Path 2 Freedom

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How to Take Control of YOUR Life, and Create FREEDOM for Yourself, Through Business Ownership

Episodes

5 days ago

The Franchise Blueprint: Scaling Your Business with Franchising

5 days ago

🚀 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Profit Formula Every Business Owner MUST Know!

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:

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

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

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

Housecall Pro: The Must-Have Software for Scaling Your Home Service Business!

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

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

How to Buy, Scale, and Sell a Franchise for Millions – Insider Tips!

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

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

Thursday Feb 06, 2025

Building a Monster Brand: The Rise of Monster Mini Golf

Thursday Feb 06, 2025

Chris King, the dynamic CEO of Monster Mini Golf, joins us for an episode filled with exciting insights into the world of indoor family entertainment. Chris shares the innovative concept behind this monster-themed wonderland, where blacklight courses, animatronic creatures, and even a DJ booth ensure fun for all ages. He discusses the adaptable franchise model that allows each location to offer unique attractions such as laser tag and bowling, providing franchisees the flexibility to fit local market demands and investment capabilities.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the strategic opportunities available within the Monster Mini Golf franchise system. We explore how franchisees can capitalize on vacant commercial spaces, supported by a robust system for site selection, lease negotiation, and efficient build-outs. Chris emphasizes their grassroots growth strategy and how his extensive franchising background has helped steer the brand toward thoughtful expansion, ensuring alignment between franchisor and franchisee.

The journey from corporate careers to owning a lifestyle-friendly franchise is a compelling narrative we explore in this episode. Discover how franchise ownership can offer a fulfilling blend of personal satisfaction and financial opportunity, especially in a sector as enjoyable as leisure and entertainment. Chris and the team demonstrate how community involvement and excellent customer interactions can create a loyal customer base, making Monster Mini Golf a compelling franchise opportunity for those seeking a rewarding and balanced business venture.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:14) Monster Mini Golf

(07:16) Franchise Flexibility and Real Estate Opportunities

(12:42) Franchise Ownership and Alignment Success

(26:15) Franchisee Personality and Business Success

(30:33) Building a Lifestyle-Friendly Franchise Business

(35:56) Franchise Economics and Real Estate Support

(46:26) Franchise Opportunities With Monster Mini Golf

Connect with Monster Mini Golf here:

https://monsterminigolf.com

📩 Want more insights on business growth and entrepreneurship? Subscribe now and hit the 🔔 notification bell so you never miss an episode!

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

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 #MonsterMiniGolf

Thursday Jan 30, 2025

The Biggest Challenges of Scaling a Business (and How to Overcome Them)

Thursday Jan 30, 2025

Struggling to grow your business? Feeling overwhelmed by hiring, financial challenges, and leadership shifts? In this episode, we dive deep into business scaling strategies, leadership growth, and financial management to help entrepreneurs like you take your business to the next level.

Join Wes as he sits down with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial Management Consulting, to uncover:

✅ The biggest challenges of scaling a business and how to overcome them

✅ Why letting go and delegating is key to sustainable growth

✅ How to hire the right team and avoid common hiring mistakes

✅ The financial pitfalls that could be holding your business back

✅ Why cash flow problems are often symptoms of deeper business issues

✅ The importance of leadership development for business success

🎯 Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a small business owner, or looking to scale your company, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a profitable and sustainable business.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

📌 https://www.forgeahead.com/business-intelligence-grader/

📌 https://www.forgeahead.com/simple-scaleup-system/

📌 https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyderonde

💬 What’s your biggest challenge in scaling your business? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!

📩 Want more insights on business growth and entrepreneurship? Subscribe now and hit the 🔔 notification bell so you never miss an episode!

