Escape and Empower Podcast | Buy Your First Franchise

Dave Greenberg and Pete Gilfillan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Learn everything you need to know about buying your first franchise.   If you are ready to escape the corporate grind and empower your future with franchise ownership, join the top 2 franchise consultants in the USA on the Escape and Empower Podcast.  Join franchise experts Pete Gilfillan and Dave Greenberg on The Escape and Empower Podcast, your definitive guide to successfully transitioning from corporate employee to thriving franchise owner. Each episode provides honest, actionable insights tailored specifically for busy executives eager to achieve financial stability, build lasting wealth, and gain control over their destiny. Whether you're exploring franchise ownership for the first time or ready to take the next step toward entrepreneurship, Pete and Dave offer straightforward, no-fluff discussions covering essential topics such as: Navigating the franchise buying process step-by-stepOvercoming common fears and barriersStrategies for building wealth through franchisingInsider advice on choosing the right franchise for your lifestyleReal stories and practical wisdom from successful franchiseesDetailed explanations of franchise disclosure documents (FDD)Guidance on financing options and understanding investment costsSteps to confidently evaluate franchise opportunities Empower your entrepreneurial journey today—subscribe and begin building your path to financial freedom and personal fulfillment. Hosted by franchise industry leaders Pete Gilfillan (HireYourself.com) and Dave Greenberg (EmpoweredFranchisee.com).

  1. “Fear is Lying to You”—Why Executives Need to Build Their Own Freedom

    12/31/2025

    “Fear is Lying to You”—Why Executives Need to Build Their Own Freedom

    Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan In this episode of Escape and Empower, Pete and Dave open up about the corporate chains they spent decades carrying and the turning points that pushed them toward entrepreneurship. From missed family moments to constant relocations to the realization that W-2 security is an illusion, they walk through the emotional and practical journey of breaking free. They also reveal how executives can leverage their corporate skills to build a business, reclaim their time, and earn the three freedoms that franchising provides: financial freedom, time freedom, and lifestyle freedom. In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss: • The Corporate Reality Check Pete and Dave break down what it really means to give twenty years to corporate life: constant relocations, missed family milestones, burnout, and a career path controlled by someone else’s agenda. • When Loyalty Becomes a Liability They discuss how W-2 jobs create chains disguised as stability, and why even top-performing executives eventually face restructuring, pressure, and burnout. • The Turning Point Moments Both share the personal mirror moments that forced them to confront the truth: corporate life wasn’t sustainable and wasn’t theirs to control. • How Executives Can Transition into Ownership They explain how leadership skills, financial discipline, and operational experience translate directly into franchise success—even in industries you’ve never worked in. • The Three Freedoms You Can Only Get as an Owner Financial, time, and lifestyle freedom become possible only when you control your income and schedule. Pete and Dave explain how business ownership makes each one achievable. Key Takeaways: • Fear is loud, but facts win when you learn the franchise process • You don’t need industry experience—your corporate skills translate directly • Ownership gives you financial security that W-2 jobs can’t • Time freedom is about choice, not working less • Lifestyle freedom lets you live on your terms—not a company’s terms “Fear is false evidence appearing real. Replace fear with facts, and everything changes.” — David Greenberg CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/

    28 min
  2. “Leaders without time to lead?” Why ownership restores authority and balance

