Close The Deal Podcast

with Ewell Smith

Sales. Marketing. Mindset. Strategies for sales pros and business owners

 to drive more deals and increase revenue in 2026.

Listen Now!

This Week on Close The Deal

On Close The Deal, you’ll find practical conversations and insights across sales, marketing, and mindset from closing strategies and brand positioning to leadership, resilience, and performance habits that drive real results.

Closers,

Every week we're talking with sales and marketing pros to help you drive more leads and close more deals.  Believe Again — Why Belief Is the Key to Leadership with Chris Widener -  hit play >

This Week on Close The Deal

Prior Close The Deal Episodes


 (Show Notes With Sales & Marketing Mindset Quotes)


Victor Antonio discussing buyer psychology and the future of sales

The Future of Sales: AI, Buyer Psychology, and the Last Mile Seller

By ewell smith • January 13, 2026
Victor Antonio explains how AI is reshaping buyer behavior and why human confidence still closes deals.
Sheikha Al-Otaibi discussing cold calling live on the Close The Deal Podcast

How Sheikha Al-Otaibi Turned Cold Calling Into a Live Sales Advantage

By ewell smith • January 3, 2026
Cold calling still works. Sheikha Al-Otaibi explains why recording cold calls live builds real sales skill, confidence, and trust with buyers.
Mentorship wins at Painter1 as franchise owners learn from experienced mentors on the Close The Deal

Mentorship Is the Painter1 Franchise Advantage

By ewell smith • December 27, 2025
Discover how mentorship drives faster franchise success at Painter1. Mentor Keith and new owners share how systems and coaching pull time forward.
Veteran music producer Steve Scaffidi discussing AI music production on the Close The Deal Podcast

How AI Helped a Veteran Producer Create 50 Songs in 90 Days -Steve Scaffidi

By ewell smith • December 16, 2025
Learn how veteran music producer Steve Scaffidi used AI to create 50 songs in 90 days and what creators can learn about momentum creativity, marketing and AI

On Close The Deal, you’ll find practical conversations and insights across sales, marketing, and mindset from closing strategies and brand positioning to leadership, resilience, and performance habits that drive real results.

Closers,


Belief isn’t soft. It’s a leadership skill. Here’s this week’s conversation:


Believe Again — Why Belief Is the Key to Leadership with Chris Widener  -  hit play >


(show notes and mindset quotes)


Victor Antonio discussing buyer psychology and the future of sales

The Future of Sales: AI, Buyer Psychology, and the Last Mile Seller

By ewell smith • January 13, 2026
Victor Antonio explains how AI is reshaping buyer behavior and why human confidence still closes deals.
Sheikha Al-Otaibi discussing cold calling live on the Close The Deal Podcast

How Sheikha Al-Otaibi Turned Cold Calling Into a Live Sales Advantage

By ewell smith • January 3, 2026
Cold calling still works. Sheikha Al-Otaibi explains why recording cold calls live builds real sales skill, confidence, and trust with buyers.
Mentorship wins at Painter1 as franchise owners learn from experienced mentors on the Close The Deal

Mentorship Is the Painter1 Franchise Advantage

By ewell smith • December 27, 2025
Discover how mentorship drives faster franchise success at Painter1. Mentor Keith and new owners share how systems and coaching pull time forward.

Prior Close The Deal Episodes

 (Show Notes With Sale & Marketing Mindset Quotes)



Victor Antonio discussing buyer psychology and the future of sales

The Future of Sales: AI, Buyer Psychology, and the Last Mile Seller

By ewell smith • January 13, 2026
Victor Antonio explains how AI is reshaping buyer behavior and why human confidence still closes deals.
Sheikha Al-Otaibi discussing cold calling live on the Close The Deal Podcast

How Sheikha Al-Otaibi Turned Cold Calling Into a Live Sales Advantage

By ewell smith • January 3, 2026
Cold calling still works. Sheikha Al-Otaibi explains why recording cold calls live builds real sales skill, confidence, and trust with buyers.

Close The Deal Showcase:  Painter1 Franchise


If you’re considering business ownership,

this deserves a closer look.

Explore the Painter1 Franchise →
Painter1's top mentor Keith standing next to his trophy case and painter1 truck
This is Keith. He’s the operator I reference when I talk about doing it the right way.

Close The Deal Podcast (Early Episodes 1 - 100)

Early conversations with entrepreneurs and franchisors.

image of two guys and the text change or die and lessons form my mentor

Creating Opportunity Through Change: Harlon Pearce

By ewell smith • September 17, 2025
Seafood leader Harlon Pierce shares lessons on change, crisis recovery, pricing, and mentorship in the 100th Close The Deal Podcast with Ewell Smith
To men standing n ether side of the tite win your cm

Avoid Insurance Nightmares This Hurricane Season: Jonathan Frazier

By ewell smith • September 3, 2025
Discover how to protect your property and win insurance claims with expert strategies from Forefront 360 founder Jonathan Frazier. Be storm-ready this season.
two guys and the title refuse the ripoff

Refuse the Insurance Ripoff: Tiger Adjusters Franchise Fights Back

By ewell smith • July 19, 2025
Tiger Adjusters fights back when insurance companies fail you. Learn how this franchise helps homeowners - and how you can even be part of it.


From Corporate Executive to Business Owner


From the author of Your First Franchise Roadmap. 
Conversations on sales, marketing, and the mindset you need to execute your exit strategy.


Ready to stop renting your income?

Get The Roadmap to Ownership ➜
book cover with the words your first franchise roadmap

Close The Deal Podcast   (Mindset Episodes)


Black and white portrait of Chris Widener with the words Believe Again.

