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How to Take Control of YOUR Life, and Create FREEDOM for Yourself, Through Business Ownership
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
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
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
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
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
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
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
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
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
🚀 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
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
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
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
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
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
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
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
In this episode of Path to Freedom, host [Your Name] sits down with Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, to discuss how their cutting-edge software is transforming the home service industry. From streamlining operations to leveraging AI for customer service and marketing, Roland shares the incredible ways Housecall Pro helps business owners grow by 30% year over year.If you're a home service entrepreneur, franchise owner, or looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won't want to miss!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Housecall Pro simplifies scheduling, invoicing, and dispatching
- Why AI-powered automation is the future of home service businesses
- The #1 mistake service business owners make (and how to avoid it)
- How franchise owners are using Housecall Pro to streamline operations
- The real impact of AI on customer service, marketing, and bookkeeping
- Why upgrading to the right tech can unlock massive growth
Timestamps:
- 00:00 - Introduction & guest welcome
- 02:05 - How Housecall Pro started and the problem it solves
- 07:33 - Why home service businesses struggle with technology
- 10:19 - The power of customer feedback in product development
- 12:42 - How franchises use Housecall Pro for efficiency
- 22:39 - How AI is revolutionizing home service businesses
- 28:42 - The future of automation in field service businesses
- 35:14 - Who is Housecall Pro best suited for?
- 37:44 - Overcoming the fear of switching to new software
- 39:52 - Final thoughts & where to connect with Roland
Resources & Links:
Connect with Roland Ligtenberg & Housecall Pro:
- Website: https://www.housecallpro.com
- Follow Roland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandal/
Like this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a 5-star review!
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/
#HouseCallPro #Franchise #HomeService
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, I sit down with Boris Katsnelson, Managing Director at Black Iron Advisors, to uncover the real playbook for franchise success. Boris shares his unique experience from buying, scaling, and selling franchises for millions to advising franchisors and multi-unit franchisees on successful exits.
If you’ve ever considered franchising or want to understand how top-performing franchisees build wealth, this episode is packed with insider knowledge and strategies you won’t want to miss.
**Boris Katsnelson is a registered representative of Independent Investment Bankers Corp.("IIB"), a FINRA member broker-dealer. Investment banking services and securities are offered exclusively through IIB. Boris also serves as Managing Director at Black Iron Advisers. Black Iron Advisers is not affiliated with Independent Investment Bankers Corp.**
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Boris went from investment banking to owning multiple franchise businesses
✅ The differences between emerging, mid-stage, and mature franchise brands
✅ Why following the franchise system is the #1 key to success
✅ How Boris acquired underperforming franchises and turned them around
✅ The role of culture and leadership in franchise growth
✅ What to consider when buying or selling a franchise
✅ Insights into the franchise resale market and exit strategies
Timestamps:
⏳ 00:00 - Welcome to the Path to Freedom Podcast
⏳ 00:14 - Introducing Boris Katsnelson and his franchise background
⏳ 03:34 - How Boris got into franchising and his first acquisition
⏳ 10:48 - Buying an underperforming College Hunks franchise & turning it around
⏳ 18:11 - The power of culture and leadership in franchising
⏳ 22:53 - Investing in Primrose Schools & the difference in mature franchise models
⏳ 32:39 - The importance of choosing the right type of franchise
⏳ 40:05 - Breaking down emerging, mid-stage, and mature franchises
⏳ 50:22 - How franchising accelerates wealth creation
⏳ 58:56 - Key takeaways: Follow the system, know your goals, plan for an exit
Resources & Links:
🔗 Connect with Boris Katsnelson on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/boriskatsnelson/
🔗 Learn more about Black Iron Advisors:
https://www.blackironadvisers.com/
Join the FREE Path To Freedom Facebook Group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1634819733719715/
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 #Path2Frdm #BlackIronAdvisors