    12/24/2025

    “Leaders without time to lead?” Why ownership restores authority and balance

    Escape and Empower Podcast with Pete Gilfillan and Dave Greenberg In this episode, Pete and Dave react to “Where Have All the Managers Gone?” and unpack the reality many executives live today: you are accountable for outcomes without the authority or time to actually lead. They contrast that with franchise ownership, where you set priorities, control your calendar, and build saleable equity instead of surviving the next restructure. In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss: Leadership without authority Being responsible for results while approvals, politics, and shifting priorities block real decisions. Constant restructuring and layoff risk Flattened orgs, AI efficiencies, and budget moves that put experienced leaders on the bubble. 24/7 workload and no time to coach Meetings and inbox overload that crowd out the one thing leaders want to do most: develop people. Career control through franchising Owning the playbook, setting the pace, and building a team you actually have time to lead. Work life balance by design From Fun Fridays to summer Mondays, how ownership lets you plan family, health, and recovery time. Destiny on your terms No forced relocations, no surprise role changes, and growth that matches your ambition. Key takeaways: If you feel like a leader without time to lead, the system is the problem.Restructures and age bias create real risk for seasoned executives.Franchising trades capped pay and politics for equity, control, and scalability.Your corporate skills transfer directly: team building, KPIs, execution of systems.Start parallel paths now so HR does not decide your future.“Well, if you’re risk averse, why do you stay in that job that you have a high likelihood of getting laid off?” — Pete Gilfillan CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/

    20 min
  3. “Turn Fear Into Fuel” — How Executives Conquer Risk and Thrive as Entrepreneurs

    12/17/2025

    “Turn Fear Into Fuel” — How Executives Conquer Risk and Thrive as Entrepreneurs

    Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan In this episode of Escape and Empower, Pete and Dave get real about fear. They unpack the specific anxieties executives face when leaving corporate life, then show how to replace ambiguity with facts, build a calculated plan, and move forward with momentum. If you have been stuck between comfort and calling, this one gives you a practical path to act with confidence. In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss: Name the Fear to Tame the Fear Write down exactly what scares you: losing money, uncertainty, or judgment. Awareness shrinks the monster. Replace Anxiety with Facts Education beats ambiguity. Use data, validation calls, and real numbers to make clear decisions. Start Small and Take Calculated Risks Match investment to your comfort range. Use capital-efficient models and structured rollouts. Build a Support Network Franchisors, franchisees, mentors, and coaches help you avoid mistakes and accelerate wins. Redefine Failure as Feedback Test, learn, adjust. Fail fast without betting the farm, then try the next best move today. Protect Your Energy Cold showers, workouts, meditation, and scheduled recovery keep you sharp for the long game. Key Takeaways: Fear is normal. Action is optional. Choose action.Facts, not feelings, drive smart entrepreneurial decisions.Small, planned steps compound into confidence and results.You are not alone. The right network multiplies your progress.Self-care is strategy. Protect the operator to protect the business.“Fear is a lot of times false evidence appearing real.” — Peter Gilfillan CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/

    17 min
  4. “Don’t Wait Until Corporate Makes the Decision for You”—Why Ageism Pushes Executives Toward Ownership

    12/10/2025

    “Don’t Wait Until Corporate Makes the Decision for You”—Why Ageism Pushes Executives Toward Ownership

    Escape and Empower Podcast with Pete Gilfillan and Dave Greenberg In this episode, Pete and Dave break down the hard truth about ageism in corporate America and map out a practical alternative: franchising. They share first-hand stories, the latest realities executives face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, and how to convert decades of leadership into business ownership that you control. In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss: Ageism Is Real From being “restructured” to stalled promotions, why experienced leaders get squeezed and what that means for your next move. A Parallel Path Out How to explore franchising while you are still in a W2 search, so you are not waiting on someone else’s timeline. Transferable Executive Skills Leadership, financial acumen, KPI discipline, and executing proven systems that directly translate to top franchise performance. Control and Flexibility Design your calendar, set your priorities, and decide how big is big through single or multi-unit growth. Resilient Industries Why categories like home services, senior care, wellness, and aesthetics offer durable demand and clear scalability. Key takeaways: If you are over 50, you have a number on your back. Build optionality now.Franchising lets you swap capped pay for equity, scale, and saleable value.Your corporate toolkit is an asset in a proven playbook business.Start in your comfort range, validate with franchisees, grow by plan.Do not wait for HR to decide your future. Decide it yourself.“At age fifty-one, I got hit with ageism right in the face.” — Dave Greenberg CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/

    22 min
  5. “From Corporate Comfort to Ownership Freedom” — Why Executives Are Leaving W-2 Jobs to Become Entrepreneurs

