Close The Deal Podcast

Hosted by Ewell Smith

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Episodes

144

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Most people aren’t stuck—they’re living with broken promises to themselves. This is where that changes.The Close The Deal Podcast features real conversations with high achievers who are facing the decisions they’ve been avoiding and committing to what comes next. Hosted by Ewell Smith. Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to put you name on the Close The Deal Board

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60 recent

June 2, 202624 min

James Trawick: The Commitment He Delayed While Building Hondo Rodeo Fest #133 | Close The Deal

James Trawick built one of the most ambitious rodeo and music festivals in America.But despite the success, there was still a commitment he'd been postponing.In this episode of Close The Deal, James shares the story behind Hondo Rodeo Fest, the challenge of launching in New Orleans, and the personal goal that kept getting pushed aside.The conversation ultimately reveals something many entrepreneurs face:When does building the dream start crowding out the things that originally gave life meaning?Key TakeawaysLaunching large-scale events in new marketsBuilding relationships through communityFamily-first leadershipThe importance of intentional recreationWhy personal commitments deserve deadlinesJames Trawick is the Founder and CEO of Hondo Rodeo Fest and a lifelong advocate for rodeo culture, family values, and community experiences. 🎙 KEY MOMENT"I'm hoping to have all of that in play inside 12 months.""I've gotta get that done.""I've gotta spend quite a bit of time in the saddle in September." CTASubscribe, share, and visit CloseTheDeal.com.##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

May 26, 202627 min

The Hidden Cost of Entrepreneurship with Kris Grey of Creatapult #132 | Close The Deal

Kris Grey helps organizations recover failing projects and scale operations through better systems and project management.But behind the business success was a harder truth:years of neglecting his health, relationships, and personal priorities while trying to survive entrepreneurship.In this episode of Close The Deal, Kris shares:losing his job three days after becoming a fathersurviving nine months without stable incomehow survival mode reshaped his lifewhy entrepreneurs delay taking care of themselvesthe commitment he’s making to change direction before it’s too lateThis conversation goes beyond business systems.It’s about the promises leaders quietly break to themselves.KEY MOMENT“I can’t be there for anyone else if I’m not there first and foremost for myself and in a healthy state.” Key TakeawaysWhy convenience slowly destroys long-term healthThe danger of operating permanently in survival modeHow small systems create life-changing momentumWhy entrepreneurs struggle to prioritize themselvesThe connection between health, leadership, and familyGuest BioKris Grey is the founder of Creatapult, where he helps companies improve operational systems, recover delayed projects, and scale more effectively through structured project management.Subscribe, share this episode, and ask yourself:What commitment have you delayed long enough?More episodes:Close The Deal Podcast##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

May 21, 202626 min

Andrea Sells Cadillac: The Visibility She Couldn’t Avoid #131 | Close The Deal

Andrea Anderson built a massive online audience helping people buy cars and negotiate confidently.But success created a new problem:visibility.In this episode of Close The Deal, Andrea opens up about growing beyond the screen and confronting the one thing she still struggles with - public speaking and leadership visibility.Despite building 100,000+ followers online, Andrea admits she’s naturally introverted and uncomfortable being the center of attention.Now she’s making a commitment that forces her into the next version of herself.This conversation dives into:growth through discomfortidentity shiftsleadership visibilityauthenticity in contentwhy introverts often win in salesthe impact mentorship can have on confidence and growthAndrea also shares how mentor Russ “Flips Whips” Richardson encouraged and challenged her to think bigger about visibility and leadership.THE COMMITMENTAndrea commits to participating in:🥊 5 public-facing events or speaking opportunities before the end of the yearEven if it makes her uncomfortable.KEY TAKEAWAYSVisibility creates new levels of pressureConfidence usually follows actionPersonal brands grow through authenticityIntroverts can become elite communicatorsThe next level often requires discomfortMentorship can accelerate growth dramaticallyANDREA' S CLOSE THE DEAL QUOTES“You can feel uncomfortable and still move forward.”“I’m not the loudest person in the room.”“Those uncomfortable feelings don’t mean you should stop.”ABOUT THE GUESTAndrea Anderson, known online as Andrea Sells Cadillac, is a top automotive sales professional and content creator helping customers and sales professionals navigate confidence, negotiation, and growth.🎙 KEY MOMENT (TRANSCRIPT)“I’d be scared to death… but I would do it.”👉 Listen to hear why Andrea committed to stepping into more public leadership opportunities before the end of the year.Subscribe, share the episode, and visit CloseTheDeal.com for more conversations around business, growth, and leadership.##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

May 6, 202620 min

Marriages Need This Commitment - Rock Sandretto #130 | Close The Deal

Success can quietly damage a marriage if couples aren’t intentional.In this episode of Close The Deal, Rock Sandretto shares the commitment he and his wife are making to protect their relationship while continuing to grow multiple businesses together.After battling addiction during the opioid epidemic and spending time in jail, Rock rebuilt his life through faith, family, and entrepreneurship. What started as helping his wife run a salon eventually grew into a multi-location business with 65 employees and several vertically integrated companies.But somewhere along the way, Rock realized something many entrepreneurs eventually face:Every conversation became about business.Every trip became a working trip.And the relationship itself needed attention.The DecisionRock and his wife had to decide whether they would continue allowing business to dominate every part of life… or intentionally create space for their marriage outside of work.The CommitmentBy Q3, they’re committed to hitting specific KPI goals across all their businesses for three consecutive months.If they hit the goal, they’ll take a Ritz-Carlton cruise together for their 20-year anniversary.No business talk allowed.Who This Episode Is ForEntrepreneur couplesBusiness owners building with their spouseLeaders balancing growth and relationshipsAnyone rebuilding after addiction or failureHigh achievers trying to avoid burnoutWhat You’ll LearnHow Rock transitioned from coal mining into entrepreneurshipThe leadership lessons behind scaling a businessWhy culture matters more than metrics aloneThe importance of protecting relationships intentionallyHow commitment creates accountability in life and businessKey Takeaways / ThemesThis episode is a reminder that success means very little if your relationships are falling apart in the process. Rock’s story shows how intentional commitments, faith, and boundaries can completely change the trajectory of your business and marriage.Guest BioRock Sandretto is the co-owner of Salon 431 and several related businesses focused on salon products and distribution. Alongside his wife, he has helped scale the business into a thriving multi-location operation centered around leadership, mentorship, and culture.Quotes Section“You don’t belong here.”“Failure and success go hand in hand.”“Are we sacrificing relationships just to grow the business?”Call to ActionListen now and visit CloseTheDeal.com to learn more about the commitments driving entrepreneurs forward.🎙 Key Moment (Transcript)“Are we sacrificing relationships that we’re supposed to have in order to grow the business? It’s just not worth it to me.”👉 Listen to hear how Rock Sandretto commits to protecting his marriage while continuing to grow multiple businesses.##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

April 29, 202629 min

She Finally Commits to Releasing Her First Album - Aideen Ni Riada #129 | Close The Deal

This episode is about a decision most people avoid: choosing what you really want over what feels safe.The DecisionAideen had to choose:👉 Stay focused on a stable business👉 Or finally step into her identity as a singerThe CommitmentShe commits to releasing an 8-song album by January 1st and performing live shortly after.Who This Episode Is ForCreatives stuck in executionEntrepreneurs balancing passion vs incomeAnyone delaying something meaningfulWhat You’ll LearnWhy identity matters more than skillHow self-doubt delays actionThe power of small daily progressWhy expression requires riskHow to start before you’re readyKey Takeaways / ThemesThis episode proves that the biggest barrier isn’t talent—it’s ownership. Once the decision is made, everything else follows.Guest BioAideen Ní Riada is a voice coach and singer helping people express their truth through voice and creativity.Quotes Section“Your voice is needed.”“We’re all guessing through life.”“I avoided the very thing I teach.”Call to ActionListen now and visit CloseTheDeal.com🎙 Key Moment (Transcript)“I’ve been putting off releasing an album… but I’m committing to 8 songs by January 1st.” 👉 Listen to hear how Aideen commits to finally owning her voice and releasing her first album.##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

April 22, 202620 min

Sam Caruso’s Commitment to Scale Before November #128 | Close The Deal

This episode is about a decision most entrepreneurs avoid—Do you stay comfortable, or do you scale when the opportunity shows up?Sam Caruso is facing that moment right now.The DecisionSam has momentum, clients, and opportunity.But now he must choose:→ Keep things manageable and predictable→ Or build a team, take bigger risks, and scale fastOne path protects him.The other defines him.The CommitmentSam is committing to:→ Scale his business to handle 6 active campaigns→ Build a real team and infrastructure📅 Deadline: End of NovemberWho This Episode Is ForEntrepreneurs ready to scaleConsultants stuck in solo modeSales leaders facing growth decisionsAnyone avoiding a big moveWhat You’ll LearnHow to scale without losing controlWhy difficult opportunities create leverageThe importance of building the right teamHow to create momentum through actionTurning local success into national demandKey Takeaways / ThemesGrowth doesn’t come from comfort.It comes from making a decision—and backing it with action.This episode is about stepping into that pressure.Guest BioSam Caruso is a seasoned political strategist and executive coach with decades of experience leading complex campaigns and advising organizations on growth and leadership.Quotes“If you don’t take the work, people stop calling.”“I’m building something bigger than just me.”“This is the moment to scale.”Call to ActionListen, apply it, and make your move.Visit CloseTheDeal.com🎙 Key Moment (Transcript)“The cost of not taking the work is nobody calls you anymore.The cost of taking the work and losing? You still get calls—but now you’re competing.So the real question is… do you want to be relevant, or do you want to be safe?”👉 Listen to hear how Sam commits to scaling his business by November—and what’s at stake if he doesn’t.##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

