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In this special episode, Gresham Harkless offers a thoughtful and vulnerable update on the emotional and practical challenges he's facing.    He reflects on the frustration of feeling like he should be further ahead, despite putting in consistent effort, and how that mindset can cloud the real progress being made.   Gresham emphasizes the importance of the three core elements in the franchise process—mindset, money, and motivation— in evaluating candidates and maintaining his momentum.   He shares examples of how deals have stalled or fallen through due to candidates lacking one of these elements, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the business. 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 hack

On day 151 of the Franchise Broker journey, Gresham Harkless kicks off the second day of a new 12-week year, using it as a chance to step back and re-evaluate his systems, especially around lead generation.    Gresham emphasizes that most of his successful connections reaching the "Zore" stage came organically through Facebook outreach, highlighting the strategic value of personalized direct messaging.   In contrast, leads from Google Ads have been less fruitful, producing a few quality leads but mostly low-quality ones, prompting a need to refine that channel.   He also sees potential in LinkedIn but hasn’t tapped into it effectively yet.    Moving forward, he's focused on building a lead-gen system starting with a newsletter where people can opt into what they’re looking for.   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

Justine Beauregard is a seasoned sales strategist and People Over Profit podcast host.   Justine’s entrepreneurial spark began at just 6 years old, and her passion evolved into a career focused on helping business owners grow their income in authentic, feel-good ways.    She shares the powerful story of leaving her corporate job after becoming a mom, navigating early struggles in business, and landing a breakthrough $3,000 client through her talent in cold calling.   Justine introduces her Close Sales on Repeat program, which teaches business owners how to attract ideal buyers, close sales confidently, and build systems for sustainable growth.    She encourages entrepreneurs to discover their “zone of genius”—that unique space where passion and talent meet.   Website: Justine Beauregard  LinkedIn: Justine Beauregard   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

Kevin Wilhelm, CEO of Sustainable Business Consulting, shares his journey from being a “reluctant entrepreneur” to one of the leading voices in sustainability consulting.   Kevin started his firm after realizing that no one was effectively making the business case for sustainability, and he stepped up to fill that gap.    His firm helps companies integrate sustainable practices by showing how they align with core business goals, like improving efficiency, saving money, and enhancing employee engagement.   Kevin emphasizes the importance of trust and customization in his consulting work, often advising clients to scale back or shift focus if it better serves their long-term success, even at the cost of short-term revenue.    He believes in translating sustainability into practical terms for every department and helping organizations realize they’re often already making progress.    Website: Sustainable Business Consulting  LinkedIn: Kevin Wilhelm   Previous Episode: iam280-business-consultant-focus-on-leading-

Justin Breen is the founder and CEO of BrEpic, a PR firm specializing in crafting compelling, newsworthy stories for clients and pitching them to media nationwide.    Justin explains that his business was born out of frustration with traditional PR methods that he found ineffective during his 20-year journalism career.   Justin highlights the importance of building genuine relationships with media contacts and only pitching stories that are newsworthy and relevant.    He emphasizes that his success comes from doing what he loves—writing and pitching—and from being highly selective with clients.   Justin also shares his insights on balancing entrepreneurship with family life, the importance of long-term networking through groups like ProVisors, and the lessons he learned from books like Traction and The E-Myth.   Website: The Epic F.I.T. Network  LinkedIn: Justin Breen   Previous Episode: iam278-founder-helps-clients-gain-exposure-in-mainstream-media   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsl

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on personal and professional growth as he kicks off a fresh 12-week year, marking day 64 of his overall franchise broker journey.   Gresham set three focused goals: adding $5K in recurring revenue (mainly through CEO Hacks), generating 300 new leads for Blue Star Franchise, and completing a year-long Bible reading plan.   Gresham emphasizes the importance of lead measures—daily, controllable actions that drive results over time, particularly for building a sustainable lead generation system for Blue Star.   Amid personal losses from the previous year and the joys of new fatherhood, he’s using this season as a reset—to plant seeds, instill strong habits, and build his business "brick by brick," with both resilience and long-term vision.   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 Franch

On Day 63 of the Franchise Broker journey, Gresham Harkless shares a candid update about recent life changes and their impact on his focus and priorities. With the arrival of his new son, he's been adapting to a new routine, which has brought both challenges and clarity.   Gresham highlights how having less time has helped him become more intentional and focused, a concept aligned with the principles of the 12 Week Year, which he’s actively implementing.    Gresham discusses the value of "disruptions," both internal and external, as opportunities for growth and resilience.   He’s refining his 12-week goals, possibly reducing them from three to two, as one health-related goal may not be realistic given his current sleep schedule.   Furthermore, Gresham expresses gratitude for his supportive family and the progress in his business, maintaining excitement and optimism about what’s to come. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchis

