Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

In this episode of Escape and Empower, Pete and Dave break down one of the most asked questions in franchising: why do some owners thrive while others fail—despite having the same model? The answer comes down to five key traits.

From working hard and following the system to solving problems and leading people—this episode offers a powerful checklist for corporate executives who are considering their leap to business ownership. If you're ready to stop being replaceable and start building something you own, these five traits might be your difference-maker.

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

• Work Ethic That Builds, Not Burns
  Owning a franchise means outworking the tarmac phase—heavy lift early, smooth cruising later.
• Following the System… Then Improving It
  Top franchisees follow the proven process—then innovate from within. It’s discipline and evolution.
• Problem Solving Without a Committee
  In corporate, you get stuck in reviews and delays. As an owner, you act, adjust, and keep moving.
• Leading with Culture and Accountability
  Franchise owners aren’t just managers—they create happy places. Culture isn’t optional; it’s a differentiator.
• Embracing Change to Stay Ahead
  The marketplace shifts daily. The best owners adapt fast, improve often, and never stop learning.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Hard work is non-negotiable in early-stage growth
• Systems create consistency—but owners must still lead
• The best culture beats the best comp plan
• Solving problems fast keeps momentum high
• Change is constant—franchisees must evolve or fall behind
  
  

“You’re building something for yourself, not someone else. Nobody’s laying you off. That’s the power of ownership.” — Pete Gilfillan

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/

Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

In this episode of Escape and Empower, Pete and Dave sit down with Rick Mayo, founder and CEO of Alloy Personal Training, a fitness franchise transforming the way Americans over 45 invest in their health—and how high-performing executives are investing in Alloy to build businesses of their own.

Rick shares how his three-decade journey—from starting as a personal trainer to scaling Alloy into 100+ open units—has been guided by a single principle: build something meaningful, and make the playbook easy to follow. With a niche focus on an affluent, underserved demographic and an insanely high member retention rate, Alloy is proving that purpose-driven business can be wildly profitable.

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

• From Trainer to Global Franchise Leader
  Rick shares his evolution from bootstrapping a single facility to coaching thousands of fitness businesses around the world before launching Alloy’s franchise model in 2019.
• A Recession-Resistant Niche That Sticks
  Alloy’s focus on clients aged 45–65 gives franchisees a resilient, cash-rich customer base—one that values longevity, personalization, and wellness regardless of economic conditions.
• Culture, Retention, and the “Surprisingly Personable” Advantage
  With max capacity capped around 150 members, Alloy’s high-touch model and Ritz-Carlton-style customer gifting create deep loyalty and long-term revenue.
• Leadership Over Fitness Credentials
  The best franchisees aren’t gym pros—they’re people who can attract, hire, and lead a small team. Alloy’s systems, support, and EOS-driven coaching handle the rest.
• Franchise Support That Actually Shows Up
  With small-group accountability calls, real-time coaching, and a no-fluff Alloy “Bible,” Rick’s team delivers the tools—and the personal attention—to keep owners winning.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Alloy targets a wealthy, underserved customer base that isn’t price-sensitive
• You don’t need fitness experience—just leadership ability and coachability
• Alloy’s culture of retention applies to both clients and employees
• Their playbook is built from decades of coaching—just follow it
• Franchising with Alloy is about building wealth and leaving a legacy

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/

In this episode of Escape and Empower, Dave and Pete confront the cold, hard truth: hope won’t protect you from economic disruption—but preparation will. Drawing from their own corporate exits and entrepreneurial journeys, they unpack what today’s financial signals are really saying to executives: brace for impact—or better yet, build something of your own.

From hiring freezes and forced office returns to disappearing promotions and soft layoffs, the message is clear—corporate life is shifting fast, and not in your favor. But Dave and Pete show that uncertainty also creates openings—for ownership, family legacy, and wealth creation. If you're sensing the storm clouds and wondering if now's the time to act—this episode is your wake-up call.

