simply explore, that there's no downside, there's no cost to learn about how it works, what it is, is it even plausible for me? Is this something that I could do while still doing my life? He said it's super free to work with them, which we already talked about at the very beginning of this convo here. FranBridge consulting, his company helps clients navigate and find top available opportunities among over 600 different non-food franchise brands and. Lesley Logan 28:08  We love that. I do not want to deal with food. Brad Crowell 28:10  Well, he's he's not, he's not opposed to food, but it also, apparently, just adds a whole lot more variables in there. Lesley Logan 28:16  I used to work at a coffee shop, and it was small business-owned, and I'm going to tell you right now, it is,.Brad Crowell 28:21  Well, that's different than a franchise, because a franchise is a system, so small business-owned might make things just complicated because they're making shit up.Lesley Logan 28:28  Food, food, there's, like, the things you have to do to prevent rats.Brad Crowell 28:32  Right, there's just a lot more variables when it comes to food. There's also a lot of more licensing and a lot more, like red tape with like, local state government stuff, you know. So anyway, he explained that what I already mentioned is that, how does he get paid? He gets paid by the franchise business, the corporate, right? He, you're not necessarily paying him directly. So, I mean, it seems like an absolute win-win.Lesley Logan 28:57  Just worth having the conversation like there's no, there's no harm in it, you know. Brad Crowell 29:00  Yeah. What about you? Lesley Logan 29:01  So I love that he said, activity breeds activity. Yes. It's like a body in motion, stays in motion. Yesterday, we just got into town, you know, at midnight on Friday night. I guess it's Saturday morning. Anyways, our friend, my she saw me at the gym, and she's like, you're like, the most consistent creature. And I'm like, I don't if I was to not be consistent, like, like, if I used travel as an excuse, I would never be consistent. So activity breeds activity. A body motion stays in motion. Explain, it's the idea he saw play out in his career and life, that whenever he gets off the sidelines he starts moving to Option A or B. That's that, then that's when option C comes out of left field. He says, good things happen when you're in motion. And it's so true. Like, it's so true. You know, even we got sidelined with the fucking Canada thing, we pivoted and kept going. And, like, because we did that, other things happened, that the dominoes kept going. And like, these other opportunities came around. And I think, like. Brad Crowell 29:53  Yeah, we met a whole studio we never would have met. Lesley Logan 29:55  We totally did. Could be a pop-up someday. But at any rate, like, you know, you, you'd be surprised what happens. Too often, we get we get sidelined, and we're like, I'm gonna sit over here. Keep going, take another step. And if you hear, as you hear in the podcast, it says action is the antidote to fear. So anyways, I'm Lesley Logan. Brad Crowell 30:16  And I'm Brad Crowell. Lesley Logan 30:17  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast. We love your reviews. Leave us more reviews. I want more reviews. It's my love language. And share this with a person who needs to hear it like you might have a friend in your life who is like, kind of stuck, kind of wondering what to do. Maybe this is what they need. So send them Jon's episode. Send them this episode. And until next time, Be It Till You See It. Brad Crowell 30:38  Bye for now. Lesley Logan 30:38  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod. Brad Crowell 31:21  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 31:27  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 31:31  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 31:39  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 31:42  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Most business owners only call the bank when they're in trouble. Cash is tight, deals are falling apart, stress is mounting.  By then? It's too late.  The banks shut the doors and wave at you from behind the glass. That's the obvious mistake. The less obvious one? Not realizing the best time to secure financing is when you don't need it. That's when banks give you more, on better terms, and when private lenders are willing to play ball. That's the theme of my conversation with George Otel, founder of U.S. Business Funding. He's closed 400+ deals, from SBA loans to $50M commercial bridge financings.  He's also been on the other side as a business owner who knows what it's like to hit a wall when funding isn't lined up. And right now, while capital feels scarce and multifamily investors are calling this a “3-year recession,” George sees massive opportunity, especially with the $10 trillion baby boomer business sell-off already underway. Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Banks love you more when you don't need them. You'll get offered more money than you asked for when you're strong, but the second you look distressed, the same lender disappears. Why is that the exact opposite of how entrepreneurs think about financing? -Bridge loans are just the beginning. Fast capital is a band-aid, not a solution. The winners use bridge money only as a setup for long-term refinancing. How do you structure that from day one so you don't get stuck? -Buying beats building in this market. You'll struggle to get a dime for a startup, but banks line up for businesses with systems and cash flow. With trillions in businesses set to change hands, is acquisition the smarter path for the next generation?   Guest Bio George Otel is a business mentor, investor, entrepreneur, and financing expert. He specializes in start-up and business finance options, helping them attract the right capital for their business. George's goal is to educate entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchise owners, business consultants, and professionals on how to obtain capital in today's lending environment and avoid declines. Over the years, George and his partners have helped direct thousands of entrepreneurs and businesses in the US in obtaining access to hundreds of millions of dollars so they could start, grow, and expand their businesses. To learn more, visit http://usbusinessfunding.net/, send George a DM on LinkedIn, or send a text to 414-475-7757.    About Your Host From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America's #1 Money Mentor with a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is currently the founder of The Money School™, and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.   His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.   Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.         Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

