What if you could transform your small business into a media sensation without breaking the bank? Join us for insights from Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, as we uncover the secrets to press release success. Mickie shares his expertise on making press release distribution accessible for small businesses and the power of storytelling in today'…

Matt Bodnar, founder and CEO of Eidolon Capital, takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of acquiring old economy businesses, offering a rare peek into the world of private equity focused on the lower middle market. With a keen eye on baby boomer-owned businesses in need of succession plans, Matt shares his unique strategies for modern…

Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Andy Fuller, the pioneering founder and CEO of Mosquito Hunters, as he shares his path from the rigid confines of corporate life to the liberating world of entrepreneurship. Andy's early frustrations with a lack of innovation and pride in the corporate sphere propelled him to create a multi-servic…

Allan Young, the visionary co-founder of Shelf Genie and mastermind behind Art of Drawers, joins us to share his remarkable journey in the world of franchising. From pioneering custom pullout shelving solutions for kitchens and bathrooms to harnessing AI and technology to stay ahead of the curve, Allan offers a wealth of insights into the ever-evol…

Discover the secrets to mastering your mindset and growing your business with coaching veteran Beau Ormrod. After a transformative sabbatical in Italy and drawing inspiration from his own experiences with a life-changing coach, Beau shifted gears from a high-powered corporate career to empowering entrepreneurs. This episode promises to unravel the …

Unlock the secrets to achieving time freedom and financial independence through franchise ownership with franchising expert Wes Barefoot. Discover how Wes transitioned from a Fortune 500 employee to a thriving franchise owner and consultant, navigating the uncertainties of job loss and turning them into opportunities for entrepreneurship. Wes share…

Join us as we welcome back Carmelo Marsala, founder and CEO of SprayNet, to the Path to Freedom podcast. Carmelo shares the inspiring journey of how SprayNet was born out of his dissatisfaction with traditional painting methods. From his early days as a painting franchisee to pursuing a formulation course and collaborating with chemists, Carmelo re…

Unlock the secrets to a thriving business and an even stronger marriage in our latest episode featuring Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, the brilliant minds behind Power Couples by Design. Learn how to master the art of balancing professional and personal life as they share their journey from initial hesitation to discovering a synergistic partnership. Yo…

Carlton Washington, co-founder of 4Ever Young, joins us to discuss his inspiring journey from the corporate grind to leading the largest wellness and vitality franchise in the U.S. With over 54 locations across 15 states, 4Ever Young is revolutionizing how people approach health, appearance, and aging. Carlton shares personal anecdotes and valuable…

Join us for an inspiring episode as we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Brigham Dallas, the founder and CEO of Hello Sugar. Brigham shares his insights on the innovative hair removal services his franchise offers, including Brazilian waxing, sugaring, and laser hair removal. Discover why Brigham believes being passionate about the business mo…

In this episode of the Path to Freedom podcast, we tackle the common misconceptions surrounding the purchase of existing businesses versus starting from scratch. We'll explore the four types of existing businesses you might encounter on the market, beginning with the often problematic "fire sales," where owners are eager to sell due to financial tr…

Join us on the Path to Freedom podcast as industry veteran Scott Frith, Chairman and CEO of Happinest Brands and Lawn Doctor, shares his remarkable career journey and the evolution of his company. From starting out in Lawn Doctor's manufacturing plant at just 13 years old to leading the business and founding Happinest Brands, Scott offers a unique …

How do you turn a family tragedy into a thriving business that genuinely cares for others? Join us on this episode of the Path to Freedom podcast as we chat with Chad Tracy and Josh Markland, the compassionate minds behind Second Family. Inspired by their grandmother Deanie's battle with Alzheimer's, they share a heartfelt journey of transforming p…

What makes a company resilient through economic downturns and rapidly changing markets? Join us as we talk to Michael Morehouse, CEO of Mosquito Shield, who reveals the strategic pivots and customer-centric innovations that have positioned his company as a leader in pest control for over two decades. Listen to Michael recount his journey with Mosqu…

