In this episode of the Close The Deal podcast - Franchise Profits episode, I sit down with Carlos Herrador, EVP of Franchise Operations at Marufuku Ramen. With 42 years of franchise experience, Carlos shares what makes a franchise thrive, how Marufuku Ramen became a powerhouse brand, and why quality and consistency are the keys to success.

From franchise support to real estate selection and customer experience, we unpack everything you need to know about growing a successful restaurant franchise.

🔥 Want to learn more? Visit CloseTheDeal.com to connect with Ewell!

🎧 Subscribe & Share!

#FranchiseBusiness #MarufukuRamen #FranchiseGrowth #RestaurantSuccess

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

Michelle Henry, founder of Face Foundry Franchise, went from struggling with skincare solutions to revolutionizing the beauty industry. In this episode of Your First Franchise, we dive into her entrepreneurial mindset, growth strategies, and what it takes to build a successful franchise.

She shares:
✔️ How she overcame fear to launch and scale her business
✔️ The secret to attracting loyal customers and franchisees
✔️ Why Face Foundry Franchise is thriving in the beauty space

Is franchise ownership right for you? Let’s find out!

📍 Learn more: YourFirstFranchise.com
📚 Get a FREE copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap on our site!

👉 Follow & subscribe for more expert franchise insights!

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

In this episode of Close The Deal, Eric Thompson shares the mindset shifts and leadership principles that help entrepreneurs and leaders multiply their success. As the founder of Lift Leadership and CMO of Snooze Mattress Company, Eric breaks down self-mastery, purpose-driven leadership, and force multipliers in business and life.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• Purpose is the ultimate force multiplier—here’s why.
• How self-awareness and emotional regulation fuel success.
• Winning the battle of the mind with breathwork & mindset hacks.
• Mastering the ‘Peace, Purpose, Process’ framework.

If you’re ready to scale your impact and lead with purpose, tune in now!

#Podcast #ForceMultiplier #Leadership #SelfImprovement #Entrepreneurship

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

Balancing Career, Parenting & Stress: Dr. Kate Lund on Resilience

Life is a juggling act—especially for busy professionals and parents trying to manage careers, families, and personal well-being. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kate Lund, a clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and resilience expert, to talk about how to build mental toughness, reduce stress, and find balance in the chaos.

We cover:
✔️ The biggest challenges of career transitions and parenting
✔️ How to quiet your stress response and stay grounded
✔️ The role of self-care and building a strong support system
✔️ Practical strategies for a resilient mindset

Dr. Kate shares invaluable insights and real-world tools to help you navigate life’s challenges with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, or leader looking to manage stress and stay resilient, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward a more balanced life!

🔗 Connect with Dr. Kate Lund: 
https://www.katelundspeaks.com/

Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast!

#Resilience #Parenting #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #Entrepreneurship #DrKateLund

4o

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

In this episode, Sam McCabe, Director of Loyola University’s Entrepreneurship & Community Development Center, shares insights on launching and scaling a business.

We dive into:
✅ Why the right team is everything
✅ The power of empathy in entrepreneurship
✅ Lessons from the music industry that apply to business
✅ How Loyola’s program equips future entrepreneurs

💡 "You can't do everything on your own." – Sam McCabe

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Hodgson, co-founder and brand president of Shrunk 3D, a one-of-a-kind entertainment franchise that’s turning heads and making waves. Imagine a portable 3D scanning booth that captures stunningly detailed mini replicas of people, pets, and even sports mascots—whether for fun, business, or memorabilia.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:
✅ The unique business model behind Shrunk 3D
✅ How this franchise blends entertainment with branding opportunities
✅ The massive potential in corporate events, sports licensing, and NIL deals
✅ Tom’s transition from the home services industry to this groundbreaking tech-based franchise

I even got "shrunk" myself, and the detail is unbelievable! Stay tuned to see my mini-me and why this business is bringing smiles everywhere.

👉 Interested in franchising with Shrunk 3D?
📩 Contact me at CloseTheDeal.com

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

Clarity Matters: The Key to Success 🎙

In this episode of Close The Deal, I sit down with Chef Christian Fischer, CEO of Fisher Research Group, to explore how clarity, mindset, and strategy can transform careers and businesses—whether you’re a chef, entrepreneur, or business leader.

Chef Fischer reveals his unique approach to closing deals over a meal, the power of disruptive thinking, and why most professionals are one connection or strategy away from a breakthrough.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ How choosing the right restaurant can help close deals
✅ The Success Loop—why mindset drives success
✅ How chefs and entrepreneurs can break free from limiting habits
✅ The power of networking, mentorship, and high-level thinking
✅ Why clarity is the foundation of growth—both personally and professionally

👨‍🍳 Whether you’re in the restaurant industry or running a business, this episode will challenge how you think and give you the tools to level up.

📲 Connect with Chef Christian Fischer:
🌎 Website: [ChristianJFischer.com]

🎧 Listen, Subscribe & Share! If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and let us know your biggest takeaway.

#ClarityForChefs #CloseTheDeal #SuccessMindset #ChefLife #Entrepreneurship #Networking #GrowthMindset

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

The Shutter House Franchise: A Low-Investment Opportunity 🎙️
On this episode of Your First Franchise, we sit down with Edward Terry, the visionary behind The Shutter House Franchise. Hear how he scaled his business to a franchise model that’s both affordable and rewarding for franchisees.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why this niche business is in high demand
• How The Shutter House offers low investment with high margins
• What makes an ideal franchisee for this opportunity

Ready to take control of your future? Listen now!

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

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.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

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.

The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself  get made.

Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. 

This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.
Every episode is built around one thing:

👉 A clear decision
👉 A real commitment

If you’re building something, you already know the truth -
there’s a decision in front of you that matters.

This show is where you face it.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION 

Want to be part of it?

Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.