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

• The Danger of Doing Nothing
  When uncertainty hits, corporations slam on the brakes. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, seize the wheel.
• Why Entrepreneurs Don’t Wait for Permission
  In a franchise, if you want a raise—you go earn it. Action replaces paralysis, and you drive your own revenue.
• Employers Are Taking the Hard Line
  From back-to-office mandates to relocation refusals, companies are regaining leverage—and execs are losing freedom.
• Building a Business That Builds a Legacy
  Dave and Pete share personal stories of how franchising opened doors for their kids—and how you can use your business to build generational wealth.
• It’s Time to Read the Tea Leaves
  Trends like inflation, tech disruption, and workforce shifts aren’t slowing down. You need a plan—and it needs to start now.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurs steer through economic storms—corporate execs get sidelined
• Promotions, perks, and flexibility are disappearing fast
• Owning a business gives you control—and options
• A family business can set the next generation up to win
• The time to act is before the economy forces your hand
  
  

“When you're out at sea and the storm is coming, you don't leave the sails up—you batten down the hatches. Not to be conservative, but to chart your own course through the storm.” — Pete Gilfillan

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/

In this episode of Escape and Empower, Pete and Dave lay it all on the table: job security is a thing of the past, and senior-level executives who don’t have a Plan B are gambling with their future. Drawing from real conversations with candidates and decades of experience in corporate America, they break down ten urgent reasons every exec should be building a parallel path—before the storm hits.

Whether it's the rise of AI, corporate ageism, or the slow erosion of loyalty and compensation, today's episode is a wake-up call. Pete and Dave aren’t sugarcoating the harsh realities of modern executive life—but they are offering real alternatives: franchise ownership, consulting, real estate, or simply diversifying your income. If you're a 40+ corporate exec wondering whether it's time to explore a new path, this conversation will hit home.

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

• Why Job Security Is a Myth
  From flattening org charts to Tuesday layoff rituals, they reveal why even top execs are walking on a trapdoor—and why loyalty doesn’t go both ways.
• AI Isn't Just a Tool—It’s a Replacement
  Exec-level tasks like strategy, hiring, and analysis are now being automated. If you're not planning around AI, you’re already behind.
• Ageism and Underemployment
  Being overqualified is the new red flag. Pete and Dave break down the brutal math of trying to re-enter the job market at 55—and why it rarely adds up.
• The Hidden Cost of Waiting
  Hanging on for that next bonus or promotion? You might be gambling away your best window to build real independence.
• What Real Control Looks Like
  The most empowering shift is ownership. No politics, no performance reviews—just building wealth on your terms with purpose and freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• Corporate loyalty is gone—prepare before you’re pushed out
• A single income stream is risky; diversify now
• AI is replacing roles, not just enhancing them
• Ageism is real, and underemployment is common
• Franchise ownership can be your runway, not a leap
  
  

“Time is money. If you’re exchanging your time for someone else’s wealth—you’re already behind.” — 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/

Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

How John Evans Built EverLine Coatings into a Scalable Franchise Empire

In this special episode, Pete and Dave sit down with John Evans, founder and CEO of EverLine Coatings, to unpack what it truly takes to build and scale a franchise brand from scratch.

John takes us inside his entrepreneurial journey—starting as the son of multi-unit franchisees, learning the ropes through College Pro Painters, and eventually launching EverLine, a B2B pavement maintenance company that has grown to 120+ franchisees across North America in just a few years. He opens up about the lessons learned from rapid scaling, what going on Dragon’s Den taught him about visibility and pressure, and why company values—not just systems—are the secret to long-term franchisee success.

If you’re serious about franchise leadership, recession-proof businesses, or what it looks like to go all in on founder-led growth, this episode delivers rare insight straight from the trenches.

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:
From Franchisee’s Son to Franchisor
John shares how growing up in a franchise family shaped his entrepreneurial mindset—and how those early lessons set the foundation for building EverLine Coatings.

The Dragon’s Den Experience
Hear how appearing on Canada’s Dragon’s Den supercharged EverLine’s visibility and why it became a major turning point in their U.S. expansion.

What Makes a Franchisee Succeed
It’s not just about grit. John explains why financial discipline, management skills, and alignment with company values are what truly drive performance.

Scaling Without a Ceiling
EverLine’s model is built to grow. John explains how service diversity, national accounts, and a recession-resistant niche are opening doors for franchisees ready to build seven-figure operations.

