In this episode of Close the Deal, Josh York, the unstoppable founder and CEO of GymGuyz, returns to the podcast for a second time to share his game-changing insights. Known for his bold tactics and unshakable mindset, Josh talks about how to command attention, think creatively, and cultivate the discipline needed to succeed. From sending truck tires to CEOs to building one of the fastest-growing fitness franchises, Josh’s story is packed with lessons on resilience, action, and thinking outside the box.

If you're ready to stand out, build a success-driven mindset, and take action like never before, this episode is for you.

🔗 Check out Josh’s first episode here

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Julio Melara, CEO of Baton Rouge Business Report, shares why mindset is so important.

This was actually our very first podcast under a different name - the Absolutely Mindset Podcast. It set the stage for every podcast episode we've done since. As we enter 2025 and close in on 100 episodes this year, we thought this would be an awesome way to kick off the year. 

3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast: 

👉The Three Qs for Success -  Julio introduces a powerful framework for personal and professional growth: IQ, EQ, and FQ. While IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient) are important, he emphasizes that FQ (failure quotient)—the ability to recover and grow from failures—is the most critical. Resilience in the face of setbacks is essential for long-term success, making FQ a cornerstone for achieving greatness.

👉The Secret of Success: Work -  The story of Julio’s mother gifting him a wooden box labeled “The Secret of Success” encapsulates a life-changing lesson: success requires hard work, drive, and persistence. This simple but profound truth has shaped Julio’s career and serves as a timeless reminder that achieving dreams is not about shortcuts but consistent effort and determination.

👉 Mindset is Everything -  Julio underscores the importance of a daily "mind game." He draws on St. Paul’s wisdom to “renew your mind” by feeding it positive, constructive thoughts. In a world filled with negativity and distractions, maintaining the right perspective and focusing on personal growth is critical. Winning the battle in the mind translates to winning in life and business.

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Exclusive Interview: W2 Prison Break Show Host Brian O'Neill Talks with Franchise Consultant and Host of the CloseTheDeal.Com Podcast Ewell Smith

5 takeaways Ewell shares from his guest appearance on the W2 Prison Break Show.  (Your First Franchise  special edition):

1. The  "ulcer moment" wake-up call at age 24 
2. Finding gratitude
3. Leading trade associations and rebuilding billions in lost Louisiana Seafood sales following Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill
4. The value of marketing serving others
5. Side hustle flipped upside down.
6. What is a franchise?
7. Funding options for investing in a franchise
8. What holds people back from investing in themselves vs. working for others?
9. What's necessary at this vey moment? 

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Meridith Powell, Chair of the National Speakers Association reveals key insights from her new book, Thrive: Strategies to Turn Uncertainty to Competitive Advantage

3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast: 

👉 Focus on What You Can Control:  "Success isn’t logical—it’s about mindset, not circumstances. The brain is wired for negativity, but when you shift focus to what you can control and block out what you can’t, you take back your power. A relentless vision, reviewed daily, fuels you to move forward even when uncertainty strikes."

👉Condition Yourself for Change:  "Change is inevitable, and the biggest mistake people make is waiting for it to hit. Embrace the suck—be a realist. Jim Beam survived Prohibition by asking, ‘What if?’ and preparing anyway. Your opportunity lies not in avoiding change, but in being ready for it before it arrives."

👉 Progress Powers Potential:  "It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Every step forward builds confidence and momentum. Whether in business, finances, or relationships, small progress adds up. Focus on making consistent strides, and you’ll find yourself thriving even in the toughest times."

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Stephanie Ruby shares  how Bio-One Franchise is a fast start up, low investment opportunity that makes big impact.

3 Takeaways on This Episode of Close The Deal Podcast:

👉 "Activity breeds results."

Consistent effort and engagement, even if you're not perfect at first, will always lead to growth and success in your business.

👉 "You’re not just in business—you’re in service."

BioOne franchisees make a real difference by offering compassion and professionalism during families' toughest times.

👉 "Low investment, high impact."

With startup costs between $120K and $170K, BioOne offers a scalable, home-based model that delivers exceptional ROI and purpose-driven work.

