Josh Sharkey (Entrepreneur, professional chef, and founder/CEO of meez, the culinaryOS for food professionals) interviews world class entrepreneurs in the food space that are shifting the paradigm of how we innovate and operate in our industry.
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Josh Sharkey Podcasts
The Newton Knowledge Podcast is intended to provide meaningful content to our advisor community and anyone interesting in learning about sophisticated insurance related topics, focusing on estate planning, wealth transfer and executive benefits. Newton One is a national life insurance planning firm and a member of the M Financial Group.
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Jack and Jill Johnson are two of the most experienced franchise experts in the industry, and their podcast The Inside Scoop is a must-listen for anyone considering investing in a franchise. Here are five reasons why:1. Jack and Jill have over 20 years of experience in the franchise industry. 2. They sell franchises, so they know which ones are actually making money. 3. They're not afraid to tell it like it is - you won't find any boring interviews on this podcast. 4. Every episode is jam-pac ...
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Pools On Autopilot: How A Lean Franchise Scales Recurring Revenue
46:22
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46:22Send us a text Pool service franchise meets tech-driven recurring revenue. Discover how Puddle Pools built a scalable pool cleaning franchise across the U.S. and Canada with predictable cash flow, lean overhead, and margins that attract both operators and private equity. The Pool Maintenance Franchise Business Model We sit down with Puddle Pools fo…
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LIVE: LA Chef Conference 2025 with Suzanne Goin, Michael Mina, Amy Guittard, and Ryan Handel
41:06
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41:06#110. In this special meez podcast feature, Amy Guittard of the namesake chocolate brand leads a discussion with acclaimed chefs Suzanne Goin and Michael Mina, and hospitality tech founders Ryan Handel and Josh Sharkey, on the intersection of creativity and profitability—where inspiration meets the realities of running a business. They explore the …
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Chuck Runyon: CEO of Anytime Fitness on how technology and empathy helped build Anytime Fitness
46:58
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46:58Send us a text A small-town key and a big idea changed fitness forever. We’re sitting with Chuck Runyon, cofounder of Anytime Fitness and Purpose Brands, to trace the leap from oversized racquetball clubs to tech-enabled, 24/7 gyms that actually match how people train today. Chuck opens up about building with empathy for small business owners, why …
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Adam Sendzischew - Premium Financing Life Insurance Solutions
34:08
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34:08Join Newton One Advisors (Mark Singer and Steve Target) and Adam Sendzischew, Principal of Jones Lowry, as they delve into the intricacies of premium financing life insurance solutions for affluent families. Learn why partnering with an experienced consultant that specializes in this governed process is imperative for all parties.…
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LIVE: Brigaid Summit 2025 with John Karangis of Shake Shack and Eric Bromberg of Blue Ribbon
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48:39
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48:39#109. Join Josh as he moderates a compelling discussion with Eric Bromberg, co-founder of Blue Ribbon Restaurants, and John Karangis, executive chef at Shake Shack, exploring the fascinating intersection between fine dining and food at scale. This engaging conversation reveals the mutual lessons these two culinary worlds can teach each other, divin…
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Josh York CEO GymGuyz How Mindset, Accountability, And Grit Turn A Small Idea Into A Global Fitness Brand
46:20
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46:20Send us a text We sit down with GymGuyz founder Josh York to unpack how a mobile fitness brand scaled to seven countries by pairing accountability with convenience and culture. We talk mindset, unit economics, trainer retention, recovery, cash flow, and the power of relentless consistency. • bringing the workout to clients anywhere with fully equip…
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How Two First-Time Franchisees Built a Thriving Roofing Business — With Zero Construction Experience
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50:05Send us a text How Two First-Time Franchisees Built a Thriving Roofing Business — Without Construction Backgrounds In this episode, the team sits down with Kevin and Kathy, first-time franchise owners of Action Exteriors, to unpack how two non-constructors turned a leap of faith into a fast-growing exterior restoration business. They share how they…
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Blake Hudelson on How BoomPop is Transforming Event Planning
1:09:52
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1:09:52By Josh Sharkey
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How Low-Cost Franchises Scale with Thomas Scott
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38:24By The Franchise Insiders
