{"id":877,"date":"2026-04-14T04:24:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T04:24:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthyhappywisewealthy.com\/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=877"},"modified":"2026-04-14T04:24:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T04:24:36","slug":"from-operator-to-owner-finding-real-freedom-in-business","status":"publish","type":"podcast","link":"https:\/\/healthyhappywisewealthy.com\/index.php\/podcast\/from-operator-to-owner-finding-real-freedom-in-business\/","title":{"rendered":"From Operator to Owner: Finding Real Freedom in Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Welcome to Healthy Happy Wise Wealthy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this episode, Mary Meyer sits down with entrepreneur and franchise owner Mike DeJong to explore what it really takes to build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. If you\u2019ve ever felt overwhelmed by your work, stuck doing everything yourself, or unsure how to turn your passion into something sustainable, you\u2019re not alone. This conversation brings clarity, honesty, and practical wisdom as Mike shares his journey from franchise operator to franchise owner\u2014along with the mindset shifts, systems, and leadership strategies that made it possible. This episode proves that freedom isn\u2019t something you stumble into\u2014it\u2019s something you intentionally build.<\/p>\n\n\n \n<div data-block=\"gutenkit\/button\" data-post-id=\"877\" id=\"block-711aae81-54db-4ab8-8145-bef867682a56\" class=\"wp-block-gutenkit-button gkit682a56 gutenkit-block\"><div class=\"gkit-btn-wraper\"><a class=\"gkit-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ZeE-JZp_J24?si=oCRupOyLoA5mA8Fj\">Click to Watch<div class=\"icon-right\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" class=\"gkit-icon\">\n<title>play-button1<\/title>\n<path d=\"M29.85 8.403c-2.136-3.7-5.585-6.346-9.711-7.452s-8.436-0.538-12.136 1.598c-3.7 2.136-6.346 5.585-7.452 9.711s-0.538 8.436 1.598 12.136c2.136 3.7 5.585 6.346 9.711 7.452 1.378 0.369 2.776 0.552 4.165 0.552 2.771 0 5.506-0.727 7.971-2.15 3.7-2.136 6.346-5.585 7.452-9.711s0.538-8.436-1.598-12.136zM29.839 20.108c-0.991 3.697-3.361 6.786-6.676 8.7s-7.175 2.422-10.872 1.431c-3.697-0.991-6.786-3.361-8.7-6.676s-2.422-7.175-1.431-10.872c0.991-3.697 3.361-6.786 6.676-8.7 2.208-1.275 4.658-1.926 7.141-1.926 1.244 0 2.497 0.164 3.731 0.494 3.697 0.99 6.786 3.361 8.7 6.676s2.422 7.175 1.431 10.872zM23.674 14.891l-10.283-5.937c-0.546-0.315-1.197-0.315-1.743-0s-0.871 0.879-0.871 1.509v11.874c0 0.63 0.326 1.194 0.871 1.509 0.273 0.158 0.572 0.236 0.871 0.236s0.599-0.079 0.871-0.236l10.283-5.937c0.546-0.315 0.871-0.879 0.871-1.509s-0.326-1.194-0.871-1.509zM22.841 16.467l-10.283 5.937c-0.013 0.007-0.039 0.022-0.077 0s-0.039-0.052-0.039-0.067v-11.874c0-0.014 0-0.045 0.039-0.067 0.015-0.009 0.028-0.012 0.040-0.012 0.018 0 0.030 0.007 0.038 0.012l10.283 5.937c0.013 0.007 0.039 0.022 0.039 0.067s-0.026 0.060-0.039 0.067zM25.831 8.803c-1.981-2.559-4.958-4.278-8.169-4.716-0.455-0.062-0.876 0.257-0.938 0.712s0.257 0.876 0.712 0.938c2.782 0.38 5.361 1.869 7.077 4.086 0.164 0.212 0.41 0.323 0.659 0.323 0.178 0 0.358-0.057 0.509-0.174 0.364-0.281 0.43-0.805 0.149-1.168z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg>\n<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udf1f Topics Covered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transitioning from business operator to true business owner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why systems and processes create freedom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empowering your team to make decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 80 percent rule for delegation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Artist vs manager vs entrepreneur roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cashflow vs profit and why it matters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overcoming fear and starting before you feel ready<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building businesses around your craft<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Franchises as a structured path to entrepreneurship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human connection in a tech-driven world<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n \n<div data-block=\"gutenkit\/button\" data-post-id=\"877\" id=\"block-e0363bd0-295c-4431-8fb6-1f902533ec2f\" class=\"wp-block-gutenkit-button gkit33ec2f gutenkit-block\"><div class=\"gkit-btn-wraper\"><a class=\"gkit-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/s\/57eea763\">Click to Listen<div