In this episode, I sit down with Shideler Bennett, a multi-unit Crumbl Cookies franchisee, SaaS founder, and business builder who scaled a $12 million portfolio by the age of 30. From cold-calling insurance agencies to building a 10-unit franchise empire and launching a software company that’s changing how franchisees operate — Shideler shares the gritty, behind-the-scenes truth of what it really takes to grow fast, take risks, and build a business that lasts.

Whether you're looking to buy a franchise, start a SaaS business, or just get inspired by someone who took massive action during uncertain times, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

🔑 What We Cover in This Episode:

How Shideler started with Crumbl Cookies during the pandemic

Scaling from 1 to 10 Crumbl locations across 3 states

Raising capital through creative funding (friends, family, investors)

Why he launched a SaaS platform for franchisors & franchisees (CoverPanda)

The emotional toll of rapid growth and how he pushed through doubt

Practical tips for franchise funding, scaling, and operations

What to know about owning a franchise in California

Why he believes franchising is the best fast track to entrepreneurship

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

Aspiring franchise owners

Entrepreneurs in their 20s & 30s

Founders scaling multi-unit businesses

SaaS startup builders

Anyone looking for business growth inspiration

📈 Connect with Shideler Bennett: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scheidlerbennett

💼 CoverPanda (SaaS for Franchises): https://coverpandaco.com

7 Steps to Owning a Franchise:

https://path2frdm-1.hubspotpagebuilder.com/path-to-freedom-about-franchising

If you would like to learn more about this particular franchise opportunity or discuss franchise ownership in general - feel free to use the link to my calendar below to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

https://calendly.com/wes-barefoot/introcallwithwes

Connect with Wes:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/path2frdm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/path2frdm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleybarefoot/

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