    12/03/2025

    “From Corporate Comfort to Ownership Freedom” — Why Executives Are Leaving W-2 Jobs to Become Entrepreneurs

    Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan In this episode of Escape and Empower, Pete and Dave unpack why more executives are walking away from corporate comfort to build ownership freedom. Drawing from a recent CNBC article and their own client experiences, they break down how fear, burnout, and ageism are driving leaders to make the shift—and how franchising offers a structured, scalable path forward. If you’ve ever felt comfortable but not secure, this episode will challenge your definition of stability and show you why entrepreneurship is the smarter move. In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss: The End of Job Security Corporate loyalty is gone. Executives are now just numbers in a system built for layoffs and mergers.Taking Control of Financial Destiny Salary bands and bonuses limit growth. Ownership removes caps and creates real wealth potential.Work-Life Balance and Personal Freedom Entrepreneurship means designing your schedule—and your life—on your own terms.Leveraging Corporate Skills for Direct Impact Leadership, strategy, and management experience translate seamlessly into franchise ownership success.Building Legacy and Generational Wealth Ownership creates something to pass on—financially, culturally, and personally.Key Takeaways: Corporate comfort is not security—it’s stagnation in disguise.Business ownership gives executives control over income, time, and future.Franchising lets you apply your corporate skills to build real equity.Diversification and scalability protect against economic uncertainty.Legacy comes from ownership—not titles, salaries, or stock options.“You can’t control the corporate world—but you can control your own. Ownership is the path to real freedom.” — David Greenberg CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/

    19 min
  6. “Stop Renting Stability—Start Building It” — Why Franchising Beats Chasing the Next Job

    11/26/2025

    “Stop Renting Stability—Start Building It” — Why Franchising Beats Chasing the Next Job

    Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan In this episode of Escape and Empower, Pete and Dave dig into why franchising is a smarter, safer, and more scalable path than chasing another W-2 job. They break down how the job market has changed—layoffs, ageism, stalled salaries—and why executives need to run a parallel path toward ownership before it’s too late. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for the next raise, this episode shows you how to build real control, flexibility, and income independence through franchising. In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss: Job Market Uncertainty Layoffs and instability are rising. Franchise ownership puts control back in your hands.Unlimited Financial Potential No salary caps, no waiting for bonuses—your income grows as your effort does.Tax and Equity Advantages Franchising creates wealth through deductions, scalability, and ownership equity.Work-Life Balance and Flexibility Design your own schedule and lifestyle instead of living by corporate calendars.Independence and Community Impact Franchise owners aren’t isolated—they build local businesses, create jobs, and make a difference.Key Takeaways: The job market is uncertain—franchising offers stability and control.Income in corporate life is capped; business ownership has no ceiling.Tax benefits and equity growth build lasting wealth.Franchising offers flexibility, community, and purpose beyond the paycheck.Ownership is the only real form of career security left.“You can keep chasing jobs that disappear—or build something that lasts. Ownership is the only real security left.” — Pete Gilfillan CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/

    22 min
  7. “How Is the Job Market Lying to Executives?” — The Truth About Ghost Jobs

