Unemployable with Jeff Dudan

Grab Jeff Dudan’s book Discernment → https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment 

What if the real business superpower isn’t charisma, hustle, or being “the smartest in the room”… but being coachable? In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dustin Hillis (author of Capacity) to talk about: Why coachability separates high performers from everyone else The Chick-fil-A hiring “tests” that reveal humility (and why it works) How to reverse-engineer growth: revenue → people → activity → daily execution Delegation the right way (the “99% rule”) The hidden cost of “low-value” tasks when your goals demand higher leverage Building big without losing what matters most: boundaries...

Download Jeff Dudan's Book here for FREE! 

The CEO of Homefront Brands Jeff Dudan sits down with Matt & Alicia Heck, owners of Top Rail Fence (Tampa, FL), for "Fries with Franchisees" segment at Sparkman’s Wharf. They share what they wish they knew before buying a franchise, how they evaluated options, and why the franchise model accelerated their “speed to first dollar”—from day-one systems like a website and proven playbooks, to real support that made them feel like partners, not numbers. If you’re considering business ownership in your next season, this is the framework to hear. 

A FREE COPY OF JEFF'S Book Discernment

Visit: https://JeffDudan.com 

If you run a business that lives on leads, quotes, and callbacks… this conversation could change your revenue. In this episode, I sit down with marketing and customer experience expert Jay Baer to talk about the advantage most small businesses keep missing: speed. Not just speed to close — speed to respond. We get into why “first contact” sets the tone for the entire relationship, the difference between being fast and being too fast, and how word-of-mouth actually works in the real world (hint: “competent” doesn’t creat...

A FREE COPY OF JEFF'S Book Discernment Find Out More About Jeff Dudan at https://www.jeffdudan.com 

👉 Thinking about franchising as a path to wealth? Subscribe and watch this week’s Franchise Friday—you don’t want to miss this one. We talk about franchising a lot on this channel—and for good reason. We believe franchising is one of the greatest wealth-creation vehicles in this country… maybe even the world. In this episode, I sit down with Troy Hazard, and we have an honest conversation about where franchising is headed—and what too many brands have gotten wron...

A FREE COPY OF JEFF'S Book Discernment

 What if the same skills used to recruit assets, spot deception, and run covert operations could make you a sharper leader, a better negotiator, and a more dangerous competitor in business? In this episode, Jeff Dudan sits down with Andrew Bustamante — former CIA intelligence officer and founder of EverydaySpy — for a conversation that hits hard on the real mechanics of influence: how trust is built, how outcomes get shaped, why most entrepreneurs burn out building from scratch, and why a franchise model is often the smartest path for high performers who w...

The $50,000 Fear Test Every Business Owner Faces | Franchise Friday with Jeff Dudan #240 Fear shows up at the exact moment growth requires a decision. Last week, a newly trained franchise owner asked me a $50,000 question—one I’ve heard in different forms for decades. It wasn’t about inventory. It wasn’t about math. It was about belief. In this Franchise Friday episode, I break down: Why business is an infinite game—and why that matters How experienced operators think about risk, not avoid it The difference between reckless action and disciplined persistence How to evaluate investments when emotion meets math If yo...

DOWNLOAD A FREE COPY OF JEFF'S Book Discernment

 Is AI going to replace service companies… or make the best ones unstoppable? In this episode of Unemployable, Jeff Dudan sits down with Matt Tait, CEO of Decimal, to talk about the real future of accounting, bookkeeping, and tax—and why “AI-only” businesses struggle without trust, accountability, and credibility. We get into: - Why the winners won’t be pure tech OR old-school firms (the hybrid model wins) - How AI is compressing software cycles from years… to months… to days - What small business owners actually need (hint: not more spread...

The Fastest Way to Earn Trust in Business with Communication Expert Rachel DeAlto #238 

Want stronger relationships, better leadership, and real influence? Watch this episode. A FREE COPY OF JEFF'S Book Discernment

In this conversation, Jeff Dudan sits down with communication + connection expert Rachel DeAlto (author of Relatable and The Relatable Leader) to talk about why modern “networks” are often wide but shallow—and what actually builds trust in business and life. They get into instant connection cues, curiosity as a skill, why respect is the foundation of leadership, how response time signals value, and how to show...