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Jason Leber, Co-Founder of Painter 1 Franchise shares 3 big factors igniting their growth on this episode of Close The Deal (Your First Franchise Episode):


👉 "Empower the Owner" Philosophy  PainterOne stands out by prioritizing franchisees with their larger-than-average territories and a 10% owner equity pool. These unique perks ensure owners have the space to grow and share in the system’s success. Their mentor-led training adds a hands-on edge, with seasoned owners guiding new franchisees step-by-step.

👉 Quick Launch with Low Investment Getting started with PainterOne is efficient and affordable, with an average investment of $78,000. Marketing campaigns start before training ends, so franchisees hit the ground running. Most are up to speed and earning within 3–6 months—a rare speed in franchising.

👉 Proprietary Tech for Seamless Operations PainterOne’s all-in-one software handles CRM, reporting, estimating, and more, simplifying business management. Combined with robust marketing support and industry expertise, franchisees get everything they need to succeed from day one.

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Jeff Tomaszewski, CEO of Max Strength Fitness shares how you can start a niche franchise gym that caters to executives that provides a high ROI.

Jeff Tomaszewski shares 3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast (Your First Franchise Episode):

• Systems Scale, Passion Fuels Growth:
  Document every process, from answering calls to delivering services, to build a business that’s scalable and consistent. Systems free you to focus on growth instead of daily operations.
• Know Your ROI: Health and Wealth Go Hand in Hand:
  Busy professionals value solutions that save time and deliver results. Programs like Max Strength Fitness thrive by addressing this need with high-efficiency, results-driven workouts.
• The Best Way to Build a Million-Dollar Business? Keep It Simple":
  Streamline your offerings to one high-quality service. Max Strength Fitness’s focus on simplicity and consistency leads to high client retention and sustainable growth.

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Alex Little, founder of Little Financial, shares how to fix 5 money crushing cash flow mistakes contractors make every day....

3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast: 

Cash Flow Forecasting is Crucial: Accurate cash flow forecasting and bookkeeping are essential for business survival. Without them, you can't make informed financial decisions or ensure profitability.

Detailed Project Estimation Matters: Always include all potential costs in your project estimates. Overlooking small expenses can significantly reduce your profit margins and impact your bottom line.

Protect Your Financial Foundation: Avoid using customer deposits for operating expenses and establish an emergency fund covering at least three months of operating costs to safeguard against unforeseen challenges.

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

 Eric Murr, VP of  Kegerreis Outdoor, shares 11 deadly billboard mistakes to avoid when investing in outdoor advertising.  


3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast: 

👉 Billboards Amplify, They Don’t Fix Broken Brands

Eric emphasized that advertising cannot fix foundational problems in your business. Before investing in billboards, ensure your customer experience and online reputation are solid. A billboard will amplify whatever already exists—good or bad. If your brand isn’t ready to deliver, no amount of advertising will bring sustainable results.

👉  Keep It Simple: You Have 5 Seconds or Less

The success of a billboard hinges on delivering a single, clear message that resonates with viewers in mere seconds. Overloading a billboard with too much information or using poorly designed layouts will result in missed opportunities. Distill your core value proposition and focus on what matters most to your target audience.

👉 Billboards and Digital Marketing Work Hand in Hand

Eric shared how billboards drive search behavior, influencing local search algorithms and lowering digital advertising costs. When paired with a strong online presence, billboards can dramatically enhance your overall marketing ROI. This integration is a powerful way to use both traditional and digital strategies to complement each other.

These insights highlight why a well-thought-out billboard strategy can elevate your business when used correctly!

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Casey Boshae, founder of The Gentle Pit,  shares  how her journey as a wine rep with an e-commerce side hustle evolved into time freedom.

3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast: 

👉"Start with the end in mind." Define your ideal lifestyle and design your e-commerce business to align with it.

👉"Solve a real problem." Your product doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel, but it must address a specific need for your audience.

👉"Test before you scale." Start small, validate your product, and refine before committing to larger production or marketing investments.

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to educate first time franchise investors. Get behind the scenes information so you start the process and close the deal on your first franchise.

We have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.

Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.