How Wingman Became a Movement: Marc Vazquez on Franchising, Community, and the Future of Small Business Support
On this episode of Grit Won’t Quit, Tom sits down with someone who’s not just part of the Wingman story—he’s helping write its next chapter. Meet Marc Vazquez, the very first Wingman Planning franchisee and the driving force behind Wingman Middletown.
Marc’s journey into entrepreneurship, his deep love for community, and his belief in the Wingman mission make this one of the most insightful conversations yet. From the evolution of marketing to the power of meaningful relationships, this episode is packed with lessons for business owners, leaders, and anyone curious about the future of small business support.
Launching the First Wingman Franchise
When Marc first appeared on the podcast in 2024, he wasn’t yet a franchisee—but he was already a believer. A year later, he returned as the very first person to expand Tom’s vision into new territory.
For Marc, joining Wingman wasn’t just a business move. It was a no-brainer.
“There’s no one I know who cares more about community than you,” Marc tells Tom. “That’s a huge part of why I wanted to be involved—and why I want to see Wingman grow.”
He highlights something that sets the Wingman model apart: a full team of specialized professionals behind every franchisee. Rather than trying to build and manage a large internal team, franchisees focus on what they do best—meeting business owners, building relationships, and serving their community—while Wingman corporate handles fulfillment, leadership, and quality control.
Why the Wingman Model Works
Tom and Marc take listeners behind the curtain of how Wingman is structured—and why that structure gives franchisees an advantage.
1. A Proven, Fully-Staffed Fulfillment System
Marc doesn’t have to hire a web designer, PPC specialist, graphic designer, social strategist, or SEO expert. He has all of Wingman’s established teams behind him—Jenna, Tony, Allen, Jillian, and their departments—producing the work at a level he can confidently stand behind.
2. Quality and Consistency Are Controlled at the Source
Unlike typical franchises—where one location may be excellent and another may damage the brand—Wingman’s quality is protected through centralized leadership. Every deliverable is overseen by the same experienced team, ensuring every client gets the Wingman standard.
3. A Culture of Caring
What makes Wingman different isn’t just marketing expertise. It’s authenticity and heart.
“Other agencies have million-dollar rigs. But we have something they don’t—people who genuinely care about their community and their clients,” Marc says.
This authenticity is what small businesses gravitate toward—and it’s why the Wingman franchise model is poised for national growth.
AI, Marketing, and the Future of Small Business Growth
A major theme in this episode is the rapid shift happening in marketing—especially with AI and generative search.
Tom and Marc break it down in simple terms:
Old SEO is changing.
Generative AI is becoming the new search engine.
Businesses need to position themselves now—or get left behind.
Marc predicts that in the next 3–5 years, the businesses that ignore AI will struggle the same way companies without websites struggled in the early 2000s.
Wingman is already preparing for that future by integrating AI into its strategy, content, optimization, and client deliverables.
And in a full-circle moment, Tom even shares that a recent client found Wingman directly through an AI search—a sign of what’s to come.
Community Is the Heart of Wingman
One of the most powerful takeaways from Marc’s story is that Wingman isn’t just building a business—it’s building a movement.
Local businesses keep towns running:
68 cents of every dollar spent locally stays local
Local businesses fund youth sports, clubs, school events, and community centers
Small businesses support the people and causes that big corporations rarely acknowledge
Marc and Tom dive deep into the real impact that Wingman has already made—from food drives and toy drives to supporting nonprofits like the Waretown EMS.
One of the standout examples is Wingman Middletown’s work helping Waretown EMS recruit volunteers through targeted social media campaigns. The result?
Dozens of applications
Increased community awareness
A revitalized volunteer system
A full case study in the making
This is Wingman at its best—using marketing to solve real problems and strengthen communities.
Building a Team and Creating Opportunity
Another highlight of this episode is Marc’s passion for building a team of people who may have stepped away from the workforce but want to come back with purpose.
He talks about Ann—one of Wingman Middletown’s newer team members—who reentered the workforce after raising her children and is now thriving in sales through Wingman’s supportive structure.
This is part of Marc’s larger vision:
Creating opportunity, empowering people, and building something bigger than himself.
Why Wingman Franchising Is a Ground-Floor Opportunity
Tom and Marc end the episode by discussing the future of Wingman franchising.
This is not a $300K, high-overhead, brick-and-mortar franchise.
There are:
No buildouts
No massive staffing requirements
No inventory
No expensive equipment
It’s a lean, relationship-driven model designed for people who want to:
Work for themselves
Make an impact in their local community
Operate a scalable, modern business
Leverage a proven system with full support
And Marc believes Wingman is on its way to becoming a national brand within the next decade.
“Every town in every state needs a wingman,” he says. “Small businesses need us—now more than ever.”
Final Thoughts: A Movement Bigger Than Marketing
This episode is more than just a conversation about business growth. It’s about:
Community
Leadership
Innovation
Impact
And the future of local small business support
Marc is paving the way as the first franchisee, showing what’s possible when you combine heart, hustle, and a powerful mission.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a marketer, a small business owner, or someone exploring franchise opportunities—this episode is a must-listen.
Follow Marc and Wingman Middletown
Catch updates, community involvement, and behind-the-scenes moments:
📍 Instagram, Facebook & TikTok:
@WingmanMiddletown
📞 Marc’s Direct Cell:
732-581-1408
🌐 Learn More About Wingman Planning:
WingmanPlanning.com
Because at the end of the day…
Everybody needs a wingman.
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
