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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SBA Loans Uncovered: What Every Aspiring Business Owner Needs to Know
1w ago00:39:45Tap 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
2w ago00:30:15Tap 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
3w ago00:12:47Tap 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
Transcribe →From Pastor to CEO: How Bill Reynolds Trusted God's Plan and Built Something Beautiful | Freedom Friday
3w ago00:21:49Tap to summarizeFrom Pastor to CEO: How Bill Reynolds Trusted God's Plan and Built Something Beautiful | Freedom FridayWhat do you do when the door you thought was your destiny suddenly closes? For Bill Reynolds, founder of Element 502, losing his role as associate pastor wasn't the end — it was the beginning of something he never could have planned on his own.In this episode of Freedom Friday, Bill shares his incredible journey from church staff to running a thriving full-service digital marketing agency in Louisville, KY. We talk about the fear of leaving a steady paycheck, the weight of being responsible for your employees' families, and why faith was the only thing that gave him the courage to leap.Bill also drops some serious wisdom for anyone thinking about starting a business — including why you should NEVER ask your family if your idea is good, and the unforgettable $5.99 haircut story that explains everything about price vs. value in business.Connect with Bill Reynolds & Element 502:Website: https://www.element502.comFree Download (Price vs. Value Worksheet): https://www.599haircut.comSchedule 15 Minutes with Bill: https://www.599haircut.comPhone: 812-270-6060Connect with Patrice Miles:Website: https://journeytobusinessownership.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/Book a Free Discovery Call: https://pmiles.esourcecoach.com/schedule-a-call/My coaching is completely FREE — there is no reason not to explore what business ownership could look like for you.Find us on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts at Journey to Business Ownership. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a little encouragement today!Until next time — keep chasing purpose, not a paycheck.From Pastor to CEO: How Bill Reynolds Trusted God's Plan and Built Something Beautiful | Freedom Friday
Transcribe →He Helped Build Other Companies—Then Built His Own | Mark Douglas’ Journey
4w ago00:14:34Tap to summarizeHe Helped Build Other Companies—Then Built His Own | Mark Douglas’ JourneyOn this Freedom Friday episode of the Journey to Business Ownership podcast, Patrice Miles sits down with Mark Douglas, a former corporate America professional turned franchise owner with FocusCFO.Mark spent years helping build and grow other companies through commercial banking, healthcare, corporate development, and startup growth. After helping raise millions and scale a tech-enabled services company, he decided it was time to build something of his own.Now, as the Louisville franchise owner for FocusCFO, Mark helps small and mid-sized business owners gain financial clarity through fractional CFO services. In this episode, he shares what led him to franchise ownership, how he navigated fear and uncertainty, and why understanding your “why,” building a budget, and doing holistic due diligence are so important before taking the leap.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to leave corporate America, invest in a franchise, and become your own boss, Mark’s story will inspire you to think differently about what freedom can look like.Connect with Mark Douglas and FocusCFO:Website: https://www.focuscfo.com/fractional-c...Free Financial Assessment: https://focuscfo.onedery.ai/Email: m.douglas@focusfo.comPhone: 502-550-1582LinkedIn: / mark-douglas-726b6142 Connect with Patrice Miles:Website: https://www.JourneyToBusinessOwnershi...LinkedIn: / patricemiles Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to chase purpose, not just a paycheck.He Helped Build Other Companies—Then Built His Own | Mark Douglas’ Journey
Transcribe →From Medical Biller to Multi-Business Owner | Kim Rankin’s Entrepreneur Journey
May 2100:15:26Tap to summarizeFrom Medical Biller to Multi-Business Owner | Kim Rankin’s Entrepreneur JourneyWhat happens when you realize you were never meant to sit behind a computer all day?In this episode of Freedom Friday on the Journey to Business Ownership Podcast, I sit down with Kim Rankin, broker owner of Rankin-Luxe Realty Group and co-owner of Luxe Cart Co., to talk about her incredible journey from medical biller to multi-business owner.Kim shares how she went from helping people with disabilities and working long hours at a desk job she hated to building a successful boutique real estate brokerage serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana. She also shares how a simple client appreciation idea unexpectedly turned into her second business — Luxe Cart Co., a mobile bar and event rental company.In this episode, we discuss:✨ Leaving the security of a steady paycheck✨ Overcoming the fear of entrepreneurship✨ Building a boutique real estate brokerage from scratch✨ Why relationships and client experience matter✨ Accidentally starting a second business✨ The importance of mentorship, networking, and support systems✨ What it really takes to become your own bossKim’s story is proof that sometimes the career path you never planned becomes the life you were meant to build.