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 7.2 Bold Bets & Boutique Brands: Why Market Uncertainty Creates The Best Investments In Franchising

May 15, 2025

What do high-performing investors do when the market turns shaky? They double down on what works. In this episode, Meg Schmitz talks with JetSet Pilates head of development, Sara Buie and franchisees Andrea & Carlos Ponce about why luxury fitness is attracting serious capital—and how franchising can offer both freedom...

Ep 7.1 AI, Labor Shortages, abd the New Rules of Business

May 8, 2025

In this eye-opening episode of The Free Agent, Meg Schmitz talks with entrepreneur Ryan Martineau about how AI and job site technology are reshaping skilled labor, franchising, and business operations. With global job shortages, rising tariffs, and economic uncertainty shaking traditional industries, this conversation...

Ep 6.25 Managing Construction Finances: How to Handle the Unexpected

Mar 27, 2025

In this episode, we hang out with Mark Schneider, a super chill construction boss who built his company from scratch—while raising five kids! He spills the real deal on what it takes to open up your own brick-and-mortar business, avoid major build-out mistakes, and still get home in time for dinner. If you're...

Ep 6.24 How I Launched My Franchise Against the Odds

Mar 20, 2025

Amanda Gettes’ journey into franchising is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of making strategic choices. In this episode of The Free Agent, she shares how leaving a structured career in education, launching a failed startup, and navigating personal challenges led her to franchising as a path to...

EP 6.23 Stepping Into the Market in Uncertain Times

Mar 13, 2025

In this episode of Free Agent with Meg Schmitz, chartered financial analyst Eric Schmitz CFA clears away the fear-driven headlines to uncover where bold investors are seizing opportunities in a shifting economy. From tariffs and immigration policies to inflation fears, Eric breaks down how these factors impact business...