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Aaron Harper’s Franchise Playbook: Why Niche Service Brands Beat Food in 2025
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55:16Send us a text Looking for the real playbook behind franchise growth in a high-rate, AI-shaken market? We sat down with Aaron Harper—architect of Rolling Suds’ explosive rise—to unpack why niche, recurring service businesses are beating capital-heavy food brands and how honest expectations turn into better outcomes. From the Patch Boys turnaround d…
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Brian Sharkey and Dan Cornell - Benefits of Gifting Private Company Ownership Interests
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23:49Newton One Advisors (Mark Singer and Steve Target) engage in discussion with Brian Sharkey and Dan Cornell, Directors at Kreischer Miller, about the benefits of gifting private company ownership interests. They review the intricate challenges privately held business owners face concerning federal taxation and how thoughtful planning techniques can …
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Jesse Stein on Making AI Feel Human: The Future of Restaurant Customer Service
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46:18
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46:18#107. Josh sits down with Jesse Stein, founder of Hermetic AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming hospitality management and customer engagement in the restaurant industry. Stein shares his vision for making AI interactions feel genuinely human while helping restaurants streamline event management and build stronger customer rel…
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Building a Children's Salon Empire with Sharkey's Cuts for Kids Owner Lacy Altenhofen
33:08
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33:08Send us a text What does it take to build a successful children's hair salon franchise? Lacy Altenhofen, owner of multiple Sharkey's Cuts for Kids locations in Texas, reveals the unexpected journey that transformed her from marketing professional to thriving entrepreneur. Driven by a desire to bring valuable services to her hometown communities, La…
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Franchising's Next Frontier: How Technology and Smart Industry Selection Create Winners
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32:27Send us a text What separates successful franchise concepts from the overhyped flashes in the pan? In this revealing roundtable discussion, franchise prodigy Dan Claps – who sold his company to private equity before turning 30 – joins forces with seasoned franchise consultants to cut through the noise of franchise marketing and deliver unfiltered t…
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Eli Feldman on How Restaurants Must Evolve to Survive
1:03:07
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1:03:07#106. Josh sits down with Eli Feldman, founder of Elided Opinions and Shy Bird, to explore the rapidly changing dynamics of restaurant management and hospitality. Feldman shares insights on how restaurants must evolve beyond traditional dining models to survive in today's competitive landscape, emphasizing the critical need to monetize customer att…
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Franchise Ownership in 2025: Hot Takes and Hard Truths
56:28
56:28
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56:28Send us a text What happens when you gather six successful franchise owners in one room and ask them to share their unfiltered insights? You get a masterclass in franchise reality that cuts through the noise and marketing hype. The Franchise Insiders team brings decades of combined experience as both franchise owners and consultants to deliver a re…
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Britney Ziegler on The Future of Hospitality Management
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52:23#105. Josh sits down with Britney Ziegler, Founder and CEO of Panso, to explore the innovative world of restaurant technology and hospitality management. Britney shares her entrepreneurial journey of launching a comprehensive restaurant technology platform that streamlines multiple tools into one unified system. She reveals how her team's industry …
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Repost: Restaurant Unstoppable, 1169: Josh Sharkey, CEO of meez
1:45:42
1:45:42
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1:45:42https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoE6VJ-R7LU&t=108s Today, we’re highlighting Josh's appearance on Restaurant Unstoppable with host Eric Cacciatore. This insightful repost episode explores the critical foundations of successful restaurant operations. Josh breaks down the essential elements of running a restaurant from pre-sale planning through post-…
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Emmanuel (Manny) Fournaris and Constantine Fournaris - Business Succession Planning
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30:30Newton One Advisors (Mark Singer, Steve Target, and Tom Hollinger) are joined by Emmanuel (Manny) Fournaris, Director/Co-founder of Gordon, Fournaris & Mammerela, and his son Constantine Fournaris, Associate at the Firm, to explore the significance of business succession planning. The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of transitions ove…
