In this episode of the Path to Freedom podcast, Wes and guest Graham Chapman discuss the importance of support and guidance in the franchising industry. Graham, with over 15 years in the franchise community and roles at ZorForum and 919 Marketing, shares insights on high-impact PR, franchise development, and local digital marketing for franchisees.…

In this episode of the "Path to Freedom" podcast, I spotlight the successful franchise owner David Schuck, a former professional basketball player who transitioned into franchising. David's ventures include Liberty Tax, Club Pilates, Hand and Stone Massage, and Vivo Med Spa. The episode delves into his journey and the strategies that led to his suc…

Join us as we embark on an enlightening journey through the multifaceted world of real estate investing with Randy Langenderfer of InvestArk. Randy shares his seasoned expertise, recounting his evolution from single-family home investing to the more complex realm of multifamily syndications. Listen in as we uncover the benefits of pooling resources…

Dive into an enthralling conversation with Courtney Yeager, the dynamic founder behind the Tox, and unravel the innovative approach to wellness that's taking the industry by storm. Courtney's journey from an overworked entrepreneur to the CEO of a pioneering wellness franchise is not just inspiring but also a testament to the transformative power o…

In this podcast episode, the Wes engages with Jim Stevenson, CEO of the Bletchley Group, in a deep dive into entrepreneurship, business strategy, and the role of technology in business growth. Stevenson recounts his journey from working at IBM in Europe to founding his own company, emphasizing the importance of control over one's career and the fre…

Have you ever felt like money is a puzzle you just can't solve? Miriam Castilla, the architect of Magnetic Money, joins us to piece together the complex relationship we share with our finances. With a fusion of mindset mastery and actionable strategies, she empowers small business owners to cultivate a wealth-conscious attitude. Our dialogue transc…

In this spotlight episode of the "Path to Freedom" podcast, Wes explores Mark Wahlberg's successful transition from music and acting to a diversified business mogul. The discussion covers Wahlberg's production companies "Closest to the Hole" and "Unrealistic Ideas," his Las Vegas studio project aimed at improving industry pay, and his franchise end…

In this podcast episode, Wayne Holloway, founder and CEO of Best Choice Roofing, shares the company's journey and his vision for its future. He discusses the company's structure, including franchising, corporately owned stores, and partner stores, and the expansion strategy. Wayne also talks about the importance of a strong company culture, the ben…

Discover the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to well-being that defines Magen Bynum, the innovative mind behind Magnolia Soap and Bath. Our enlightening discussion with Megan reveals not just the sensory delight of her franchise stores, reminiscent of a bakery's charm, but also the journey of creating a brand that's as committed to transparen…

In this episode of the "Path to Freedom" podcast, Wes shines a spotlight on Patrick Mahomes' foray into franchise investing. As a successful professional athlete, Mahomes has expanded his portfolio to include franchise ownership, notably opening Kansas City's first WhatABurger. Wes discusses Mahomes' diverse investments, including stakes in the Kan…

In this episode of "Path to Freedom," Wes, a franchise consultant and owner, examines Shaquille O'Neal's successful franchise investments. Shaq's diverse portfolio, including Auntie Anne's, Five Guys, Papa John's, Krispy Kreme, 24 Hour Fitness, and car washes, has significantly contributed to his net worth. The episode highlights Shaq's strategic b…

In this episode of the Path to Freedom podcast, host Wes Barefoot converses with guest Erik Van Horn about the intricacies of franchising. They delve into the importance of mentorship and the impact of a founder's personal brand on franchise growth. Erik shares his experiences with Front Street Equity Partners, emphasizing strategic franchise sales…

Join me, Wes Barefoot, on a fascinating journey with Nick Sheehan, co-founder and managing partner of the Rep'm group, where we explore the intricacies of franchise development and the unparalleled support they offer to both emerging and established franchise brands. Prepare to be enlightened on how to lay a solid foundation for a thriving franchis…

Unlock the secrets of affordable housing innovation as we chat with Colton Paulhus, the ingenious founder of Anchored Tiny Homes. Discover how a simple Facebook post catapulted his vision into a vibrant business that's reshaping the housing industry. Amidst a critical shortage in the aftermath of the 2008 crash, Paulus's company has emerged as a ga…

In this episode of the "Path to Freedom" podcast, Erle Adams, CMO of J. Gault Finance Suites, discusses the critical role of business credit for SMEs. He details the risks of using personal assets for business funding and the lack of awareness about corporate credit building. Erle outlines J. Gault's mission to provide SMEs with tools typically res…

In this podcast episode, Maya Ratcliff, founder and CEO of Hawaiian Fluid Art, shares her entrepreneurial journey from starting art classes to franchising her business concept. Her art studios offer a therapeutic and inclusive environment, providing various art forms and positively impacting individuals with unique needs. With 23 open stores and mo…

