Close The Deal Podcast

with Ewell Smith

Real-world Sales, Marketing, and Mindset Strategies

 to Help You Close More Deals in 2026.


Listen Now!

Closers,

Every week we're talking with sales and marketing pros to help you drive more leads and close more deals.  Here's our latest episode: Mentorship Is the Painter1 Franchise Advantage  -  hit play >

Close The Deal Podcast

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
Sam Caruso discussing leadership mindset and working on the business not in it with Wrong Work text

Why Business Owners Stay in the Weeds and How to Break Free: Sam Caruso

By ewell smith • December 15, 2025
Sam Caruso explains why working on the business not in it leads to clearer leadership decisions stronger teams and fewer blind spots for owners and executives
Two men,

One Call Trust Method with Ari Galper

By ewell smith • December 10, 2025
Ari Galper shares the One Call Trust Method that helps you build trust quickly, uncover the real issues behind buyer hesitation, reduce ghosting, and close deals.
Corey Cousins on the Close The Deal Podcast discussing emotional selling and how to close more deals

How Emotional Sales Turn More Prospects Into Buyers - Corey Cousins

By ewell smith • December 3, 2025
Learn how emotions drive buying decisions and how Corey Cousins helps sales teams close more deals by connecting benefits to feelings customers truly care about.

Closers,

Every week we're talking with sales and marketing pros to help you drive more leads and close more deals.  Here's our latest episode: Mentorship Is the Painter1 Franchise Advantage -  hit play >


(show notes and mindset quotes)


Close The Deal Podcast

 (Show Notes With Sales & Marketing Mindset Quotes)


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
Sam Caruso discussing leadership mindset and working on the business not in it with Wrong Work text

Why Business Owners Stay in the Weeds and How to Break Free: Sam Caruso

By ewell smith • December 15, 2025
Sam Caruso explains why working on the business not in it leads to clearer leadership decisions stronger teams and fewer blind spots for owners and executives
Two men,

One Call Trust Method with Ari Galper

By ewell smith • December 10, 2025
Ari Galper shares the One Call Trust Method that helps you build trust quickly, uncover the real issues behind buyer hesitation, reduce ghosting, and close deals.

Close The Deal Podcast

 (Show Notes With Sale & Marketing Mindset Quotes)


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
Sam Caruso discussing leadership mindset and working on the business not in it with Wrong Work text

Why Business Owners Stay in the Weeds and How to Break Free: Sam Caruso

By ewell smith • December 15, 2025
Sam Caruso explains why working on the business not in it leads to clearer leadership decisions stronger teams and fewer blind spots for owners and executives
Two men,

One Call Trust Method with Ari Galper

By ewell smith • December 10, 2025
Ari Galper shares the One Call Trust Method that helps you build trust quickly, uncover the real issues behind buyer hesitation, reduce ghosting, and close deals.
Corey Cousins on the Close The Deal Podcast discussing emotional selling and how to close more deals

How Emotional Sales Turn More Prospects Into Buyers - Corey Cousins

By ewell smith • December 3, 2025
Learn how emotions drive buying decisions and how Corey Cousins helps sales teams close more deals by connecting benefits to feelings customers truly care about.

Close The Deal Showcase:  Painter1 Franchise


Considering being your own  boss,


click here.


Close The Deal Podcast (Early Episodes 1 - 100)

Close The Deal Podcast originally started by interviewing 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.


Close The Deal Podcast
From the author of Your First Franchise Roadmap
Explore real conversations on sales, marketing, and the mindset behind successful business ownership.

Grab Your Free Copy →

book cover with the words your first franchise roadmap

Close The Deal Podcast   (Mindset Episodes)


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.

Close The Deal Podcast

From the author of Your First Franchise Roadmap 
Explore real conversations on sales, marketing, and the mindset behind successful business ownership.

Considering your first franchise, get your free copy ➡




Close The Deal Podcast  - Mindset Episodes

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.
believe in you text next to man speaking - chris widener

Why Belief Is the Key to Leadership - Chris Widener

By ewell smith • April 2, 2025
Chris Widener shares how belief, mentorship, and faith helped him rise from adversity to success—with lessons on leadership, purpose, and revival.
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

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

42 Overcoming Failure Quotes to Keep Going When You Want to Quit

By ewell smith • December 13, 2025
Powerful overcoming failure quotes to help you keep going after setbacks, rebuild confidence, and move forward when quitting feels close.
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.
Motion-blurred office hallway symbolizing speed and momentum for closing deals faster.

How to Close the Deal Faster (7 Steps to Win More Sales)

By ewell smith • November 22, 2025
Learn how to close the deal faster with seven proven steps that boost confidence, create clarity, and help you win more sales without pressure or stress.

Notable Guests Who’ve Closed the Deal

Close The Deal Podcast - early guests...

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

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 - 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

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."