The Escape & Empower Podcast

By: Dave Greenberg and Pete Gilfillan
  • Summary

  • Welcome to Escape and Empower – the ultimate podcast for business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs. Ready to ditch the corporate rat race and step into empowered franchise ownership? Take control of your future, follow your dreams, and live life on your terms. Join hosts Dave and Pete as they provide actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and expert tips to help you ditch the 9-to-5 grind and achieve entrepreneurial success through franchise ownership.

    © 2025 The Escape & Empower Podcast
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Episodes
  • Escape the 9-to-5: The True Rewards of Entrepreneurial Freedom
    Feb 5 2025

    Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

    David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan discuss the many lifestyle advantages of entrepreneurship. Sharing personal stories and practical advice, they dive into what makes the entrepreneurial journey rewarding, empowering, and life-changing.

    In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

    • The Entrepreneur’s Lifestyle
      Dave and Pete reflect on their transition from corporate executives to entrepreneurs, emphasizing the freedom, flexibility, and purpose that come with owning a business.
    • Freedom and Flexibility
      Pete highlights how entrepreneurship allows him to attend his daughter’s soccer games and control his schedule, while Dave shares how he organizes his week to maintain a balance between work and personal priorities.
    • Control Over Your Future
      Entrepreneurs drive their own success. Dave explains how taking control of his destiny removed the fear and unpredictability he faced in the corporate world.
    • Financial Upside
      Unlike corporate roles with capped bonuses, entrepreneurship offers unlimited earning potential. Pete shares how he plans for growth and takes action to achieve financial goals.
    • Personal Growth and Creativity
      Entrepreneurs face real-world challenges that foster continuous learning and innovation. Pete recounts a creative solution he implemented to improve the work environment for his salon suite tenants.
    • Legacy and Community Impact
      Both hosts explore the lasting impact of entrepreneurship, from creating a legacy for their children to making meaningful contributions to their communities through jobs, services, and sponsorships.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Freedom Drives Fulfillment: Entrepreneurship provides the freedom to design a life that aligns with personal and professional values.
    • Purpose Creates Meaning: Owning a business driven by purpose enriches both life and work.
    • Balance Is Key: Entrepreneurs can prioritize what matters most, whether it’s family, hobbies, or personal growth.

    "Entrepreneurship is hard work, but it’s rewarding work. You’re building wealth, creating freedom, and living life on your own terms." — Peter Gilfillan

    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/

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    22 mins
  • Can Your Business Survive and Thrive in a Recession?
    Jan 29 2025

    Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

    David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan dive into a timely topic: Can your business survive and thrive in a recession? They share personal stories, practical advice, and insights on recession-resistant industries to help entrepreneurs confidently navigate uncertain economic times.

    In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

    • Facing Fear in Uncertain Times
      Pete shares how he overcame fear when starting his Junk King franchise during an economic downturn and how the right mindset can lead to success even in tough times.
    • Recession-Resistant Industries
      The hosts explore ten categories of franchises that can withstand economic downturns, including senior care, cleaning services, automotive repair, health and wellness, tax preparation, childcare, and more.
    • Recurring Revenue Opportunities
      Dave emphasizes the appeal of franchises with recurring revenue models, such as beauty and wellness services, which remain steady even in challenging times.
    • Planning for Success
      Both hosts highlight the importance of matching business opportunities to personal skill sets and preferences, ensuring a strong alignment for long-term success.

    Key Takeaways:

    • You Can’t Time the Market: Like investing, there’s no perfect time to start a business—you just need to get started.
    • Recession Resistance Matters: Essential services and recurring revenue businesses provide stability during economic fluctuations.
    • Know Yourself: When choosing the right business, success starts with understanding your strengths, preferences, and goals.

    "Recession or not, thriving in business comes down to preparation, resilience, and choosing the right opportunity for you." — 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/

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    18 mins
  • Recognizing Ageism: Steps to Take Next
    Jan 22 2025

    Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

    David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan delve into one of the most pressing challenges for experienced corporate professionals: ageism. Sharing personal stories, strategies, and actionable advice, they discuss recognizing and overcoming workplace ageism while exploring opportunities to create financial independence through entrepreneurship.

    In this episode, Dave and Pete discuss:

    • Recognizing Ageism in the Workplace
      The hosts highlight common signs of ageism, including reduced career advancement opportunities, limited challenging assignments, and workplace cultural shifts that marginalize experienced professionals.
    • The Reality of Corporate Transitions
      Pete shares alarming statistics about how many executives are forced out of their positions after age 50, often unable to secure comparable roles. Dave reflects on how transitioning from the corporate world provided freedom and a chance to redefine his goals.
    • Parallel Paths to Financial Freedom
      Dave and Pete outline different strategies for navigating ageism, including building semi-absentee franchises alongside W-2 roles, diversifying income streams, and preparing for corporate exits proactively.
    • Leveraging Entrepreneurial Spirit
      The hosts emphasize how entrepreneurship eliminates the barriers of ageism, allowing individuals to apply their skills and passions in a way that builds lasting wealth and independence.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Prepare for Ageism: It’s not a matter of if but when. Diversify your income and assets before being caught flat-footed.
    • Transitions Offer Freedom: Embrace career shifts as opportunities to focus on what truly matters in your life.
    • Entrepreneurship Has No Age Limit: Your experience and skills are assets in business ownership. