Podcast
Journey to Business Ownership - Freedom Friday Podcast
Hosted by Patrice Miles · EN
Freedom Fridays is a weekly podcast everyday entrepreneurs share educational insights to help you explore what business ownership could look like for you. Hosted by Patrice Miles, Franchise Business Owner and Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source, this series dives into real stories, practical resources, and clear guidance for anyone considering a transition from employee to entrepreneur. Whether you’re curious about starting a business, buying a business or investing in a franchise, this playlist will equip you with clarity & inspiration.
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Episodes
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AI Anxious to AI Ready: Holly Hartman on Building Future Workforce Systems and the WO Network
1w ago00:19:05Tap to summarizeAI Anxious to AI Ready: Holly Hartman on Building Future Workforce Systems and the WO NetworkIn this episode of Freedom Friday, Patrice sits down with Holly Hartman — founder of Future Workforce Systems and the WO Network (Women Leaders of Kentuckiana) — to talk about how she went from a six-figure medical sales and marketing career to building multiple businesses completely bootstrapped.Holly opens up about losing her job during COVID after the chiropractic practice she worked for closed, navigating single motherhood after leaving an abusive marriage, and how she built everything with what she calls "duct tape and a prayer" — no outside funding, just sweat equity and marketing know-how.She shares how that same resourcefulness led her into an unexpected niche: AI governance and workforce readiness. Holly breaks down why less than 50% of organizations using AI today have any kind of policy in place, why insurance requirements around AI compliance are coming in 2026, and how she helps business leaders move from "AI anxious" to "AI ready" through an ethical, human-centered lens.Along the way, Holly also talks about founding the WO Network, now a 4,000+ member nonprofit community supporting women leaders in Louisville and Southern Indiana, why she believes entrepreneurship is especially powerful for women navigating caregiving and other demands, and the power of getting clear on your core values as a "North Star" before making big decisions.In this episode, you'll hear about:Going from a six-figure job loss to building two businesses from scratchWhy she calls her approach "duct tape and a prayer"The real risk businesses face by not having an AI governance policyHow to know if your organization is "AI ready"Founding the WO Network and growing it to 4,000+ membersWhy entrepreneurship can be a path to freedom, especially for womenFinding your "North Star" core values before taking the leapConnect with Holly Hartman:🔗 Future Workforce Systems (free AI readiness assessment): https://www.futureworkforcesystems.com/🔗 WO Network: https://www.thewonetwork.com/📱 Follow Holly Facebook: / thehollyhartman Instagram: / the_holly_hartman LinkedIn: / thehollyhartman Connect with Patrice Miles:📅 Book a free discovery call: https://pmiles.esourcecoach.com/sched...🔗 LinkedIn: / patricemiles 🌐 Learn more: https://www.journeytobusinessownershi...If you're ready to explore what business ownership could look like in your life, my coaching is completely free — there's no reason not to take advantage of it. Don't forget to like, subscribe, or share this episode with someone who needs some encouragement today.Keep chasing purpose, not just a paycheck.AI Anxious to AI Ready: Holly Hartman on Building Future Workforce Systems and the WO Network
Transcribe →Is Your Baby Ugly? Here's the Handyman Who Can Fix It
2w ago00:25:03Tap to summarizeIs Your Baby Ugly? Here's the Handyman Who Can Fix ItWelcome back to Freedom Friday at the Journey to Business Ownership Podcast! Today I'm joined by John Jennings, a franchise business owner with Focal Point Coaching, who spent 24 years in corporate IT before a severance package pushed him into entrepreneurship — a day he now calls the best of his life.John shares his journey from corporate leadership into business and leadership coaching, and we dive deep into his VATA role (Value Acceleration and Transition Advisor), where he partners with the Exit Planning Institute to help business owners get truly ready to sell.We talk about:✅ Why it takes 18-24 months to properly prepare a business for sale✅ The difference between a business broker (your realtor) and John's role (your handyman) — fixing what's broken before you ever list✅ Why 80% of owners regret selling their business within a year✅ Why only 20% of businesses are actually ready to sell when he first evaluates them✅ The secret to increasing your business's value: making yourself completely dispensable✅ Real client stories — including one owner who changed his mind about selling and fell back in love with his business, and another whose readiness