CLOSE THE DEAL / Franchise Investing / Franchisors & Entrepreneurs

Are you done getting lowballed (screwed) by insurance companies?

Ted Patestos was too—and now his franchise, Tiger Adjusters, helps homeowners and business owners fight back. With a model that puts franchisees in control and customers first, this low-overhead, high-impact business is rewriting the playbook on public adjusting.

💥 Real franchisee: $861K in revenue, $655K profit
🛠️ Work from home, control your schedule
💸 Be a...

What do you get when you mix UPS-level safety protocols, jungle animals, and teenagers learning to drive? A franchise that’s saving lives and building a business around it.

Zach Butler joins me to share the story of Jungle Driving—a radically better, more effective, and wildly memorable driver’s ed franchise. Backed by 20+ years of data and a mission-focused mindset, this brand is making the roads safer for all of us.

In this episode...

Want more time, profit, and peace of mind in your business? Start with systems.

On this episode of Close The Deal, Ewell Smith chats with Adi Klevit - founder of Business Success Consulting Group—about how entrepreneurs can document their way to freedom.

You’ll learn:

• How to identify the first process to document
• The 90-minute framework that changes everything
• How SOPs reduce training time and increase business valuation
• The secret t...

Is your business unintentionally taking a political stance? In this episode of Close The Deal, Ewell Smith sits down with Chris Peterson, author of Red and Blue Customers, to explore how political identity subtly (and sometimes explosively) affects consumer behavior.

Chris shares fascinating insights about liberal vs. conservative buyers, real-life brand case studies, and why most businesses are completely unaware of the worldview s...

In this episode, Shayne Brown, founder of Diesel Barbershops, shares 10 success mindset quotes every franchise owner should know.

From overcoming setbacks to leading creative teams, Shane has built a standout brand by doing things differently—and staying focused on what actually matters.

You’ll Hear:

• Why following the system is non-negotiable
• How to lead artists (not just employees)
• What it takes to succeed in a creative, edgy ...

What if your stress isn’t just a feeling—it’s a signal from your nervous system? And what if there’s a daily practice that could help rewire it?

In this episode, Ewell Smith interviews Rachel Wixey, founder of the Wixey Center for Wellness and creator of workplace meditation programs. Rachel shares how she left her business career to pursue mindfulness full-time, the science behind why it works, and how anyone—yes, even you—can star...

Tony Holbert is the CEO of Horsepower Brands—one of the fastest-growing home service franchise groups in the U.S.

With over 400 franchise territories and nine brands under their umbrella (like Mighty Dog Roofing and Varsity Zone HVAC), Tony shares what makes franchisees succeed, why “going all in” matters, and how AI is changing how sales teams operate.

💡 We talk franchise stacking, recurring revenue, market resilience, and how you ...

In this episode of the Close The Deal podcast, host Ewell Smith sits down with sales strategist Sean Lyden, founder of Systematic Selling. Sean breaks down why traditional high-pressure tactics are broken — and what to do instead.

From boosting proposal conversion rates to smart upselling and increasing volume through networking and referrals, Sean shares practical, no-fluff strategies that work. Whether you're a founder, franc...

Chris Widener joins the Close The Deal podcast to share his powerful journey from personal adversity to international speaker, bestselling author, and faith-based mentor. With mentorship from icons like Zig Ziglar and Jim Rohn, Chris explores how belief, mentorship, and faith fuel success.

We dive into how his early experiences—from working with the Seattle Supersonics to selling 20,000 flower pots at 14—shaped his purpose-driven ap...

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Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Ewell Smith is talking with disruptors - entrepreneurs, franchisors, and marketing and sales pros. Whether you're considering starting a business or looking for ways to drive more leads and close more deals, this podcast is for you.

🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Franchise Profits Podcast

Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise industry leaders to...

Thinking about investing in a franchise? Join Ewell Smith, author of Your First Franchise Roadmap and founder of CloseTheDeal.com, as he sits down with Newell Normand on WWL Radio. In this episode, Ewell shares expert insights on how franchising provides a proven playbook for success, career independence, and wealth-building. Learn why franchising isn’t just about fast food, how veterans and corporate professionals are leveraging f...

In this special episode of Close The Deal, I sit down with James Groves, co-founder of Hole in the Wall Franchise, to discuss how this drywall repair brand is scaling fast and delivering big profits. From standout branding to high-margin services and franchisee training that rocks, this episode breaks down why Hole in the Wall Franchise is a winning opportunity.

💡 We cover:
✅ How a strong brand fuels franchise growth
✅ Why ...

In this episode of the Close The Deal podcast - Franchise Profits episode, I sit down with Carlos Herrador, EVP of Franchise Operations at Marufuku Ramen. With 42 years of franchise experience, Carlos shares what makes a franchise thrive, how Marufuku Ramen became a powerhouse brand, and why quality and consistency are the keys to success.

From franchise support to real estate selection and customer experience, we unpack everything ...

Michelle Henry, founder of Face Foundry Franchise, went from struggling with skincare solutions to revolutionizing the beauty industry. In this episode of Your First Franchise, we dive into her entrepreneurial mindset, growth strategies, and what it takes to build a successful franchise.

She shares:
✔️ How she overcame fear to launch and scale her business
✔️ The secret to attracting loyal customers and franchisees
✔️ Wh...

In this episode of Close The Deal, Eric Thompson shares the mindset shifts and leadership principles that help entrepreneurs and leaders multiply their success. As the founder of Lift Leadership and CMO of Snooze Mattress Company, Eric breaks down self-mastery, purpose-driven leadership, and force multipliers in business and life.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• Purpose is the ultimate force multiplier—here’s why.
• How self-awareness and emotion...

Balancing Career, Parenting & Stress: Dr. Kate Lund on Resilience

Life is a juggling act—especially for busy professionals and parents trying to manage careers, families, and personal well-being. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kate Lund, a clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and resilience expert, to talk about how to build mental toughness, reduce stress, and find balance in the chaos.

We cover:
✔️ The biggest ...

In this episode, Sam McCabe, Director of Loyola University’s Entrepreneurship & Community Development Center, shares insights on launching and scaling a business.

We dive into:
✅ Why the right team is everything
✅ The power of empathy in entrepreneurship
✅ Lessons from the music industry that apply to business
✅ How Loyola’s program equips future entrepreneurs

💡 "You can't do everything on your own.&quo...

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Hodgson, co-founder and brand president of Shrunk 3D, a one-of-a-kind entertainment franchise that’s turning heads and making waves. Imagine a portable 3D scanning booth that captures stunningly detailed mini replicas of people, pets, and even sports mascots—whether for fun, business, or memorabilia.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:
✅ The unique business model behind Shrunk 3D
✅ How this franchise b...

Clarity Matters: The Key to Success 🎙

In this episode of Close The Deal, I sit down with Chef Christian Fischer, CEO of Fisher Research Group, to explore how clarity, mindset, and strategy can transform careers and businesses—whether you’re a chef, entrepreneur, or business leader.

Chef Fischer reveals his unique approach to closing deals over a meal, the power of disruptive thinking, and why most professionals are one connection or...