Ewell Smith, Close the Deal Podcast

Ewell Smith is the author of Your First Franchise Roadmap and host of the Close The Deal Podcast. As a seasoned franchise development director and independent consultant, Ewell helps small business owners scale their businesses through the power of franchising and guides corporate professionals and Veterans to discover their ideal franchise opportunities. Prior to franchising, Ewell served as Executive Director for the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, the Gulf Seafood Institute, and the Carolina Loggers Association. He created the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, which aired on Food Network and PBS for ten years.

Ewell Smith presented to the GNOEA members about franchises. He stated that most frnachises are successful because they have a simple business model. Ewell spoke to the members about what makes a brand franchisable. Will it sell, is it credable, has it been in the market awhile, is there an interest in it? He stated that some up and coming franchises are senior placement, golf places like FiveOfour golf, ,e listed a few reasons why franchises work- Transparency, company offers support, Franchisee has the “playbook”, and marketing.

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.

Thank You & Announcements

Q2 dues reminder

Member referral program has been extended to the end of 2026! Refer a member and once they join you will receive one quarter of waived dues.

Member Thank You’s & Announcements

Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialist thanks all the members who supported and donated to his Hogs for Cause booth, Swine Intervention

Nick Wall, KTE Analytics, thanks Chad Perrier, UDI for their sponsorship for his kids school gala.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

April 21- Kyle Monti, Haptech- board meeting to follow

April 28- No Meeting

May5- Michael Drummond, Better Business Bureau

May 12- Inspector General Ed Michel- board meeting to follow

May 19- Crawfish Boil @ Ecology

May 26- No meeting- Happy Memorial Day

Check the website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar. Speaker suggestions: contact Program Chairman, Nick Wall at nwall@kteanalytics.com