On this week's episode of Best Ever CRE Show, Amanda Cruise interviews Jon Ostenson. They dig into the real playbook for non-food franchises, from what makes home and property services so profitable to when you're just buying yourself a job versus building a manager-run business. Jon breaks down territory strategy, startup costs and funding options like SBA and ROBS, plus why national accounts, an aligned tech stack and franchisor support can 10x your speed to market compared with going solo. They also cover due-diligence “dating,” culture and hiring, exit multiples, and why food concepts often carry more risk than “unsexy” winners like dumpsters, asphalt and temporary walls. Jon OstensonCurrent role: Founder & CEO, FranBridge Consulting. Based in: Atlanta, Georgia. Say hi to them at: https://franbridgeconsulting.com/ | LinkedIn | YouTube This is a limited time offer, so head over to aspenfunds.us/bestever to download the investor deck—or grab their quick-start guide if you're brand new to oil and gas investing. Visit investwithsunrise.com to learn more about investment opportunities.  Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com with code BESTEVER Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Camberato is the visionary CEO and founder of National Business Capital, the nation's leading fintech marketplace connecting entrepreneurs with fast, competitive financing. Through an intuitive online platform and a team of seasoned experts, Joe has helped thousands of business owners secure the funding they need to grow, from SBA loans and lines of credit to equipment financing and beyond. Since 2007, his leadership has driven over $2 billion in funding to businesses across the country.An entrepreneur at heart, Joe started National Business Capital after recognizing firsthand the challenges small business owners face in accessing capital. With relentless determination, he built the company from a one-man operation in his spare bedroom into a nationally recognized powerhouse and a #1 Top Workplace on Long Island—all without any private equity investment.Joe's insights and expertise have earned him frequent features in Forbes, NASDAQ, Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, and Entrepreneur Magazine, where he is celebrated as a thought leader in business growth and entrepreneurship. Driven by a passion for helping others succeed, Joe empowers entrepreneurs to unlock their full potential, outpace their competition, and achieve lasting success.

Lesley Logan sits down with Jon Ostenson, author of Non-Food Franchising and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, to explore why franchising—especially beyond the food industry—is one of the most underutilized yet powerful paths to entrepreneurship. Jon shares how franchising gives you proven systems, built-in marketing, and a peer network, while also revealing what green flags (and red flags) to look for when evaluating opportunities. You'll walk away seeing franchising in a whole new light—with clarity and confidence.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:Why franchising can be a faster, safer path to business ownership.The surprising industries thriving in non-food franchising.How semi-passive franchise models allow people to day jobs while building a business.The real numbers behind startup costs, royalties, and profit potential.Green flags and red flags to watch when evaluating franchise opportunities.Episode References/Links:FranBridge Consulting - https://franbridgeconsulting.com/Jon Ostenson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/Jon Ostenson on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JonOstenson1/Jon Ostenson on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Jon_OstensonJon Ostenson on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JonOstensonFBCBook: Non-Food Franchising by Jon Ostenson - https://a.co/d/29XayrQGuest Bio:Jon Ostenson is the Founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, which ranked 584th on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. A former corporate executive and past President of ShelfGenie, Jon has sat on all sides of the franchising table—as franchisor, multi-brand franchisee, and now trusted advisor. Widely recognized as a leading voice in non-food franchising, he has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and investors explore opportunities across industries such as home services, wellness, senior care, and pet care. Jon is also the bestselling author of Non-Food Franchising, a practical guide for building wealth and business ownership without starting from scratch. Through FranBridge, he connects clients with over 600 vetted franchise brands and provides strategic, hands-on support at no cost to the client—helping them step confidently into semi-passive investments or full-time business ownership. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Jon Ostenson 0:00  Lesley, franchising is not right for everyone. I think there's some people that, to your point, are too entrepreneurial that want to put their thumbprints all over a business. And you know, it may not be a good fit for them. However, for the vast majority, it's my humble belief that franchising represents a better path to business ownership.Lesley Logan 0:15  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.Lesley Logan 0:53  All right, Be It babe. I have a topic we have never touched. I'm so jazzed about this, I actually found it really, really fascinating. And this year is like my year of being curious and understanding more and more about businesses as our business continues to grow. And so when I met Jon Ostenson, I have so much more knowledge, so much more understanding, so much more excitement and inspiration. And I really wanted to bring this to you, because I know how many of you are like, wanting to make other income, wanting to make more income, one of the questions I get all the time is like, how do I make passive income? How do I have another income stream? I know that managing your money in stocks can be overwhelming, and so I wanted to bring a whole topic to you that I think could be really, really fascinating. So Jon Ostenson is the author of Non-Food Franchising. His company is FranBridge Consulting and so we're gonna talk about franchises. And if you're like, oh, this could be so boring, I promise you, it's anything but boring. It's quite fascinating. Even if you never go into this, you'll actually like, look at franchises and different businesses in a whole different light. And I found it to be really eye opening. And I feel like a lot of my friends should be doing this, and I don't know, maybe, maybe I'll create a portfolio and do this too, but I now have so much more understanding, and I'm really excited for you to have that, because to be it till you see it in anything, the first thing we need is have answers and understanding and also some curiosity in a topic we might not have known anything about. So if you've been wanting to start a business, maybe instead of starting something new, you actually want to franchise and so here is Jon Ostenson. Lesley Logan 0:53  All right, Be It babe, I'm really excited. I've read the book by our guest today, and this is a really interesting topic we have never talked about, and I've always been slightly interested in, and now I'm even more intrigued. So Jon Ostenson is our guest today. Can you tell everyone who you are and what you rock at that's so unique, so niche and so wonderfully that we need to talk about it? Jon Ostenson 2:40  Yeah, absolutely, no. Jon Ostenson, here in Atlanta, Georgia, I've got three young kids I chase around on a daily basis, but you know, I spend most of my time helping my clients find the right businesses for them. And so, you know, we work with over 600 different franchise brands, and what I call Non-Food Franchising. So it's all these industries outside of fast food that incorporate franchising. And yeah, it's entirely free to work with us, and I get to help our clients navigate, what are the top opportunities given their background, their interest, what they're looking to do? What are those top available opportunities in their market that can be a fit for them?Lesley Logan 3:11  I so I really, this is, like, really interesting, because first of all, of course, growing up, I only knew like, food franchisers, and I'm just not into cleaning a kitchen. So, like, that was, you know, different. And then also, like, in my industry, there are now, like, franchises in in the Pilates world, but there's always been franchises in the fitness world. And I guess, like, I guess where we could start is, like, wait, why would someone do a franchise versus, like, start their own non-food business, you know, like, what, what would be like, the things that they're thinking about? Because one of the reasons I want to have you on is, we have had a lot of coaches who are entrepreneurial. And I also think, like, not everyone is an entrepreneur, but also I don't want to, like, tell people that, like, I think they need to figure that out for themselves. So why would someone franchise versus start something themselves?Jon Ostenson 3:59  Yeah, great question. And you know, franchising is not right for everyone. I think there's some people that, to your point, are too entrepreneurial, that want to put their thumbprints all over a business, and you know, it may not be a good fit for them. However, for the vast majority, it's my humble belief that franchising represents a better path to business ownership. You know, you've got a lot of things already in place. You've got a proven business model that's been successful in other markets. You've got a coach on the sidelines in that franchisor that's supporting you and their team. You've got other franchisees that are living the same thing day in, day out, in their markets. You're constantly exchanging best practices. You're in business for yourself, but not by yourself. And, you know, being able to step into a business where on day one, the marketing is pretty close to optimized because they know how to run, you know, and the franchisor is doing a lot of that for you. You've got efficiencies and supply chain, and there's just a lot of opportunity that franchising opens up. And what I tell our clients is, hey, you may double down and triple down on franchises and build a whole empire of franchises. A lot of our clients do, or you may decide, hey, after franchising, let's go start my own business. I guarantee you that next business is going to be better for having had that franchise experience and understanding, how do you stand up a business, what are the best practices in the processes that go around it? Lesley Logan 5:09  Yeah, I mean, like, I think that's really cool, because I remember, you know, when I wanted to, first of all, when I became a Pilates instructor, I never thought I'd own a studio, because I worked at a I rented from a studio, and I saw how much stress she was under, and then I worked for a company, high end fitness business, and I got to run a studio for them. And I was like, oh, this is so nice, just to have everyone tell me the budgets, and tell me how much people are getting paid and and do all the do all the math, and then I can just do the thing that I really love. And so in a way, that's kind of like what you're saying, like a franchise is a proven like, it's a business that's already been in existence. It's proven, like, who they're for, what they do, how they market. And so you get to kind of hit the ground already running, in some ways, am I right?Jon Ostenson 5:53  Yeah, you start on third base instead of first. You're not having to test everything now, in exchange, you're paying a royalty back to the franchise or right? And franchising is just like everything. Not every company is created the same. Every industry has got good players. You've got ones that aren't as strong. That's where we come in to help our clients really identify the companies that are providing the most value, that can get them to where they want to be.Lesley Logan 6:13  Yeah. So I guess, then I guess maybe I should have started with, what is a franchise. Maybe I should have started there. And then also, if you can talk about, like, do, do companies that are franchises, they have already been in business before they're selling off businesses, or they they start out that way, like, do you get it on the ground level? Jon Ostenson 6:34  Yeah, well, hopefully they've already proven out the model, at least in one location, if not in multiple locations, you know. And they're well capitalized, they've got a team to support franchisees, but no franchising at its roots, you know, it's really three things. That's, it's a shared brand, we all know that. But then it's, you know, that there's a system, and there's guidance, and there's value being provided from a home office to that franchisee, to that location. The franchisees give me some sort of payment back in the form of a royalty, typically, to that franchisor. So it's really those three things. So there are companies out there that are probably operating as franchises that may not have franchise, but technically, that's what a franchise is. And again, when I say the F word franchise, people think fast food. I mean, that's what comes to mind. But there's so many different industries out there outside of food, and I've got nothing against the food guys. We need them. We support them. But again, there are easier ways to make money that may require less employees, less operating hours, that may carry higher margins because you don't have the food waste, they may be less susceptible to consumer whims. I always say that frozen yogurt was big until it wasn't. Most of our clients are liking opportunities that aren't trendy. They're not going out of style, and they'll always be mainstream.Lesley Logan 7:46  Yeah. Can we talk about like, what are like some of the, what are some of the non-food franchise like, either if you want to name names, or if you want to name like areas of business? Because maybe it would help people to hear like, there, there's actually franchises in an industry they already have experience in. Jon Ostenson 8:01  Yeah, you know. And I'd say 90% of our clients get into something in an industry they don't have experience in. And that's the beauty of franchising, is it allows for those pivots, but you take the transferable skill set. So yeah, examples there, we're seeing a lot of interest, I'd say in the general theme, it's businesses that will do well regardless of the economy, regardless of tariffs, regardless of, you know, other exterior factors. And so it's things that people will always spend money on. So home and property services are a huge area. Health and wellness. McKinsey just came out with a study saying it's now a $480 billion a year industry in the US, growing at 10% so health, you know, wellness, is now mainstream, which I know you would agree with it's categories like kids, pets, seniors again, things that people will always spend money on regardless. And you know, within these there's so many different niches. I mean, I can just, you know, I'm thinking of in-home senior care. We have a lot of clients doing that, but then I've had clients that have been placed there that came back said hey Jon, what's a tangential opportunity that can tag onto this, and I introduced them to one that provides wheelchair ramps and stair lifts and retrofitting within a home, allowing people to age in place. Youth soccer, I've had so many clients do well in youth soccer, tutoring, kids-related, pets, everything from pet grooming to pet boarding to dog training, you know, but. Lesley Logan 9:19  That's crazy, because I would never have thought those things. And also, like, I because we travel around the world. We were talking about that before we hit record, I find myself, like, like, in shock. Sometimes I see a business and I'm like, like, how much did they need to get started? You know? Because, like, what I love about like, like, one of the things that kept me from starting my own studio is, like, just the barrier of entry. I didn't know how to read a lease, I didn't know what kind of insurance I needed to have outside of what the insurance I had as a renter. I didn't know that. And then I had to, like, buy all the equipment, and then it's like, oh, like, literally, my clients came the first like, where's the trash can? I was like, oh, yeah, we need a trash can. Like, you know, you know, right? Like, I was like, I was like, flying by the seat of my pants. But like, what you're saying is, like, I, if I was like, I need a change in my life, or I actually just want to have something that's working alongside what I'm already doing, I can go into another industry, and then they already have the blueprint. So, like, I already know how much it's going to cost me to