Before You Go Multi-Brand, Watch This! (Franchise Empire Rules) with Mary Kennedy Thompson #237 

In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, former multi-unit franchisee and Neighborly COO Mary Kennedy Thompson reveals the real path to building a franchise empire—multi-unit, multi-brand, or both. Mary breaks down operational excellence, brand selection, leadership structure, shared services, market penetration, funding strategy, and how to avoid the mistakes that destroy franchise expansion dreams. If you're looking to build generational wealth through franchising, this is the roadmap. 

Subscribe now for more franchising wisdom and leadership insight.

 🎯 jeffdudan.com 

🎯 ho...

You Sold the Company… Now What? The King of Exits: Eddie Wilson on Life After the Exit #236 If you think a big exit will finally make you happy, this episode might change your mind. I’m sitting down with Eddie Wilson — the “King of Exits.” He’s owned 120+ companies, built the Empire Operating System used by 3,000+ businesses, launched the Aspire Tour, and feeds and educates 5,000+ kids a day through his foundation. We talk about: The journey from operator → CEO → true owner Why most founders become the ceiling in their own business How Eddie decides which companies to buy (and why he buys succ...

How Emerging Trends Are Revolutionizing Business Networks in 2026 with the CEO of BNI #235 Join us on the Unemployable Podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Mary Kennedy Thompson, a leader in the franchising world. Discover how her experiences in the Marine Corps and various franchise roles have shaped her leadership style and vision for the future. Learn about the power of networking and the impact of the International Franchise Association. Visit Mary Kennedy Thompson's website and the IFA website for more insights. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation! Call to Action: Subscribe now to stay updated...

How GoHighLevel Became the #1 CRM for Agencies Ceo & Co-Founder Shaun Clark Explains Want better decisions and better customers? Grab a free copy of my book Discernment and see what we’re building at HomefrontBrands.com — links are in the description below. In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, I sit down with Shaun Clark, co-founder of HighLevel (Go High Level), the CRM that quietly scaled to millions of businesses by doing one thing differently: building with a community of elite marketers instead of selling software straight to small business owners. We talk about: How Shaun pivoted from selling to s...

Before Buying a Franchise, Watch This! WITH FRANdata's Edith Wiseman #233 I sat down with Edith Wiseman, President of FRANdata, to talk about what it really takes to build a multi-unit or even multi-brand franchise empire. With 4,000+ franchise systems out there, choosing the right brand—and understanding the risks, scalability, economics, and long-term durability—matters more than ever. If you’re exploring franchising or looking to scale, this episode is a must-watch. Full episode link in comments. Free book “Discernment”: JeffDudan.com 

Explore Homefront Brands: HomefrontBrands.com 

A FREE COPY OF JEFF'S Book Discernment

Find Out Mor...

Want to turn a single truck or small home-service shop into a $100M+ exit? Hit play now. In this Unemployable episode, Jeff Dudan sits down with Cameron Bawden (Green Mango, Coconut Cleaning, Hype Pharm, 1% Club) to break down delegating vs doing, crushing limiting beliefs, building sticky loyalty programs, dialing in margins, culture, and the leadership systems that let you scale without burning out. 

Connect with Cameron and his world: IG @cbawden, cambodden.com, hypefarm.com, coconutcleaning.com, – and if this episode helps you, share it with a founder, subscribe, and go build your own $100M story. 

👉...

Franchisees Who Are Winning Big—and the Strategies You Need! | Homefront Brands Panel of the Pros Franchisees across Homefront Brands are winning big—and in this Franchise Friday segment, Jeff Dudan breaks down exactly how they’re doing it. Featuring insights from top owners Sean Raferty (Top Rail Fence Denver), Helen & Steve Holden (Temporary Wall Systems Fort Worth), Steve Moore (The Designery Greensboro), Allie Hauser (The Designery Atlanta), and Tyler Kirk (Window Hero Charlotte), this panel reveals the real strategies behind explosive franchise growth. From digital lead generation and referral partnerships to LinkedIn outreach, associations, commercial sales, and community networ...

How to Become Your Highest-Performing Self With Leadership Speaker Ty Bennett #230 Are you leaving potential on the table? In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, we break down high performance vs human potential, how to redefine success without burning out, and why storytelling, failure, and family are the real levers behind peak performance and influence. We unpack how Ty built a $20M direct sales business, owns the world’s largest Ninja Warrior gym, and uses research-backed high performance frameworks to help leaders, sales teams, and entrepreneurs raise their game without losing themselves in the process. 