    11/19/2025

    “How Is the Job Market Lying to Executives?” — The Truth About Ghost Jobs

    Escape and Empower Podcast with Pete Gilfillan and Dave Greenberg In this episode, Pete and Dave expose one of the biggest hidden problems in today’s job market: ghost jobs. These roles look real on job boards but were never meant to be filled. With companies posting openings despite hiring freezes, budget cuts, or internal placements, executives are unknowingly spending months chasing opportunities that don’t exist. Pete and Dave break down why ghost postings are skyrocketing, how they mislead senior-level professionals, and why the illusion of opportunity keeps talented executives stuck in long, draining job searches. They also explain why ownership provides the stability, control, and financial path that corporate life no longer guarantees. In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss: The Illusion of OpportunityExecutives think there are plenty of roles available because job boards look full. In reality, senior-level hires have dropped sharply while fake postings remain live. Ghost Jobs and Corporate InstabilityCompanies keep job listings active during hiring freezes to look healthy to investors, build a candidate pipeline, or maintain employer branding. Why Executives Are Hit the HardestSix-figure roles are often the most likely to be “ghost openings,” leaving experienced leaders wasting months applying for positions that were never real. The Impact of AI and RestructuringAI and automation are replacing analyst, manager, and even director roles—quietly shrinking the leadership layers executives once relied on for advancement. Longer Job Searches and Lost RunwayMany executives now face 6–12 months of job searching. Every month spent chasing ghost jobs burns savings and delays building something of their own. The Need for a Parallel PathRelying solely on W-2 opportunities is riskier than ever. Executives need a second path—one that puts them back in control of their income and future. Why Franchise Ownership Is Not a Ghost OpportunityReal businesses with real demand, real systems, and real financial upside. Essential service categories like home services, wellness, auto care, and restoration offer stability no job board can match. Key Takeaways Job boards are full, but real executive hiring is shrinking.Ghost postings exist to make companies look stable—even when they aren’t.Senior executives are losing time, losing money, and losing control chasing roles that don’t exist.AI and restructuring are accelerating the decline of leadership positions.Taking a parallel path into ownership provides clarity, control, and long-term security.“Hope is not a strategy.” — Pete Gilfillan CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/

    13 min
  8. “Find Your Why Before You Take the Leap”—How Purpose Drives Every Successful Franchise Owner

    11/12/2025

    “Find Your Why Before You Take the Leap”—How Purpose Drives Every Successful Franchise Owner

    Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan In this episode of Escape and Empower, Pete and Dave explore how clarity of purpose—your why—shapes success in franchising and life. They share real stories, insights from Simon Sinek’s Start With Why, and their own experiences helping executives rediscover what truly drives them. If you feel stuck, burnt out, or ready for change, this episode shows you how defining your why gives direction to your next chapter. In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss: Why Every Transition Starts with Purpose Before you change your path, understand why you want to—clarity fuels confidence.How to Reconnect with Your Motivation Executives lose their spark chasing titles and paychecks; franchising helps them rediscover meaning.The Japanese Concept of “Ikigai” Finding the intersection between what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.Turning Self-Assessment into Action Reflection, goal-setting, and honest evaluation are the first steps toward business ownership.Building a Business Around Your Values When your work aligns with your purpose, success follows naturally—and sustainably.Key Takeaways: Your why is your compass—it guides you through every decision.Franchising gives purpose-driven professionals a proven path to fulfillment.Don’t wait for burnout to rediscover meaning—build from it.Clarity of purpose transforms both career and lifestyle.The strongest businesses start with a personal why.“Owning a business isn’t just about income—it’s about owning your future.” — David Greenberg CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/

    15 min
See All (52)

Ratings & Reviews

About

Learn everything you need to know about buying your first franchise.   If you are ready to escape the corporate grind and empower your future with franchise ownership, join the top 2 franchise consultants in the USA on the Escape and Empower Podcast.  Join franchise experts Pete Gilfillan and Dave Greenberg on The Escape and Empower Podcast, your definitive guide to successfully transitioning from corporate employee to thriving franchise owner. Each episode provides honest, actionable insights tailored specifically for busy executives eager to achieve financial stability, build lasting wealth, and gain control over their destiny. Whether you're exploring franchise ownership for the first time or ready to take the next step toward entrepreneurship, Pete and Dave offer straightforward, no-fluff discussions covering essential topics such as: Navigating the franchise buying process step-by-stepOvercoming common fears and barriersStrategies for building wealth through franchisingInsider advice on choosing the right franchise for your lifestyleReal stories and practical wisdom from successful franchiseesDetailed explanations of franchise disclosure documents (FDD)Guidance on financing options and understanding investment costsSteps to confidently evaluate franchise opportunities Empower your entrepreneurial journey today—subscribe and begin building your path to financial freedom and personal fulfillment. Hosted by franchise industry leaders Pete Gilfillan (HireYourself.com) and Dave Greenberg (EmpoweredFranchisee.com).

Information