Episodes

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes Barefoot welcomes back Andy Fuller, founder and CEO of Mosquito Hunters — now expanded into Pest Hunters and Humbug Holiday Lighting. Andy shares the story behind the rebrand, the mindset shift from seasonal hustle to empire-building, and how his franchise model grew from a $2B niche into a $31B multi-service powerhouse. Whether you're a franchisee, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with gold. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:16...

After 14 years of building one of the highest-performing ShelfGenie franchises, Alan Regala sold his business and stepped into a brand-new chapter of life. In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Alan shares how he went from mechanical engineer to successful franchise owner — and what it really takes to build a business that’s actually sellable. We cover: ✅ The mindset behind long-term success ✅ How to avoid burnout as a franchise owner ✅ The systems that make a franchise valuable ✅ Why mo...

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered podcast, Wes Barefoot sits down with Larry Oglesby—a former corporate executive turned fast-scaling franchisee. Larry shares how he transitioned from a 30-year corporate career into owning two franchise businesses in just 18 months: Redbox Plus Dumpsters and Cool Bins. We dive deep into how Larry built his franchise portfolio under the Belfor umbrella, the surprising synergy between dumpster rentals and portable storage, and why trust, leadership, and...

Is boutique fitness oversaturated? Discover Strength doesn’t think so — because they’re doing it completely differently. In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Scott Breimhorst, VP of Franchise Development for Discover Strength, a cutting-edge fitness brand redefining what it means to own and operate a premium fitness franchise. With a science-backed, twice-per-week strength training model, degreed exercise physiologists, and a high-end client experience, Discover Strength...

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered Podcast, Wes sits down with franchise veteran Zach Beutler to talk about his latest venture: Jungle Driving — a groundbreaking driver’s education concept that's saving teen lives and reshaping what franchising looks like in the education space. We dive deep into: ✅ How Jungle Driving blends UPS safety methods with teen-focused learning ✅ What it takes to scale a franchise from one concept to a national brand ✅ Why most driver’s ed programs are outd...

In this episode of Franchise Unfiltered, Wes sits down with Tim Dougherty, the founder and CEO of Project Lean Nation, for one of the most jaw-dropping comeback stories in franchising. In 2006, the FBI walked into Tim’s office and charged him with conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He served time in federal prison—and came out with nothing. But out of that brokenness, Tim rebuilt his life by serving others, starting with a few homemade meals and a dream to change lives through health and nu...

In this episode of the Franchise Unfiltered Podcast, Wes Barefoot chats with Susan, a former teacher turned franchise owner, who started her Gotcha Covered window treatment business in the middle of the 2008 recession. Now, 17 years later, Susan shares how she created a successful and flexible business that gives her control over her time, lifestyle, and legacy. If you're thinking about franchise ownership, making a mid-life career change, or just want to learn how to build a business that fits...

In this episode, Wes sits down with Mike Bahun, founder and CEO of Fundraising University, a fast-growing franchise that's transforming the way schools and sports teams raise money. Mike shares how he turned his coaching background and entrepreneurial drive into a scalable business model that’s helped raise over $11 million for schools—while building a high-retention, high-impact franchise system. You’ll learn: ✅ Why traditional school fundraisers are broken ✅ How Fundraising U’s service-bas...

In this episode, I sit down with Shideler Bennett, a multi-unit Crumbl Cookies franchisee, SaaS founder, and business builder who scaled a $12 million portfolio by the age of 30. From cold-calling insurance agencies to building a 10-unit franchise empire and launching a software company that’s changing how franchisees operate — Shideler shares the gritty, behind-the-scenes truth of what it really takes to grow fast, take risks, and build a business that lasts. Whether you're looking to buy a fr...

🚀 Thinking about franchising your business? In this episode of Path to Freedom, I sit down with Tom DeFore, Founder & CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team, to uncover the essential steps to turning your business into a thriving franchise. 👉 We dive deep into: ✅ What makes a business franchisable ✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when franchising ✅ The timeline and costs of franchising your business ✅ Pros & cons of emerging vs. established franchises ✅ How to scale with confidence and avo...

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes sits down with Rick Mayo, the founder and CEO of Alloy Personal Training. They dive deep into Alloy’s explosive growth in the franchising space, hitting over 300+ awarded licenses and the strategies behind sustainable expansion. Rick shares insights on: ✅ The key to supporting franchisees for long-term success ✅ The mindset shift from hands-on operator to visionary CEO ✅ Lessons learned from scaling a business while maintaining quality ✅ T...

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes is joined by Jody Grunden, the founder of Summit Virtual CFO by Anders. Jody pioneered the virtual CFO model over 20 years ago and has helped countless businesses optimize their financial strategies. They discuss: -The origins of Summit Virtual CFO and its evolution over two decades -How virtual CFO services help small businesses scale strategically -Key financial metrics that business owners need to track -The importance of cash reserves ...

