What if your next business opportunity wasn’t about building from scratch, but building smarter?

In this conversation, Michael reconnects with longtime friend and franchise entrepreneur Jeff Silbert, co-founder of 10 Hand & Stone locations and regional developer for Moxie Salon. Jeff shares how he went from coding at Accenture to scaling membership-based wellness brands and why his sweet spot isn’t startups at zero, but businesses just past lift-off.

They talk about what makes a franchise model work, how to identify scalable opportunities, and why people, process, and passion are the core of every successful expansion. Whether you’re exploring entrepreneurship, looking to scale a service business, or curious about entering the wellness space, this episode is full of lessons from the trenches of brand-building.

And if you’re wondering how to grow your business without burning out? This one’s a masterclass in doing it the right way with clarity, conviction, and a tight inner circle.

[00:00] – Meet Jeff Silbert: Hand & Stone co-founder and Moxie regional developer

[00:01:20] – From Accenture to entrepreneurship: Jeff’s early path to business ownership

[00:03:14] – Why he doesn’t like “idea-stage” businesses and what gets him excited instead

[00:05:00] – The power of the membership model: funnel thinking, retention, and revenue stability

[00:07:00] – Balancing the franchise playbook with entrepreneurial creativity

[00:08:45] – Why great franchisees are coachable and aligned with the brand’s vision

[00:11:32] – Can the average person really enter the franchise world? Here’s how.

[00:14:00] – Why Jeff and his brother diversified into Moxie after 10 Hand & Stone locations

[00:17:00] – Moxie’s team-based salon model and how it flips the stylist/client dynamic

[00:20:00] – Building culture without relying on individual “star” stylists

[00:23:00] – The dig in the neighborhood: why the wellness space is bigger than business

[00:25:00] – What COVID taught them and how loyal members saved the business

[00:27:00] – How Jeff maintains vitality: people, boundaries, and the power of EO

[00:33:34] – The moment that changed everything: investing in long-term friendships

[00:36:14] – Thinking about a franchise? Jeff shares who Moxie is looking for

• Moxie Salons & Beauty Bars
• Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
• Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
• P90X by Tony Horton
• Danny Meyer’s book Setting the Table (on hospitality leadership)
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Jeff Silbert is a seasoned franchise operator and business builder. As co-founder of 10 Hand & Stone

What if your greatest opportunity for growth starts the moment your comfort zone ends?

In this powerful solo episode, J. Michael Fischer, Jr. shares a raw, personal reflection on how personal development transformed not just his career but his identity. From working as a janitor and rebuilding alternators to becoming Managing Director at a bespoke investment bank, Michael reveals the pivotal mindset shifts that helped him rewrite his life in his 40s.

You’ll hear how COVID offered a catalyst, why he traded a cushy salary for entrepreneurship, and the honest truth about what it takes to design your “Second Half Playbook.”

If you’re coasting in a career that no longer excites you, this episode is your urgent wake-up call. Hit play now to discover why the second half of your life deserves your boldest moves and why the cost of delay is steeper than you think.

• Michael’s “Second Half Playbook” article on LinkedIn
• Tony Robbins' podcast on midlife transformation
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• Follow my blog here: https://rebrand.ly/7e3544
• Book a call with us: https://rebrand.ly/dbd-investment-47fca2
• 
  

Going Beyond the Deal is an original podcast brought to you by Michael J. Fischer and Podcast Your Brand. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What if the future of business isn’t just about hiring more people, but about creating organizations where humans and AI collaborate to unlock 100x growth?

In this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal Podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. speaks with Amos Bar Joseph, co-founder and CEO of Swan AI, a company building AI agents designed to transform go-to-market operations for modern businesses. Amos shares how his childhood in a scientific community and his early career in game theory shaped his approach to problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and building companies that scale intelligently rather than just adding headcount.

From founding and selling two startups, including one that worked with major airlines worldwide, to pioneering the concept of an “autonomous business,” Amos explains why companies of the future will empower employees to work in their zone of genius while AI handles the repetitive, mundane tasks. This episode dives into AI adoption, organizational culture, mental health, and the radical ways technology is reshaping business.

Learn why ruthless prioritization and self-care are the keys to thriving as an entrepreneur in the AI era. If you've enjoyed this episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why AI is one of the most intuitive technologies ever created, and how to embrace it in your business
• How to identify and operate within your “zone of genius”
• Why the future of work is about autonomy and vision alignment, not bureaucracy
• How Amos scaled Swan to over 200 customers with a three-person founding team
• The mental habits that help entrepreneurs avoid burnout
• Why marketing is about emotions, not just analytics
• How AI agents can 100x the effectiveness of every employee
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Amos Bar Joseph is the co-founder and CEO of Swan AI, a company on a mission to build the first truly autonomous business by leveraging AI agents to transform go-to-market operations. An entrepreneur at heart, Amos previously founded and sold two tech companies. A graduate of Tel Aviv University’s PPE honors program, he is passionate about game theory, entrepreneurship, and helping businesses scale with intelligence rather than headcount.

Resources:

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Connect with Amos on LinkedIn

Subscribe to The Big Shift Newsletter

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By...