Free Agent with Meg Schmitz

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of opening and closing doors, unsure if you could take the leap into starting your own business? Maybe you've been told to just stick to what's already out there and not pursue your unique idea. The frustration of not finding the right opportunity and feeling trapped in the corporate world can be overwhelming.

But what if there's a way to break free, take control, and become your own boss with a mobile food business? Let's explore the journey of a couple who turned their passion for food into a successful mobile food business and discover how you can do the same. It's time to take that leap and make your business dreams a reality.

My special guest is Alex Gingold

Meet Alex Gingold, the co-founder of DonutNV, a mobile food business. With a strong background in quick service and a keen understanding of customer interactions, Alex's entrepreneurial journey from corporate employee to successful business owner is both compelling and insightful. His expertise in creating a simple and scalable business model has played a pivotal role in the growth of DonutNV, making him an invaluable guest for aspiring food entrepreneurs venturing into the world of mobile businesses. Get ready to glean practical wisdom and inspiration from Alex's experiences as he shares his insights on starting and nurturing a thriving mobile food business.

If you need more certainty about the future of brick-and-mortar retail spaces in the post-pandemic era, then you are not alone! The fear of evolving shopping center trends and the impact of market shifts on retail bankruptcies may leave you with unease. You might wonder how to navigate the changing tenant mix and leasing strategies successfully. But don't worry; effective strategies and insights are available to help you thrive in this evolving landscape!

My special guest is Brenton Schrader

Brenton Schrader, a seasoned real estate professional with over 15 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge to the evolving landscape of shopping centers post-pandemic. As the key driver behind the transformative Mayfair Collection in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Brenton has been instrumental in curating a dynamic mix of tenants that enhance the community and drive traffic to the retail space. His multifaceted role as a leasing agent, asset manager, and marketing advocate has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in successful commercial real estate ventures. With a knack for identifying opportunities and navigating challenges, Brenton's insights into tenant mix and leasing strategies offer valuable takeaways for real estate professionals seeking to adapt to the changing retail environment.

An attorney with an arts background? Who would have thought! Discover how this lawyer seamlessly blends creativity with the law, creating a unique and fulfilling career path. Does she have the key to balancing personal passions with business success? Find out more in this eye-opening conversation.

My special guest is Elissa Hecker

Elissa Hecker, Esquire, is a dynamic attorney with a fascinating background in the arts, from dancing and choreography to playing the piano and being involved in theater. With a strong foundation in the entertainment arts, she brings a unique perspective to her legal practice, specializing in providing counsel to businesses, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs. Elissa's extensive experience in the music industry and her passion for the arts have shaped her approach, allowing her to support her clients in protecting their creative endeavors while navigating the complexities of the business world.

Her insights into the intersection of law and the arts make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to balance their personal passions with their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Discover the surprising truth about the risks of relying on a single income source. Unearth the eye-opening journey of a corporate refugee who found financial freedom through diversification. Learn how she leveraged passive income to minimize taxes and create a life of abundance. But that's just the beginning; stay tuned for the unexpected twist that will change your perspective on wealth creation forever.

My special guest is Verna Staggers

Verna Staggers, a former corporate executive turned successful real estate entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and insights to the podcast. Her journey from the corporate world to building a diversified income stream through real estate investments is both inspiring and informative. Verna's candid approach and practical advice offer valuable lessons for corporate professionals seeking financial independence and diversification. Her story serves as a testament to the importance of creating multiple income streams and the potential rewards of taking the leap into self-employment. Get ready to gain valuable perspectives and actionable tips from Verna's journey as she shares her experiences and strategies for financial stability and independence.

If you're feeling the weight of transitioning from the military to civilian life, trying to find your footing in the entrepreneurial world, and facing unexpected challenges, then you are not alone! The struggle to adapt to a new identity and navigate the complexities of starting a business can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling lost and uncertain about the future.

My special guest is Zack Husted

If you're feeling the weight of transitioning from the military to civilian life, trying to find your footing in the entrepreneurial world, and facing unexpected challenges, then you are not alone! The struggle to adapt to a new identity and navigate the complexities of starting a business can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling lost and uncertain about the future.

My special guest is

Zack Husted, a military veteran, has a distinguished career that spans from his enlistment in the Iowa Air National Guard at 17 to his deployments in various locations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq. During his service, Zack specialized in working on the weapon system of the F-16, where he handled complex electrical and mechanical tasks related to arming and disarming munitions. Upon retiring from the military in 2012, Zack transitioned into civilian life and pursued entrepreneurial opportunities with a focus on supporting the military community. His dedication to giving back and his firsthand experience in navigating the shift from military to civilian life make Zack an authoritative and relatable guest for today's podcast conversation, offering invaluable insights for veterans pursuing entrepreneurship.

