In this episode of Leaders + Legends, host Michael Calamaras sits down with Joey Coco, a Sarasota-based business owner and Budget Blinds franchise owner, for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and perspective.

Joey shares his journey into franchise ownership in the home-services industry, along with how personal adversity reshaped the way he approaches business, leadership, and life.

Joey opens up about surviving a serious car accident that changed his life - how it tested him physically, mentally, and emotionally. Rather than defining him, the experience became a catalyst—sharpening his focus, gratitude, and commitment to building something meaningful.

This episode explores:

• What it’s really like running a service-based business in a local market
• How adversity can change your relationship with work and success
• Lessons learned from sales, systems, and customer experience
• The difference between chasing growth and building something sustainable

This conversation is equal parts business strategy and human story—valuable for anyone building a company, facing setbacks, or recalibrating what success truly means.

 Topics Covered

• Budget Blinds franchise ownership
• Home services entrepreneurship
• Sarasota small business landscape
• Overcoming adversity as a business owner
• Sales systems and local reputation
• Leadership through hardship
  

 About Leaders + Legends

Leaders + Legends is a podcast featuring candid conversations with business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs navigating growth, risk, and real-world challenges. Hosted by Michael Calamaras, the show highlights the stories behind the success.

Joey Coco Sarasota

Budget Blinds Sarasota

Budget Blinds franchise owner

Home services business owner

Entrepreneur resilience story

Small business podcast

Franchise ownership podcast

Leaders and Legends podcast