Young and Profiting with Hala Taha

Starting a business from scratch is not the only path to entrepreneurship, and Alex Smereczniak learned that through franchising. After building and exiting his first franchise business, he saw how confusing, outdated, and commission-driven the franchise-buying process could be. Spotting those gaps led him to build Franzy, a data-driven marketplace that helps aspiring entrepreneurs buy franchises with more transparency. In part 1 of this How We Profit episode, Alex breaks down the realities of raising capital for an unsexy business, why franchising creates more millionaires than most people realize, how he sold 118 franchise locations in a year, and the lessons he learned from scaling.

In this episode, Hala and Alex will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(02:26) Franzy: The Zillow of Franchising 

(06:49) Why Franchising Creates More Millionaires

(12:30) Starting a Business vs Buying a Franchise

(16:08) Is Franchising Really Passive Income?

(19:09) Alex’s Franchising Journey

(35:13) Raising Millions for Unsexy Businesses

(39:24) Stepping Down as CEO: The Real Story

(45:42) The Cost of Starting Franzy

(56:10) Using Data to Create Entrepreneurs

(58:32) Franzy’s Revenue, Marketing, and Operations

Alex Smereczniak is the co-founder and CEO of Franzy, an AI-driven franchise discovery platform that helps aspiring business owners find and evaluate franchise opportunities. Before Franzy, he co-founded 2ULaundry and LaundroLab, a tech-enabled laundry delivery and laundromat franchise business. He has experience building marketplace businesses, raising venture capital, and scaling franchise systems. 

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Remitly - Transfer money internationally across 100+ currencies with no hidden fees. Download the Remitly app or visit remitly.com to get started. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only.

Prolon - Reset your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. 

Cash App - If you’ve been curious about bitcoin but haven’t made the jump yet, Cash App makes it easy. Sign up at https://click.cash.app/ui6m/qmgmlraz

For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Just use code CASHAPP10 when you sign up, and—don’t forget this part—send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. brand. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast

Resources Mentioned:

Alex’s Platform, Franzy: https://franzy.com/ 

Alex’s Instagram: instagram.com/alexfromfranzy/   

Alex’s Twitter: x.com/AlexfromFranzy  

Alex’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alex-smereczniak-40310329   

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One leadership decision helped Will Guidara transform Eleven Madison Park from the lowest-ranked restaurant on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list into the number one restaurant in the world. While most businesses competed on products, pricing, and technology, Will became obsessed with something most companies overlook: how people feel. In this episode, Will shares his philosophy of unreasonable hospitality and reveals why customer experience is a powerful business advantage. He explains the leadership skills, strategic planning, and team-building principles that empower employees to create unforgettable moments and build the kind of customer loyalty that drives business growth. 

In this episode, Hala and Will will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(02:02) The Role of AI in the Hospitality Business

(05:07) Service vs. Hospitality: The Key Difference

(10:49) Going from Last Place to Number One

(14:55) Mapping Every Customer Touchpoint 

(21:58) Turning Transactions Into Unforgettable Experiences

(28:27) Balancing Excellence and Hospitality

(33:50) Building Team Culture With Shared Language

(37:48) Will’s Hospitality Catchphrases

(46:36) Scaling Hospitality Through Pattern Recognition

(54:31) How Leaders Can Empower Their Teams

(01:03:15) Turning Business Mistakes Into Loyalty

(01:08:03) Giving Feedback and Inspiring Teams

Will Guidara is a restaurateur, speaker, and bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality. As the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, he helped lead the restaurant to three Michelin stars and the title of World’s Best Restaurant. His work has since redefined hospitality as a core leadership and business strategy across industries. Will is also a co-producer on the Emmy Award-winning series The Bear. 

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Remitly - Transfer money internationally across 100+ currencies with no hidden fees. Download the Remitly app or visit remitly.com to get started. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only.

Prolon - Reset your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. 

Cash App - If you’ve been curious about bitcoin but haven’t made the jump yet, Cash App makes it easy. Sign up at https://click.cash.app/ui6m/qmgmlraz

For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Just use code CASHAPP10 when you sign up, and—don’t forget this part—send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. brand. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast  

Resources Mentioned:

Will’s Book, Unreasonable Hospitality: bit.ly/WG-UHosp  

Will’s Book, The Field Guide: bit.ly/WG-FieldGuide 

Will’s Website: unreasonablehospitality.com

Will’s Instagram: instagram.com/wguidara/ 

Will’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/willguidara/ 

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Networking, Goal Setting, Time Management, Problem Solving, Decision Making
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Kotler once believed physical and mental health decline was an inevitable part of aging, until peak performance science challenged his assumption. To test the research, he learned to park ski at 53 and discovered that the right training and mindset can dramatically improve brain health, creativity, and performance well beyond midlife. In this episode, Steven unpacks the science behind  cognitive decline and shares how entrepreneurs can stay sharp, motivated, and high-performing at any age. 

