No Guts, No Gain!

By: David Mattson
  • Summary

  • Break free from the ordinary career and learn how to use franchising to launch your entrepreneurial success story. No Guts, No Gain! is hosted by Dave Mattson, the Executive Chairman and President of Franchising at Sandler, who brings you firsthand accounts from Sandler franchisees who have successfully navigated the path to business ownership. We'll uncover their diverse backgrounds, from military service to corporate roles, and gain invaluable insights into what it takes to become your own boss.

    Dave will ask about their experiences with the franchising process, highlighting the hurdles they overcame and the victories they celebrated. Discover the types of businesses they've built, whether it's a solo venture or a larger enterprise with multiple salespeople and support staff. Plus, learn from their hindsight as they share what they would do differently if they could start over. If you're contemplating a leap into entrepreneurship, No Guts, No Gain! offers a treasure trove of actionable advice and real-world wisdom. Don't miss out—subscribe now on your favorite platform to stay updated on all our future episodes!

    © 2025 Sandler Systems, LLC. All rights reserved. Sandler is a registered service mark of Sandler Systems, LLC. No Guts, No Gain! and No Guts No Gain! (with design) are trademarks of Sandler Systems, LLC.
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Episodes
  • Sailing from Burnout to Business: Clint and Heather Unrau's Entrepreneurial Journey
    Feb 10 2025

    Imagine finding a way to leave behind the burnout of the corporate world and set sail for a new life—literally. Clint and Heather Unrau, a vibrant couple from Winnipeg, share their extraordinary journey from living on a yacht in the Caribbean to building their Sandler franchise. Clint's leap from the telco industry disillusionment to a fresh entrepreneurial start with Heather by his side offers an inspiring tale of transformation and partnership. Their story is a testament to the courage it takes to start anew, drawing from past experiences to pave the way for success.

    As Clint and Heather recount their transition into entrepreneurship, they highlight the power of teamwork and complementing each other's strengths. Their dynamic partnership is marked by Heather's knack for compliance and organization, and Clint's talent in client interaction. They share honest insights about the hurdles of starting a business, from mastering new skills in marketing to managing bookkeeping. Through anecdotes and humor, they reveal how their roles as "the brains" and "the legs" of their operation have fostered a collaborative environment that resonates with their clients.

    The episode also dives into the personal growth and deepened relationships fostered by their affiliation with Sandler. Clint and Heather discuss how stepping outside their comfort zones has impacted not just their business but their personal lives, emphasizing the importance of balancing work and home. They share how Sandler's methodologies have transformed their communication and trust, both professionally and personally. With stories of community impact and heartfelt gratitude, they paint a picture of the profound and unexpected ways their Sandler journey has enriched their lives and those around them.

    (00:00) Entrepreneurial Journey
    (05:30) Entrepreneurial Roles and Responsibilities
    (09:49) Balancing Business and Personal Lives
    (22:38) Family Business Success and Growth
    (27:52) Impactful Growth Through Sandler Franchise

    Sandler is regularly recognized as one of the top franchises, top training companies, and most effective training solutions in the world. Learn more about our award-winning franchise system and answers to frequently asked questions about owning a franchise at: https://www.sandler.com/franchising/

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    30 mins
  • Embracing Entrepreneurship: Doug Lotierzo's Story of Ambition, Family, and Mental Resilience
    Aug 12 2024

    Doug Lotierzo's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Picture this: celebrating the birth of his first child, settling into a new home, and launching a new business—all within five months. Doug went from hitting a career plateau to embracing his long-standing dream of business ownership is a testament to the power of ambition and family support. With the unwavering backing of his wife and loved ones, Doug made the leap, catalyzed by a transformative vacation moment that solidified his path toward entrepreneurship.

    This episode uncovers the emotional layers and mental resilience necessary for transitioning from a secure job to the unpredictable world of business ownership. From the joy of peer validation, akin to the exhilaration of marriage, to the potential pitfalls of well-meaning friends' doubts, Doug opens up about the mental fortitude required. He shares personal strategies for overcoming "head trash" through meticulous planning, mental rehearsals, and candid conversations with loved ones, ensuring he stayed focused even when the financial outlook seemed grim.

    Doug's strategic approach to building a successful sales process is a masterclass in preparation and persistence. Drawing from his sales background, he meticulously developed a business plan, scripts, and client profiles, while also educating himself through various business resources. Doug diversified his prospecting efforts in a new territory with limited connections through cold outreach, networking groups, and a robust LinkedIn strategy. He also reflects on the importance of mentorship and community support in maintaining a balanced approach to business development and administrative tasks. This episode wraps up with a heartfelt exchange between Doug and Dave, emphasizing the significance of networking as we wrap up season one of the No Guts No Gain podcast.

    (00:00) Family-Supported New Business Startup
    (07:27) Preparing Mentally for Business Startup
    (13:50) Building a Successful Sales Strategy
    (27:12) Franchisee Reflections and Advice
    (34:16) Networking Success and Appreciation

    Sandler is regularly recognized as one of the top franchises, top training companies, and most effective training solutions in the world. Learn more about our award-winning franchise system and answers to frequently asked questions about owning a franchise at: https://www.sandler.com/franchising/

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    36 mins
  • Empowering Serbian Businesses with Sandler: How Dragan Vojvodić Transformed a Skeptical Market
    Aug 12 2024

    How do you transform skepticism into opportunity? Join us for a powerful conversation with Dragan Vojvodić from Serbia, who shares his extraordinary journey of introducing the Sandler to a market initially resistant to American sales techniques. Dragan reveals how he focused on human behavior and psychology to overcome challenges, master the Sandler approach, and build a thriving business. His story is a testament to the power of becoming 'a product of the product,’ and he offers invaluable insights into establishing credibility and avoiding common pitfalls like price objections.

    We'll also explore the strategic nuances of working with small and medium businesses (SMBs) in Serbia. Dragan provides a candid look into the motivations of Serbian business owners eager to make global contributions while investing in their sales teams’ success. He emphasizes the need for efficient decision-making, robust training programs, and creating a structured sales system that ensures team loyalty and long-term success. This segment sheds light on how the Sandler methodology can be a game-changer for business and personal growth, delivering dreams that might have seemed out of reach.

    Lastly, Dragan’s journey underscores the unparalleled value of collaboration and authenticity in sales. He shares how he conquered significant obstacles to achieve his dream of owning a franchise, highlighting the critical role of mindset and resilience. Dragan illustrates the profound impact of education and mentorship through personal stories and professional insights. His narrative inspires us to sell with confidence and authenticity, demonstrating that projecting a desirable image can help clients aspire to emulate your success. Tune in for an episode packed with transformative advice and heartfelt reflections. Special thanks to Dragan for sharing his remarkable story and expert knowledge.

    (00:00) Building a Business With Sandler Sales
    (10:03) Global Sales Strategy and Support
    (18:58) The Power of Collaboration in Business
    (24:53) Overcoming Challenges in Business
    (31:33) Selling With Confidence and Authenticity

    Sandler is regularly recognized as one of the top franchises, top training companies, and most effective training solutions in the world. Learn more about our award-winning franchise system and answers to frequently asked questions about owning a franchise at: https://www.sandler.com/franchising/

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    34 mins

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