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 franchise, start a SaaS business, or just get inspired by someone who took massive action during uncertain times, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
🔑 What We Cover in This Episode:
How Shideler started with Crumbl Cookies during the pandemic
Scaling from 1 to 10 Crumbl locations across 3 states
Raising capital through creative funding (friends, family, investors)
Why he launched a SaaS platform for franchisors & franchisees (CoverPanda)
The emotional toll of rapid growth and how he pushed through doubt
Practical tips for franchise funding, scaling, and operations
What to know about owning a franchise in California
Why he believes franchising is the best fast track to entrepreneurship
🎯 Who This Episode Is For:
Aspiring franchise owners
Entrepreneurs in their 20s & 30s
Founders scaling multi-unit businesses
SaaS startup builders
Anyone looking for business growth inspiration
📈 Connect with Shideler Bennett: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scheidlerbennett
💼 CoverPanda (SaaS for Franchises): https://coverpandaco.com
7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:
https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising
If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.
https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes
Connect with Wes:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/
👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more insights on business, franchising, and financial freedom!
#Franchising #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship
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