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 7.17 Inside the Franchise Playbook: Leadership Lessons for Executives Seeking Freedom

Aug 28, 2025

Leaving corporate for business ownership is thrilling—and terrifying. Verdine Baker, a franchise executive who’s guided hundreds of owners, shares what really happens when fear meets opportunity—and how resilience and culture create lasting success. With Meg Schmitz leading the conversation, senior executives...

Ep. 7.16 Anthony Geisler and Bob McQuillan on Building Sequel—Franchising's Next Major Force

Aug 21, 2025

Anthony Geisler, the force behind scaling Club Pilates from 12 to 1,300 units and taking Xponential Fitness public with a multibillion-dollar valuation, is back with a new play: Sequel Brands. Alongside industry veteran Bob McQuillan, he's building a wellness platform featuring Pilates Addiction, iFlex Stretch Studios,...

Ep 7.15 The Reality Check of Franching vs. Expectations

Aug 14, 2025

"Follow the playbook. Be your own boss. Live the dream."

But what happens when the dream looks different from what you experience? In this candid conversation, Catherine Wilson shares the lessons, surprises, and wins from her franchise journey — and offers insights on navigating the gap between expectations and reality.

Ep 7.13 Built Not Born: How One Unemployable Veteran Became the CFO of His Own Life

Aug 10, 2025

Andy Weins is back- and he's not just talking business, he’s talking freedom. From franchise rookie to author and fractional CFO, Andy’s journey is proof that you don’t have to be “born” for entrepreneurship to master it—you build it, brick by brick, mindset by mindset. If you’ve ever wondered if you have...

Ep 7.14 What Happens After You Go Viral?

Aug 7, 2025

Everyone wants to go viral—but what happens next?
In this episode, Meg and Thasia Williams unpack the reality behind viral moments, visibility, and the marketing moves that drive revenue. If you're a business owner, franchisee, or sales pro chasing attention, this convo will shift your focus from “likes”...