April 15, 202627 min

He Built a $1.4M Business - Now He Has to Make the Call #127 | Close The Deal

Most entrepreneurs don’t struggle because they can’t build.They struggle because they avoid the decision that comes next.Heath Holmes already proved he can build—taking a business to $1.4M in just over a year.Now he’s at a crossroads that will define everything moving forward.Franchise the model…or build it himself and expand a different way.The DecisionThis isn’t theoretical.Heath has two clear paths:Scale through franchisingOr build a multi-service company he fully controlsBoth can work.Only one gets his full commitment.The CommitmentBy the end of the year, Heath is making the call.No more sitting in the middle.No more overanalyzing.He’s choosing a direction—and going all in.Who This Episode Is ForEntrepreneurs at a crossroadsFranchise owners questioning their next moveBusiness leaders stuck between two good optionsAnyone avoiding a decision they know they need to makeWhat You’ll LearnHow to think through a major business decisionThe real tradeoffs between franchising and ownershipWhy getting burned can sharpen your next moveHow to stop overanalyzing and commitWhat most business owners get wrong at this stageKey TakeawaysThis episode isn’t about starting—it’s about deciding.At some point, building isn’t the hard part.Choosing your path is.And the longer you wait, the more it costs you.Guest BioHeath Holmes is the founder of One Guard Fencing in Birmingham, Alabama. With a background in telecom, real estate, and franchising, he built a $1.4M business in just over a year and now faces a defining decision on what comes next.Quotes“I got tired of making everyone else money.” “I learned more from losing than I ever did from winning.” “That should be me—that’s what drives me.”Listen in—and then ask yourself:👉 What decision are you avoiding?When you’ve got your answer, go to CloseTheDeal.com and start closing it.##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

April 6, 20269 min

Hire Faster Because Your Family Needs You More - Tom Cox #126 | Close The Deal

Entrepreneurs are told to chase work-life balance - but what if that idea is completely wrong? In this episode, Tom Cox breaks down why trying to balance everything leads to failure in both business and family life. He shares a better approach focused on presence, consistency, and intentional decision-making.What You Will Learn:Why balance doesn’t workHow to prioritize your familyThe power of small daily momentsWhen to say noWhy hiring faster mattersGuest Bio:Tom Cox is a business advisor and former college football coach helping entrepreneurs improve clarity and structure.Links Mentioned:ThomasCox.co##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

March 24, 202611 min

Why Entrepreneurs Fail at Money: Tom Cox #125 | Close The Deal

Most business owners don’t have a sales problem—they have a money problem.In this episode, Tom Cox breaks down why entrepreneurs who are great at their craft still struggle financially. From misunderstanding cash flow to ignoring margin, this conversation dives into the real issues holding businesses back.You’ll also hear a powerful shift in thinking: instead of just making money, you need to learn how to cycle it.What You Will LearnWhy most entrepreneurs don’t understand moneyThe importance of marginHow to track cash flow properlyWhat cycling money meansHow to build real financial controlGuest BioTom Cox is a banking strategist specializing in helping entrepreneurs take control of their financial systems.thomascox.co##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.

March 8, 202610 min

Nobody Calls Anymore: The Pick Up the Phone Sales Advantage - Scotty Baudoin #124 | Close The Deal

Pick up the phone sales may be the simplest growth strategy most companies overlook.In this episode of the Close The Deal Podcast, Scotty Baudoin explains how consistent outreach to warm contacts can generate stronger relationships and measurable revenue growth. The Outgrow method focuses on proactive communication—calling people you already know, leaving a message, following with a text, and asking for referrals or opportunities.Companies using this approach often see revenue increases of 15–30 percent while dramatically improving callback rates and customer engagement.What You’ll Learn• Why sales teams avoid the phone• The voicemail and text follow-up process that drives callbacks• How three calls a day can reconnect your network• Why asking for referrals changes sales results• How to build a consistent outbound sales cultureThis episode breaks down the simple systems that turn everyday conversations into real opportunities.Guest BioScotty Baudoin works with organizations to implement proactive sales cultures through the Outgrow methodology, helping companies reconnect with customers and drive consistent growth.##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.The Close The Deal Podcast is where decisions and broken promises to oneself get made.Hosted by Ewell Smith, this show features real conversations with high achievers - entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and competitors who are at a crossroads facing the decision they’ve been putting off. This isn’t about theory, tactics, or surface-level advice.Every episode is built around one thing:👉 A clear decision👉 A real commitmentIf you’re building something, you already know the truth -there’s a decision in front of you that matters.This show is where you face it.🔥 CALL TO ACTION Want to be part of it?Go to CloseTheDeal.com and put your name on the board.