Founders Future

From Corporate to Franchise King: How James Hilovsky Helps Entrepreneurs Find Their Perfect Fit

Closers.io

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with James Hilovsky, founder and CEO of The Fran Dream, a franchise consulting firm dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs find the perfect franchise opportunities. With over 20 years of experience in the fast-food industry—including scaling a single franchise location to over 100 units—James shares his journey from corporate leadership to empowering others, particularly retired athletes, through franchise ownership. He breaks down his unique, no-cost-to-clients business model (where he’s paid by franchisors) and the challenges of navigating long sales cycles, tire-kickers, and lead generation in this niche space.

James reveals his strategies for building a robust pipeline through franchise portals, LinkedIn, and networking at events like golf tournaments, while also discussing his vision for scaling The Fran Dream further. He offers golden advice for aspiring franchise owners: “Bet on yourself—most entrepreneurs wish they’d done it sooner.” Whether you’re curious about franchising, seeking a playbook-driven business model, or looking to pivot into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with actionable insights on turning franchise dreams into reality.