go all in. I know how much it's going to cost me to run it, and I also have an idea, in theory, at least as I learned this from your book of, like, what I could make off of this investment, which is a little different than stock market, like you think. I mean, we all hope it's going up right now, we're riding a different wave. But, like, but like, you know, so am I right when I say, like, there's like, a nice blueprint there that kind of allows you to know more about what you don't know? Jon Ostenson 10:43  Absolutely. No, you go in and you know, nothing's ever a sure thing, right? I never want to pretend like it is. Business ownership is hard. It takes work. If it was easy, everybody would be a business owner. But franchising does make it a lot easier and a lot more predictable, right? I mean, that's why banks love providing SBA loans to franchises over startups, right? It's just more predictable, and the success rates are obviously a lot higher all the data shows, you know, but I'd say, going in, you know, there's a whole exploration process, and that's where we take our clients through, hold their hand as they're having these conversations with their franchises. You know, learning a lot, asking good questions. They, they get a chance to talk to other franchisees in that system before they ever buy. You know, they get kind of the inside knowledge. They get a franchise disclosure document, which is the history of the franchise and all the information. And to your point, the financials on the all in investment. And you know, there's going to be some variability in there, but it outlines that, and then talks about the historical financial results, what you could expect to make if you execute according to plan. And so you know, you can make disproportionate returns on your investment. Again, because you're, you're putting effort in, right? If it was just thrown in an index fund, you know, you're not going to be able to make, you're going to be capped at what you can make. However, with this, you also get the tax benefit. So it's really a, I call it the trifecta. You're, you're building towards cash returns. You're obviously building an asset that's going to have exit value down the road, and in all likelihood, you'll sell to another franchisee in the system. That's very common. And then third, you get the tax benefits of business ownership. And if you have a W2 job or spouse with a W2 I mean, this could be a great offset. I mean, there's so many levers that the government set up the tax playbook to incentivize business ownership.Lesley Logan 12:19  Yeah, well, one of the reasons why we love being a business owner, I definitely enjoy those. I want to, like, just kind of tap into something, because you talked about, like, being a W2. So realistically, how many people do you know, like, have a job and then have a franchise that's successful? Like, are they overworking? Are they 120-hour work week kind of person? Or, like, is that a normal thing that people can do?Jon Ostenson 12:43  Roughly half of our clients start out with a manager in place. It's what franchising would call semi passive or semi absentee or executive model. I always want to say hey, stop. You know, let's not sugarcoat this. It takes work to stand up a business. You know. I don't want to ever pretend like it doesn't so, you know, it is very doable within a franchise system, because you've got a franchisor and their team supporting that manager that you put in place on a day to day basis, they can answer a lot of the questions and kind of hold their hand. So it takes some of the burden off of you. So much of it your ramp up time and success comes down to who you put in that place. You can have a great vehicle, you still have to have a great driver, so someone that has fire in the belly that you incentivize. You know that's a hard worker. They can make your life very easy, but if it's not the right person, you can find yourself with some headaches and leaning in. So I'd say that is the biggest variable that I see. But I've got so many success stories of clients that have gone that path. I should always want to make sure that they go in eyes wide open, that in the early going especially, it will take work.Lesley Logan 13:43  Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, I think that's really important. Okay, let's just take, take a step back, Jon, how did you get into doing this? Like, did you, did you always know, like, you would be in franchises? Like, did you fall into franchises? Like, tell us the journey that got you here. Jon Ostenson 13:56  Yeah. You know, like so many of your listeners, I spent many years in the corporate world, and you went to grad school and did all the things you're supposed to do as a W2 and had a great run. But, you know, had that desire, like so many, to be a business owner and to do something more entrepreneurial, and didn't know what it what it looked like. And I really fell into franchising. So about eight years ago, I left the corporate world, assumed the reins of a business called Shelf Genie, which is a large franchise system. I served as their president, supporting our home office and all of our franchisees, and I really fell in love with the franchise model through that experience. And I just saw how so many different backgrounds got involved in a shared system because of the support that we were providing. So long story short, I partnered with the founder of that company. We spun off. We've invested in franchises ourselves. I've continued to invest in franchises on my on my own outside of that, so I've been a franchisor. I am a multi brand franchisee as well, and started the consulting practice about little over six years ago, and now I give it most of my full time focus, and just love helping others connect the dots, because I just hear the same conversations every day. So many people, oftentimes midlife, they're saying gosh, you know, I've looked around. And they all know some business owners, and they see them out playing golf or, you know, going to their kids activities. And they say, there's a little bit of FOMO, right? And, but they say, I don't have that genius idea. I'm a little risk averse. I don't know where to start. That's where I come in and say hey, look at all these other people that have done done this through franchising with similar backgrounds, and here's why it worked for them. So absolutely love helping them. I personally, on the franchisee front, this just shows a little bit of the variety out there. I kind of like home and property services personally. So I've got one business that works on parking lots. It provides asphalt paving and line striping, you know, non sexy need based industry, right? I've got another one, is almost like an equipment rental business. It provides temporary walls like containment walls around renovation projects and construction sites. It's a great B2B business. I've got one that this is kind of more in the health and wellness genre. It's uses 3D printing to provide custom inserts and insoles for shoes, right? It talked about a niche, right? But we cater a little bit to the older population. So I've got it down in Delray, Florida, which is a great market. I've got another one where I'm on the franchisor side, I'm invested that provides custom pull out shelving for your kitchens and pantries and stay at home moms are great for that business. They're great designers. They can work when they want to and go in and be very conversational, and it's just cool that, you know, we're creating a lot of jobs out there and helping a lot of communities.Lesley Logan 16:28  Okay, that is so all of those things, I would not have thought that, like, those are franchises. I guess I just thought, like, some guy in Las Vegas, like, start a business, like, putting fences, you know, and then it's like, but then I do see like, oh, it's a company. And then you're like, how, like, how, who got into, like, having