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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

Gresham Harkless discusses his journey and mindset around lead generation as a broker, emphasizing the importance of warm and cold markets.    He shares his evolving approach—initially avoiding leveraging close personal connections in favor of proving himself in a cold market, but now recognizing the value in his existing network.    Gresham explains the importance of experimentation in the early stages of a brokerage, the power of relationship-building, and how platforms like BNI and networking can create lasting opportunities.   Additionally, Gresham recognizes that he has built a diverse skillset that can help others—he just needs to better understand how and when to apply it.   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–o

Gresham Harkless discusses his progress approximately 45 days into his journey post-training and reflects on one of the biggest ongoing challenges: generating quality leads.   Gresham explains that while his initial package included a set number of leads, he has likely exhausted them and now faces a key decision—whether to continue buying leads from the same source despite their limited success.   He notes the psychological boost of receiving a steady flow of broker leads but acknowledges that relying solely on these isn’t sustainable.    Gresham references advice from a broker who emphasized the importance of experimentation in the early months.   In addition, Gresham has a VA (Virtual Assistant) helping with outreach, which allows for faster processing, but he’s still experimenting with multiple strategies. 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

Matt Hall is a Business Development Representative at Pivotal Advisors, where he assists business owners and sales leaders in identifying growth opportunities and enhancing sales effectiveness.   Matt’s approach is centered on systems, structure, and consistent processes—combined with a passion for coaching and meeting clients where they are.   His career began in sales out of necessity after college, taking the only job offer available—selling collectible coins over the phone.    Matt describes a pivotal career moment when he was promoted to lead a team of peers after a strong performance in a marketing services firm.   He admits that while he cared deeply, he was unprepared for leadership. This humbling experience was instrumental in developing his passion for sales coaching and led him to his current role at Pivotal Advisors.   Matt emphasizes that while there are foundational sales tools (like sales processes and measurement frameworks), Pivotal Advisors tailor their coaching to each client.   Website: Pi

Natasha Cornstein was the president and CEO of Blushington from January 2015 to January 2024, overseeing the national expansion and digital transformation of the beauty service and retail business.   Outside of Blushington, Natasha co-founded the Courts of Dreams Foundation, which restores outdoor basketball courts in underserved areas of New York City. She also mentors women of color in the beauty industry.   Natasha emphasizes the importance of listening, bringing the team along in decision-making, and fostering an open environment for innovation.   She shared advice from her mentor, who taught her that being a CEO is about leading the team and developing others, not just pushing forward with one’s vision.   Natasha believes reading is essential for staying informed and effective. She reads for an hour every morning across various industries, including beauty, fashion, and business.   Website: Blushington  LinkedIn: Natasha Cornstein   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hac

Quanna is an artist and founder of CareFree Black Girl (CFBG), a powerful platform and community centered around celebrating Black women through art, empowerment, and real-life experiences.   Quanna shares her journey from indie rapper to CEO, building something much bigger than a brand — a cultural movement.   She emphasizes the importance of authentic community engagement, hosting events in underrepresented areas.   Quanna highlights the brand’s mission to highlight the non-monolithic nature of Black womanhood, embracing all styles, backgrounds, and stories.   Quanna advocates for entrepreneurs to embrace all parts of who they are, especially when those parts feel different from each other.   Website: CareFreeBlackGirl, Inc.  LinkedIn: QUANNA (Shaqunna) B  Instagram: carefreeblackgirlinc   Previous Episode: https://iamceo.co/2019/05/03/iam263-podcaster-builds-a-lifestyle-brand-to-empower-women-and-encourage-storytelling/   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nugget

Jim Haudan is the CEO and co-founder of Root, an organization dedicated to helping leaders engage and motivate their teams.    He is the author of The Art of Engagement, a best-selling book that focuses on bridging the gap between people and possibilities, and What Are Your Blind Spots?, which he co-authored with Root President Rich Behrens.   Jim started his business with a belief in helping leaders see what he saw—especially in terms of future possibilities and the ability to manage waves of change.   Jim explains that one of the key issues in many organizations is that employees often play strategic games outside work but don’t engage with the company’s actual strategy.    He highlights a common problem where leaders don’t fully support or believe in the strategies they co-create, especially during execution.   Also, Jim believes that current leadership practices often fail to inspire employees, and these need to be updated.   Additionally, Jim emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of collaborat

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is wrapping up the last week of a 12-week period, transitioning into a rest week (week 13). While he anticipates the next phase to be busy, he plans to take things slowly and not rush.    His main focus is staying intentional with his actions and prioritizing what’s most important as he moves forward.   This year has been challenging for Gresham, notably with personal losses, including the passing of his grandmother and the struggles his pet, Star, faced with cancer.   Despite these difficulties, he acknowledges the emotional toll and recognizes that it impacted his focus and productivity throughout the year.   Gresham has a promising opportunity to dive into franchise brokerage in the coming year. He feels more streamlined in terms of knowing how to approach this venture and the necessary steps for success.   Gresham believes in the importance of thoroughly understanding the brands, products, and ideal candidates involved before diving in. It’s about building experti

Gresham Harkless discusses his current journey toward franchise brokering, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and rest in professional and personal life.   He frames his current day as a "rest day" after running six miles the previous day, recognizing the value of listening to your body and adjusting plans when needed.   Gresham discusses planning for the future—both for his marketing business and his franchise brokerage—and acknowledges the personal and professional struggles he’s faced.    Gresham compares his year to a difficult sports season, drawing a parallel to his favorite football team, the Cowboys, who have also struggled with injuries and underperformance.   Despite setbacks, he suggests that sometimes, like in sports, you need to "throw the playbook away" and regroup.   Additionally, Gresham points out that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that's okay. Moving forward, he’s contemplating taking the next two weeks to rest and reset, especially considering the natural slowdown in lead