Level Up with Nick Lopez
Welcome to your new favorite corner of franchising. Hosted by Nick Lopez, Founder of LIME Painting and creator of the Empire Model, The Level Up Show is where emerging leaders, top franchise buyers, and gritty entrepreneurs come to scale their mindset, sharpen their strategy, and build something legendary. Each episode features raw, real, and ridiculously valuable conversations with elite franchise owners, performance coaches, and business titans who are doing more than talking — they're executing at the highest levels. Whether you’re a franchise consultant, a multi-unit operator, or an entrepreneur in the making, this is your front-row seat to what it takes to go from founder-led to empire-built. Topics We Dive Into: ✅Franchise growth + scalability ✅Leadership in action (not theory) ✅Sales, marketing, and ops strategy ✅Faith, values, and legacy building ✅Behind-the-scenes of the luxury trades category Subscribe for episodes that inspire, educate, and challenge you to level up in every area of your life and business. "From Founder-Led to Empire-Built." – The Level Up Show with Nick Lopez
Episodes
In franchise development, timing is everything. Missing a lead can mean missing a future franchisee. In this episode of The Level Up Show, Robert Gandley reveals how AI helps franchisors respond instantly, connect more effectively, and book more qualified calls. From solving speed-to-lead challenges to creating a flywheel effect that fuels sustainable growt...
Many aspiring business owners get stuck in endless research and never take the leap into entrepreneurship. Keith Lisio of Excelsior Franchise Center explains how franchising provides the structure and support to move beyond fear and hesitation. Learn why overcoming paralysis by analysis can open the door to both financial and time freedom.
...Angela Coté shares her journey growing up in franchising and how it shaped her passion for coaching franchisees and franchisors. She discusses the mindset shifts needed to succeed and the importance of strong leadership that empowers rather than just manages. Throughout the conversation, Angela highlights how coaching and support build confidence and create lasting impact within franchis...
Franchise success starts with clarity, not emotion. Nick Lopez sits down with Mark Schnurman, founder of The Perfect Franchise, to explore why the smartest franchise decisions come from self-awareness, not hype. They break down how a structured process helps candidates overcome fear, avoid common pitfalls, and find real alignment between their goals and the right business. This conversat...
From living room sales to a nationally recognized children’s consignment franchise, Shannon Wilburn’s journey is rooted in faith, grit, and community. She followed divine direction through pivotal moments, scaled her business with EOS, and ultimately passed the torch to a leader she felt called to choose. Now leading Shine Executive Coaching, she helps others lead with purpose and proves...
Franchise matchmaker TJ Corey of ZnZ Franchising joins host Nick Lopez to unpack what it really means to find the right business fit. Drawing from his tech background and years in executive leadership, TJ explains how systems, mindset, and due diligence are far more important than chasing hype or flashy brands. Whether you're a couple exploring business ownership or a professional seekin...
John Anderson, known as That Franchise Guy, is a multi-unit franchise owner and seasoned consultant who built his brand from the ground up. In this episode, he shares how his journey from cold-calling leads to franchise matchmaking and reveals the deeper values and systems that drive true business success. Packed with hard-won lessons and practical insights, his story is a must-listen fo...
Lance Graulich uncovers what drives real success in franchising. From helping scale Wingstop in its early days to matching today’s entrepreneurs with the right brands, Lance shares how leadership and collaboration outweigh flashy numbers. They dive into the power of franchise advisory councils, spotting red flags in the FDD, and why franchising is the ultim...
Uncover the secrets of E-Commerce Growth in this episode of The Level Up Show. Join Neil Twa, CEO of Voltage Holdings, as he shares his journey from corporate life to building a multi-brand e-commerce empire. Neil dives deep into the strategies behind scaling brands, creating lasting value, and thriving in today’s competitive d...
In this special edition episode of The People at LIME, Nick Lopez, CEO of LIME Painting, takes center stage to offer an exclusive look into his journey as a franchising visionary. Joined by Eri...
In this episode of The Level Up Show, host Nick Lopez sits down with Matt Cook, the Director of Franchise Development at HomeTeam Inspection Service, to uncover a compelling story of transformation. From his beginnings in the military to navigating the challenges of civilian life, Matt's journey took an unexpected turn through marriage and a chance encounter with franchising. He shares h...
Lisa Linkowsky, a third-generation entrepreneur and master matchmaker in franchising, shares her inspiring journey into the world of franchising. Initially, Lisa had no interest in becoming a business owner, preferring a corporate career. However, a chance encounter with a direct mail piece led her to become the first franchisee for Birthday Pack. Despite initial doubts and fears, her en...
The founder of Emergent Growth Advisors, Alicia Miller, shares how private equity is reshaping the franchise landscape by driving unprecedented success and innovation. With rising competition and heightened expectations, PE-backed franchises are unlocking new l...
Delve into the world of financial planning with Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP®, on The Level Up Show with Nick Lopez. Jay shares his journey of early wealth inheritance, offering insights into navigating financial pitfalls and achieving mastery in management. As a chi...
Are you ready to fire your boss and hire yourself? Join Nick Lopez, founder and steward of LIME Painting, on "The Level Up Show," where entrepreneurship meets empowerment. Nick, a self-proclaimed "crazy entrepreneur" with over 16 years of experience, shares his journey of taking the arrows in the bac...
This episode discusses how to level up the franchising model with the help of creating an amazing culture and support. Michael Wagner, the President of Pool Scouts, joins Nick Lopez as he shares his journey navigating the ins and outs of franchising. In this episode, you will get the chance to understand how executing an objective plays a big part in the success of how to bring your fran...
In this insightful episode of The People at LIME, we sit down with Bethany Broughton, the esteemed bid support team lead at LIME Painting. Bethany delves into her transformative journey over the past three years at LIME, highlighting the personal growth and professional milestones she has achieved. Emphasizing the core LIME values of Love Integrit...
Be treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of the industry, learning what it takes to bring a homeowner's vision to life. In this insightful episode of The People at LIME, we dive deep into the colorful world of luxury painting with our guest, Jordan Jeffords, a seasoned professional from LIME Painting of Southern Colo...
Whether you're seeking to revamp your financial framework or build a robust financial team, this episode is a treasure trove of invaluable wisdom you won't want to miss. In this transformative conversation at the Level Up Show, we're honored to feature Rocky Lalvani, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking Profit Comes First philosophy. Rocky unveils the core motivations propelling his ...
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