a business in every city that has, like, fences. But now that I'm like, you know, now that the wall been pulled over my eyes, I can under, away from my eyes, I can see like, oh, these are companies that got started, and then they had success, and then they basically created a blueprint that they could sell to other people, and then that's how they spread their wings, because they've got good systems in place. And then people like you, or people like listening are like, Oh, I could do that. I actually, like, I have the funds for that. I like that area, or, you know, I can have the time for that. I just wouldn't have thought that those are those. There's things out there. And I was reading your book, one of the things that we all have to realize is, like, there's a massive population of people who are getting older, and there is not enough like services for them, and so like to be able to get into a franchise that is like servicing those people that they for a necessity they need. It's kind of nice, I guess. I have a question, how much of what you have to do as a franchisee, as far as the marketing goes, like, are you curating the marketing? Does the franchise or that's the parent company, right, like the owner, do they come up with a marketing strategy and you just, like, put it out there. Like, I guess I'm wondering, like, how much of it do you be creative? Because I have a lot of people like, I want to do this, but I hate social media, or I hate writing a newsletter, or I hate doing the the money and the taxes, like, how much does the actual franchisor do for you? Jon Ostenson 18:06  Yeah, it certainly varies, but I'd say in most cases, the franchisor leans in pretty heavy on the marketing side, and that's one of the value adds they're bringing. So they're creating collateral and brand standards and customizing things for you for your location. But you know, typically they have an in house marketing team. They may partner with an outside digital marketing firm that's running all your Google ads and social media ads and such. Oftentimes, they encourage you to get involved on the organic side of social media. So it's, hey, I've got a home show coming up. Hey, look at this great job. We just got a five star review. But again, if you need help with that, most of them are able to lean in pretty heavy, because I do have a lot of clients like you said that they hey, I don't want anything to do with marketing or lead generation. And I, you know, in some cases you have franchises that have national accounts. I mean, that's a great lead generator. In some cases, they have an in house call center that's actually sometimes making outbound calls, or, at a minimum, taking inbound calls, setting appointments for you. So, you know, as you go through the expiration process, you want to say, what, what value is that franchisor providing for the royalty that I'm giving them? And, you know, make sure that there's tangible things that they're doing for you, oftentimes on the marketing side as an example.Lesley Logan 19:11  Yeah, okay, you talked about royalties, I guess, for the person who doesn't understand what that means. What is that? And then what are we what can someone expect on like, maybe not like the best end, but like an average, an average earnings.Jon Ostenson 19:26  Yeah, so I'd say six to 8% royalty typically is common in revenue, and when you look at financial projections of a franchise system, they're always going to net out for that royalty, right? I mean, that's part of the business model. But again, those are oftentimes expenses that you would be paying on your own elsewhere. From an earnings standpoint, well, first off, from an investment standpoint, I mean, we have some clients who are getting into big seven figure deals, but most people like when you look at service-based businesses and you're all in investment, your franchise fee, startup costs, several months of working capital, oftentimes you're in the 150,000 to 300,000 range, all in. And some of our clients are using cash, most like the idea of using an SBA loan, where maybe they put in 50,000 cash and then they use an SBA loan for the balance. Some are using an old 401-K from a previous employer, and rolling that over, which is very doable through what's called the ROBS program. So we help them with all of that. But from an earnings standpoint, it definitely varies. You always want people to take a conservative approach. There are businesses that will start cash flowing as early as three months in. Oftentimes, what you see is maybe six months, six to 12 months, somewhere in that range. Again, we always want to be conservative, but no you can make disproportionate returns. So let's say your all in investment was 200,000 from their businesses out there, where you can conceivably do a million dollars for first year. I mean, there are a good number of those. And oftentimes you're kicking off 15 to 20% to the bottom line. So call it 150 to the bottom line. And you may not get that in year one, but that may be your run rate at the end of year one. So 150 on an investment of 200,000 that's 75%, and then you're doing, you're doing that every year, and you're going to sell that business down the road. So again, but you're putting effort in, right? Lesley Logan 21:01  Right, well, well, and it's like, like, I'm just, like, just forever. I, when I opened up my studio, which was a small studio, I, no, my bank did not give me a loan. I've been in business for so many years, like, look, I make, I make over six figures, and I just want, like, a $40,000 loan. And they like, laughed in my face, so I used a credit card. But it was, the investment was like, $40,000 in equipment, all I had to do, and then obviously my rent and everything. And of course, yes, I, because it was on a credit card, I paid that shit off. But, but like you do only have to, ideally, only buy that equipment one time, right? So there's that. But to to your point, like the money that or time I had to spend on marketing my business, on coming up with the marketing, on testing it out, on doing all that stuff, on also collaborating, also doing the organic, also all that stuff, it starts to go sometimes you're like, it would be nice if someone could take this off. And even if you're like, oh, let's all just hire an agency. Y'all, I have talked to marketing agencies. They are not just 6% like some like, you know, when you think about, like, the marketing agency and the account and the organization and the hiring practices and the onboarding, all that stuff costs money, and so sometimes it's kind of like, it's almost like it's 50% it's 50 one way, 50% one way, half it does another. It's kind of like, if you really want to make your own thing and be your own thing, then go do your own thing, and you'll have all the same expenses. But I can't believe, and I don't know, I can't believe it that an SBA loan would be easier to get if you're in a franchise. But it makes sense, because there's a proven track record from all the other businesses, and the SBA is like, oh, this is like, very risk free. It took us a pandemic to get an SBA loan because they were just giving them away. And then recently, a lovely bank helped us get an SBA loan. But, like, it's not easy when you work for yourself and a non proven kind of a thing to get loans. So it sounds really cool that that would be an option for people. Jon Ostenson 22:51  Yeah, and probably two thirds of our clients use them. We really don't have issues getting them. As long as you have semi decent credit, then you know, they have that confidence in the franchise.Lesley Logan 23:00  That's so cool. That is really cool. Okay, so I guess you know there's, there's probably people going, oh my gosh. Like, I don't know. Like, I'm not confident as a business owner. Do you have to have, like, would you suggest, like, you have to have some sort of management experience, or do you have people