The Escape & Empower Franchise Podcast | Buying Your First Franchise
The Escape and Empower Podcast
Ready to escape the corporate grind and empower your future?
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-step
- Overcoming common fears and barriers
- Strategies for building wealth through franchising
- Insider advice on choosing the right franchise for your lifestyle
- Real stories and practical wisdom from successful franchisees
- Detailed explanations of franchise disclosure documents (FDD)
- Guidance on financing options and understanding investment costs
- Steps 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).
The Escape & Empower Franchise Podcast | Buying Your First Franchise
What to Expect During Franchise Due Diligence
Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan
David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan walk you through one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of the franchise journey: the investigation process. If you're wondering what to expect as you evaluate a franchise, this episode breaks it all down: from mindset to meetings, documents to discovery, and everything in between.
In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:
Setting the Right Mindset for Due Diligence
You don’t know what you don’t know. Come in with curiosity, not preconceived notions.
Values Over Vanity
Why aligning with the brand's values matters more than industry familiarity—and how Pete went from autos to junk, and Dave from cars to salons.
The Step-by-Step Process
From intro calls to franchise disclosure documents to validation, Dave and Pete explain what each stage entails and how to make the most of it.
Leadership Starts in the Process
Your behavior in due diligence mirrors how you’ll show up as a business owner. Be on time, come prepared, and show respect—it matters.
Community, Culture, and Customers
Beyond profits, the best franchisees lead with purpose: building community, serving customers, and empowering employees.
Key Takeaways:
- Open-minded investigation leads to better matches.
- Values alignment is just as important as financials.
- Lead by example during due diligence—it reflects who you’ll be as an owner.
- Franchising isn’t just about making money—it’s about making an impact.
- The due diligence process is your opportunity to get the facts, clear your doubts, and move forward with confidence.
“You’re not just investing in a business—you’re investing in your values, your community, and the kind of leader you want to be.” — David Greenberg
CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN
Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/
CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG
Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/
CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN
Meet with Pete: https://www.hireyourself.com/gilfillan/
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
Website: https://empoweredfranchisee.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/