Path 2 Freedom

Meet the Fitness Franchise That’s Disrupting an Oversaturated Market

Is boutique fitness oversaturated? Discover Strength doesn’t think so — because they’re doing it completely differently.

 

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Scott Breimhorst, VP of Franchise Development for Discover Strength, a cutting-edge fitness brand redefining what it means to own and operate a premium fitness franchise.

 

With a science-backed, twice-per-week strength training model, degreed exercise physiologists, and a high-end client experience, Discover Strength is turning heads — not just with customers, but with serious franchise investors.

 

💡 Learn:

 

-Why Discover Strength turns down unqualified candidates

-What makes resistance training the most in-demand fitness solution

-The unique culture and retention strategy behind their explosive growth

-Why they aim for 250 elite locations instead of 1,000+ mediocre ones

 

🔥 Whether you’re exploring fitness franchises or just want to know what’s next in boutique wellness, this episode is a must-watch.

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

 

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!

 

#Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Fitness

This Franchise Is Saving Teen Lives — And It’s Just Getting Started 🚗

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered Podcast, Wes sits down with franchise veteran Zach Beutler to talk about his latest venture: Jungle Driving — a groundbreaking driver’s education concept that's saving teen lives and reshaping what franchising looks like in the education space.

 

We dive deep into: 

 

✅ How Jungle Driving blends UPS safety methods with teen-focused learning

✅ What it takes to scale a franchise from one concept to a national brand

✅ Why most driver’s ed programs are outdated (and how Jungle fixes it)

✅ How Zach bounced back from bankruptcy to build one of the most promising new brands in franchising

✅ Creative, low-cost customer acquisition strategies without relying on digital ads

✅ Building a franchise system that parents and kids love

 

Whether you’re a parent, a franchise investor, or just someone passionate about business innovation — this is one you don’t want to miss.

 

🔗 Learn more: https://www.jungledriving.com

 

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting. 

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

Like this episode? Hit the like button, subscribe for more unfiltered franchise stories, and drop a comment if this inspired you.

 

#FranchisePodcast #JungleDriving #TeenDriversEd #FranchiseOpportunity #BusinessInnovation

Setback To CEO: The Jaw-Dropping Comeback Story of Tim Dougherty

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Tim Dougherty, the founder and CEO of Project Lean Nation, for one of the most jaw-dropping comeback stories in franchising.

 

In 2006, the FBI walked into Tim’s office and charged him with conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He served time in federal prison—and came out with nothing. But out of that brokenness, Tim rebuilt his life by serving others, starting with a few homemade meals and a dream to change lives through health and nutrition.

 

Today, Project Lean Nation is a fast-growing franchise built on purpose, accountability, and powerful transformation.

 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring franchisee, or someone looking for hope—you need to hear this story.

 

Timestamps:

 

0:00 Intro

0:48 The FBI shows up

2:11 What is Project Lean Nation?

15:22 From prison to purpose

21:00 The first 1,000 meals

23:21 Redemption through service

34:04 How franchising came into play

55:04 Tech, scalability, and support

59:56 What makes a great franchisee?

1:08:54 Revenue potential and membership model

1:13:00 Final thoughts and contact info

 

Resources & Links:

 

Website: https://www.projectleannation.com

Franchise Info: https://www.projectleannation.com/franchise

Email Tim: tim@projectleannation.com

Follow Tim on Instagram: https://instagram.com/plntim

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

Like this episode? Hit the like button, subscribe for more unfiltered franchise stories, and drop a comment if this inspired you.

 

#Franchise #RedemptionStory #Entrepreneurship

From Teaching to Franchisee: How One Woman Built a Successful Franchise During the 2008 Recession

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered Podcast, Wes Barefoot chats with Susan, a former teacher turned franchise owner, who started her Gotcha Covered window treatment business in the middle of the 2008 recession.

 

Now, 17 years later, Susan shares how she created a successful and flexible business that gives her control over her time, lifestyle, and legacy. If you're thinking about franchise ownership, making a mid-life career change, or just want to learn how to build a business that fits your life—this episode is for you!

 

👇 Timestamps & Topics

 

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Susan’s background: from teacher to franchise owner

03:30 – Why she started a business during the 2008 recession

06:00 – Building through referrals & relationships

08:30 – What Gotcha Covered does (and why it’s a great franchise)

12:45 – Selling design services with zero prior experience

20:00 – What franchise training and support look like

26:00 – Designing a business around lifestyle and freedom

33:00 – Community involvement & business growth

36:00 – Hiring subcontractors and installers

42:00 – Why Susan hasn’t scaled her sales team (and that’s okay)

47:30 – Advice for aspiring franchisees and career changers

 

🌐 Susan’s Business: Gotcha Covered of Eastern South Dakota: https://www.gotchacovered.com/eastern-sd/

 

📱 Follow Susan on Social Media:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanbtjarks/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-tjarks-811a3916/

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

💡 Who This Episode Is For:

✔️ Aspiring entrepreneurs

✔️ People exploring franchise ownership

✔️ Career changers in their 40s, 50s, and beyond

✔️ Women in business

✔️ Anyone wanting more flexibility and control over their career

 

👍 Like this episode? Give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more interviews with real franchise owners and business experts!

🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode!

💬 Drop your questions and thoughts in the comments!

 

 

 

#FranchiseOwnership #FranchiseSuccess #CareerChange #GotchaCovered #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #BusinessOwnership #FranchisePodcast #LifestyleBusiness #HomeServicesFranchise

Modern Fundraising for Schools: Inside the Scalable Franchise Model of Fundraising U

In this episode, Wes sits down with Mike Bahun, founder and CEO of Fundraising University, a fast-growing franchise that's transforming the way schools and sports teams raise money.

 

Mike shares how he turned his coaching background and entrepreneurial drive into a scalable business model that’s helped raise over $11 million for schools—while building a high-retention, high-impact franchise system.

 

You’ll learn:

 

✅ Why traditional school fundraisers are broken

✅ How Fundraising U’s service-based model raises more, faster

✅ The franchise opportunity and what makes it scalable

✅ Mike’s journey from pro baseball to business ownership

✅ How Fundraising U is helping schools meet critical funding needs

 

Whether you're a parent, coach, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone exploring franchise ownership, this conversation is packed with value.

 

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

 

🌐 Fundraising University: https://fundraisingu.net

🎧 Coaching Matters Podcast: https://coachingmatters.org

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!

 

#Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

How Shideler Bennett Built a $12M Crumbl Franchise & SaaS Biz Before 30

In this episode, I sit down with Shideler Bennett, a multi-unit Crumbl Cookies franchisee, SaaS founder, and business builder who scaled a $12 million portfolio by the age of 30. From cold-calling insurance agencies to building a 10-unit franchise empire and launching a software company that’s changing how franchisees operate — Shideler shares the gritty, behind-the-scenes truth of what it really takes to grow fast, take risks, and build a business that lasts.

 

Whether you're looking to buy a franchise, start a SaaS business, or just get inspired by someone who took massive action during uncertain times, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

 

🔑 What We Cover in This Episode:

 

How Shideler started with Crumbl Cookies during the pandemic

Scaling from 1 to 10 Crumbl locations across 3 states

Raising capital through creative funding (friends, family, investors)

Why he launched a SaaS platform for franchisors & franchisees (CoverPanda)

The emotional toll of rapid growth and how he pushed through doubt

Practical tips for franchise funding, scaling, and operations

What to know about owning a franchise in California

Why he believes franchising is the best fast track to entrepreneurship

 

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

 

Aspiring franchise owners

Entrepreneurs in their 20s & 30s

Founders scaling multi-unit businesses

SaaS startup builders

Anyone looking for business growth inspiration

 

📈 Connect with Shideler Bennett: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scheidlerbennett

💼 CoverPanda (SaaS for Franchises): https://coverpandaco.com

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting. 

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

 

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!

 

#Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

The Franchise Blueprint: Scaling Your Business with Franchising

🚀 Thinking about franchising your business? In this episode of Path to Freedom, I sit down with Tom DeFore, Founder & CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team, to uncover the essential steps to turning your business into a thriving franchise.

 

👉 We dive deep into:

✅ What makes a business franchisable

✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when franchising

✅ The timeline and costs of franchising your business

✅ Pros & cons of emerging vs. established franchises

✅ How to scale with confidence and avoid common pitfalls

 

If you've ever considered expanding your business through franchising, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss!

 

🔗 FREE DOWNLOAD: "9 Pitfalls to Avoid When Franchising" → https://www.ninepitfalls.com

 

🎧 Listen to the Multiply Your Success Podcast:

https://www.bigskyfranchiseteam.com/podcast

 

📌 Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - What Big Sky Franchise Team does

05:45 - What makes a business franchisable?