who, like, do the franchisers like, support you in leading a team and how to lead the business that you're doing. Or, like, are you having to figure that yourself? Jon Ostenson 23:26  Yeah, there are some franchises where you really don't have to have a team. You know, you can be kind of a solopreneur in a way, or maybe have an assistant. Most of them do involve people. And people always ask me, what, what does it take to be successful in franchising? And really, it's two things. It's one, you're good with people. You don't have to be great, but you have to be someone that people want to work with, work for work. So that's just Business 101, and then secondly, your willingness to follow a system, where I see people get in trouble in franchising is that they come in and they think they're the smartest guy in the room, and they don't have the humility to actually learn from others and to follow a system, even if they have questions. When I was at Shelf Genie, our best franchisees were the ones that followed the system the closest. That sounds so cliche, but it's true. Lesley Logan 24:04  I mean, just being in business myself for 15 years, like, how, like, there are some days I'm like, I just wish there was a fucking blueprint that I could just wake up, follow, like, there's days and I'm like, so I can't imagine, like, not only take advantage of that, but I guess, like, maybe that would be the person who wouldn't be right for franchising, and maybe they shouldn't have gotten into it in the first place.Jon Ostenson 24:29  Yeah, no, I've seen clients do very well within a franchise system, and then, you know, I had a client that didn't do well in it, and the feedback from the franchisor was said, what's going on? Why is it working for them and not for them. You said, we've coached them, we've done everything we can, but they're not willing to follow the system. (inaudible) But certainly, if you have any business experience that you know, those transferable skill sets definitely help and maybe give you a leg up. But I've got plenty of clients, you know, doctors or a big client, mainly clientele of ours, most of them don't have business experience. They may be really, they're like, smart and smarter than their little niche but they don't have that business experience. They love the idea of, they know how to learn, and they're willing to learn, and they're willing to follow the playbook the textbook. Instead, they come in and they say, Hey, we want to flex that intellectual muscle. And most of them are keeping the day job. You know, they've invested too much to walk away from that. But they put a manager in place, and they go out and run a restoration business, or a mobile pet grooming business, something that allows them to flex that intellectual curiosity a little bit.Lesley Logan 25:29  That is so cool. I just think it's so cool, like I was, I never thought about, I'll be really nice, I actually never thought about owning a franchise. I have been wondering and been very curious of like, what if I wanted to open up something that I made into a franchise like that has been on my mind a lot lately, but the more I read your book, the more I'm like, what a cool investment strategy. Like, you know, just to diversify how you're investing for retirement and wealth, and, like, generational wealth. I don't have any kids, but like, it would be cool to have have have another way of having an income stream or or a way of growing wealth without having to, not that it's not work, but also just not rely solely on, like, what my wealth manager is doing with my stocks.Jon Ostenson 26:13  Oh, because so many of our clients do have kids or family members that they plan on bringing in on the business over time and kind of setting an example for them to learn from as well, and of taking a risk, if you will, a calculated risk. But now from an investment standpoint, I'm an all of the above investor. I invest in real estate and energy and the public markets and private credit. I encourage people to do all that. I just think the business ownership can have a unique place in that portfolio, and there's a whole lot of tax benefits and other synergies to come from that. So I'm not against any of those other investments. I just think it's an all of the above approach. And a lot of our clients invest in real estate too, some more actively than others, but there's a lot of synergy between those two, I think, from a mindset standpoint, from a tax advantage standpoint, and then directly from an industry standpoint, a lot of these businesses support real estate.Lesley Logan 27:00  What are some, like, green flags about a franchise, or some red flags, like, what are some things that we would like? You'd be like, oh, this looks really this looks really good. I think a client would do really well with this. And then what are some like, ooh, maybe, maybe watch this one, or don't, don't sign up for that.Jon Ostenson 27:16  You know, certain the brand is more important in certain industries. I mean, certainly, food, hotels, things like that. You know, but in a lot of industries, I think about insulation, that's a $50 billion a year industry, no one can name an installation company, right? And so that's less important. But still, some of these industries, you know, if it's a household name brand, then it's probably sold out in all the good areas of your market, right? And so oftentimes, we find ourselves working with more emerging franchises. You know, they may have five locations, 25 locations, 50 locations. Yes, they haven't been around forever, but they're growing fast. And really, the what I look for there, it's the competitive advantages, it's the financial models got to be very robust, because you have a smaller sample size to look at. You've, you know, the early franchisees have to be saying positive things about their experience. But then a lot of emphasis I put on those companies is the leadership team. I want to see a good blend of industry experience, but also franchise experience represented on that team that's essentially going to be your business partner. So I would say that the people involved on the other end, I can't underestimate that enough. That's something I emphasize with our clients. Let's vet them. Those are the ones that you want to have a good relationship with that are going to be supporting you day in, day out. You know. I would also say, you know, make sure that, if it's an early stage franchise, make sure it's well capitalized. You know, they've got plenty of assets in the bank. I have seen companies, at times, rush into franchising thinking it was their gold mine and they needed to have a pot of gold going in, because it's expensive to franchise, but no, private equity loves franchising, you know, they they invest strategically at the franchisor level very oftentimes, just they love the model and kind of these industries that they play in. There's a lot of smart money getting involved. But I always encourage people, you know, and that's why we set up our exploration process the way we did. And, you know, I'm essentially a real estate broker buffer franchises, and so I help our clients understand what's going on behind the scenes, how to think about this, the questions to ask, provide them with a lot of resources, and then we simply get a referral fee from the franchise brand on the back end when a placement happens, like a real estate model, you've got the seller, and none of that's passed on (inaudible).Lesley Logan 29:17  So that's why you're free. Because, like, I couldn't believe it. I was reading the book, and I was like, because to me, you know, one of the one of the big hurdles for a lot of people is like hiring a coach to help them make the best decisions. You have to have the money for that and hope that it works, but to work with you, you know, it's just free for for the person wanting to work with you. So like, you get paid because the franchise company