👉 A FREE C...

How High Performers Start Their Day: My Exact Routine Jeff Dudan's Winning Habits #229 Start your day like a high performer. In this Franchise Friday episode, Jeff breaks down the exact morning mission that transformed his clarity, productivity, and capacity to lead—built around standards, focus, and intentional flow-state habits. 

👉 Grab your free copy of Jeff’s book Discernment 

 👉 Explore franchise ownership opportunities at HomefrontBrands.com and see how our five brands are helping entrepreneurs build wealth and freedom. 

From the Five-Minute Journal to managing your calendar like a pro, this is a practical blueprint for...

The One Shift That Changes Everything P90X Creator Tony Horton Shares Longevity Lessons #228 P90X creator Tony Horton joins me on Unemployable to talk about getting fitter in your 50s, 60s, and beyond, the real connection between exercise and mental health, and why doing hard things is the secret to staying young. We get into his early days in LA as a broke mime and stand-up comic, how P90X was built to prevent boredom and injury, why variety and yoga have saved his joints, and how breath work, sleep, and nutrition beat quick fixes like Ozempic every...

Building a Winning Franchise System Insights from Jeff Dudan & FRANdata’s Edith Wiseman Start your franchise journey today — grab a free copy of Jeff Dudan’s book Discernment by clicking the link below and visit HomefrontBrands.com to learn how to build a legacy through franchising. In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Edith Wiseman, President of FRANdata, to reveal what truly defines a great franchisor — from emerging brand risks and rewards to leadership, culture, and franchisee alignment. Discover how top franchisors build lasting success and what to look for when evaluating a franchise system...

You’re Using AI Wrong (Do This Instead) Geoff Woods on ChatGPT and AI with Jeff Dudan #226 You’re probably using AI wrong — and it’s costing you time, focus, and real business growth. In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Geoff Woods, Co-Founder of The One Thing with Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, former Chief Growth Officer at Jindal Steel and Power, and author of The AI-Driven Leader. Geoff reveals why most people are majoring in the minors with AI — focusing on low-value tasks instead of high-impact strategy. He shares the CRIT Framework (Context, R...

Private equity isn’t what it used to be. In this conversation, Jeff Dudan and Patrick Galleher reveal how smart capital transformed from “barbarians at the gate” to strategic partners helping franchisors grow, scale, and build lasting wealth. If you’re building a brand worth buying—or planning your exit—this conversation is essential. 

 💼 Subscribe for More Business & Career Insights 📩 Follow me on Social Media for More: 👉 LinkedIn 👉 Instagram 

FREE COPY of Jeff's Book DISCERNMENT

🔗 Homefront Brands

www.jeffdudan.com

Patrick Galleher – LinkedIn: / patrickgalleher

 Boxwood Partners

#PrivateEquity #Franchising #Je...

What if the words you use every day are quietly deciding your success? In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, we’re joined by one of the most powerful communicators on the planet — Phil M. Jones, the legendary author of Exactly What to Say and one of the world’s most in-demand speakers and sales trainers. Phil has taught millions of people across 59 countries how to transform results in business, relationships, and leadership — simply by mastering the language of influence. From boardrooms to living rooms, Phil shows how the right words, spoken with intention, can change everything — your income, yo...

Welcome back to Unemployable with Jeff Dudan—it’s Franchise Friday! In this episode, Jeff explains why showing up at conferences, conventions, and industry events can supercharge your franchise success. From Homefront Brands’ annual Homecoming Convention to the IFA Conference and regional franchise expos, Jeff reveals how proximity, preparation, and follow-through turn simple handshakes into game-changing relationships. He shares the mindset and tactics that helped him grow from a first-time attendee to an industry leader—plus how one connection can alter the entire trajectory of your business. 🎯 You’ll learn: Why proximity equals power in franchising How to prepare for a confere...

In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Patrick Galleher, Managing Partner at Boxwood Partners, one of the leading investment banks in franchising with over $7 billion in completed transactions. Patrick shares his insider perspective on selling a business the right way—from running a proper process and attracting private equity, to avoiding costly legal and financial mistakes that crush valuations. They also break down how private equity has evolved, why top firms like KKR, Blackstone, and Riverside are moving aggressively into franchising, and how franchise owners can prepare for a life-changing exit—whether as franchisors or m...

