CLOSE THE DEAL / Franchise Investing / Franchisors & Entrepreneurs
Ewell Smith hosts the Close The Deal Podcast. (CloseTheDeal.Com)
We're talking with franchisors and entrepreneurs.
🔥 SPECIAL EPISODES: Your First Franchise
Ewell interviews franchisors and franchise leaders helping to pull back the veil on franchising to help you better understand how to invest and close the deal on your first franchise.
Ewell's the founder of www.YourFirstFranchise.com. As a franchise consultant he guides career professionals, corporate refuges and Veterans to fulfill their vision and close the deal on their first franchise.
Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.
Episodes
103 episodes
When Politics Impact Sales - Chris Peterson #93 Close The Deal
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 sometime...
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38:41
What It Takes To Open A Diesel Barbershop - Shayne Brown - #92 Close The Deal
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 dif...
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28:42
OVERWHELMED!!? This 3-Minute Practice Erases Stress Now - Rachel Wixey #91 Close The Deal
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 Wellnes...
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34:48
Franchise Stacking, AI Tools & Building Empires W. Tony Hulbert #90 Close The Deal (Franchise Profits episode)
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), To...
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31:36
Close More Deals Without Being Pushy W/ Sean Lyden #89 Close The Deal
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.<...
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43:49
Mentor others to make a real impact: Chris Widener #88 Close The Deal
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 exp...
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38:50
How To Invest In A Franchise - Be Your Own Boss: Ewell Smith on WWL Radio #86 Close The Deal
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 f...
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14:18
Discover Low Investment Hole in the Wall Franchise W/ James Groves #85 Close The Deal
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 bran...
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27:49
What’s the secret behind MARUFUKU Ramen’s long lines? #84 Close The Deal
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 ...
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25:54
From Fear to Franchise: The Face Foundry Story W/ Michele Henry #83 Close The Deal
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,...
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27:36
Force Multiplier Effect: Scaling Purpose & Growth W/ Eric Thompson #82 Close The Deal
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 <...
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36:15
How To Turn Chaos To Calm - Work - Kids- Stress W/ Dr. Kate Lund #81 Close The Deal
Balancing Career, Parenting & Stress: Dr. Kate Lund on ResilienceLife 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 wit...
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28:30
Launching Entrepreneurs: Inside Loyola University’s Startup Program W/ Sam McCabe #80 Close The Deal
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✅ ...
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24:46
Get Shrunked! One of the FUNNEST Side Hustles Possible (or full time) #79 Close The Deal
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
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31:41
How to Close More Deals Over Dinner, Gain Clarity and Build Connections: Chef Christian Fischer #78 Close The Deal
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 caree...
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29:42
The Shutter House Franchise: A Low-Investment Opportunity - Edward Terry #77 Close The Deal
The Shutter House Franchise: A Low-Investment Opportunity 🎙️On this episode of Your First Franchise, we sit down with Edward Terry, the visionary behind The Shutter House Franchise. Hear how he scaled his business to ...
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28:44
How To Command Huge Attention In 2025 With Josh York - CEO of GYMGUYZ - CTD #76
In this episode of Close the Deal, Josh York, the unstoppable founder and CEO of GymGuyz, returns to the podcast for a second time to share his game-changing insights. Known for his bold tactics and unshakable mindset, Josh talks about...
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Season 3
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Episode 76
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22:31
Master Your Mind With Julio Melara #75 Close The Deal
Julio Melara, CEO of Baton Rouge Business Report, shares why mindset is so important.This was actually our very first podcast under a different name - the Absolutely Mindset Podcast. It set the stage for every podcast episode we've done...
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36:56
How to Invest in Your First Franchise in 2025: Ewell Smith #31 Archive - Close The Deal
Exclusive Interview: W2 Prison Break Show Host Brian O'Neill Talks with Franchise Consultant and Host of the CloseTheDeal.Com Podcast Ewell Smith5 takeaways Ewell shares from his guest appearance on the W2 Prison Break Show. (Yo...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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33:29
How To Thrive In 2025 with Meridith Powell #74 Close The Deal
Meridith Powell, Chair of the National Speakers Association reveals key insights from her new book, Thrive: Strategies to Turn Uncertainty to Competitive Advantage3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast:
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Season 2
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Episode 74
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35:06
Biohazard Cleanup Franchise Opportunity - Stephanie Ruby #73 Your First Franchise Edition
Stephanie Ruby shares how Bio-One Franchise is a fast start up, low investment opportunity that makes big impact.3 Takeaways on This Episode of Close The Deal Podcast:👉 "Activity breeds results."Consistent ef...
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Season 2
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Episode 73
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27:49
Big Territories, Big Dreams with Painter1; Jason Leber #72 Close The Deal (Your FirstFranchise)
Jason Leber, Co-Founder of Painter 1 Franchise shares 3 big factors igniting their growth on this episode of Close The Deal (Your First Franchise Episode):👉 "Empower the Owner" Philosophy PainterOne stands...
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Season 2
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Episode 72
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22:01
How To Open A Gym That Caters To Executives (High ROI) : Jeff Tomaszewski #71 Close The Deal
Jeff Tomaszewski, CEO of Max Strength Fitness shares how you can start a niche franchise gym that caters to executives that provides a high ROI.Jeff Tomaszewski shares 3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast (Your F...
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Season 2
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Episode 71
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24:59
5 Money Mistakes Contractors Make (& How To FIX Them!) Alex Little #70 Close The Deal
Alex Little, founder of Little Financial, shares how to fix 5 money crushing cash flow mistakes contractors make every day....3 takeaways on this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast: Cash Flow Forecast...
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Season 2
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Episode 70
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25:29