pays you like a real estate so, got it. Jon Ostenson 29:40  For them, it's a sales and marketing expense. None of that's passed on to our clients at all. So you know, whether they go directly to a brand or go through us, they're paying the same franchise fee. So it's a nice, it's really a great model, and, yeah, we're able to help a lot of people through it. Lesley Logan 29:58  That is so cool. Yeah. I mean, so you did this six years ago. Okay, so you started right before everything shut down. Like, can we just go back? Was it, what was the be it till you see it, or what would, like, the things you had to do? Because, like, my goodness, during that time, a lot of franchises could be open. A lot of franchises had, like, limitations. Did you worry that, like, this was going to all, like, be affected negatively. Like, did you see the light at the end of the tunnel? Tell me about it. Jon Ostenson 30:25  Yeah, you know, just like everything, we're all questioning what's going on there for a few weeks, but then as soon as the dust settled, I mean, the franchise deals started happening again, and people started jumping back in. They said, I want something that I can be in control of, and I really don't want to go back to the office. I really, you know, a lot of people took time to think about what they wanted to be until they saw, you know, and they said, you know, that's the time a lot of introspection, which led to a lot of people saying, maybe now's the time. If I don't jump now, when am I ever going to do it? So, you know, there's a lag effect. Some of those late adopters I'm still having calls with now. They're like, I've been thinking about this for years, and most of them are realizing there's never a perfect time to jump into business ownership. But, you know, good number of them realize, hey, now's as good of a time as ever, as ever. And yeah, for me, you know, I love what I do. I've had teams in the past of, you know, 50 employees, and you know, I can do that, but that's not what I love doing. What I love doing is working with clients. I love strategy. I love seeing business models being out there at the tip of the spear, and so I've really structured my business now. I had that vision early on that, hey, I'm going to play to my strengths and how I want to spend my time, and that's what I've built. So yeah, love our model and how I get to help people and engage with clients all day.Lesley Logan 31:35  Yeah, so in that because, like, we talked to a lot of people get really passionate. And I think what, especially when I work with studio owners, like, sometimes their passion becomes like a prison because they like, stop taking care of themselves to like, do their passion like, how do you prioritize yourself so that you can have the mindset and the wherewithal to help the people that you like to help?Jon Ostenson 31:54  Yeah, I'm probably one of the more intentional people that you'll meet in that regard. You know, I think through things in the area of five domains, you know, faith, family and relationships, but then also finances, fitness and franchising. So my 5F framework, if you will, you know, but I'm constantly evaluating and balancing, you know, how my day is spent in each of those so, you know, work out on the fitness side. You know, the trainer a couple times a week, and got my infrared sauna and cold plunge and red light and all that here in the office. And, you know, coach my kids teams, you know, teach their Sunday school. You know, try to balance everything and very blessed, very thankful for what I get to do, and that allows me to do the other things I want to do. And I will say I'm the hardest boss I've ever had. You know, business ownership isn't easy. I work myself hard, but there's so much flexibility, and I'm just thankful. I pinch myself every day having had a W2 job for many years, I could, can never imagine doing that again.Lesley Logan 32:48  Yeah, I understand that. Okay, this is a really, like personal story we had. Our health insurance company is contracted with another company. Maybe it's a franchise that, like, comes to your house to, like, do, like, your physical, which is, like, just the meetup, just the heart, the lungs, just the blood pressure, and then, like, talk to you about, like, what doctors you want to see this year. And the whole time I was like, this feels like a scam. Are you casing the joint? Like, what are? What are? I'm like, I feel like this, this is too good to be true. And then they left and my husband are just like, let's just pretend it's not a scam. How lucky are we that we could set aside the time in the middle of a workday at our home to, like, take care of our health, and then, like, go back to doing the things we love everyday. Working for yourself is, like, the hardest thing, even if you work for yourself, for your own franchise, like they're running a business is, you know, there's only so many days where there's not an obstacle. You're like, what the fuck just happened there? But when you are realizing it's all part of the plan that you set out, like when you actually got what you wanted, it is worth pinching yourself. So I love that. Thank you for sharing that. And I also we second y'all red lights, cold plunges like, work out, move your body. It makes running your business, whatever that is, so much easier.Jon Ostenson 34:07  Absolutely, absolutely, no, fully agree. Lesley Logan 34:09  What are you most excited about right now? And like, it can be like in the franchise world, or it can be in like, in your business. Like, what are you most excited about right now? Jon Ostenson 34:16  Yeah, you know, I I practice what I preach, and I love just trying new things and then bringing them to my clients. So for me, I've got my consulting practice, and then I've got all these franchises and other investments in a holding company, and I'm just, this is the nerd side of me. I'm just realizing all these different tax plays and alternative investments and how they can work together, and I'm bringing in the best of the best advisors, and, you know, really trying to level up. That was my theme last year, was level up. I'm like, am I with the best bank out there? Am I with the best concierge doctor? Am I with the best financial advisor? I identified 25 different areas, and this took time by one by one, leveled up in each of those. And said, if I'm not working with best in class, why not? And so I'm just thinking through that lens, and I think it's helping our clients to just kind of say, you know, let's get off the sidelines. Let's just forget the status quo. Like, how do we level up and get better? And you know, whether it be personally or those that we work with in every area.Lesley Logan 35:11  That's so cool. Thank you for sharing that. Because I, I think it's really easy to just keep doing the same thing, and you're like, well, this works and this works. And like, going back to that the bank that gave us SBA loan, I told my husband, I was like, well, why aren't we working with that bank? Like, why is that is not our bank? Because our bank certainly didn't help us. So why are we not with that bank? And it was like, one tiny thing, and I'm like, can we figure out a way around that one time? This seems so stupid. I want to work with a bank that's going to give me money whenever I want it. That's why, why I have a bank. It's not like they're getting interest. I'm not making any money off them. So I so I find, like, it's, it's effort to go through and figure out what that is. And then there's that change, which most people don't like, but then it's like, but then you have, like, the best of the best. So, you know, I think that's really cool.Jon Ostenson 36:01  Yeah, absolutely, you know, unfortunately, I've got the best wife, so I'm not up leveling there.Lesley Logan 36:06  That's good to know. That's good to know. Shout out to her. Okay, is there anything I didn't ask you, because this is a new