Free Agent with Meg Schmitz

Alloy Personal Fitness is the perfect way to get in shape and take control of your destiny.

Here's what I cover with Rick Mayo in this episode: 1. How Rick Mayo's company, Alloy Personal Fitness, differentiates itself in the fitness industry 2. The importance of simplicity in a franchise concept 3. How discipline and structure can lead to more freedom, not less

Rick Mayo is the founder of Alloy Personal Fitness, a franchise that specializes in personal training. He has over 31 years of experience in the fitness industry, and has been involved in franchising for the past few years.

When Jamie Izaks, President of Northbrook Illinois and All Points PR, joins Meg Schmitz on the Free Agent podcast to discuss taking control of your future, he highlights the importance of a good PR partner, emphasizing the need for infrastructure and momentary ambition for franchisees to reach their desired success. You will learn: 1. What strategies do good PR firms use to demonstrate the value of a franchise to potential investors? 2. What are the key considerations for franchisees transitioning to becoming free agents? 3. What are the differences between marketing for B2B and B2C businesses?

When professional car racer, Emmet O'Brien is introduced to waterless car washing technology, he takes the leap into self-employment and becomes his own boss.

This week, I interviewed one of my favorite attorneys, Andrew Bleiman. In this episode, Andrew and I have a lively exchange around these topics:

• Understanding the FDD: it's just as important what is omitted as what is included
• War/Horror Stories that are informative and meaningful to your potential investment
• Red flags that you can find and research on your own about any franchise opportunity

Brian Garrison is significant in the world of franchising as the President and COO of Buzz Franchise Brands. Of greater importance is that Brian served for more than 22 years in the Navy with an impressive career in leadership, building teams and systems. He's also a pilot, and knows the thrill of aviation as well as the dangers of active duty.

In this episode, Brian and I discuss;

• The compelling arguments for franchising as an Exit Strategy
• The transition from military life to civilian
• How the military culture of team work is missing in the world of independent business ownership.

A super dynamo in franchising, my interview with Cary Tober was further proof that once the Entrepreneurial Spirit hits the gene pool, it never goes away. It just gets stronger and more exhilarating!

In this episode, we discuss;

• Becoming an entrepreneur during adolescence
• Learning leadership and transparency through challenges
• Rep M plans for continued exponential growth

Erik Haass was referred to me during his job search. He had a great career with a great company, but was locked in a silo without room to maneuver. Although owning a business hadn't really been on his radar, it was for his wife, Rebecca!Listen to our frank discussion about;

- Making the time to learn - Focusing on franchising - Finding the confidence during tumultuous changes

Adam Griggs is a small business coach, and a serial entrepreneur. He is as self-aware as they come. Energy, enthusiasm and excitement drive Adam to support his business community. He freely shares his experience and knowledge with me, and got me to admit my own weaknesses and fears while rebooting my business.

Kelsey Stuart is a true entrepreneur and student of humanity. As one of three brothers carrying on the legacy of their serial business start-up mother, Kelsey graduated not from college, but from the School Of Hard Knocks. Starting as a youngster helping his mom work the window blinds cleaning machine that was going to make the family wealthy (not), Kelsey absorbed the fortitude necessary to make mistakes and learn from them, so that the entire franchise system grows better and stronger.

In This episode, we discuss;

• From mom and pop shop to franchisor
• How to identify ideal franchisees
• Creating a family culture

Rachel Stender graduated from college and into a multiple location expansion with a major US retailer. This was the foundation for her enthusiasm for solid, properly executed franchise development and growth. In this episode, we discuss:

• RepM Brands: their 4 pillars that ensure success for both franchisor and franchisee
• Pandemic trends and shifts that create value for business owners
• Projected opportunities in 2023: franchise related funding practices and market demand