class=\"icon-right\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" class=\"gkit-icon\">\n<title>play-button1<\/title>\n<path d=\"M29.85 8.403c-2.136-3.7-5.585-6.346-9.711-7.452s-8.436-0.538-12.136 1.598c-3.7 2.136-6.346 5.585-7.452 9.711s-0.538 8.436 1.598 12.136c2.136 3.7 5.585 6.346 9.711 7.452 1.378 0.369 2.776 0.552 4.165 0.552 2.771 0 5.506-0.727 7.971-2.15 3.7-2.136 6.346-5.585 7.452-9.711s0.538-8.436-1.598-12.136zM29.839 20.108c-0.991 3.697-3.361 6.786-6.676 8.7s-7.175 2.422-10.872 1.431c-3.697-0.991-6.786-3.361-8.7-6.676s-2.422-7.175-1.431-10.872c0.991-3.697 3.361-6.786 6.676-8.7 2.208-1.275 4.658-1.926 7.141-1.926 1.244 0 2.497 0.164 3.731 0.494 3.697 0.99 6.786 3.361 8.7 6.676s2.422 7.175 1.431 10.872zM23.674 14.891l-10.283-5.937c-0.546-0.315-1.197-0.315-1.743-0s-0.871 0.879-0.871 1.509v11.874c0 0.63 0.326 1.194 0.871 1.509 0.273 0.158 0.572 0.236 0.871 0.236s0.599-0.079 0.871-0.236l10.283-5.937c0.546-0.315 0.871-0.879 0.871-1.509s-0.326-1.194-0.871-1.509zM22.841 16.467l-10.283 5.937c-0.013 0.007-0.039 0.022-0.077 0s-0.039-0.052-0.039-0.067v-11.874c0-0.014 0-0.045 0.039-0.067 0.015-0.009 0.028-0.012 0.040-0.012 0.018 0 0.030 0.007 0.038 0.012l10.283 5.937c0.013 0.007 0.039 0.022 0.039 0.067s-0.026 0.060-0.039 0.067zM25.831 8.803c-1.981-2.559-4.958-4.278-8.169-4.716-0.455-0.062-0.876 0.257-0.938 0.712s0.257 0.876 0.712 0.938c2.782 0.38 5.361 1.869 7.077 4.086 0.164 0.212 0.41 0.323 0.659 0.323 0.178 0 0.358-0.057 0.509-0.174 0.364-0.281 0.43-0.805 0.149-1.168z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg>\n<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key takeaways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You don\u2019t have to do everything to succeed\u2014letting go creates growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Systems free your time and strengthen your business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your team can often outperform your expectations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Progress happens when you act despite fear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clarity about your role unlocks smarter hiring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cashflow awareness protects your stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re not alone in feeling uncertain or overwhelmed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small consistent changes create long-term freedom<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some questions I ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What does it really mean to go from operator to owner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How did you realize your business was owning you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What are practical ways to empower a team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do you know when to delegate or hold on<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What are the three types of business leaders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How can someone turn a craft into a business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why would someone choose a franchise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do you understand the difference between profit and cashflow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What mindset shifts are necessary to grow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do you take the first step when you feel stuck<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more about our guest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Website:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/mikedejong.com\/\">mikedejong.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LinkedIn:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mike-dejong-5a833816\/\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mike-dejong-5a833816\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Free book: Grow Smart Your Path to Freedom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coaching: Business growth and scaling support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resource List:<br>\u2022 Books mentioned: Buy Back Time by Dan Martell<br>\u2022 Programs mentioned: SBA small business loans<br>\u2022 Apps or tools mentioned: Loom, Descript<br>\u2022 Organizations mentioned: TEDx community events<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Podcast Sponsor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are excited to have IT company&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindiii.com\/\">https:\/\/www.mindiii.com<\/a>&nbsp;as a podcast sponsor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded in 2015, MINDIII is a Product Development and Data + AI Company that builds scalable digital products and intelligent data