assessment convinced him to finally accept a life-changing offerJohn also shares about his book, "Your Baby Is Ugly" (10 truths business owners need to hear), and his podcast, "Simply Business."If you're ready to explore what business ownership could look like in your life, I offer free coaching and consulting — no strings attached. Schedule your free discovery call here: https://pmiles.esourcecoach.com/sched...Connect with me on LinkedIn: / patricemiles Connect with John Jennings:LinkedIn: John K. Jennings https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkjenn...Website: https://www.johnkjennings.comBook: "Your Baby Is Ugly" https://a.co/d/00bnokd4Podcast: "Simply Business" • Simply Business Podcast Don't forget to like and subscribe — we're on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple. Until next time, keep chasing purpose, not just a paycheck.Is Your Baby Ugly? Here's the Handyman Who Can Fix It
Transcribe →Everyday Extraordinary: How Maggie Harlow Used Fear as Fuel to Build Franchise Freedom
3w ago00:39:56Tap to summarizeEveryday Extraordinary: How Maggie Harlow Used Fear as Fuel to Build Franchise FreedomWhat if fear is not a sign that you should stop—but fuel that can push you toward the life you are meant to build?In this episode of the Freedom Friday: Journey to Business Ownership Podcast, Patrice Miles sits down with Maggie Harlow, a 23-year franchise business owner, professional speaker, and author of Everyday Extraordinary: How Giving Yourself Permission Changes Everything.Maggie’s entrepreneurial journey began after spending 12 years working in her family’s automotive business. When the company was sold, she quickly discovered that she did not want to remain an employee. She wanted the opportunity to build something of her own.Maggie and her husband explored several franchise opportunities before opening Signarama Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky. Although Maggie had years of business experience, starting over in a completely different industry was terrifying. Instead of allowing that fear to stop her, she used it as fuel.She followed the franchise system, committed herself to cold-calling for two hours a day, and personally went out to find her first customers. That discipline helped her build a business that has now operated successfully for more than 23 years.Today, Maggie has created a strong management team that gives her the freedom to step away from the daily operations of the business, travel, pursue professional speaking, and become an author.Her book, Everyday Extraordinary: How Giving Yourself Permission Changes Everything, encourages readers to stop waiting for someone else’s approval and begin giving themselves permission to pursue the opportunities, changes, and experiences they truly want.In this episode, Maggie and Patrice discuss:• Why Maggie chose franchising instead of starting a business alone• How she used fear as fuel during her first years in business• Why new franchise owners should follow the proven system• The financial and emotional realities of entrepreneurship• Why business owners need a community of people who understand the journey• How building a strong team can create greater freedom• Why everyone is the leader of their own life• How other people’s opinions can keep us from pursuing our goals• Why not knowing what you are doing is often the first step toward learning• How the systems in your life create the results you experience• Why giving yourself a “permission slip” can change everythingMaggie reminds us that business ownership is not only about creating income. It can also provide the freedom and space to explore new dreams.Whether you are considering buying a franchise, starting a business, writing a book, changing careers, or pursuing something completely new, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting for permission.As Maggie says, you are the captain of your ship—and you get to decide where it goes.Get Maggie Harlow’s BookEveryday Extraordinary: How Giving Yourself Permission Changes Everything is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats.https://a.co/d/06Ijb4ceThe book offers short, relatable lessons about leadership, mindset, decision-making, overcoming setbacks, and finding extraordinary moments—even during difficult seasons of life.Connect With Maggie HarlowProfessional speaking and book information:https://www.maggieharlow.comSignarama Downtown:https://www.signaramadowntown.comConnect With Patrice MilesAre you ready to explore what business ownership could look like in your life?Whether you are interested in starting a business, buying an existing company, or investing in a franchise, Patrice provides complimentary coaching, tools, and resources to help you explore your options.Learn more:https://www.journeytobusinessownership.comConnect with Patrice on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/Until next time, keep chasing purpose—not just a paycheck.
