In this episode, I sit down with Neal Courtney, CEO of Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids, and a guy who’s spent 25 years navigating the franchise world from the ground up. Neal went from franchisee to CEO, and now leads a national brand built on making haircut day stress-free, fun, and believe it or not, something families actually look forward to.

We talk about:

🔥 How Cookie Cutters became a needs-based business that’s stood the test of time

🔥 What really makes a franchise location successful (hint: it’s not just the product)

🔥 The biggest staffing challenges post-COVID—and how franchisees can prepare

🔥 The kind of marketing support franchisees actually get

🔥 And the one non-negotiable trait Neal looks for in a franchise partner

This episode is packed with real talk around what it takes to run a business that’s both profitable and meaningful. If you're exploring franchising, service-based businesses, or just want to build something that gives back, this one's worth the listen.

Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126

Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

In this episode, Bennett sits down with Zach Tanner, founder of Painter Bros and FM Flow. At just 19, Zach launched a small painting business that he grew into a 50-unit national franchise, landing contracts with Walmart, Home Depot, and other Fortune 500 companies. But Zach didn’t stop at franchising. He saw firsthand what the service industry was missing—and built FM Flow, a SaaS platform now transforming how service pros manage leads, operations, and profit.

The real story behind scaling Painter Bros from a single location to $8.4 million in annual revenue.

How Zach secured national accounts and why most franchises never get there.

The hardest mindset shift franchisees face (and how the best overcome it).

Why gross profit numbers can be deceiving—and what franchisees should really focus on.

How FM Flow is helping small service businesses earn more and operate smarter.

The #1 trait Zach looks for in franchise partners—and who shouldn’t buy a franchise.

Whether you're considering franchising, scaling a business, or building tech in a traditional industry, this episode delivers rare insights from someone who’s done all three.

www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tanner-32322a161/

Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126

Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

What if success isn’t something you chase — but something you choose?

In this episode of Deeper Than Dough, Bennett Maxwell sits down with Rich Walker — serial entrepreneur and CEO of Quick — for a raw, insightful conversation on aligning business with personal values, and why leadership in the age of AI starts from the inside out.

Rich shares stories from his early entrepreneurial days (yes, at 12), lessons from navigating the ups and downs of building companies, and how purpose has been the north star in his business journey. From AI’s impact on leadership to choosing happiness as a mindset, this episode goes deep on what really drives long-term success — and fulfillment.

They also explore how today’s founders can use AI not just to scale their businesses, but to grow personally, stay aligned, and build in a way that actually feels meaningful.

If you’re curious about what’s next in business and what it means to lead from values, this one’s for you.

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.quickforms.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quikformsceo

Book: "It's My Life! I Can Change If I Want To" - http://amzn.to/iKPWK0

Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126

Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

In this episode of Deeper Than Dough, Bennett Maxwell sits down with Alex Raymond, founder of the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit and host of the Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Alex opens up about the hidden struggles many entrepreneurs face — from burnout and imposter syndrome to the pressure to constantly "earn" success through suffering.

Together, Bennett and Alex unpack the four "inner demons" that often sabotage founders from the inside out: burnout, imposter syndrome, upper limiting beliefs, and the struggle mindset. Alex shares why so many high achievers feel like they’re stuck in a loop of comparison and quiet stress, and how breaking free starts with shifting the way we think, not working harder.

They also dive into the power of intuition, mindfulness, and learning to build a business that supports your well-being — not one that drains it.

If you've ever felt like you're running fast but not getting anywhere, this episode is a wake-up call worth listening to.

https://consciousentrepreneur.us/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/

 Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35

 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/

 Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA

 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

In this episode of Deeper Than Dough, Bennett Maxwell welcomes Larry Sprung, founder of Mitlin Financial and host of the Mitlin Money Mindset podcast. Larry shares his journey in wealth management, revealing how his perspective on success has evolved over the years.

He opens up about the tragic loss of his brother-in-law to suicide and how that experience shaped his mission to raise awareness and support mental health initiatives — ultimately raising nearly $2 million in his brother-in-law's honor. Larry also dives into the challenges and rewards of working alongside his wife in their business, how he shifted his mindset to embrace authenticity on social media, and why helping clients focus on joy — not just money — has made all the difference.

From redefining success to managing mental well-being, this episode is packed with powerful insights for entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone striving for a more meaningful life.

Larry Sprung, CFP®

larrysprung.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/

https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung

https://www.facebook.com/lawrencesprung/

https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/

Mitlin Money Mindset®

mitlinmoneymindset.com

Mitlin Financial, Inc®

Financial Planning Made Personal

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYGXFG2TDownload The JOY and

Productivity Journal for FREE

https://mitlin.us/JOYjournal

Connect with Bennett

Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

Ever wonder how to break free from financial constraints and fund your business without wrecking your personal credit? Herman Dolce Jr., founder of Bella Sloan Enterprises, joins Deeper Than Dough to share his journey from social work to financial literacy expert, helping entrepreneurs secure funding and build business credit the right way.

