Nick’s guest on this week’s podcast is none other than Gary Brackett, former NFL pro turned franchising pro. Brackett is currently CEO and owner of Stacked Pickle, an Indianapolis-based sports restaurant concept that is now growing through franchising thanks to his leadership. The Super Bowl-winning linebacker discusses how he translated the work ethic honed during his football career to succeed in the business world and what’s next for Stacked Pickle.

On this week’s podcast, Powills interviews Tim Jensen, president of military-themed apparel brand Grunt Style. Jensen, a Marine Corps veteran, initially applied for a job with the company as a graphic designer but was hired as a production manager instead, tasked with folding shirts. Through his superior work ethic and dedication to Grunt Style’s ideas, Jensen’s impact on the company propelled him up the ladder to his current position among brand leadership. Now, Jensen oversees a multi-million dollar business and champions the hiring of military veterans to its ranks.

On this week’s podcast, Nick interviews Josh York, founder and CEO of home-based personal training concept GYMGUYZ. York started his business in 2008 with a vision of bringing creative, customized fitness solutions to time-strapped clients in the comfort of their own homes. In the decade since, GYMGUYZ has grown to more than 100 domestic and international locations and was named one of Inc. 500’s fastest-growing private companies in 2018.

This week, Nick interviews his longtime friend, Scott Thompson. Thompson has nearly two decades of experience in the franchise industry, in almost every capacity, at that. He’s been a multi-unit franchisee, master franchisee, franchise supplier, broker and has served on the executive team and board of multiple franchisors. His current role as Chief Development Officer at L-5 Capital and Big Blue Swim School challenges him to draw on all of his previous roles to ignite brand growth. The two discuss how life’s early trials fueled their path to success, personally and professionally.