In this podcast episode, Wes Barefoot, a franchise owner and consultant, discusses how franchise ownership can lead to greater personal freedom and control over one's life. Using a bicycle analogy, he explains the importance of operational execution and the effort required to succeed in franchising, emphasizing that the right choice must be paired …

In this podcast episode, Wes, a business coach, interviews Raffi, an entrepreneur, about the intricacies of franchising, business development, and the significance of values and culture in a company's growth. They delve into the challenges of finding and retaining quality staff and the need for strategic planning, regardless of the business size. R…

In this podcast episode, Raffi Iskenderian recounts his path from an immigrant with humble beginnings to a thriving entrepreneur in the home improvement sector. He and his business partner, Jeff, leveraged their corporate experience from Capital One to strategically build a diversified portfolio of home improvement businesses, including ShelfGenie.…

​​In this episode, Wes kicks off the new year with a discussion on the significance of equity ownership for financial freedom. He introduces "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant," a book by a successful entrepreneur that offers guidance on wealth and happiness. Wes reflects on Naval's philosophy that challenges conventional wealth accumulation methods, …

Prepare yourself for a riveting journey as we uncover the triumphs of Drew Brees, not just as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and MVP, but as a successful franchise mogul. From his first foray into franchising with Jimmy John's during his time at Purdue University, to strategic partnerships with brands such as Walk-Ons Sports Bistro, Smalls Slider…

In this episode of the "Path to Freedom" podcast, the host discusses the three necessary elements for achieving the goal of business ownership, inspired by insights from John Mattson, the founder of Superhuman. The elements include belief in oneself and the possibility of success, the know-how or willingness to learn and seek guidance, and the will…

In this podcast episode, Nick Lobert and Derek Shewmon, co-founders of the franchise brand Homestretch, discuss their business. Homestretch is a home preparation service company that helps homeowners prepare their homes for sale, focusing on cosmetic improvements. They share their journey from childhood friends to business partners, and how they st…

In this episode of the Path to Freedom Podcast, the host introduces Leland Gross, founder and CEO of Peace Link Financial Planning. They discuss the importance of strategic financial planning for small business owners and self-employed professionals. Leland shares his holistic approach to financial planning, emphasizing the business as the biggest …

In this podcast episode, host Wes Barefoot interviews Alex Yeater, a partner in an area representative partnership for the emerging brand Everbowl. They discuss Alex's journey into franchising, his partnership with Drew Brees, and his franchise experiences. Alex shares insights into the challenges and rewards of franchise ownership, the importance …

In this episode of the "Path to Freedom" podcast, the host discusses the misconceptions about franchise ownership, emphasizing its scalability. The host introduces Greg Flynn, the owner of the Flynn Group, as an example of successful franchise ownership. Flynn, who started with eight Applebee locations, now owns 2,356 restaurant franchises and has …

Highlighting our engaging conversation with the dynamic John Madsen, founder and CEO of Superhuman, this episode journeys into the world of fitness and entrepreneurship. John shares his inspiring transition from the NFL to the fitness industry, and how he has been growing his innovative brand for the past three years. He opens up about his mission …

Have you ever found yourself feeling like a fish out of water while navigating the world of entrepreneurship? Like you, our guest for today, Dan Klaps, co-founder and CEO of Vota Cleaning and Restoration, walked through these daunting waters, turning every stone into a stepping stone. His journey, replete with ventures from selling baseball cards t…

When my wife, Kelly, and I were just starting out, we found ourselves yearning to be business owners at a relatively young age. The hitch? We were short on resources and had little financial backing. Yet, the desire to break free from the conventional 9-5 grind was too potent to ignore. In this riveting episode, I unfold the tale of our journey int…

In this episode of the Path to Freedom podcast, host Wes interviews John Nemo, founder and CEO of Nemo Media Group. They discuss the importance of marketing, branding, and prospecting, with a focus on LinkedIn. John shares his journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, highlighting how he utilized LinkedIn for B2B leads and lead generation. He em…

What happens when you step out of your comfort zone and take a leap into the world of franchise business? My wife and I can tell you – it’s a rollercoaster of experiences, lessons, and realizations. In our journey, we've discovered the power of a semi-absentee ownership model, a concept that allows you to maintain your current lifestyle and financi…

Welcome to a fresh episode where we're thrilled to have Henry Gonzalez, a franchise owner of the unique boutique fitness brand, Stretch Lab. The first part of our conversation follows Henry’s intriguing voyage from a stock-heavy investment portfolio to becoming an inspiring franchise owner. Along with his wife, Henry takes us through the pivots and…

In this podcast episode, Wes interviews his friend Dave Pazgan about his work with Kido Kinetics, a youth sports enrichment brand. Dave explains how he got involved with the brand and discusses the potential of the business. They talk about the size and potential of the youth sports market, the impact of COVID-19, and the opportunities for Kiddo Ki…