10:30 - The biggest reasons business owners fail at franchising

15:20 - Unconventional franchise opportunities you’ve never heard of

22:00 - The process & timeline for franchising a business

30:45 - Emerging vs. Established franchises: Pros & Cons

40:10 - How to evaluate if a franchise is the right investment

45:00 - Closing thoughts & where to connect with Tom DeFore

 

🔥 Resources & Links:

✅ Book a FREE Strategy Call with Tom DeFore → https://www.bigskyfranchiseteam.com

✅ Download "9 Pitfalls to Avoid When Franchising" → https://www.ninepitfalls.com

✅ Multiply Your Success Podcast → https://www.bigskyfranchiseteam.com/podcast

✅ Follow Path to Freedom for More Content → www.path2frdm.com

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

 

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!

 

#Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseYourBusiness #BigSkyFranchise #PathToFreedomPodcast

How This Fitness Franchise Grew to 300+ Locations & Is Just Getting Started

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes sits down with Rick Mayo, the founder and CEO of Alloy Personal Training. They dive deep into Alloy’s explosive growth in the franchising space, hitting over 300+ awarded licenses and the strategies behind sustainable expansion.

 

Rick shares insights on:

✅ The key to supporting franchisees for long-term success

✅ The mindset shift from hands-on operator to visionary CEO

✅ Lessons learned from scaling a business while maintaining quality

✅ The challenges and rewards of transitioning from corporate life to franchise ownership

 

Wes and Rick also discuss the traits of top-performing franchisees, the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, and what’s next for Alloy—including their ambitious goal of 800 awarded locations by 2030.

 

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, franchise owner, or business leader, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on leadership, delegation, and scaling a thriving business.

 

🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe!

 

🔗 Resources & Links:

 

Connect with Rick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teamalloy/

Learn about Alloy: https://alloypersonaltraining.com/

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

 

#Franchise #Franchising #AlloyPersonalTraining

How to Scale Your Business with a Virtual CFO | Jody Grunden's Expert Strategies

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes is joined by Jody Grunden, the founder of Summit Virtual CFO by Anders. Jody pioneered the virtual CFO model over 20 years ago and has helped countless businesses optimize their financial strategies.

 

They discuss:

 

-The origins of Summit Virtual CFO and its evolution over two decades

-How virtual CFO services help small businesses scale strategically

-Key financial metrics that business owners need to track

-The importance of cash reserves and dynamic forecasting

-Subscription-based billing and remote work: game-changers for service businesses

-Jody’s entrepreneurial journey, from bootstrapping to a multimillion-dollar exit

-Jody also shares insights from his book Digital Dollars and Cents and offers valuable advice for business owners who want to make smarter financial decisions.

 

Connect with Jody & Summit Virtual CFO:

 

Get Jody’s book: Digital Dollars and Cents – Email Jody@SummitCPANet for a free link or find it on Amazon

 

Listen to Virtual CPA Success Show podcast: https://www.summitcpa.net/podcasts

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected:

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Path to Freedom Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review and share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs looking to build profitable and sustainable businesses!

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

#CFO #Business #Franchise

The Profit Formula Every Business Owner MUST Know!

Connect with Rocky Lalvani:

 

Website: https://profitcomesfirst.com

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-lalvani/

 

Podcast: https://profitcomesfirst.com/podcasts/

 

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes sits down with Rocky Lalvani, also known as the "Profit Answer Man." Rocky is a certified Profit First professional dedicated to helping small business owners optimize their cash flow, prioritize profitability, and build businesses that truly serve them. Together, they discuss why so many business owners struggle with profitability, how to build a business that aligns with personal and financial goals, and the key strategies to creating sustainable success.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

The importance of prioritizing profit in business from day one. ✅

 

The difference between being a business owner and a business operator. ✅

 

Common financial mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them. ✅

 

The 16 leverage points in business that determine profitability and success. ✅

 

The role of cash flow management and why business owners often struggle to hold onto cash. ✅

 

How to properly assess a business opportunity, including market demand and competition. ✅

 

Understanding pricing strategies and ensuring profitability from the start. ✅

 

How different business models impact cash flow, and why some franchises work better than others. ✅

 

Why having clear metrics and financial visibility is crucial for sustainable business growth. ✅

 

Notable Quotes:

 

"If you can’t take your profit when you make the sale and set it aside, there’s something wrong with your business."

 

"Most business owners know how to generate cash, but almost none of them know how to hold on to cash."

 

"The goal should absolutely be to get to a place where you are the owner, not the operator."

 

"Growth takes cash. If you have a bad business model, you will grow yourself to failure."

 

Subscribe & Stay Connected:

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Path to Freedom Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review and share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs looking to build profitable and sustainable businesses!

 

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

 

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

 

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

 

Connect with Wes:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

 

#Profit #Franchising #Business