Discover the surprising truth about divorce and the secrets lawyers won't tell you. Hear the untold stories of relationship unraveling and the unexpected twists in the journey to freedom. Stay tuned for the eye-opening revelations that could change your life forever.

Let's navigate through this together and find the clarity you seek.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the secrets to a successful transition from corporate to entrepreneurship.
• Uncover the hidden benefits of franchising for business ownership.
• Master mediation strategies that can transform your divorce process.
• Navigate the complexities of business ownership as a couple with expert tips.
• Learn how to build a thriving career post-divorce with actionable insights.

My special guest is Karen Covy.

Karen Covy is a seasoned divorce coach with extensive experience in trial law, mediation, and coaching professionals to make tough decisions with less conflict. Her career journey, from a trial lawyer to a mediator and collaborative divorce professional, reflects her commitment to finding a more practical approach to divorce law. Karen is known for her empathetic and practical guidance, offering valuable insights and support to individuals navigating the challenges of divorce. Her expertise and dedication make her a respected advocate for informed decision-making and personal empowerment in the face of life-altering circumstances.

Ever felt like you're being told to "just talk to your CPA" for all your business structure and funding needs, only to end up feeling lost and frustrated? You're not alone. It's time to stop spinning your wheels and start making informed decisions that actually work for your unique situation. Let's bust those myths and find the real answers together. Sound familiar?

My special guest is Michael Reeder.

Michael Reeder, a CPA specializing in franchising, joins Meg on the show. With a background in public practice and a keen interest in small businesses and individuals, Michael's journey into franchising began when he acquired a small CPA firm in 2014. His unique approach as an entrepreneurial CPA emphasizes strategic tax entity structure, funding, and FDD item-related consultations, making him a valuable resource for business owners navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. Michael's expertise and passion for helping individuals transition from corporate roles to business ownership shine through in his insightful discussions on entity structure strategy and funding.

Do you want to discover the secret to balancing business ownership and relationship dynamics? Imagine achieving success in both areas without sacrificing one for the other. In this episode, Meg Schmitz and her guest will share the solution so that you can achieve that result. Get ready to revolutionize your approach to entrepreneurship and relationships.

My special guest is Kelly Clements.

Kelly Clements, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares her experiences and insights on navigating the intricate balance between business ownership and relationship dynamics. Drawing from her journey, Kelly brings a candid and relatable perspective to the discussion, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that come with entrepreneurial endeavors and their impact on personal relationships. Her expertise in coaching entrepreneurs and their spouses provides valuable insights into maintaining a harmonious balance between professional ambitions and personal connections. Kelly's story exemplifies resilience and growth, making her a valuable voice in entrepreneurship and relationships.

In a moment of unexpected revelation, Karen Abrams found herself embarking on a journey into the world of franchising. Little did she know, this decision would lead to a rollercoaster of emotions, from exhilarating highs to unforeseen challenges. As she shares her captivating story, aspiring entrepreneurs are given a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of franchise ownership. But what unforeseen obstacles did Karen face, and how did she navigate them to achieve success?

My special guest is Karen Abrams

Karen Abrams, a seasoned real estate attorney with nearly 30 years of experience, stumbled into the world of franchising over a decade ago. It all began when she attended a franchise trade show out of curiosity and ended up representing franchisees on real estate matters. What started as a side interest quickly grew into owning and operating multiple franchise locations, giving her a unique firsthand perspective on the challenges and successes of the franchising world. Karen's journey from buying, building, and selling businesses, to experiencing both failure and triumph, has shaped her into a knowledgeable and insightful figure in the franchise industry. Her diverse background in the cosmetology and food industries adds a layer of depth to her understanding of the franchising landscape, making her a valuable source of practical wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Gain valuable franchise industry insights from real experiences.

• Understand the importance of personal and financial considerations in franchising.

• Overcome challenges and discover effective strategies in franchise ownership.

• Explore diversification and find the path to success in the franchising world.

Does this sound familiar? You want to gain control of your financial future but need the courage to live with the uncertainty being an entrepreneur brings. Are you seeking a way to attain the insights necessary to take the leap into business ownership?

Look no further because our guest, Kendall, will share her process of stepping into the unknown. Get ready to unlock your potential and fearlessly navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with Kendall's invaluable insights.

My special guest is Kendall

Kendal Kineard joins us on Free Agent Season 4 as a brand new franchisee in the process of training and launching her business.

In this episode, Meg and Kendall discuss:

• Discovering the secrets to leaning on family and faith.
• Building trust and relationships for exponential business growth.
• Being scared and doing it anyway.
• Explore the importance of listening and paying attention for business breakthroughs.