Episodios

  • IAM2519 - Chasing Opportunities: The Art of Asking

    IAM2519 - Chasing Opportunities: The Art of Asking
    Jul 6 2025
    Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching day 193 of his franchise broker journey, expressing a mix of disbelief at how far he's come and a sense that he's still at the beginning. He shares the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities, especially the operational struggles with his main venture, Blue Star, where getting the team to perform without his constant involvement has been difficult. He emphasizes the importance of systems like the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), acknowledging that real change takes time, the right people, and cultural alignment. Gresham also acknowledges that he's running the brokerage on a part-time basis and may need to shift toward a more pragmatic and strategic model, much like a part-time real estate agent. He highlights the need for pivoting rather than giving up, accepting the struggles as opportunities to build resilience. In addition, Gresham’s faith gives him strength, guiding him to grow through challenges and stay adaptable, honest, and hopeful as he moves forward.
    • Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
    • Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
    • Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
    • Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co

    Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.

    I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!
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    7 m
  • IAM2518 - Day 192 of Becoming a Franchise Broker: What I've Learned

    IAM2518 - Day 192 of Becoming a Franchise Broker: What I've Learned
    Jul 5 2025
    In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares an update on his progress, challenges, and realizations. After connecting with classmates, he realizes that while they’re each on unique paths, they share similar uncertainties. Gresham expresses a growing sense that he needs to shift directions, choosing what feels true to him rather than following the traditional or expected route. Gresham also emphasizes the importance of being intentional, setting plans in advance, following up consistently, and refining his outreach. Despite the frustrations, he remains committed to improving his approach and continuing the journey with a clearer sense of direction.
    • Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
    • Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
    • Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
    • Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co

    Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.

    I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!
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    6 m
  • IAM2517 - What Would a 10-Year-Old Gresh Do?

    IAM2517 - What Would a 10-Year-Old Gresh Do?
    Jul 4 2025
    Gresham Harkless reflects on his 190-day journey as a franchise broker, expresses his frustration for initially straying from the path he instinctively knew was right, and leans into content creation and digital storytelling. After investing in Google Ads with underwhelming results, he’s considering pausing them to reallocate resources toward more authentic and impactful efforts, like publishing educational content on franchising. Gresham realizes that his true superpower lies in creating meaningful content that positions him as a knowledgeable authority. He recognizes a significant gap in the franchising industry for quality content and expert-led digital marketing, and now feels compelled to fill that void.
    • Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
    • Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
    • Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
    • Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co

    Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.

    I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!
    Más Menos
    7 m
  • IAM2516 - Founder Helps Businesses on Cost-Saving Solutions and Optimize their Services

    IAM2516 - Founder Helps Businesses on Cost-Saving Solutions and Optimize their Services
    Jul 3 2025
    Dennis Schooley is the Founder and co-CEO of Schooley Mitchell, North America’s largest independent cost reduction consulting firm. With a background as a Chartered Accountant, Dennis has over 25 years of experience helping businesses reduce expenses and improve profitability. Schooley Mitchell has grown into a powerful franchise network of over 320 offices, serving more than 32,000 clients and saving businesses over $1 billion. Dennis explains that franchisees don’t need to be experts in cost analysis, as Schooley Mitchell provides centralized support through a large team of specialized analysts. He emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, reading regularly, and leading with both passion and compassion. Dennis also discusses their growing sustainability efforts, including planting thousands of trees for every new client and franchisee. Additionally, he reflects on the meaningful impact of empowering business owners and creating opportunities for long-term success. Website: Schooley Mitchell LinkedIn: Dennis Schooley

    Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.

    I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!
    Más Menos
    17 m
  • IAM2513 - Why Going Right is the Ultimate Game Changer

    IAM2513 - Why Going Right is the Ultimate Game Changer
    Jun 30 2025
    Gresham Harkless discusses the value of doing things differently, such as moving in the opposite direction of the crowd, to uncover unique opportunities. Gresham shares his realization that relying solely on methods like Google Ads may not be the most effective strategy, and he aims to explore alternative approaches that align more closely with his strengths. Additionally, Gresham highlights the significance of self-awareness, encouraging entrepreneurs to recognize and embrace their unique abilities to achieve success.
    • Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
    • Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
    • Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
    • Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co

    Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.

    I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!
    Más Menos
    7 m
  • IAM2512 - Finding Your Conversation Spark

    IAM2512 - Finding Your Conversation Spark
    Jun 29 2025
    Gresham Harkless expresses his emotional and mental fatigue as he navigates the long ramp-up period, now around day 185, without yet closing his first candidate. He discusses the importance of timing and financing in matching candidates with business opportunities, noting that even when there's interest, external factors can delay progress. Gresham emphasizes his belief in "moving before you're ready," acknowledging that this mindset has propelled him forward, even without tangible results yet. Despite challenges, including a rainy day disrupting his routine and emotional exhaustion from the process, Gresham remains hopeful and committed, recognizing that persistence and preparation will pay off once the first deal is finalized.
    • Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
    • Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
    • Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
    • Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co

    Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.

    I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!
    Más Menos
    7 m