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━📍Connect with Kim Rankin:🏡 Brokerage Website[Rankin-Luxe Realty Group](https://www.rankinluxerealtygroup.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)🍾 Luxe Cart Co Website[Luxe Cart Co.](https://www.theluxecartco.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)📘 Luxe Cart Co Facebook[Luxe Cart Co Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575270550725&utm_source=chatgpt.com)💼 Kim Rankin LinkedIn[Kim Rankin on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-rankin-0b533857/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)📱 Kim Rankin Facebook[Kim Rankin Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/kim.whitehouse1?utm_source=chatgpt.com)📍Serving Louisville, Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and surrounding areas.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━📍Connect with Patrice Miles:🌐 Website[Journey to Business Ownership](https://journeytobusinessownership.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com)💼 LinkedIn[Patrice Miles on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-miles-career-ownership-coach/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)🎙️ Subscribe for more inspiring stories from everyday people who took the leap from employee to entrepreneur.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #WomenInBusiness #RealEstate #SmallBusiness #FreedomFriday #JourneyToBusinessOwnership #LouisvilleKY #EntrepreneurJourney #Podcast #MobileBarBusiness #RealEstateBrokerFrom Medical Biller to Multi-Business Owner | Kim Rankin’s Entrepreneur Journey
Transcribe →From Pharmacist to Moving Company Owner | Amber’s Journey to Business Ownership
May 1400:17:07Tap to summarizeFrom Pharmacist to Moving Company Owner | Amber’s Journey to Business OwnershipWhat happens when a pharmacist decides corporate America is no longer enough?In this episode of Freedom Friday at Journey to Business Ownership, Patrice Miles sits down with Amber Pfister owner of Square Cow Movers in Louisville, Kentucky, to talk about her incredible leap from pharmacy and real estate investing into business ownership.Amber shares:✅ Why she decided to leave the comfort of a stable career✅ How she and her husband chose franchise ownership✅ The fears, financial risks, and mindset shifts that come with entrepreneurship✅ The power of networking, serving others, and building a legacy for your family✅ What it really looks like to launch a business from the ground upThis conversation is full of honest insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone considering starting a business, buying a franchise, or creating more freedom in their life.Connect with Amber:💼 Amber Pfister / amber-pfister-pharmd-939757124 🚚 Square Cow Movers Louisville: https://squarecowmovers.com/locations...🌐 The Investor Mom Blog: https://theinvestormom.com/📞 502-576-7565Connect with Patrice Miles:🌐 Journey to Business Ownership: http://www.JourneytoBusinessOwnership...💼 Patrice Miles on LinkedIn: / patricemiles 🎙️ Subscribe for more inspiring stories from everyday people creating freedom through business ownership.#BusinessOwnership #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseOwner #SmallBusiness #FreedomFriday #JourneyToBusinessOwnership #WomenInBusiness #SquareCowMovers #EntrepreneurJourney #businesspodcast From Pharmacist to Moving Company Owner | Amber’s Journey to Business Ownership
Transcribe →Turning Opportunity Into Ownership with BeLocal | David Meek's Journey
May 700:20:45Tap to summarizeTurning Opportunity Into Ownership with BeLocal | David Meek's JourneyWelcome back to Freedom Friday on the Journey to Business Ownership podcast!In this episode, Patrice Miles sits down with David Meek, owner of BeLocal Louisville, to talk about his journey from the mortgage industry into business ownership—and the powerful framework he believes every entrepreneur needs before starting a business.David shares how his entrepreneurial mindset started early, even while working in sales, and how he ultimately made the leap into owning a franchise built around helping people connect with their local community.But what really stands out in this conversation is the 4-part formula for business success—a concept centered around finding the intersection of:-What you’re good at-What you enjoy-What makes money-What makes a differenceIf your business doesn’t hit all four… it may not last.David also opens up about:-The fears and pressure of going “all in” on a new business-Balancing passion projects with income-producing ventures-Why market demand matters more than just believing in an idea-The reality of ramp-up phases and financial uncertainty-How BeLocal helps both new movers AND local businesses thriveThis is a must-watch for anyone sitting on the fence about entrepreneurship or trying to figure out the right business to pursue.🔗 Connect with David Meek & BeLocal:🌐 Website: https://MyBeLocal.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmeekallpro/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=belocal%20louisville🔗 Connect with Patrice Miles:🌐 Website: https://JourneyToBusinessOwnership.com💼 LinkedIn: Patrice Miles | Career Ownership Coach👉 If you’re thinking about starting a business, buying a franchise, or exploring ownership… Patrice offers free coaching to help you get clarity and take the next step.👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a little push toward business ownership!Freedom isn’t just a dream—it’s a choice.Turning Opportunity Into Ownership with BeLocal | David Meek's Journey