Get ready to be inspired as we chat with former professional athlete turned top franchisee, Brandon Beechie. From the hustle of the baseball field to a successful entrepreneur, Brandon's story is nothing less than awe-inspiring. We navigate his journey, the challenges encountered, and how he found the freedom he sought in franchise ownership. We de…

Meet Brian Will, a self-made multi-millionaire who started his journey as a rebellious teen kicked out of high school. With a life story that could inspire anyone from any background, Brian's ascent to success is layered with insightful lessons on taking risks, overcoming adversity, and understanding the clear distinctions between being self-employ…

In this podcast episode, the host introduces Ron Holt, the founder and CEO of Pink Zebra Moving. Ron explains that after 20 years in the house cleaning industry, he felt unfulfilled and decided to start a new business focused on providing better-moving services. Despite having no prior experience in the industry, Ron was motivated to make a positiv…

In this podcast episode, the host introduces Russ Morgan, the founder of Wealth Without Wall Street, as the guest speaker. They discuss the concept of financial freedom and how Wealth Without Wall Street helps people achieve it through passive income. Russ emphasizes the importance of defining clear goals and tracking progress toward financial free…

Get ready for a thrilling ride as we navigate the intriguing world of Bio One - a crime and trauma scene cleanup franchise with Danessa Itaya, its fiery President. This episode will enlighten you about the unique low-cost, low overhead, and scalable opportunities of this franchise that's far from typical. Our guest, Danessa, takes us through her jo…

Unlock the secrets of real estate investing and maximize your passive income with Jeremy Dyer of Starting Point Capital. Promise yourself greater control of your time and financial freedom as you journey with us into the exciting world of the multifamily housing real estate market. Jeremy charts his journey from running a fix-and-flip business with…

In this podcast episode, Wes Barefoot interviews Sarah News, the co-founder, and CEO of Tippy Toes, a mobile franchise concept that offers dance classes for children. Sarah shares the story of how Tippi Toes started and grew into a successful franchise with 27 owners and 38 territories across the US. She emphasizes the importance of franchise cultu…

In this podcast episode, I discuss the misconception that franchise ownership is a passive investment. I clarify that while some franchises may advertise themselves as semi-absentee or executive models, it doesn't mean that you can be completely hands-off. Owning a franchise is starting a business and requires responsibility and involvement from yo…

In this podcast episode, I interview Dan Reese (President of The Milkshake Factory) and Dana Manatos, CEO of The Milkshake Factory. They discuss the unique food and beverage franchise concept and the origin story of their business. The Milkshake Factory is an emerging brand that has partnered with experienced franchising companies. The founders sha…

In this podcast episode, I highlight the importance of being knowledgeable about the brands and the responsibility I feel as a consultant. I also share my experience in the franchise industry and the benefits of working with a consultant who has real-life experience. I invite listeners interested in franchise ownership to connect with me and offer …

In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of discussing an exciting marketing strategy with my guest, Michael DeLon. As the founder and CEO of Paperback Expert, Michael shared how his company helps small business owners create books as a powerful marketing tool. What's fascinating is that these business owners don't even have to write a single wo…

In this podcast episode, I introduce Evan Miller, the founder, and CEO of Game Day Men's Health. They discuss the Game Day Men's Health concept, which focuses on helping men live optimized lives through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and other services. Evan shares his journey in the healthcare industry and the expansion of Game Day Men's H…

Are you considering starting a franchise business but unsure how to secure the necessary funding? I sit down with Shirley Kitchen, the Director of Business Development for Fran Fund, to discuss funding strategies for franchise businesses. Shirley and her team at Fran Fund are funding experts who help individuals understand their options and navigat…

In this episode of "The Franchisee Freedom Podcast," I, Wes, speak with Justin Mink, a professional EOS implementer, and franchisee, about the benefits of implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in businesses. I share my experience using EOS to double my startup's revenue velocity and cap work hours at 40 hours a week. We discuss th…

In this podcast episode, I interview Houston Barnes, a franchise attorney, about the importance of having a specialist review franchise agreements before signing. Barnes explains that franchise agreements are legal documents that govern every aspect of a franchisee's business and can last for up to 30 years. He emphasizes the importance of having a…

​​In this episode of the Path to Freedom podcast, I interview Justin Donald, author of "The Lifestyle Investor," about his concept of lifestyle investing and achieving financial freedom through investing in passive income-generating assets. Justin shares his background in investing and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of building good h…

In this episode of the Path to Freedom podcast, I interview Brian Scudamore, founder, and CEO of O2E Brands, which includes 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, Shack Shine, and You Move Me. Brian shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting a junk removal business to building a half-billion-dollar group of brands. They discuss Brian's backgro…