platforms. They help businesses design, engineer, and launch high-impact web and mobile applications, powered by modern data engineering, analytics, and AI solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Specialities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Product Strategy &amp; Full-Stack Development<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI-Powered Web &amp; Mobile Apps&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Data Engineering &amp; Analytics<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI &amp; ML Solutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cloud &amp; DevOps Solutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IT Consulting &amp; Dedicated Teams<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UI\/UX &amp; Workflow Automation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Software Testing, Maintenance &amp; Support<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Email &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:healthyhappywisewealthy@gmail.com\">healthyhappywisewealthy@gmail.com<\/a>&nbsp;to request a quote for software services listed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Connect with Healthy Happy Wise Wealthy Podcast:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udf1f Connect on @Instagram, @Facebook, @TikTok and @LInkedIn @HealthyHappyWiseWealthy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@HealthyHappyWiseWealthyNetwork<br>Listen on @Spotify, @Audible, @Applepodcasts, @iHeartRadio, @Pandora and more<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Know someone who should be a guest? Email&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:healthyhappywisewealthy@gmail.com\">healthyhappywisewealthy@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mary Meyer is a Business Development Consultant, Host, On-Camera Talent, Coach and Storyteller<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Produced by the Amazing Erika Christie&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support our work by donating through Venmo:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.venmo.com\/u\/HealthyHappyWiseWealthy\">https:\/\/www.venmo.com\/u\/HealthyHappyWiseWealthy<\/a>. Donations are not tax deductible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">#HealthyHappyWiseWealthy&nbsp;<br>#EntrepreneurMindset&nbsp;<br>#BusinessGrowth&nbsp;<br>#LeadershipDevelopment&nbsp;<br>#CashflowMatters&nbsp;<br>#BuildYourBusiness&nbsp;<br>#CreativeEntrepreneur<br>#PersonalGrowth&nbsp;<br>#MindsetShift&nbsp;<br>#SmallBusinessSuccess<br>#HealthyHappyWiseWealthy<\/p>\n\n\n \n<div data-block=\"gutenkit\/back-to-top\" data-post-id=\"877\" id=\"block-f03c405b-928d-402e-97ab-95447d32d195\" class=\"wp-block-gutenkit-back-to-top icon-only gkit32d195 gutenkit-block\"><div class=\"gkit-back-to-top\" data-settings=\"{&quot;style&quot;:&quot;icon-only&quot;,&quot;offset_top&quot;:0,&quot;show_scroll&quot;:false,&quot;show_after&quot;:400,&quot;foreground&quot;:&quot;#FF5050&quot;,&quot;background&quot;:&quot;#EEEEEE&quot;}\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper\"><div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\" class=\"gkit-icon\"><path d=\"M214.6 41.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0l-160 160c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 141.2V448c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32s32-14.3 32-32V141.2L329.4 246.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n \n    <div class=\"xs_social_share_widget xs_share_url after_content \t\tmain_content  wslu-style-1 wslu-share-box-shaped wslu-fill-colored wslu-none wslu-share-horizontal wslu-theme-font-no wslu-main_content\">\n\n\t\t\n        <ul>\n\t\t\t        <\/ul>\n    <\/div> \n","protected":false},"featured_media":878,"template":"","meta":{"postBodyCss":"","postBodyMargin":[],"postBodyPadding":[],"postBodyBackground":{"backgroundType":"classic","gradient":""},"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":""},"class_list":["post-877","podcast","type-podcast","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyhappywisewealthy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcast\/877","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyhappywisewealthy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcast"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyhappywisewealthy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/podcast"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyhappywisewealthy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/878"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyhappywisewealthy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=877"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}