On Day 59, Gresham Harkless explores how chasing perfection can stop people from getting started.   Gresham explains that high-quality work doesn’t come instantly—it’s built over time through consistent practice and action.   He challenges the habit of merely checking off tasks, urging a focus on impactful activities that align with core KPIs and business goals.   Gresham highlights the importance of leadership in creating clarity, aligning team efforts, and harnessing individual talents to drive collective success.   He also reflects on the unique power of franchising, where success is easier to define and model thanks to proven systems.   Looking ahead, Gresham shares plans for 2025 that include doubling down on Blue Star Franchise, CB Nation, and CEO Hacks, and aims to create more impact through clearer strategy and stronger execution. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to

Gresham Harkless reflects on Day 58 of his Franchise Broker journey, noting that it has been a slower period, but a good time for planning for the upcoming year.   He shares excitement about new beginnings, particularly the personal milestone of his relationship with his bonus son.    On the business side, Gresham mentions that Google Ads hasn't been as effective as hoped, but organic search has yielded better results, especially for specific queries related to vending.   Moreover, Gresham emphasizes the importance of experimentation and adjusting strategies based on what works and what doesn't as he continues to refine his approach. 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 l

Dan DeGolier is the founder and CEO of Ascent CFO Solutions, a fractional CFO firm providing a part-time, flexible way for growing companies to engage with an experienced chief financial officer.    Dan has operated as a CPA with a global accounting firm, a full-time CFO with multiple private companies, and a fractional CFO with companies in all stages across diverse industries.   Dan is recognized as a two-time Colorado Titan 100 Leadership Award winner and helped lead Ascent CFO to a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, ranking at #2,813.   Dan explains that financial modeling and forecasting are at the heart of what they do. At the same time, they offer a range of services—from accounting and GAAP compliance to exit planning and capital raising.   He emphasizes that the firm’s success is rooted in its people. Their approach is built on trust, consistency, and a commitment to under-promise and over-deliver.   Dan highlights the importance of collaboration, openness to diverse perspectives, and building teams that co

Keisha Charmaine is a small business owner, content creator, and author best known for documenting her 9-year loc journey on YouTube.   Keisha shares how her loc journey led to creating organic hair products, writing a self-reflective book, and becoming a trusted voice in the natural hair community.   She talks about the importance of mindfulness, how to stay grounded as a solopreneur, and why consistency and community are at the heart of her brand.   Website: Love, Light & Locs  YouTube: Keisha Charmaine  Instagram: keishacharmaine   Previous Episode: iam275-social-media-influencer-model-and-author-provides-loc-maintenance-tips-and-products   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

Kevin Brown is a former educator and global development professional turned entrepreneur, now based in Nicosia, Cyprus.   His career began in education, teaching in D.C.’s public schools after earning a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Trinity University.   Kevin manages operations and digital strategy at HR Innovate. His title varies—sometimes Chief of Operations, sometimes Chief Digital Officer—but as a small business co-owner, he wears many hats.   Kevin emphasizes that their intent is not to become the biggest, but to become the best at what they do and make a difference in people’s lives.   Kevin stresses the importance of being real and staying true to your values and vision.   Website: HR Innovate  LinkedIn: Kevin Brown   Previous Episode: iam274-co-founder-builds-recruiting-agency-match-clients-with-the-right-fit-of-job-seekers   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 Handboo

Gresham Harkless reflects candidly on the emotional and operational challenges of working as a business broker, especially after five to six months without closing a deal.   Gresham emphasizes that the most difficult aspect of the role is managing the human element—navigating silent objections, inconsistent communication, and the emotional ups and downs of clients.   Despite enjoying certain parts of the process, like presenting opportunities, he’s come to realize that his core strength and passion lie in lead generation and content creation.   Gresham successfully built a pipeline of around 20 prospects, but the time and energy required to manage those relationships have made him question whether this is the best use of his skills.    Finally, he acknowledges that aligning his work with his strengths, rather than forcing a full-cycle approach, may lead to more sustainable success.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise I

