Free Agent with Meg Schmitz

Inspiring conversations with real people who took the leap into business ownership, franchising, and freedom. Hosted by franchise guru, consultant and trusted small business advisor, Meg Schmitz.

If you're looking to make the next phase of your life the best phase, this podcast is for you.

From corporate refugees and executives tired of the desk job life, to entrepreneurs and investors looking for more support in their business journey, you'll hear from real people who stepped into the unknown, took control of their destiny and became their own boss.

Ep. 6.17 Building a Window Cleaning Franchise from the Inside Out

Jan 23, 2025

Meg Schmitz sits down with Chris Stoness, founder of Elite Window Cleaning and Sparkle Squad, to uncover the inspiring journey behind building a revolutionary window cleaning franchise. From his early entrepreneurial spark growing up in a family of business owners to the pivotal moment that led him to pursue...

Ep 6.16 The Accidental Career: How A Love for Music Led to Coaching

Jan 16, 2025

In this episode of The Free Agent, guest Jonathan Flaks of Jonathan Flaks Leadership and Career Coaching Associates Inc. shares how a lifelong love for music unexpectedly paved the way to a rewarding career in coaching. From navigating unforeseen challenges to embracing new opportunities, Jonathan reveals the pivotal...

Ep. 6.15 Growing Iconic Brands Across Borders and Cultures

Jan 9, 2025

Discover how iconic brands like Subway and Chick-fil-A expand across cultures in this fascinating conversation with franchise developer Brandon Johnson. From his early days navigating the operations of major franchises to helping aspiring entrepreneurs embrace business ownership, Brandon shares insider tips on...

Ep 6.14 Taking The Leap Again

Jan 2, 2025

Alan Wedal, a former U.S. Navy officer, has an extensive background in sales and marketing, which led him to his first franchise ARCpoint Labs. After 9 years of ownership, Alan invested in a new franchise. His experience and insights provide a valuable perspective on the benefits of owning a franchise, effective...

Ep 6.14 Battling Burnout and Bankruptcy

Dec 19, 2024

What happens when the weight of ambition starts to crack the foundation you've worked so hard to build? In this powerful continuation of our conversation with Matthew McReynolds, we dive into the messy, unfiltered truth of what it takes to persevere when everything feels like it's falling apart.