Advice for Corporate Escapees
Franchise ownership isn’t corporate lite—it’s a different game. John, Pete, and Dave discuss how successful executives navigate the mindset shift from employee to owner and what it takes to win.

Key Takeaways:

• A strong franchise culture starts with aligned values
• B2B services with recurring needs offer stable, scalable growth
• Franchising gives executives a clear system—but success still rests on execution
• National accounts and niche services can fuel multi-unit potential
• The best franchisees treat the system like a business, not a job
  
  

“Our job as franchisors is to build a system that lets others succeed. That means staying grounded in our values and creating tools that actually help people build real businesses.” — John Evans, CEO of EverLine Coatings

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/

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/

Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

10 Corporate Skills That Make You a Strong Franchise Owner

In this episode, Pete and Dave unpack a powerful idea: the corporate world may have burned you out, but it also prepared you perfectly for business ownership. From managing teams to executing strategy, corporate leaders already have the tools—they just need the right vehicle to use them. That’s where franchising comes in.

Drawing from their own time in executive roles, Pete and Dave walk through the mindset shifts and business skills that seamlessly transfer from corporate to franchise ownership. Whether you're a marketer, operator, finance expert, or general manager, you'll see how your strengths can translate into a thriving business.

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

Why executives are better prepared than they realize
Dave shares how his corporate training in strategic planning, leadership, and financial acumen helped him launch and scale his first franchise. From KPIs to workflows, he explains how the skills you already have give you a head start.

The hidden advantage of operations experience
Pete and Dave explore how former execs excel at building repeatable systems, streamlining processes, and managing performance. In franchising, that ability to drive operational excellence is a fast track to growth.

Marketing and customer focus that drives results
Executives who’ve worked with brand positioning, go-to-market strategy, or customer segmentation often don’t realize how powerful that knowledge becomes in a local business. Dave explains how it impacts franchise success.

The corporate mindset shift that unlocks scale
It’s not just about what you know—it’s about applying it with intention. Pete and Dave discuss the difference between working in the business and on the business, and how execs can build scalable teams with their leadership experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Corporate leaders already have most of the tools to succeed in franchising
• Strategy, leadership, and financial management are powerful assets
• Franchise systems help you focus on execution, not guesswork
• You don’t need to reinvent yourself—you need to reapply your strengths
• Your next chapter could be the most empowered one yet
  
  

“You don’t need to reinvent yourself to be a business owner—you just need a system where your experience works.” — 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/

Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

Leaving Your Job to Be Your Own Boss

In this episode, Pete and Dave break down the real meaning of the “entrepreneurial lifestyle”—not the Instagram version, but the version built through hard work, structure, and ownership. After decades in corporate, they share how business ownership gave them back their time, their health, and their purpose.

They explore how the franchise model helps you bypass the chaos of starting from scratch and instead build a life where you decide what matters—whether it’s Friday freedom, weekday flexibility, or long-term wealth creation.

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

Life Before Freedom: The Reality of Corporate Constraints
Dave shares what life looked like at the peak of his corporate career—constant travel, 7 a.m. meetings, and the pressure that never left. Pete adds how little control they had: no say in location changes, limited personal time, and energy drained by politics and pointless meetings.

Freedom Redefined: What Happens When You’re the Boss
Both hosts explain how being in control of your schedule changes everything. From running errands on Monday to early Friday finishes, they describe the tangible ways business ownership returns time to your life.

Flexibility Isn’t a Perk—It’s the Point
Whether it’s attending a kid’s soccer game or skipping Monday morning dread, Pete and Dave explain how entrepreneurship creates space for life, not just work. It’s not about working less, but about working when and how you want.

Wealth, Reimagined: Why Financial Independence Isn’t Just About Money
They define real wealth as time freedom, strong health, and the ability to choose your future. Pete shares how entrepreneurship let him reinvest in his well-being and plan for a semi-retired future—on his terms.

Designing a Business Around You
Not all owners are the same. Pete and Dave break down different paths: whether you want to work in the business every day or manage from the top, franchising lets you choose how involved you want to be—and that choice is the ultimate luxury.