In this special episode of Franchise Broker Journey (Day 56), Gresham Harkless shares a blend of personal and sports-related insights. He begins by touching on his exhaustion from lack of sleep, hinting at preparation for his newborn, and then transitions into his thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys’ football season.   Despite initial disappointments, Harkless emphasizes recognizing that not every season is meant for "reaping" — some are for "planting seeds."   Gresham connects his struggles — including the loss of his dog Star, his grandmother, and his uncle — to show how emotional turbulence can impact decision-making.   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 org

Gresham Harkless reflects on Day 56 of his Franchise Broker journey, noting the emotional weight of the process despite having zero sales so far.   He's been engaging with candidates and recently had a promising conversation with a Google Ads lead, emphasizing the importance of building rapport and treating these talks like podcast interviews—conversational, yet intentional.   Gresham also shares a personal pivot: he's pausing his weekly inspirational text messages, which included Bible verses, due to limited feedback and the need to reevaluate.   He acknowledges the challenge of releasing old habits and digital clutter but emphasizes regular review and de-cluttering as essential for growth. 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 Ne

Gresham Harkless reflects on his 55-day journey into franchise brokerage, sharing insights from a recent, unexpectedly powerful coaching session.   He realizes his true passion lies in being a “connection broker” — someone who thrives by linking people, tools, opportunities, and solutions across all areas of his work, from franchise consulting to digital marketing.    Gresham also acknowledges a major challenge: the day-to-day operational grind often pulls him away from that core purpose. 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

Chris Seveney, a real estate veteran with 25+ years of experience and the founder of 7e Investments.    Chris shares his journey from a high-level corporate career to building a thriving investment firm specializing in mortgage note investing.   He discusses the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship. There will be tough times, and you'll face challenges, but what matters is getting back up after each setback.   He emphasizes that success is not about avoiding failure but about how you handle and recover from it.   Chris acknowledges that early on, most entrepreneurs wear all hats and put in long hours. The key to eventually achieving the time freedom you desire is to delegate effectively and create a solid team.   Chris shares a relatively unique investment strategy—investing in mortgage notes, particularly non-performing ones.    Website: Seveney Investments  LinkedIn: Christopher Seveney   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organiza

Ladana Drigo is the founder of My Fairy GodParents, a nonprofit based in the D.C. metro area that supports underserved youth and kids with incarcerated parents.    Her experiences with homelessness, single motherhood, and community support inspired her to create a charitable organization that connects resources to those in need.   Ladana discusses the power of giving, how being authentic opens doors, and why it’s essential to build genuine community — not just as a charity but as a human being.   She emphasizes the value of authenticity in branding and relationships, the importance of community collaboration, and the necessity of balancing leadership with humility.   Furthermore, Ladana blends her entrepreneurial skills and personal drive to uplift others, especially youth navigating difficult circumstances.   Website: My Fairy GodParents   Previous Episode: iam268-charity-enthusiast-positively-impacts-underserved-youth-and-children-with-curated-resources   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium

Chermika Farkwar, the founder of Soka Tribe, discusses her entrepreneurial journey and how she built her brand.    Her business, Soka Tribe, now offers a variety of services, including fitness classes, performances, and products that connect people to Caribbean culture, especially Carnival.   Chermika highlights the importance of storytelling in connecting with consumers, noting that her narrative resonates with her audience.   Chermika combines her marketing experience with a deep understanding of culture, which helps her stand out in the competitive fitness industry.   Chermika advocates for new business owners to focus on their vision, not fear failure, and be open to adjusting their business strategies as they grow.   Moreover, she aims to expand the educational side of her business, keeping the spirit of Carnival alive while continuing to grow Soka Tribe’s community.   Website: Soka Tribe   Previous Episode: iam262-creative-provides-cultural-exploration-experience-specializing-in-dance-fitness   Check

Gresham Harkless shares a lesson learned from his trainer about silent objections, which are when potential customers or clients stop responding or disappear without saying why.    Gresham explains that sales aren't just about selling a product or service. Everyone is involved in sales in some form—whether it's convincing a client to buy, persuading a team member to join, or even getting your kids to go to bed.   He discusses the BOSS CRM system that helps track and automate customer relationships. He was surprised to find that Google Ads wasn’t initially part of the system’s lead-generation strategy.    Gresham shifts the focus to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emphasizes the importance of giving clear and specific instructions when interacting with AI. He compares AI to an intern—if you give vague instructions, the outcome can be unclear or completely off.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right fo