What do combat missions, data analytics, and warm cookies fresh from the oven all have in common? Well, that's all a part of today's guest incredible journey on this episode of Franchisee. So today I am joined by Nick Jewel, who's a decorated veteran, turned entrepreneur, and now a multi-unit franchisee of crumble cookies from earning two Bronze stars as a combat controller in the Air National Guard.

Nick has led with courage, innovation, and resilience. Now he's channeling those skills into one of the fastest growing brands. In franchising, you'll hear how he made the leap from the military to franchising and what it takes to grow multiple units and his advice for anyone dreaming of entrepreneurship, please take a listen.

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser welcomes Nicholas Jewell, a multi-unit Crumbl Cookies franchisee in the Louisville Metro area. Nick’s path to franchising is anything but ordinary, spanning military service, entrepreneurship, logistics, and now cookie domination.

Nick served 11 years as a combat controller in the Air National Guard, earning two Bronze Stars before shifting his focus to business. He founded a logistics company during the pandemic, completed a Master of Science in Business Analytics at UofL, and was recognized as a Louisville Business First 40 Under 40 honoree. Today, he’s preparing to open his third Crumbl Cookies location, with plans for more growth on the horizon.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Why franchising is not truly “passive income”—and the reality behind scaling a brand.
• How Nick's military background shaped his approach to teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
• The unique appeal of Crumbl Cookies’ open kitchen, rotating menu, and tech-driven customer experience.
• Advice for veterans considering franchising or entrepreneurship.
• Nick’s “3 C’s of Leadership”: Clear, Consistent, and Caring.
• The balance between corporate systems and local community engagement in franchising.

Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:

Website: FranchiseU!

Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast

Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast

Twitter: @franchiseupod

TikTok: @franchiseupod

Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser via LinkedIn.

This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.