Join us for an insightful episode of the Path to Freedom podcast as we sit down with Michael Hartel, founder and CEO of Cabinet IQ. Michael shares the innovative strategies his company employs in the high-tech cabinet and countertop industry. Discover how Cabinet IQ's approach to custom kitchen solutions, bolstered by significant investments in tec…

What if you could revolutionize a traditionally stagnant industry using innovative thinking and a fresh perspective? Join us on the Path to Freedom podcast as we chat with Chris Stoness, the dynamic founder and CEO of Elite Window Cleaning and Sparkle Squad. Chris takes us through his fascinating journey from the music industry to transforming the …

Join us for an insightful episode as we explore the essential role of accounting in business with our special guest, Nolan Bradbury, founder of Bradfield Accounting and Advisory. We discuss why accounting should be a strategic tool for business owners rather than an afterthought. By comparing financial health to physical health, we highlight the ne…

In this podcast episode, the host interviews Austin Laroche, CEO of ATAK Interactive, about his company's evolution and marketing to sales framework. They discuss ATAK Interactive's mission to leverage technology for business growth, offering services like marketing technology optimization and lead generation. Austin shares insights on the challeng…

Unlock the secrets of successful self-storage investing with Jacob Vanderslice, co-founder of Van West Partners. Learn how to transform underperforming properties into thriving assets through effective management and operational improvements. We’ll dive into the strategies behind their self-storage funds and single asset syndications, highlighting …

Join us on this episode of the Path to Freedom podcast as we sit down with Drew McWilliams, the co-founder and CEO of IvyBrook Academy. Drew shares the inspiring journey of creating a unique national half-day preschool that caters to parents who stay home but want their children to receive a strong educational foundation and socialization before ki…

Unlock the secrets to responsible and accelerated franchise growth with Eric Martin, the Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Happinest Brands. Join us as Eric takes us through his fascinating transition from college coaching to shaping emerging franchise brands. You’ll gain invaluable insights into the mission and strategy behind Hap…

Join us as we explore the booming health and wellness franchising industry with a spotlight on an innovative sauna concept that's making waves. In this episode, we dissect the growing recovery category, which includes services like assisted stretching and light therapy, and compare the focused, specialized approach of the featured sauna franchise t…

Unlock the secrets to intentional living and transform your life in our latest Path to Freedom podcast episode featuring the inspiring Jack Daly. Back with fresh insights from his new book, "Life by Design," Jack shares his evolution from chasing financial goals to mastering a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. We dive into meaningful discussions on t…

What if there was a way to build confidence in kids that goes beyond academics? Join us on the Path to Freedom podcast as we welcome Will Bartholomew, the visionary behind D1 Sports Training. Will opens up about the transformative journey of D1, which started as a hub for middle and high school athletes and has now grown to cater to people of all a…

Join us as we sit down with Bobby Brennan for an enlightening conversation about the essential process of due diligence when researching a franchise opportunity. Bobby brings his wealth of experience in franchising to the table, discussing the importance of franchisee validation and the critical need for consistency between the franchise sales team…

My guest, franchise guru Bobby Brennan from Front Street Equity, joins me to explore the intricate dance of franchisee and franchisor relationships, providing a deep dive into the mutual evaluation process and the strategic maneuvers for finding the perfect franchising fit. Prepare to glean a treasure trove of do's and don'ts that every aspiring fr…

Join me as I sit down with Melanie Richards, the innovative founder and CEO of GoGlow, for a transformative look at the spray tanning industry. Melanie walks us through GoGlo's unique approach, shedding light on how they've turned a once grimy sector into a high-end, clean beauty experience. She shares the secret behind their proprietary solutions …

Ever found yourself daydreaming about a life where Monday mornings don't fill you with dread? That's what Brian Harriot, mastermind behind Choosy Consultant, did before reshaping his own destiny. In a candid conversation, Brian lays bare his transformative odyssey from being chained to the corporate wheel to teaching others how to break free. He ha…

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…

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…