Transcribe →You'll Never Feel 100% Ready — Joe Hulsey on Taking the Leap Into Business Ownership
4w ago00:24:55Tap to summarizeYou'll Never Feel 100% Ready — Joe Hulsey on Taking the Leap Into Business OwnershipIn this episode of Freedom Friday at the Journey to Business Ownership Podcast, I sit down with Joe Hulsey, owner of Best in Show Branded Products, to talk about his journey from banking to entrepreneurship — and the mindset shift that got him there.Joe was working as a lender at Fifth Third Bank when the 2008 financial crisis hit and he was laid off. After taking a year to figure out his next move, he turned a photography hobby into a full-time business and ran it successfully for 16 years. Then an opportunity came along to buy an existing, profitable promotional products company — and Joe took the leap, eventually rebranding it into Best in Show Branded Products.We cover:✅ Why Joe chose to buy an existing business instead of starting from scratch✅ How he evaluated whether client relationships would transfer to a new owner✅ Financing the purchase through a traditional bank loan and line of credit✅ Why "get a banker, not just a bank" is some of the best advice for business owners✅ How entrepreneurship gave him the flexibility to be present for his kids✅ His advice for anyone waiting for the "perfect time" to make the leap: don't wait for all the stars to align — jump in at 70% and figure out the rest along the way✅ Why memorable, useful promotional gifts keep your business top of mind with clientsWhether you're considering starting a business, buying one, or exploring franchises, Joe's story is proof that you don't need everything figured out to make the leap.Connect with Joe Hulsey / Best in Show Branded Products:🌐 Website: https//:www.bestinshowbranded.com📧 Email: joe@bestinshowbranded.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BestInShowBranded📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestinshowbranded/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-in-show-branded-products/posts/?feedView=allReady to explore what business ownership could look like in your life? My coaching is completely free!📅 Schedule a call: https://pmiles.esourcecoach.com/schedule-a-call/🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/You'll Never Feel 100% Ready — Joe Hulsey on Taking the Leap Into Business Ownership
Transcribe →Is Your Business Actually Sellable? What Owners Need to Know Before Selling
Jul 900:29:05Tap to summarizeIs Your Business Actually Sellable? What Owners Need to Know Before SellingIn this episode of Freedom Friday on the Journey to Business Ownership podcast, Patrice Miles sits down with Phil Eleson, franchise owner of Murphy Business Sales and Director of Corporate Brokerage Services, to talk about one of the biggest questions business owners should be asking long before they are ready to exit:Is your business actually sellable?Phil shares what makes buyers interested, what causes them to walk away, and why so many owners misunderstand what their business is truly worth. He also breaks down the importance of clean financials, reducing owner dependence, documenting processes, preparing for due diligence, and understanding what deal structures really look like.Whether you are thinking about selling your business soon or you are years away from an exit, this conversation will help you understand how to build a stronger, cleaner, more valuable business that someone else would actually want to own.In this episode, we discuss:• What makes a business sellable• Why buyers walk away before making an offer• How business valuation really works• The top things owners should do now to prepare for a future sale• Why owner dependence can hurt business value• What buyers want to see in your financials• What happens during due diligence• Common deal structures when selling a business• The emotional side of selling your business• Why preparation is key, even if you never sellConnect with Phil Eleson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phileleson-lowermiddlemarketadvisor/Email: p.eleson@murphybusiness.comPrevious Podcast episode: https://youtu.be/ExvOPMKpOLYConnect with Patrice Miles:Website: https://www.journeytobusinessownership.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/If you are ready to explore business ownership, buying a business, starting a business, or investing in a franchise, Patrice provides free coaching, tools, education, and resources to help you explore your options.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a business owner who needs to hear this.#FreedomFriday #JourneyToBusinessOwnership #BusinessOwnership #SellYourBusiness #BusinessBroker #MurphyBusinessSales #BusinessValuation #Entrepreneurship #ExitStrategy #SmallBusinessOwner #BusinessGrowth #FranchiseOwnershipIs Your Business Actually Sellable? What Owners Need to Know Before Selling
Transcribe →My Franchise CPAs: Your Secret Weapon Before, During, and After Buying a Franchise