Connect with Rocky Lalvani: Website: https://profitcomesfirst.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-lalvani/ Podcast: https://profitcomesfirst.com/podcasts/ Episode Summary: In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, Wes sits down with Rocky Lalvani, also known as the "Profit Answer Man." Rocky is a certified Profit First professional dedicated to helping small business owners optimize their cash flow, prioritize profitability, and build businesses that truly serve them. Toge...

In this episode of Path to Freedom, host [Your Name] sits down with Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro, to discuss how their cutting-edge software is transforming the home service industry. From streamlining operations to leveraging AI for customer service and marketing, Roland shares the incredible ways Housecall Pro helps business owners grow by 30% year over year.If you're a home service entrepreneur, franchise owner, or looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with ...

In this episode of The Path to Freedom Podcast, I sit down with Boris Katsnelson, Managing Director at Black Iron Advisors, to uncover the real playbook for franchise success. Boris shares his unique experience from buying, scaling, and selling franchises for millions to advising franchisors and multi-unit franchisees on successful exits. If you’ve ever considered franchising or want to understand how top-performing franchisees build wealth, this episode is packed with insider knowledge and str...

Chris King, the dynamic CEO of Monster Mini Golf, joins us for an episode filled with exciting insights into the world of indoor family entertainment. Chris shares the innovative concept behind this monster-themed wonderland, where blacklight courses, animatronic creatures, and even a DJ booth ensure fun for all ages. He discusses the adaptable franchise model that allows each location to offer unique attractions such as laser tag and bowling, providing franchisees the flexibility to fit local m...

Struggling to grow your business? Feeling overwhelmed by hiring, financial challenges, and leadership shifts? In this episode, we dive deep into business scaling strategies, leadership growth, and financial management to help entrepreneurs like you take your business to the next level. Join Wes as he sits down with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial Management Consulting, to uncover: ✅ The biggest challenges of scaling a business and how to overcome them ✅ Why letting go and delegating...

Russ Morgan from Wealth Without Wall Street makes a compelling case for financial independence through non-traditional investing strategies. What if you could attain financial freedom not by stashing cash in a 401k but by building a passive income stream that exceeds your monthly expenses? We explore Russ's insights on creating a financial strategy tailored to your unique perspective, moving beyond the conventional wisdom tied to age or risk tolerance. This conversation is packed with lessons fr...

Unlock the secrets to franchise success as we sit down with Doug Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Belfor Franchise Group. Discover how Belfor's unique approach to franchising—entirely rooted in the home service sector—provides a winning formula for aspiring franchisees. Learn how being part of an operating giant like Belfor Property Restoration gives franchisees a unique advantage, offering them not just a business opportunity but a robust support system from seasoned bus...

Leslie Hassler, the dynamic president of Your Biz Rules, joins us to unravel the complex journey of finding true freedom in entrepreneurship. Many start their businesses dreaming of autonomy, only to find themselves trapped in a self-made cage. Leslie shares invaluable strategies on how intentional daily decisions and mindset shifts can lead entrepreneurs to genuine liberation. Together, we challenge the societal obsession with hustle culture and highlight the importance of a clear vision, suppo...

Gavin Lancey, a pivotal figure in the smart home technology arena, joins us to unravel the exciting possibilities of this burgeoning industry. From his humble beginnings in a house painting business to leading franchise sales at Daisy, Gavin's journey is nothing short of inspiring. We discuss the surge in demand for smart solutions like automated blinds, smart lighting, and security systems, which are increasingly becoming staples in modern homes and businesses. Gavin shares his insights on the ...

Unlock the secrets to revolutionizing your fitness routine with Sweat 440, the game-changing boutique fitness concept founded by Matthew Miller and Cody Patrick. Discover how their innovative rolling class schedule, with sessions starting every 10 minutes, offers unparalleled flexibility for those with unpredictable schedules. This episode promises to transform the way you think about fitness studios, highlighting how Sweat 440 accommodates up to 500 people in its larger locations, making it a h...

Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in business with Mike Liu, founder and CEO of FreeFuse, and Alex Londo, founder and CEO of Klarissa AI. Mike and Alex share their expertise on how AI goes beyond mere buzzwords to become a crucial element in business strategy, offering innovative solutions for franchise owners and small business operators. They reveal how their companies are at the forefront of pioneering AI technologies that enhance operational effici...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jen O'Neill, vice president of @MyMosquitoNix , as we explore the innovative approach this outdoor living brand takes to pest control. Discover how Mosquito Nix has transformed over the past two decades from a family business into a thriving franchise model. Jen shares fascinating insights into their misting systems, initially developed for horse barns, now adapted for homes and commercial spaces as a chemical-free solution to combat biting insects. ...