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Shawn Aoki & Ryan Harris: Scaling Culinary Vision in Dubai’s Dynamic Food Scene
55:42
55:42
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55:42#104. In this episode, Josh sits down with chefs Shawn Aoki and Ryan Harris to explore their journey from working in hotels to running a successful culinary consultancy in Dubai's dynamic food scene. They dive into the unique challenges of menu development, ingredient sourcing, and the competitive nature of the culinary community in Dubai. Througho…
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Patrick Conner - Estate, Business Succession and Tax Planning
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29:22Join Newton One Advisors (Mark Singer and Steve Target) and Patrick Conner from Husch Blackwell's Private Wealth Group as they delve into estate, business succession and tax planning strategies. Gain insights on navigating the uncertain economic landscape and evolving legislation.By Newton One, LLC
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Tilit: How Two Hospitality Veterans Built a Chef-First Apparel Brand
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48:58#103. Join Josh as he sits down with the innovative duo behind Tilit, Alex McCrery and Jenny Goodman, to explore how they've revolutionized chef workwear through community-driven design and authentic hospitality connections. The founders share their formative experiences working within the hospitality industry, including pivotal moments at Commande…
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Gavin Kaysen Reflects on His Friendship with Paul Bocuse and Coaching Team USA
1:11:50
1:11:50
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1:11:50#102. In this episode, Josh sits down with Gavin Kaysen—the award-winning chef and founder of Soigné Hospitality Group in Minneapolis. Gavin reflects on his upbringing, his mentors like Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller, and how their examples—especially around discipline and curiosity—shaped not only his cooking but his approach to business and peop…
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Join Newton One Advisors (Mark Singer and Steve Target) and Josh Caron, Vice President of Government Relations at M Financial, for a comprehensive legislative update on the dynamic landscape in Washington. Stay informed on the latest developments shaping our future (Recorded June 10th, 2025).By Newton One, LLC
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Dan Kluger on Mentorship, Flow State, and the True Cost of Great Food
1:09:00
1:09:00
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1:09:00#101. Josh sits down with chef Dan Kluger (Loring Place, Greywind) for a candid conversation about the evolving dynamics of professional kitchens, and what it really takes to lead with both creativity and clarity. Drawing from decades of experience at restaurants like Tabla, ABC Kitchen, and beyond, Dan shares hard-earned insights into how kitchen …
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The Mindset of Wealthy Franchisees with Scott Greenberg
28:35
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28:35Send us a text What makes some franchise owners wildly successful while others struggle? Scott Greenberg, acclaimed author and former top-performing franchisee, unlocks the secrets of "wealthy franchisees" in this eye-opening conversation. Scott's journey began unexpectedly when he spotted an Edible Arrangements ad in an airline magazine. As a moti…
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From Corporate Burnout to Franchise Success: Brian Gross's Kitchen Renovation Journey
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27:56Send us a text What happens when you combine 13 years of corporate experience with the right franchise opportunity? Brian Gross's remarkable story answers this question, revealing how he transformed from a comfortable but unfulfilled financial services professional into the top-performing Art of Drawers franchisee in Tampa, Florida. Brian's journey…
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Shawn Gawle on Fostering Camaraderie in Demanding Environments
1:02:06
1:02:06
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1:02:06#100. In this episode, Josh sits down with acclaimed chef and pastry talent Shawn Gawle—owner of the newly opened restaurant, Camaraderie, in Houston. Josh and Shawn delve into the complex dynamics of leadership in high-pressure kitchens, exploring how early culinary experiences influence career paths, the role of mentorship in professional growth,…
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Cascadia Pizza: The Rise of Authentic Neapolitan-Style Franchising
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21:45Send us a text Authentic Neapolitan pizza finally gets the franchise treatment it deserves! In this captivating conversation, we sit down with Trey Reinhart, a Cascadia Pizza franchisee who's redefining what's possible in pizza franchising. Trey's story starts far from the world of food - managing truck stops and gas stations - before recognizing a…
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Chad Brauze from Sweetgreen on Mastering Recipe Management and Culinary Innovation
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42:59