Jul 200:21:51Tap to summarizeMy Franchise CPAs: Your Secret Weapon Before, During, and After Buying a FranchiseAre you exploring franchise ownership but not sure if the numbers really work for you? Or maybe you're already a franchise owner trying to keep more of what you earn? Either way, this episode is packed with the financial education you didn't know you needed!This week on Freedom Friday at the Journey to Business Ownership Podcast, I sit down with John Mollica, Founder of My Franchise CPAs — a CPA firm that specializes exclusively in franchise owners from the very beginning of their journey all the way through operations and growth.In this episode, we cover:- Why you should connect with a franchise CPA before you sign your franchise agreement- How to review your FDD from a financial lens so you truly understand what you're getting into- The difference between affording to buy a franchise vs. affording to operate* it until it's profitable- Common financial mistakes new franchise owners make and how to avoid them- What pro formas, cash flow analysis, and proper capitalization really mean for your success- The truth about franchise financial myths — it's not always a goldmine, but it's not impossible either- How the right CPA helped one client reduce a $500K tax bill to under $100K- Why ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) requires a CPA who actually knows the franchise space- Services My Franchise CPAs offers: bookkeeping, tax strategy, outsourced CFO, and more💡 Whether you're still in discovery mode or already operating, this episode will change how you think about your finances and your future.---Connect with My Franchise CPAs:🌐 Website: https://myfranchisecpas.com/▶️ YouTube/Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@myfranchisecpas---Ready to explore what franchise or business ownership could look like for YOUR life?Let's talk — my coaching is completely FREE!📅 Schedule a Discovery Call: https://pmiles.esourcecoach.com/schedule-a-call/🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/---Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! You can find us on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple at Journey to Business Ownership.Keep chasing purpose, not just a paycheck.🎯My Franchise CPAs: Your Secret Weapon Before, During, and After Buying a Franchise
Transcribe →He Tried Corporate After Selling His Business — The Entrepreneurial Bug Had Other Plans - EOS Story
Jun 2500:16:50Tap to summarizeHe Tried Corporate After Selling His Business — The Entrepreneurial Bug Had Other Plans - EOS StoryWhat happens when a serial entrepreneur sells their business, tries the corporate world, and realizes the entrepreneurial bug just won't quit? Seth Pennington found out the hard way — and it led him straight to EOS.Seth, Franchise Business owner with EOS, spent 15 years building and scaling a business from the ground up with his wife, sold it right before COVID, and thought he was ready for something different. But after a short and eye-opening stint at a $70 million company, he knew exactly what he had to do — go back to entrepreneurship, this time with a proven system behind him.In this episode, Seth breaks down the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), based on the bestselling book Traction by Gino Wickman, and how it helps business owners stop running on chaos and start running with clarity.In this episode we cover:-What EOS is and how it helps businesses gain Vision, Traction, and Health-Why a proven playbook matters more than starting from scratch-What happens when a leader resists letting go of control (and why it tanks the system)-The honest truth about entrepreneurship — it's a lifestyle, not just a career-Book recommendations for anyone thinking about making the leapWhy Seth says the entrepreneurial bug is both a blessing and a curseBooks mentioned:Traction by Gino WickmanThe Entrepreneurial Leap by Gino WickmanConnect with Seth Pennington:🌐 https://www.eosworldwide.com (search Seth Pennington)📧 seth.pennington@eosworldwide.comReady to explore if business ownership could be your next chapter?🗓️ Book a free discovery call with Patrice: https://pmiles.esourcecoach.com/schedule-a-call/🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a little inspiration today. We're on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.Keep chasing purpose, not just a paycheck. 💡He Tried Corporate After Selling His Business — The Entrepreneurial Bug Had Other Plans - EOS Story
Transcribe →SBA Loans Uncovered: What Every Aspiring Business Owner Needs to Know
Jun 1800:39:45Tap to summarizeSBA Loans Uncovered: What Every Aspiring Business Owner Needs to Know | Freedom FridayAre you dreaming of owning a business but not sure how to fund it? In this episode of Freedom Friday: The Journey to Business Ownership, I sit down with Kurt Hummel, SBA Lending Expert at Central Bank, who has over 23 years of experience helping everyday people get the funding they need to become their own boss.Kurt breaks down everything you need to know about SBA loans — no fluff, no confusing bank jargon — just real, honest answers to the questions aspiring business owners ask most.In this episode we cover:✅ What an SBA loan actually is (hint: the SBA doesn't lend you the money!)✅ The most popular SBA loan — the 7A program — and what it covers✅ How much cash you actually need to get started (the 10% injection rule)✅ Credit score requirements — and what banks are REALLY looking at✅ SBA loan fees explained: packaging fees, guarantee fees & more✅ Interest rates — and why a community bank may get you a better deal✅ The difference between SBA loans and conventional loans✅ Why franchise startups have an advantage when applying✅ The documents you need to start the SBA loan process✅ What happens if your loan defaults (the truth about collateral & your home)✅ The #1 place Kurt says you should ALWAYS go first for financingWhether you're thinking about buying a franchise, acquiring an existing business, or starting something brand new — this episode is your roadmap to understanding how to fund your dream.