In this episode, Hala and Steven will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(01:11) The Myth of Aging Decline

(07:08) How Movement Keeps You Sharp

(14:26) Breaking the “Too Old” Mindset

(22:39) Letting Go of Old Shame

(29:26) Protecting Brain Performance After 40

(37:12) How Age Improves Thinking

(42:03) What to Look for After 50

(44:58) Why You Should Never Skip Leg Day

(46:57) How Authentic Learning Boosts Motivation

(52:00) Skills Older People Are Actually Better At

(54:32) Blue Zones and Healthy Aging 

Steven Kotler is a bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. He is the founder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective, where he studies the neurobiology of flow, creativity, and peak performance. His work has been nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over 40 languages, and has helped people understand how to train their brains and bodies to perform at their best at any age.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Remitly - Transfer money internationally across 100+ currencies with no hidden fees. Download the Remitly app or visit remitly.com to get started. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only.

Prolon - Reset your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. 

Cash App - If you’ve been curious about bitcoin but haven’t made the jump yet, Cash App makes it easy. Sign up at https://click.cash.app/ui6m/qmgmlraz

For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Just use code CASHAPP10 when you sign up, and—don’t forget this part—send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. brand. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast 

Resources Mentioned:

Steven's Website: stevenkotler.com 

Steven's Book, Gnar Country: bit.ly/SK-GnarC 

Flow Research Collective: flowresearchcollective.com  

Successful Aging by Daniel Levitin: bit.ly/DL-SuccessAging 

YAP E138 with Steven Kotler: youngandprofiting.co/E138 

YAP E32 with Steven Kotler: youngandprofiting.co/E32 

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Biohacking, Manifestation, Life Balance, Self-Healing, Positivity, Happiness, Sleep, Diet
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship became Tara LaFerrara’s way forward after she got laid off from her corporate job and had to decide whether her fitness and content creation side hustle could become a real business. With a small online following and plenty of uncertainty, she learned the ins and outs of business operations, ultimately scaling her $99 programs into a seven figure fitness brand. In this episode of How We Profit, Tara shares the realities of building a coaching business from scratch, how she bounced back after a six figure mistake, and the strategies that helped her generate multiple income streams as a creator entrepreneur.

In this episode, Hala and Tara will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(04:29) How Tara’s Business Makes Money

(07:33) Going All-In on Entrepreneurship

(14:25) Converting Followers Into Paying Customers

(17:35) App vs. Coaching Business Economics

(24:22) Niching Down to Women 35+

(29:42) Building the Broads App

(37:15) Using Webinars to Drive Sales

(41:00) Pricing Creator Brand Partnerships

(48:26) Scaling Beyond Founder Bottlenecks 

Tara LaFerrara is the founder of Broads, a fitness app and coaching company. She is a personal trainer, creator, and host of the Broads podcast, where she blends fitness education with a bold, relatable approach to women’s health and wellness. Through her platforms, Tara offers one-on-one coaching, group programming, and app-based workouts designed especially for women 35 and older.

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Remitly - Transfer money internationally across 100+ currencies with no hidden fees. Download the Remitly app or visit remitly.com to get started. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only.

Prolon - Reset your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. 

Cash App - If you’ve been curious about bitcoin but haven’t made the jump yet, Cash App makes it easy. Sign up at https://click.cash.app/ui6m/qmgmlraz

For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Just use code CASHAPP10 when you sign up, and—don’t forget this part—send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. brand. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast  

Resources Mentioned:

Tara’s Website: taralaferrara.com 

Tara’s Instagram: instagram.com/taralaferrara

Tara’s TikTok: tiktok.com/@taralaferrara 

Tara’s Podcast, Broads: bit.ly/Broads-apple 

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Solopreneur, Networking
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mental health care has a silent crisis, and Dr. Chris Palmer has spent 30 years watching patients exhaust medication after medication with little relief despite world-class treatment. His search for answers became the foundation of his brain energy theory, a framework that proposes an entirely new way of understanding and treating mental illness. In this episode, Dr. Chris breaks down the science of mental health and metabolism, explaining how the brain's ability to produce and use energy may be at the root of psychiatric conditions. He also shares practical tips to support better brain health and overall wellness. 

In this episode, Hala and Dr. Chris will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(02:18) The Real Causes of Mental Illness

(06:11) Accidental Discoveries in Medicine

(11:35) How Bad Is the Mental Health Crisis?

(23:04) How Metabolism Shapes Brain Health

(29:48) The Brain Energy Theory

(35:27) Too Much vs. Too Little Brain Energy

(46:37) Delirium and the Brain Energy Theory

(51:28) The Power of the Keto Diet for Better Health

(01:03:50) Neurodivergence in Entrepreneurs

(01:10:01) Advice for People Currently on Antidepressants

(01:14:30) Habits to Optimize Your Mental Health 

Dr. Chris Palmer is a psychiatrist and researcher at Harvard Medical School with over 30 years of clinical experience at McLean Hospital, one of the world’s top-ranked psychiatric institutions. He is the author of Brain Energy, which explores mental illness as a metabolic disorder of the brain. Through his clinical work, research, and public education, he is helping expand the conversation around mental health treatment, metabolic health, and lifestyle medicine. 

Sponsored By:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Remitly - Transfer money internationally across 100+ currencies with no hidden fees. Download the Remitly app or visit remitly.com to get started. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only.

Prolon - Reset your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Northwest Registered Agent - Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. 

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Chris's Book, Brain Energy: bit.ly/DrCP-BrainEnergy 

Dr. Chris's Website: chrispalmermd.com 

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Biohacking, Motivation, Manifestation, Life Balance, Self-Healing, Positivity, Happiness, Sleep
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices