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? 

##

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.

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."

##

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.

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.

##

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.

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.

##

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.

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.

##

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.

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.

##

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.

 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!

##

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.

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.

##

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.

Mike Polluck, CEO of Franlift, busts 3 common myths about franchising your business. In short, is your business franchisable? 

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

👉 Know Your Ideal Franchisee: Identifying franchisees who align with your brand’s values, have the required skills, and are committed to growth is essential. The right partners can drive success and uphold your brand’s standards.
 

👉 Master Your Financials Early: Be realistic about the initial costs, ongoing fees, and profitability timelines. Having clear financial projections and resources can make a critical difference in long-term franchise sustainability.

👉 Invest in Effective Training and Support: Comprehensive onboarding and continued training set your franchisees up for success. By equipping them with tools and support, you foster a culture of empowerment and help ensure brand consistency.

##

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.

Ross Franklin, CEO of Pure Green Franchise,  shares 3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast (Your First Franchise Episode): 

• Scalable Simplicity: Pure Green’s franchise model is designed for growth without complexity. Franchisees can easily manage operations while focusing on delivering high-quality health products, creating a scalable business with strong margins.

• Health and Wellness Boom: With increasing demand for health-focused products, Pure Green taps into the lucrative wellness market. Franchisees benefit from offering cold-pressed juices and smoothies that resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers.

• Community Impact: Pure Green franchisees aren't just running a business—they’re making a positive difference by promoting healthy lifestyles and building connections within their communities. This creates loyal customers and long-term growth opportunities.

##

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.