ewell smith

founder / podcast host

Ewell Smith is the host of the CloseTheDeal.Com Podcast. As a franchise consultant and founder of Franchise & Funding, he matches corporate refugees and Veterans with their first franchise. Ewell served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, the Gulf Seafood Institute, and the Carolina Loggers Association, representing thousands of entrepreneurs over 17 years. During his time leading the Louisiana Seafood Board, his team led the industry through Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill to rebuild billions in lost seafood sales. He created and served as emcee of the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, which aired on Food Network and PBS.