Free Agent with Meg Schmitz

From law school dropout to franchise mogul, Erik Van Horn shares his unconventional journey on the Free Agent podcast! Discover how a chance iced tea meeting led to a $20,000 franchise investment. Learn Erik's secrets to successful exits and the impact of private equity. Tune in to hear his no-nonsense advice on leadership and why he values franchisee-focused brands, and explore your potential for franchise ownership today!

In this episode of The Free Agent Podcast, host Meg Schmitz welcomes back fractional CFO and financial expert Lynn Corazzi to break down the key metrics every business owner needs to track. Learn how to spot financial red flags and avoid costly mistakes to maximize your business's value and set yourself up for a profitable exit. Build a thriving business—whether you're just starting or scaling up!

In this episode of the Free Agent Podcast, Jennifer Eastman shares her bold journey from running a family moving business to launching Assisted Living Locators—right in the middle of a pandemic. She opens up about navigating uncertainty, building a people-first business, and why strong relationships were key to her success. If you're looking for inspiration to take control of your future, this conversation is a must-listen!

Discover how Tori Johnston, Brand President of goGlow, is revolutionizing the beauty and wellness industry with a membership-based franchise model that creates recurring revenue. In this episode, she shares her journey from corporate leadership to franchising success and the secrets behind goGlow's innovative labor model and customer-loved products.

Meg Schmitz sits down with Chris Stoness, founder of Elite Window Cleaning and Sparkle Squad, to uncover the inspiring journey behind building a revolutionary window cleaning franchise. From his early entrepreneurial spark growing up in a family of business owners to the pivotal moment that led him to pursue window cleaning, Chris shares how he turned a simple service into a tech-driven, scalable franchise system.

In this episode of The Free Agent, guest Jonathan Flaks of Jonathan Flaks Leadership and Career Coaching Associates Inc. shares how a lifelong love for music unexpectedly paved the way to a rewarding career in coaching. From navigating unforeseen challenges to embracing new opportunities, Jonathan reveals the pivotal moments that transformed his passion into a fulfilling profession. This inspiring conversation reminds us that sometimes, the most accidental paths can lead to extraordinary destinations.

Discover how iconic brands like Subway and Chick-fil-A expand across cultures in this fascinating conversation with franchise developer Brandon Johnson. From his early days navigating the operations of major franchises to helping aspiring entrepreneurs embrace business ownership, Brandon shares insider tips on choosing the right franchise and what it takes to succeed. Whether you're exploring franchise opportunities or curious about the process, this episode uncovers the strategies and stories behind turning dreams into reality.

Alan Wedal, a former U.S. Navy officer, has an extensive background in sales and marketing, which led him to his first franchise ARCpoint Labs. After 9 years of ownership, Alan invested in a new franchise. His experience and insights provide a valuable perspective on the benefits of owning a franchise, effective networking strategies for business growth, and promising opportunities within the senior care franchise sector. With his engaging storytelling and practical experiences, Alan brings a wealth of knowledge, making him an ideal guest for entrepreneurs considering franchise ownership.

What happens when the weight of ambition starts to crack the foundation you've worked so hard to build? In this powerful continuation of our conversation with Matthew McReynolds, we dive into the messy, unfiltered truth of what it takes to persevere when everything feels like it's falling apart.

In this episode, Meg Schmitz speaks with Matthew Reynolds about his entrepreneurial journey through the highs and lows of franchising, family, and self-discovery. From navigating personal loss to rebuilding a thriving business, Matthew shares how resilience, mentorship, and self-awareness helped him create a new path to success. Tune in to learn how you can embrace challenges and build a stronger foundation for your future.