If you’re paying attention — something BIG is happening. Franchise buyers aren't looking for a “job you own” anymore. Today’s entrepreneurs are: ✅ Building assets ✅ Leveraging systems ✅ Thinking like investors And the smartest builders? They’re moving into property service franchises. For 35 years — from scaling a national restoration company to franchising 240+ locations — I’ve seen what thrives in the BEST and WORST of times. Property services win. Every. Single. Cycle. Here’s what makes them the ultimate business builder’s model: 🔥 Non-discretionary demand (needs-based, not trends) 🔥 Light CapEx (no multimillion-dollar buildings required) 🔥 Recurring revenue you can predict 🔥 Scalable inside a protected territory 🔥 Cash flow from d...

In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Ellen Rohr — industry icon, financial educator, and co-founder of Zoom Drain, former president of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and current executive with ServiceTitan. Ellen shares her 40-year journey from cleaning up her husband’s plumbing business to leading multi-million-dollar brands that transformed the trades. 💡 She explains why most service companies fail not from inefficiency — but from being underpriced — and how confidence, clarity, and self-esteem drive true profitability. 💬 What You’ll Learn: Why “there’s no operational fix to being underpriced.” How self-esteem and pricing are deeply connected in business. The Great Ga...

In this Franchise Friday edition of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Tommy Ryan, Chief Development Officer at HomeFront Brands, to unpack the real truths behind franchising — from mindset and timing to community and leadership. Tommy has helped thousands of franchise owners build lasting success. He’s seen what works, what fails, and what separates great franchisees from the rest. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✅ Why timing and mindset are everything when joining a franchise ✅ What makes a great franchise candidate (and what disqualifies one) ✅ The #1 mistake new franchisees make — and how to avoid it ✅ Why community and pu...

Franchising expert Mark Siebert, founder of iFranchise Group, joins Jeff Dudan on Unemployable to reveal what makes a franchise truly scalable — and why franchising remains the most powerful wealth-creation model for small business owners. With 40 years of experience advising over 500 brands — including McDonald’s, Subway, and Ace Hardware — Mark shares the insider checklist for determining if your concept is ready to franchise, what it really costs to grow, and why discipline, leadership, and sound economics separate the winners from the failures. They explore: The 3 criteria every franchise must meet before scaling Why management quality outweighs concept quality Common traps new fran...

Welcome back to Franchise Fridays on the Unemployable Podcast with Jeff Dudan — where we break down the mindset, systems, and leadership that make franchise owners succeed. Today’s guest is Michael O’Driscoll, President of Franchising and COO at Homefront Brands, with 38 years of experience leading franchise systems across four continents. From building his career in Australia’s largest residential construction franchise to launching global brands in transportation, banking, and home services, Michael has helped tens of thousands of entrepreneurs succeed in franchising. In this episode, Jeff and Michael discuss: What truly separates good franchise owners from great ones The bigg...

What if people trusted you more than your brand? In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Jeff sits down with Brooke Budke — a cancer survivor, former President of Title Boxing Club, and now the Founder & CEO of Momentum Brands, a fractional CMO firm helping emerging franchise brands grow through authentic personal branding, not paid ads. Brooke shares why 80% of consumers would rather follow the founder than the brand, the psychology behind trust in the post-COVID marketplace, and how leaders can use platforms like LinkedIn to build real authority. They also unpack the future of search, the rise of AI...

Avoid These Mistakes as a New Franchise Owner Franchise Fridays with The Designery's Casey Ridley On this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, I sit down with Casey Ridley, President of The Designery, to talk about the journey from a mom-and-pop surplus store to building a fast-growing franchise brand with over 40 locations. We cover: Why franchising gives people time freedom and community impact The biggest mistakes new franchisees make (and how to avoid them) The key traits of successful franchise owners Misconceptions about franchising and what really matters The role of culture in making a franchisor great Trends shaping...

Erin King joins Jeff Dudan on Unemployable to reveal why energy—not time or money—is the ultimate edge in business and life. From building a top social media agency to conducting the world’s largest research study on human energy, Erin shares how to unlock your “energy instinct,” lead with clarity, and avoid burnout while building a bold future. Erin is an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author of You’re Kind of a Big Deal. She created the Energy Exam to help leaders and teams discover their vibe and tap into peak performance. 👉 Take Erin’s Energy Exam 📖 Learn more...

