What do combat missions, data analytics, and warm cookies fresh from the oven all have in common? That is all part of my guest's incredible journey. Today I am joined by Nicholas Jewel, who is a decorated veteran-turned-entrepreneur, and now a multi-unit franchisee of Crumbl Cookies. While earning two Bronze stars as a combat controller in the Air National Guard, Nicholas led with courage, innovation, and resilience. Now he is channeling those skills into one of the fastest growing brands in franchising. You will hear how he made the leap from the military to franchising and what it takes to grow multiple units. You will also hear his advice for anyone dreaming of entrepreneurship, please take a listen.

Nicholas Jewell is a multi-unit Crumbl Cookies franchisee in the Louisville Metro area. Nicholas’s path to franchising is anything but ordinary, spanning military service, entrepreneurship, logistics, and now cookie domination. He served 11 years as a combat controller in the Air National Guard, earning two Bronze Stars before shifting his focus to business. He founded a logistics company during the pandemic, completed a Master of Science in Business Analytics at the University of Louisville, and was recognized as a Louisville Business First 40 Under 40 honoree. Today, he is preparing to open his third Crumbl Cookies location, with plans for more growth on the horizon.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Why franchising is not truly “passive income”—and the reality behind scaling a brand.
• How Nicholas's military background shaped his approach to teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
• The unique appeal of Crumbl Cookies’ open kitchen, rotating menu, and tech-driven customer experience.
• Advice for veterans considering franchising or entrepreneurship.
• Nicholas’s “3 C’s of Leadership”: Being Clear, Consistent, and Caring.
• The balance between corporate systems and local community engagement in franchising.

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Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.