Ep 177 From the NFL to Entrepreneurship: Why Franchising Makes Sense for Retired Athletes with Ty Brewster, Steven Gardner, and Former NFL player Brady Sheldon

Today’s guest is someone who turned sweet success into a passion for helping others launch their dream businesses. Marc Cole is a Senior Consultant with The You Network, and he’s on a mission to guide aspiring entrepreneurs toward the right franchise fit. From B2B gifting to franchise matchmaking, Marc brings heart, clarity, and a deep belief in knowing your ‘why’ before making any major move. If you’re thinking about business ownership, don’t miss this one."

Tom Scarda, franchise expert and author of The Magic of Choosing Uncertainty, joins the show to share how he went from civil service to building and selling a successful franchise—and now helps others do the same. We dive into how to find the right franchise, avoid common mistakes, and why franchising is more about lifestyle than loving a product. Whether you're stuck in a corporate job or dreaming of business ownership, this episode will shift how you think about entrepreneurship.

In this episode, I sit down with Deene Yenchochic, a BAI consultant power user of Clienttether, to unpack how this all-in-one CRM platform has transformed the way she runs her consulting business. From automations that never let leads fall through the cracks, to features that actually make you money—Deene shares the exact tools, stories, and workflows that drive her daily success. Whether you’re exploring new CRM options or looking to get more from the one you’ve got, her insights are pure gold. Tune in to hear what sets Clienttether apart, how it compares to other platforms, and what advice she has for those ready to scale smarter.

Sean  Bush isn’t just the Chief  Sales  Officer at Bush Consulting LLC—he’s the field‑boots coach who hops on planes to help franchisees close bigger tickets and streamline ops. In this episode Ryan digs into Sean’s battle‑tested tactics for turning leads into lifetime fans, scaling SOPs, and building A‑player crews that love showing up on Monday. Expect zero fluff and tons of swipe‑worthy nuggets you can plug into your business today. Sean also shares why he advocates Clienttether as a SAAS tool designed for home service franchise sales enablement. His methods can be embedded into Clienttether to streamline processes, build relationships, and increase per unit sales.  This episode will take your home service business to the next level.  Contact Sean: [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Aufray, the CEO and co-founder of Growth Hackers, a digital agency helping startups and scaleups unlock sustainable, long-term growth. With nearly a decade of experience helping companies around the world accelerate their growth through inbound marketing, lead generation, and conversion strategies, Jonathan shares how businesses can ditch vanity metrics, focus on what truly moves the needle, and scale with purpose. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or growth strategist, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples.

What happens after the final whistle blows? For many retired athletes, the next chapter begins in business — and franchising is one of the smartest moves they can make. Steven Gardener & Ty Brewster founders of FranReal, joins us to talk about how they're creating a streamlined way to discover, vet, and invest in franchise opportunities in real estate. We explore why franchising is a perfect fit for former pro athletes like Brady Sheldon, the common pitfalls they face, and how FranReal is empowering the next generation of business owners. Whether you're on the field or in the boardroom, this episode is packed with insights on building lasting wealth and legacy.

Travis Cook, Sales VP at Franchise Ventures, joins the show to break down the world of lead generation —how it works, who it’s for, and how his platform is helping thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs find the perfect business opportunity and helping franchise brands grow. We explore how brands and consultants should approach their lead generation, how essential it is to have the right processes, and how the right CRM tool can make or break your business.  For more info and resources check out Franchise Ventures and Franchise Insights.  For a great sales automation platform built for franchising check out clienttether.com

On this episode, I sit down with Michael and Babz Barnett, co-founders of Romp n’ Roll, the innovative kids’ gym and enrichment center designed to make early childhood learning fun. They share their journey from idea to franchise success, the science behind play-based learning, and how they’ve scaled their business while maintaining quality and impact. They also share their unique experience as one of the first few entrepreneurs on "Shark Tank." If you're interested in entrepreneurship, franchising, or early childhood education, this conversation is packed with insights! Connect with Michael on Linkedin here. 

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Lemieux from Omega Shrink Wrap to explore the fascinating world of industrial shrink wrapping. We talk about his transition from a career in law enforcement to building his own franchise in a highly niche industry. From protecting massive structures to ensuring equipment stays safe during transportation, Ryan shares insights on the industry, common misconceptions, and the challenges of running a niche business. We also dive into the future of shrink wrap and the most unusual projects he’s taken on. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, business or just curious about how shrink wrap works on a large scale, this episode has something for you!

In this episode, I sit down with Mary Ann O’Connell, Founder of FranWise, to explore the key strategies for building and scaling a successful franchise. From avoiding common franchising pitfalls to fostering strong franchisee relationships and leveraging technology for growth, Mary Ann shares invaluable insights from her decades in the industry. Whether you're an emerging franchisor or an established brand, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you streamline operations, ensure compliance, and create a thriving franchise system.