🔗 Connect with Kurt Hummel — SBA Lending Expert, Central Bank:📧 khummel@centralbank.com📞 502-456-3839🌐 https://www.centralbank.com(Serving Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky & surrounding areas)🔗 Connect with Patrice Miles — Career Ownership Coach:🌐 Learn more about business ownership: http://journeytobusinessownership.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/📅 Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://pmiles.esourcecoach.com/schedule-a-call/My coaching is 100% FREE — I work with aspiring business owners anywhere in the nation!🎙️ Find Freedom Friday on:▶️ YouTube🎵 Spotify🎵 Apple Podcasts👍 If this episode helped you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone who needs a little encouragement today. Remember — freedom isn't just a dream, it's a choice!#SBALoans #FranchiseOwnership #BusinessOwnership #FreedomFriday #JourneyToBusinessOwnership #Entrepreneur #SmallBusiness #StartABusiness #SBALending #centralbank SBA Loans Uncovered: What Every Aspiring Business Owner Needs to Know
Transcribe →Would You Work for You? How to Build a Workplace People Want to Stay In
Jun 900:30:15Tap to summarizeWould You Work for You? How to Build a Workplace People Want to Stay InWould you work for you? 🤔In this episode of Freedom Friday, I sit down with Dave Strange of Strange HR Consulting to tackle one of the most important questions every business owner needs to ask themselves — and most never do.Dave shares his unlikely journey from carrying $80,000 in cash through the Cincinnati airport to 23 years of HR across every industry imaginable — and how getting laid off in 2024 pushed him to finally launch the business he'd been dreaming about for a decade.Then we dive into the real stuff: why good people leave, what you're probably doing without realizing it, and the simple changes that can transform your culture overnight.🎯 What you'll learn:-Why inconsistency is silently killing your culture-How Dave cut turnover from 180% to 86% with two simple changes-What employees actually need more than a raise-Why growing your people — even if they leave — is your best move👉 Connect with Dave: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davestrange/Website: https://www.strangehrc.comEmail: dave@strangehrc.comFacebook: Strange HR Consulting👉 Connect with Patrice: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/Free coaching: No cost, no catch — let's talk.Schedule a Discover Call: https://pmiles.esourcecoach.com/schedule-a-call/🎧 Find us on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts — search Journey to Business OwnershipDon't forget to like, subscribe, and share with a business owner who needs to hear this.Keep chasing purpose, not just a paycheck.Would You Work for You? How to Build a Workplace People Want to Stay In
Transcribe →From Healthcare to Home Inspections | A 23-Year Career Change
Jun 300:12:47Tap to summarizeFrom Healthcare to Home Inspections | A 23-Year Career ChangeWhat does it take to walk away from a 23-year career… and start over?In this Freedom Friday episode of the Journey to Business Ownership podcast, Patrice Miles sits down with David Powell of Pillar to Post Home Inspectors to talk about his journey from healthcare administration to entrepreneurship.After more than two decades in the healthcare industry, David found himself burned out and ready for something different. But leaving behind a steady paycheck isn’t easy. In this conversation, he shares what led him to take the leap—and what it really looked like in those early days of building a business.In this episode, we cover:-Why David left a 23-year career in healthcare-How he chose franchising as his path into business ownership-The financial realities of starting a business (including the first 18–24 months)-The fears and emotions that come with leaving corporate-What freedom actually looks like as a business owner-How he’s now growing and scaling his businessIf you’ve ever wondered whether you could leave your career and build something of your own, this episode will give you a real, honest look at what that journey can look like.🔗 Connect with David Powell & Pillar to Post:🌐 https://davidpowell.pillartopost.com/📞 Office: 812-725-9221📱 Cell: 812-704-3540📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidPowellPillarToPostHomeInspectors/🚀 Ready to Explore Business Ownership?If you're thinking about starting, buying, or investing in a business—but don’t know where to start—let’s connect.Patrice Miles is a Career Ownership Coach who provides free coaching, education, and guidance to help you explore your options with confidence.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/ 🌐 https://JourneyToBusinessOwnership.com👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to support more real stories from everyday entrepreneurs!From Healthcare to Home Inspections | A 23-Year Career Change
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