Transcribe →Fake It Till You Make It | From Dispatcher to Dumpster Franchise
Apr 3000:10:19Tap to summarizeFake It Till You Make It | From Dispatcher to Dumpster FranchiseWhat does it really take to go from employee to business owner—and step into a franchise you never expected?In this episode of Freedom Friday on the Journey to Business Ownership podcast, Patrice Miles sits down with Becca Kaufman, owner of a Dumpster Today franchise, to talk about her unexpected leap from dispatcher to entrepreneur—and how she built confidence along the way.Before business ownership, Becca worked in the towing industry as a dispatcher, mastering logistics, customer service, and high-pressure decision-making. But she knew she didn’t want to stay in the same place forever. When the opportunity to invest in a dumpster franchise came her way, she made the leap—even with uncertainty.Now, she runs a residential-friendly dumpster rental business serving homeowners and contractors—making the “messy part” of any project the easiest part.🎯 In this episode, we cover:-The transition from W2 employee to franchise owner-The real fears of starting a business (and how she pushed through)-Why she chose a franchise over starting from scratch-How business ownership builds resilience and confidence-What “fake it till you make it” really looks like in real life📞 Connect with Becca Kaufman & Dumpster Today:🌐 Website: https://dumpstertoday.com/locations/l...🔗 LinkedIn: / becca-kaufman-aab737331 📘 Facebook: / dumpstertodaylouisville 📱 502-242-0661📱 502-314-0368📧 becca.kaufman@dumpstertoday.com👩💼 Connect with Patrice Miles:🌐 Website: https://journeytobusinessownership.com/🔗 LinkedIn: / patrice-miles-career-ownership-coach If you’re exploring business ownership, buying a business, or investing in a franchise, Patrice provides free coaching, education, and guidance to help you take the next step with confidence.If you’ve been thinking about business ownership or exploring franchise opportunities, this episode is for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a push to take the leap.Fake It Till You Make It | From Dispatcher to Dumpster Franchise
Transcribe →Legal Mistakes: What You MUST Know Before Starting a Business
Apr 1600:27:19Tap to summarizeLegal Mistakes: What You MUST Know Before Starting a BusinessStarting a business is exciting… but it can also be risky if you don’t do it the right way.In this Freedom Friday episode of the Journey to Business Ownership podcast, Patrice Miles sits down with seasoned business attorney David Cooper to talk about what most entrepreneurs don’t think about before they take the leap—and how those mistakes can come back to haunt them.But David isn’t just an attorney—he’s a business owner himself.Before becoming a trusted legal advisor, David owned and managed seven different businesses across industries like manufacturing, contracting, and commercial services. After selling those businesses, he transitioned back into law, worked in corporate America, and was later unexpectedly laid off at age 60—a moment that forced him to decide what was next.Instead of slowing down, David chose entrepreneurship again—building his own law practice where he now combines decades of legal expertise with real-world business experience to guide his clients.In this episode, we cover:- The #1 legal mistake people make before starting a business- Why having a non-compete can stop your plans before they begin- The importance of being properly capitalized- How to protect your personal assets and reduce risk- Why trademarks and branding mistakes can be crippling- The difference between starting, buying, and franchising a business - Why you NEED an exit strategy (before you even start)-The role of advisors—and why you shouldn’t try to do this aloneDavid also shares powerful insights into the mindset of successful entrepreneurs, including what separates those who thrive from those who struggle.If you’re thinking about starting, buying, or investing in a business—this conversation could save you time, money, and a lot of stress.🔗 Connect on LinkedIn with David Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-h-cooper-b2812519/📞 Phone: 502-419-1969🌐 Website: www.davidhcooper.com🚀 Ready to Explore Business Ownership?If you’re curious about what entrepreneurship could look like for you—but aren’t sure where to start—let’s connect.My coaching is completely free, and I’ll help you explore:✔️ Starting a business✔️ Buying an existing business✔️ Franchise opportunities🌐 Learn more: https://www.JourneyToBusinessOwnership.com🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s thinking about taking the leap into business ownership!Freedom isn’t just a dream—it’s a decision.Legal Mistakes: What You MUST Know Before Starting a Business
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