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42:59#99. In this episode, Josh sits down with Chad Brauze, Culinary Director at Sweetgreen, to unpack the complex world of culinary leadership in the fast-casual space. Chad shares fascinating insights into Sweetgreen's collaborative recipe development process—from initial concept ideation to rigorous testing and market launches. Listeners will get an …
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Fred Castellucci on Building Restaurant Success Through Family, Innovation, and Action
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1:01:55
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1:01:55#98. Fred Castellucci, CEO of Castellucci Hospitality Group, joins Josh on The meez Podcast to share the extraordinary journey from his family’s modest beginnings to building one of the most celebrated restaurant groups in Atlanta. In this episode, Fred opens up about growing up in his father’s restaurant, the devastating loss that led his family t…
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Marty Babitz - Hoensheid V. U.S. Tax Court Ruling
37:37
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37:37Join Newton One Advisors (Mark Singer and Stephen Target) and Marty Babitz, Family Wealth Strategist for BNY Mellon Wealth Management, as they delve into the U.S. Tax Court Ruling on the Hoensheid v. Commissioner case. The discussion focuses on the tax implications of donating appreciated stock in a closely held corporation to charity just before t…
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Send us a text Every dollar you save in taxes is another dollar you can reinvest in your franchise. But are you leaving money on the table? In this eye-opening conversation, CPA Michael Reeder reveals the tax strategies that have helped franchisees nationwide maximize their profits and build sustainable wealth. Michael brings 14+ years of specializ…
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Alex Sambvani on how Conversational AI is Transforming Restaurant Experiences
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48:46#97. In this deep-dive episode, Josh sits down with Alex Sambvani to explore how AI is revolutionizing customer experiences in the restaurant industry. Alex shares valuable insights from his work at Slang and draws parallels to his time at Spotify, highlighting how personalization drives engagement across different sectors. They delve into the dist…
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Rachael Nemeth on Scalable Training Solutions for the Restaurant Workforce and Beyond
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56:50
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56:50#96. This week on The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Rachael Nemeth, CEO and co-founder of Opus, for a candid and insightful conversation that challenges outdated ideas about restaurant training and explores what truly drives team performance, profitability, and sustainable business growth. Drawing on her early experiences in bakeri…
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#95. In this episode of The meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with Ben Pryor, a former restaurant operator turned tech leader at Fourtop, to explore the real-world impact of AI in the hospitality industry—and why it should empower teams, not replace them. With more than 30 years of experience running restaurants like Noodles & Co., Brinker, and …
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Digital Hospitality Podcast: Food Cost & Recipe SAAS! How meez is Helping Restaurants Boost Profits & Cut Costs
37:03
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37:03https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR1hMlmuFNA&t=1s Today, we’re highlighting Josh's appearance on a standout episode of Digital Hospitality with host Shawn Walchef. They explore the power of storytelling in business, the surprising ROI of podcasting, and the evolving world of restaurant tech. From menu engineering to system integration, the conversat…
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#94. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Josh Kopel, restaurateur, consultant, speaker, and former President of the California Restaurant Association, whose story is one of transformation, from building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire in Los Angeles to rethinking the way hospitality businesses are built and run. Kopel is best known f…
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Michael Gordon – Modernization and Modification of Trusts
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36:05Join Newton One Advisors (Mark Singer and Steve Target) and Michael Gordon, Trusts and Estate Planning Attorney and Director at Gordon, Fournaris & Mammarella, for an insightful discussion on trust modernization. Discover the compelling reasons for considering trust updates and explore the common changes observed in this evolving landscape.…
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Ben Leventhal on Bridging Old School Hospitality with New School Technology
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50:26#93. In this episode, we explore how hospitality is evolving at the intersection of tradition and technology—through the lens of one of the industry’s most influential entrepreneurs. Ben Leventhal, Co-Founder of Eater and Resy and now Founder of Blackbird Labs, shares his journey from media to tech and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He ref…
