Close The Deal Podcast

We're talking with sales and marketing pros, franchisors, business owners and leaders sharing insights on how to drive sales and business growth.

Latest Episodes

om Cox explaining why business owners struggle with cash flow and financial control

Why Most Business Owners Have Broken Cash Flow - Tom Cox

By ewell smith • March 24, 2026
Most business owners don’t have a revenue problem—they have a cash flow problem. Learn how to fix it and take control of your money.
Scotty Baudoin discussing sales phone strategies on Close The Deal Podcast

The Sales Mistake Killing Deals: Not Picking Up the Phone - Scotty Baudoin

By ewell smith • March 16, 2026
Learn why three phone calls per day can increase sales by 30% and strengthen business relationships with Scotty Baudoin
Kathryn Porritt discussing luxury brand positioning on Close The Deal Podcast

How to Escape the Commodity Trap by Positioning Your Business as Luxury - Kathryn Porritt

By ewell smith • March 15, 2026
Learn how entrepreneurs can escape commodity markets and position products or services as luxury offerings.- Kathryn Porritt
Jack Hayes discussing LinkedIn outreach strategy on Close The Deal Podcast

The LinkedIn Outreach Strategy That Actually Starts Real Conversations - Jack Hayes

By ewell smith • March 15, 2026
Discover the LinkedIn outreach strategy Jack Hayes uses to start real B2B conversations and win clie
1999 Monster Super Bowl ad about corporate life and Gen X careers

The 1999 Super Bowl Ad That Predicted Why Gen X Is Leaving Corporate

By ewell smith • March 4, 2026
The famous 1999 Monster Super Bowl ad looks very different today. A closer look at why many Gen X professionals are rethinking corporate careers and exploring franchising and business ownership.
Close The Deal Podcast episode featuring Ewell Smith and Saul Marquez on building product demand and

How to Build Product Demand Before Your Business Fails - Saul Marquez

By ewell smith • February 13, 2026
Saul Marquez shares why most businesses fail and how to build product demand using owned, earned, and paid marketing frameworks that convert.

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 focus on sales, marketing and mindset to help executives and business owners 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."