Believe Again — Why Belief Is the Key to Leadership with Chris Widener

By ewell smith • January 17, 2026
Why belief is the foundation of leadership, mentorship, and personal growth, featuring insights and stories from Chris Widener.
Image of Your First Franchise Roadmap book by Ewell Smith


From Corporate Executive to

 Business Owner



From the author of Your First Franchise Roadmap. 
Conversations on sales, marketing, and the mindset you need to execute your exit strategy.

Ready to stop renting your income?

Get The Roadmap To Ownership ➜

Close The Deal Podcast  - Mindset Episodes

Black and white portrait of Chris Widener with the words Believe Again.

Believe Again — Why Belief Is the Key to Leadership with Chris Widener

By ewell smith • January 17, 2026
Why belief is the foundation of leadership, mentorship, and personal growth, featuring insights and stories from Chris Widener.
man standing next to title of podcast

How To Master Your Mind in 2025 With Julio Melara

By ewell smith • June 6, 2025
Julio Melara, CEO of Baton Rouge Business Report, sets the stage talking mindset going into 2025.
woman sitting yoga style and words calm your chaos

Overwhelmed? This Practice Can Help Now - Rachel Wixey

By ewell smith • May 23, 2025
Feeling overwhelmed by stress? Discover how daily meditation helps regulate your nervous system, improve focus, and reduce anxiety—backed by neuroscience and real-life experience.
the words peace, purpose, process with a guy standing holding a microphone

Force Multipliers: How To Scale Purpose: Eric Thompson

By ewell smith • February 18, 2025
Learn how to develop a force multiplier mindset, master self-awareness, and lead with purpose. Eric Thompson shares insights on personal growth, leadership, and success.
female speaker Dr Kate Lund talks about building resilience

Overcoming Chaos: Parenting, Work & Well-Being: Dr. Kate Lund

By ewell smith • February 13, 2025
Dr. Kate Lund, clinical psychologist and resilience expert, shares insights on managing stress, balancing career and parenting, and building a strong mindset for success. Learn practical strategies to stay grounded and thrive in today's fast-paced world.
ladyin image with arms folded

How To Thrive Through Uncertainty in 2025: Meridith Powell

By ewell smith • December 17, 2024
Meridith Powell, Chair of the National Speakers Association, shares proven strategies from her new book Thrive to help leaders turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage.

Close The Deal Mindset Success Quotes

On the other side of fear mindset thumbnail for overcoming fear quotes

Overcoming Fear Quotes That Push You Forward When It Counts

By ewell smith • January 25, 2026
Fear shows up before every meaningful decision. These overcoming fear quotes plus real-world insight and data help you move forward when it matters most.
Simon Sinek speaking on leadership and purpose with Start With Why text

40 Simon Sinek Quotes on Leadership, Purpose, and Starting With Why

By ewell smith • January 1, 2026
Discover 40 powerful Simon Sinek quotes on leadership, trust, purpose, and starting with why to build teams and organizations that last.
40 Seth Godin quotes on marketing, creativity, and leadership

40 Seth Godin Quotes to Transform Your Marketing, Mindset, and Creative Leadership

By ewell smith • December 20, 2025
Explore 40 powerful Seth Godin quotes on marketing, creativity, leadership, and doing work that truly matters.
Silhouette of a person with the words

Overcoming Failure Quotes That Help You Learn, Grow, and Move Forward

By ewell smith • December 13, 2025
Discover powerful overcoming failure quotes that help you reframe setbacks, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward in business and life.
alex hormozi quotes for sales mindset and motivation 2026

Alex Hormozi Quotes to Level Up Your Sales Mindset and Momentum in 2026

By ewell smith • December 13, 2025
A curated list of the best Alex Hormozi quotes on discipline, sales, mindset, and entrepreneurship to help you take action and grow stronger in 2026.
Atomic Habits quotes thumbnail featuring James Clear with a bright yellow sunburst background.

Top 40 James Clear Quotes to Build Discipline and Momentum in 2026

By ewell smith • December 8, 2025
Build discipline and unstoppable momentum with the top Atomic Habits quotes by James Clear. Use these powerful insights to level up your habits in 2026.

Notable Guests Who’ve Closed the Deal

Close The Deal Podcast was originally called the Absolutely Mindset Podcast. The first 9 episodes were a trial run talking with disrupters reshaping the marketplace closing more deals. Now, hence our new name, we laser focus on sales, marketing and mindset to help you close more deals.

Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey’s, speaking on authentic brand storytelling, nostalgia driven marketing, and leadership in modern consumer brands.

Stephanie

Stuckey

CEO of Stuckey's - LinkedIn savvy story teller leveraging nostalgia and brand marketing. Per Stephanie, "The driving principle of marketing is to be authentic."

Derek Gaunté, former FBI hostage negotiator, sharing negotiation and communication strategies used to build trust and close high stakes conversations.

Derek

Gaunte

Former DC Hostage Negotiator - Shares his #1 skill from hostage negotiations to help you close more deals. Per Derek, "Labeling is a clear way to let the other person know you're dialed into the conversation."  

Jesse Cole, CEO of the Savannah Bananas, leading a fans first sales and marketing movement built on creativity, energy, and unforgettable customer experiences.

Jesse

Cole

CEO - Savannah Bananas - Fans first mentality. He out sells MLB every day all day long.  Now a 500,000+  waitlist with a stadium that only holds 4,000. Per Jesse, "If it's normal, do the exact opposite!"

Julio Melara, motivational speaker and business leader, delivering insights on mindset, mental performance, and daily habits for sustained success.

Julio

Melara

CEO - Baton Rouge Business Report- From courier to a 28 year old motivational speaker opening for Zig Zigler to CEO of his own media empire. Per Julio, "You've got to work on your mental aspect every single day."