Bennett and Herman dive into:

✅ The power of business credit (and why personal credit won’t cut it)

✅ How to properly structure your business for funding success

✅ Why mentorship is the ultimate shortcut to wealth

✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when trying to scale

✅ How Herman overcame personal loss while running a massive conference

If you’re ready to stop playing small and start funding your dreams like a pro, this episode is packed with practical strategies and hard-earned wisdom you don’t want to miss.

Instagram & TikTok: @Haitian_CEO

YouTube: Bella Sloan Enterprises

Website: bellasloanenterprises.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haitian_ceo/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm5x_13fKCyYzeTOCJsrmZXmDIfzEcSBx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herman-dolce/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

Please like and subscribe if you learned something from this video!

Samantha Neely did just that. After 20+ years in the tanning and wellness industry, she turned her passion into ownership. Now, she’s leading multiple Glo Tanning locations and helping others do the same.

In this episode of Deeper Than Dough, Bennett sits down with Samantha to dive into what it really takes to push through uncertainty. They explore the delicate balance between sacrifice and success, the importance of leading by example, and why it's okay to not be okay… as long as you don’t stay that way.

If you're navigating a tough season, questioning your path, or just need a reminder that you can keep going, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

🔥 How she became a salon owner—without millions in the bank

🔥 The power of self-care and why it’s more than just luxury

🔥 The biggest challenges of running a business & how to overcome them

🔥 Why success isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation + the right mindset

If you’re stuck, doubting yourself, or waiting for “the right time,” this episode is a must-listen.

Facebook: Samantha Neeley

Instagram: theSamanthaNeeley

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

What happens when life knocks you down—hard? Jothy Rosenberg knows. By the time he was 19, he had lost a leg, a lung, and was told he wouldn’t survive. Instead, he went on to ski 100 days straight, start nine companies, write books, and launch a nonprofit that’s changing kids’ lives.

In this episode, we talk about resilience, the brutal realities of entrepreneurship, and why building self-esteem is everything. If you’re an entrepreneur (or just someone who’s been told “you can’t”), this one’s for you.

🚀 Topics Covered:

✔️ The mental game of overcoming adversity

✔️ Lessons from building 9 startups (and surviving them)

✔️ How extreme ownership shapes success

✔️ The power of adaptive sports and his nonprofit’s impact

Jothy’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong

/dp/1633438422/

Site with podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcast

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DesigningSuccessfulStartups

Jothy’s non-profit: https://whosaysicant.org

Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

Connect with Bennett:

Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/

Subscribe to Deeper Than Dough

Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

What if the only thing holding you back from the life you want is you?

Jordan Edwards has built his life around intentional living, coaching ambitious men, and helping them create deep, meaningful relationships. From launching a successful podcast (Clocked In with Jordan Edwards) to running men's mastermind groups, he’s on a mission to help people get unstuck, build community, and take control of their future.

In this episode, we talk about:

🚀 Why most ambitious men feel isolated (and how to fix it)

🚀 The 4 levels of listening and how to build deeper relationships

🚀 How setting small, intentional goals can completely change your life

🚀 Why success isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation and action

This conversation is packed with game-changing mindset shifts that will make you rethink how you approach growth, success, and personal fulfillment. If you’re feeling stuck, this is your wake-up call.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jordanfedwards

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.edwards.7503

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanfedwards/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanedwards5/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edwards_consulting?lang=en

#Clockedin Podcast Links:

1) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clockedin-with-jordan-

edwards/id1512697795?uo=4

2) https://open.spotify.com/show/0XOkzbGdJ8lbPFZwBvEXfI

Connect with Bennett:

Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/

Subscribe to Deeper Than Dough

Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

In this inspiring episode, Bennett Maxwell welcomes Dr. Ddnard, a meditation expert, entrepreneur, and creator of the Zoul app. Dr. Ddnard shares her remarkable journey from facing devastating loss and inheriting $3 million in debt to building a life of abundance, purpose, and joy—all through the power of meditation and mindset shifts.

Discover how Dr. Ddnard’s experience with grief led her to unlock inner freedom, overcome external struggles, and ultimately create a thriving career helping others find peace and purpose. She discusses the importance of raising your mental frequency, finding meaning in adversity, and embracing challenges as opportunities for transformation.

Whether you're curious about meditation, navigating life's hardships, or becoming your best self, this episode is packed with life-changing insights. Plus, hear about the creation of Zoul, an innovative meditation app aimed at spreading mindfulness worldwide.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DDNARD

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddnard/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddnard/

Website: https://www.drddnard.com/

Instagram: @bennettmaxwell35

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/

Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/bjozA

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/klE37

If you enjoyed this episode, please remember to like and subscribe for more!