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Brian Smith and Jackie Cuscuna of Ample Hills
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49:19
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49:19#92. We’re kicking off Season 3 of The meez Podcast with an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and really good ice cream. In this episode, Josh sits down with Jackie Cuscuna and Brian Smith, the founders of Ample Hills Creamery. Jackie and Brian share candid insights on what it takes to start over in the food industry, the lesson…
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The Hidden Franchise Opportunity with $7.8M Average Revenue
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29:06Send us a text What if there was a franchise opportunity with average revenues of $7.8 million that 99% of franchise searchers have never heard about? In this revealing episode, Bubba Snider shares his transformation from Fortune 200 executive to successful City Wide Facility Solutions franchise owner in Alabama. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Bubb…
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Jennifer Smith - Trust Planning for Divorce
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23:54
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23:54Join Newton One Advisors (Mark Singer and Steve Target) and Jennifer Smith, Trusts and Estate Planning Attorney and Partner at McCollom, D'Emilio, Smith, Uebler, as they discuss strategic planning of irrevocable trust structuring. Discover how proactive and deliberate preparation safeguards assets from potential claims during divorce proceedings.…
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Franchise Growth Chronicles: Managing Commercial Accounts and Cashflow
22:10
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22:10Send us a text Ever wonder what it's really like to own a franchise? Jack and Jill Johnson pull back the curtain on their first year as Pinks window cleaning and power washing franchise owners in this candid, unscripted conversation about the realities of business ownership. The Johnsons tackle one of the biggest challenges facing home service busi…
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From Finance to Fairways: Franchise Owner Mercedes Fonte's Journey with The Back Nine Golf
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39:20Send us a text From Finance to Fairways: Mercedes Fonte's Journey with The Back Nine Golf Discover how a former finance professional transformed her career by becoming the owner of The Back Nine Golf, an innovative indoor golf franchise that's revolutionizing the sport. In this compelling episode, Mercedes Fonte shares her entrepreneurial journey, …
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Amy Mister and Brittany Vavala – Underwriting Process and Policy Stewardship
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26:06Join Newton One Advisors (Steve Target and Mark Singer) and their internal support team, Amy Mister, Director of Underwriting, and Brittany Vavala, Lead Client Specialist, as they discuss the art and science behind underwriting and the importance of policy reviews.By Newton One, LLC
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Robert Dean on the Vending Revolution: How Naturals2Go is Redefining Unattended Retail
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41:29Send us a text Corporate executive turned entrepreneur Robert Dean takes us behind the scenes of his journey with Naturals2Go, revealing how he's transforming the outdated vending industry into a tech-forward healthy food revolution. Learn how his frustration with stale chips and broken dollar slots evolved into a multi-unit operation that's changi…
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We Bought a Home Care Franchise | How Alanna Clark Found Success in Her 1st Year
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52:34Send us a text 🚀 Thinking about investing in a home care franchise? Wondering what it’s like to be a first-year franchise owner? This episode is packed with insights for aspiring senior care franchise owners! 💡 Meet Alanna Clark, a first-year HomeWell Care Services franchise owner who transitioned from finance to home care entrepreneurship. She’s j…
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Michael Francisco and Colin Devlin - Navigating the Sale of Your Business
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28:02Join Newton One Advisors (Mark Singer and Stephen Target) and Michael Francisco, Vice President of Investments at SSG Executive Advisory Group of Raymond James, and Colin Devlin, Partner and Business/Estate Planning Attorney at Lex Nova Law as they share insights on pre and post planning considerations for selling a privately held business. Discove…
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Top Performing Rolling Suds Franchisee Nick Heye joins the show.
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43:27Send us a text 🚀 How Nick Heye Became Rolling Suds' Top Franchisee 🚀 In our latest episode of We Bought a Franchise, we had the privilege of sitting down with Nick Heye, the top-performing Rolling Suds franchisee of 2024. 🎉 Nick’s journey from a high-end personal finance professional to a record-breaking franchise owner is nothing short of inspirin…
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