Franchising works when franchisees are at the center. In this Franchise Friday, I sit down with Homefront Brands’ Chief Legal Officer to talk FDDs, legal guardrails, and the real reasons some owners scale while others stall. We cover the traits of top performers (intuition, smarts, grit), the biggest misconception (“it’s easy”), why private equity is moving to the franchisee side, and how culture and values beat shortcuts. If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: Do you trust who you’re going into business with? Learn more at HomefrontBrands.com. Grab my book Discernment: The Business Athlete’s Re...

What does it really take to push past every limit life throws at you? In this powerful episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, I sit down with world-record mountain climber, champion wrestler, and New York Times bestselling author Kyle Maynard. Born without arms and legs, Kyle has summited Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua, fought in jiu-jitsu world championships, built thriving businesses, and inspired millions. We talk about: Building grit and mental toughness when the odds say quit The hidden power of environment and who you choose to compete with Turning obstacles into opportunities—from sports to startups Lessons from extreme climbs, co...

Franchise Friday goes inside the mindset of a decorated Army special-operations veteran turned franchise president. Jeff Dudan sits down with Keven Elwood, President of Window Hero, to explore how military discipline translates to business freedom and why franchising is a natural path for veterans and driven entrepreneurs. Keven shares: Lessons from 20 years in Army special operations How a single LinkedIn post led him to buy—and grow—a home services franchise Why systems, culture, and community separate great franchisors from good ones The mental shift veterans and career professionals must make to own a business How Homefront Brands supports owne...

On today’s Unemployable, we tackle the hard stuff: why cancer remains our biggest health challenge, why water quality may define the next global conflict, how outbreaks re-enter the U.S. (measles, dengue, bioterror), what COVID actually taught us, and where AI and genomics help—or create new risks. Along the way we talk access to care, compounding vs. brand-name drugs, GLP-1s (Ozempic/Wegovy), and the habits that really move the needle: sleep, strength, hydration, and walking with purpose. My guest is a former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health and four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Heal...

If you’re on the fence about franchising—or expanding your portfolio—this one’s for you. We break down who actually wins in franchising, the real traits of top owners, why “required service” beats “sexy concept,” and how to play the long game with guardrails, data, and community. Michael Wagner, president of Roof Scientist at Homefront Brands, joins me to unpack (kidding 😉) the practical stuff: following the model, being the local face of your brand, building teams without drowning in tasks, and picking categories that are resilient, high-margin, and Amazon-proof. We also talk AI/tech in the customer journey, what great...

Family-First Wealth Through Franchising : Franchise Secrets with Erik Van Horn Franchising from the ranch. 🌾 In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, Erik Van Horn—multi-unit franchisee, franchisor, advisor at Front Street Equity Partners, and host of Franchise Secrets—shares the real playbook: building wealth as a franchisee and franchisor, timing exits, avoiding emerging-brand pitfalls, and why AI in franchising is the next unfair advantage. We cover family-first living in rural Spearfish, South Dakota, mastermind leverage, KPIs that actually move revenue, and the categories poised to surge (pets, health & wellness, voice agents, and more). Whether you’re exploring your first ter...

What if the secret to unlocking your business potential—and your life—was embracing the very thing you’ve been told to hide? In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and thought leader Frankie Russo shares his philosophy of Love Your Weird. From losing it all in the 2008 crash, to rebuilding through imagination, innovation, and authenticity, Frankie reveals how to break free from stagnation and fuel limitless growth. Together, Jeff and Frankie explore: Why stagnation kills businesses and how to escape it The “Infinity Growth Loop” for continuous momentum Why genius = why × weird² is the formula...

Can You Keep Your Job and Still Run a Franchise? | Franchise Fridays with Jeff Dudan Can you really keep your job and still build a successful business? In this Franchise Fridays episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, we break down the truth behind owner-operator vs. semi-absentee (executive) franchise models. Jeff Dudan reveals what it really takes to run a franchise on nights and weekends, how to evaluate if you have what it takes to go all-in, and what mistakes people make when they think franchising is "passive income." Whether you're trying to escape the 9-to-5, build generational wealth, or...