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
Fear Is Lying to You—Here’s How to Reclaim Control
Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan
Fear Is Lying to You—Here’s How to Reclaim Control
Fear is a powerful force—but in this episode, Pete and Dave break down how it can actually be a sign that you're on the right path. When it comes to escaping the corporate grind and becoming your own boss, fear will show up. But it doesn’t have to hold you back.
Pete and Dave unpack the common fears that executives face when transitioning from corporate roles to franchise ownership. From fear of failure and isolation to fear of the unknown, they share how the structure of franchising and the strength of your own experience can help you push through the fear—and come out stronger on the other side.
In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:
The real source of corporate fear
From 7 a.m. meetings to surprise relocations, Dave shares how fear in the corporate world often stems from lack of control. Pete and Dave reflect on how fear was baked into their executive lives—and how business ownership changed that.
False Evidence Appearing Real
Using Pete’s favorite acronym for fear, they explore how most fear is perception—not fact. Franchising helps neutralize those fears with structure, support, and a proven system.
Common fears—and how to tackle them
Whether it’s fear of isolation, fear of the unfamiliar, or fear of failure, Dave and Pete talk through how franchising helps executives replace fear with facts. From built-in support networks to structured onboarding, fear becomes manageable—and even motivating.
Freedom on the other side of fear
They also discuss the emotional payoff: more connection to your community, more time with family, and the satisfaction of building something that’s truly yours.
Key Takeaways:
- Fear is natural—but it doesn’t have to stop you
- Corporate fear comes from lack of control—franchising gives it back
- Most fear is just false evidence appearing real
- You’re not alone—franchising gives you a built-in support network
- Taking action is the only way through fear
“Entrepreneurship changed my life. It improved my health, my finances, and my relationships. I’m not just working—I’m living.” — Dave Greenberg
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/