topic for me, so I really want to make sure that, like, we covered all the bases that you think we needed to. Is there anything to ask you about franchising and getting into it that you want to share with us today. Jon Ostenson 36:22  Yeah, you know, I think we really hit a lot of the hot topics. You know, we're seeing more interest than we've ever seen. I think, for a variety of reasons, our biggest challenge is not lead flow, it's, it's, you know, just the opportunities. They move so fast in good markets. So I would encourage people, if anyone has an interest in exploring, there's no downside, there's no cost. I just hear testimonial after testimonial of franchising wasn't on my radar. I was looking at existing businesses. And actually, that's a good topic. A lot of our clients say hey, we've been looking for an existing business. Here's what I hear. We've been looking for four years, five years, six years. We've been under LOI, letter of intent for five companies, six companies, due diligence didn't shake out someone else outbid us. We uncovered this. And due diligence over and over again, and then they come around to franchising. They say, wait a minute, I can get into franchising without having to pay the premium of an existing business, without having to have the risk of change in ownership. I mean, you're going to lose some key employees. That just happens when you have a change in ownership. And there's so many people out there looking because you have all these talking heads on social media saying, hey, buy a business and then build it. It's like, what was the franchise system? Buy a proven model, but put your thumbprints on it from day one, and build the culture the way you want it. So I'd say that was one thing I wanted to add that just came to mind.Lesley Logan 37:36  I'm glad you brought that up, because we first, like, I work with a lot of business owners who are like, I want to sell my studio. They want to sell their business. And I'm always like, okay, well, what can we sell? Because if you are the main person, not much to sell, babe. So we have to, like, do all this work to make the business sellable. And, and I was like, and I really wish that someone had told you have to think about the exit in mind. Because you have to think about the exit in mind when you start anything everyone, but I do think that there's a lot of people in, oh, I'll just buy this one because I've seen how good it is. I like going there. And so we have this, like, almost like, attachment, but it's true, like, even if people like you, they might still leave, because people don't like change.Jon Ostenson 38:17  Yeah, and you paid a premium thinking nothing was going to change, right? So, you know, that's one of the things I love about franchising, too, is that exit in mind when you start in the beginning again, most franchises, you're not going to find many good franchise resales out there on the market, because any opportunity that's worth buying is going to be bought by another franchisee in that system, that internal M and A, as I call it, mergers and acquisitions, where franchisees buy each other's businesses, which allows for exits and allows others to expand. That's so, so common. I've got so many clients have done, I've personally done it just again, when you think about the end in mind.Lesley Logan 38:52  Yeah, okay, we're gonna take a brief break, and then we're gonna find out how people can work with you, do a call with you and see if this is what's in it for them. Lesley Logan 39:02  All right, Jon, how do people like, it's free, so they could just, like, chat with you and just see if, like, this is a good idea for them, right? Like, that's how they can work with you. How do they find you?Jon Ostenson 39:10  Yeah, come out to our website, franbridgeconsulting.com F-R-A-N bridge consulting dot com you know, share your email address. I'll send you a free digital copy of our book, Non-Food Franchising, which is a great primer to kind of get the juices flowing and help you connect the dots on franchising. And yeah, more than happy to jump on a call, just to indicate that interest when we reach out to you, and we'll jump on a 20-25, minute call, and I can give you some thoughts and get to know you a little bit better, and we can go from there. So again, entirely free to work with us. Certainly if you want to follow on LinkedIn, I put out content most days on LinkedIn. So that could be another place to find me. Lesley Logan 39:42  Oh, that's cool. LinkedIn a place that I keep saying I'm going to start printing thumbprint on. And I go in there and I'm like, I don't know what I'm doing. So maybe in a maybe in a future year. You guys, I did read the book. I'm telling you, it was an it's a great read, and it really helped. It will. I think if it's for you, you'll know by reading the book, and if it's not for you, you'll know by reading the book. And I think that that's really cool. And also I just really, one of the things I'm really intentional about is like we have so many listeners, and I really want people to have I think freedom to make decisions is one of the most important ways you can be it till you see it. And having an, a way of making an income that works for you is one of the best things I could give to you guys as listeners. So thank you so much for being here. Before I let you go, Jon, you've given us so much already, but we love to give our listeners some bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps people can take to be it till they see it. What do you have for us? Jon Ostenson 40:35  Yeah, you know, I would say, here's a quote, activity breeds activity, and it's the idea. I've just seen this play out in my career, in my life. Whenever I get off the couch, off the sidelines, I start moving towards Option A or Option B. That's when option C comes out of left field. And so I think good things happen when you're in motion. That idea of activity breeding other activity. Oftentimes you don't know what's coming, but you stay active, it comes.Lesley Logan 40:55  So good. It's so good. It kind of like, ladies, my Pilates lovers, it's like a body in motion stays in motion, like it's like that, but also like we had someone else say, like, I'm, everything is everything. And when you never know what, going out and talking to someone could turn into, my husband talks to everyone at every party, and I I'm so thankful for him, because I can talk to like, five people at a party, and then I'm like, okay, that's good. I'm good. Like, but he and, you know what, we've needed some of those people. He's like, oh, there's this guy I talked to at this place and, like, so, and you just never know what those connections are. So that's a great Be It Action Item. Thank you so much, Jon. Jon Ostenson, everyone. You can get his book, go to franbridgeconsulting.com. Perfect. Go there. We'll have the link in the show notes. And, you know, share this with a friend who needs to hear it. If you had a friend who's like, I need something different, I need to change. I need a new job, like this might be the exact thing they need. And then you get to be part of that. How cool is that? So thank you, Jon. And until next time everyone, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 41:35  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 42:39  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 42:44  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 42:48  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 42:55  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 42:58  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, the hosts break down a $4.6M rural golf course deal with sketchy financials, a possible connection to Blackwater, and more red flags than a PGA tournament.Business Listing – https://www.loopnet.com/biz/business-opportunity/the-golf-club-and-grill-at-eagle-creek/1870370/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.