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

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/

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ScaleYourBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #CashFlow #FinancialManagement #Delegation #SmallBusinessTips #EntrepreneurMindset #ScalingStrategies

Thursday Jan 23, 2025

Creating Wealth Without Wall Street's Traditional Roadblocks w/ Russ Morgan

Thursday Jan 23, 2025

Russ Morgan from Wealth Without Wall Street makes a compelling case for financial independence through non-traditional investing strategies. What if you could attain financial freedom not by stashing cash in a 401k but by building a passive income stream that exceeds your monthly expenses? We explore Russ's insights on creating a financial strategy tailored to your unique perspective, moving beyond the conventional wisdom tied to age or risk tolerance. This conversation is packed with lessons from over 500 expert interviews, offering accessible ways to redefine financial freedom.

Imagine transforming your financial life from being income-rich yet cash-poor to truly financially free. We break down a systematic approach to converting active income into passive income, akin to maintaining physical fitness with a regular exercise regime. It's not just about drowning in information; it's about the power of implementation. With guidance from a dedicated coaching team, many of whom have walked this path themselves, listeners can learn how to build assets that generate passive income and dispel common myths, such as the belief that paying off debt is the sole route to financial liberation.

Discover the strengths of mastermind communities and infinite banking as tools for achieving financial goals. Russ shares inspiring stories of individuals who left high-stress jobs to embrace financial independence through strategic investments and community support. With a candid exploration of whole life insurance policies as a financial instrument, we challenge the skepticism around them, presenting personal anecdotes and real-world examples of success. This episode provides a robust case for rethinking conventional financial strategies and embracing innovative paths toward wealth-building.

Previous Episode with Russ:

https://youtu.be/3tCse9zwY8c?si=9bm2Bf0ZJXfnPzO_

Timestamps:

(00:01) Path to Financial Freedom Podcast Interview

(10:37) Building a Passive Income Operating System

(16:49) Mastermind Community for Passive Income

(28:42) Understanding Infinite Banking Benefits and Costs

(38:25) Maximizing Wealth With Infinite Banking

Connect with Russ and Wealth Without Wall Street:

Website: https://www.wealthwithoutwallstreet.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-morgan-72595519/

PIOS E-Book: https://go.wealthwithoutwallstreet.com/pios

Path2Frdm Listener Exclusive Course DEAL:

https://wealthwithoutwallstreet.com/path2freedom

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

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/

#Wealth #Investing #wealthwithoutwallstreet

Thursday Jan 16, 2025

Franchise Your Future: Doug Smith on Belfor’s Winning Formula for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Thursday Jan 16, 2025

Unlock the secrets to franchise success as we sit down with Doug Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Belfor Franchise Group. Discover how Belfor's unique approach to franchising—entirely rooted in the home service sector—provides a winning formula for aspiring franchisees. Learn how being part of an operating giant like Belfor Property Restoration gives franchisees a unique advantage, offering them not just a business opportunity but a robust support system from seasoned business coaches who are invested in their success.

Explore the vibrant landscape of Belfor's 15 franchise brands, ranging from water damage restoration to junk removal. As Doug shares insights into how these brands harmonize in times of crisis and beyond, you'll get a glimpse of the comprehensive solutions Belfor offers for both residential and commercial needs. Whether you're drawn to the low-cost entry of a franchise like Patch Boys or the asset-heavy investments of Cool Bins and Redbox Plus, there's a brand that fits every aspiration and financial condition.

Doug also sheds light on the vital traits of successful franchise owners and the extensive resources Belfor offers to nurture these attributes. With a focus on the power of synergy, operational expertise, and a diverse portfolio of opportunities, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone serious about entering the world of franchising. Tune in and discover how Belfor's model offers not just a franchise opportunity but a pathway to entrepreneurial success.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:01) Belfor Franchise Group Synergy

(10:03) Franchise Brand Synergy and Opportunities

(18:22) Franchise Investment Ranges and Opportunities

(21:45) Franchise Brand Ownership Expansion

(33:12) Franchisee Traits for Success

(44:39) Belfor Franchise Group Information Source

Connect with Doug and Belfor here:

Website: https://belforfranchisegroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-smith-7b111b6/

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

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 #Business #Belfor