Key Takeaways:

• The 9-to-5 trap takes more than your time—it can cost your health and purpose
• Owning your business puts you back in charge of your calendar
• A franchise model gives you structure so you can grow with confidence
• Flexibility means being present for life’s best moments—without asking permission
• Wealth is about more than money—it’s about time, health, and control

“I still work as hard as I did in the corporate world—but now, it’s on my terms. That’s the real power of entrepreneurship.” — Pete Gilfillan

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/

Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan
White Collar Jobs Are Disappearing —Here’s Why You Need a Plan

In this episode, Pete and Dave break down a hard trend reshaping corporate America: the rapid elimination of white collar jobs. Whether you’re a senior executive or a rising professional, the writing is on the wall. AI, automation, remote work, and cost-cutting are not temporary disruptions—they’re driving long-term structural changes. So the question is: Are you prepared?

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

The Rise of AI and Automation
From sales management to e-commerce, AI is wiping out layers of oversight and support roles. Learn how even customer-facing jobs are being streamlined with tech.

Cost-Cutting and Corporate Restructuring
Flattened organizations, budget pressure, and short-term thinking are forcing executives out, not because they’ve failed, but because they’re expensive.

The Remote Work Shift
Post-COVID, hybrid and remote models have reduced the need for office-based management. The result? Fewer positions, fewer layers, and more flexibility—but not necessarily for senior leadership.

Technology-Driven Decisions
With access to advanced data and automated insights, companies are relying less on executive instinct and more on algorithms. That’s good for speed, but bad for job security.

Mergers, Downsizing, and Cultural Shifts
Redundancy is now a given in any merger. Combine that with performance-based accountability and a changing workforce culture, and the pressure to adapt—or exit—has never been higher.

Key Takeaways:

• AI, automation, and tech integration are replacing middle and senior management.
• Corporate loyalty won’t protect you from layoffs, especially after age 50.
• Waiting for the next round of cuts is not a strategy. Having a plan is.
• Franchise ownership offers a proven path to career and income security.
• If you’re not building your future, someone else will decide it for you.
  
  
  

“Get ahead of it. Don’t let someone else decide when your corporate chapter ends.” — David 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/

Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan
Beat Ageism and Own Your Future

In this episode, Pete and Dave tackle a hard truth: ageism in corporate America is real, hitting seasoned professionals earlier. But instead of getting pushed out and stalled, you can create a new path forward. They share their personal stories of overcoming age bias and building successful businesses on their own terms through franchise ownership.

In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

The Wake-Up Call of Ageism
Dave shares the moment he realized that even decades of success, loyalty, and leadership don’t shield you from age-based bias. Pushed out sooner than expected, he describes the shock, the emotional toll, and how that experience became a turning point. Ageism may not always be obvious, but the coded language, hesitation, and roadblocks are real.

The False Promises of the Job Market
Pete and Dave break down the corporate job hunt after 50: polishing resumes, reaching out to old contacts, chasing roles you’re overqualified for—only to be told you’re too expensive, too senior, or “not quite the right fit.” They unpack the mental exhaustion and false hope that many executives encounter when trying to reenter the workforce.

Taking Back Control Through Ownership
Instead of waiting for permission or opportunity, franchise ownership gives professionals the power to write their next chapter. Pete and Dave walk through how business ownership puts you in charge of your schedule, your strategy, and your income stream—and why that control is so essential when age starts working against you in traditional careers.

Life After Corporate: What It Really Looks Like
Both hosts share the actual lifestyle shift that came with entrepreneurship: no more Sunday night dread, no more missed family moments. Fridays are for fun. Mondays are for errands. They explain how this freedom isn’t theoretical—it’s a real, tangible benefit of choosing to build something for yourself.

The Transferable Power of Your Corporate Skill Set
Just because corporate isn’t hiring doesn’t mean you’re out of value. Pete and Dave emphasize how franchise models thrive when owners bring in leadership, process thinking, and business management expertise. They explain how your existing skill set becomes an engine, not a relic, in the world of business ownership.

Key Takeaways:

• Ageism won’t go away—but you don’t have to let it stop you.
• Most executives wait too long to prepare for life after corporate.
• Your skill set is still valuable—it just needs a new platform.
• Business ownership gives you control over your schedule, your income, and your impact.
• Franchise models offer structure, support, and a clear path to autonomy.
  
  
  

“Ageism might cost you your next job—but it can’t take away your skills. You

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/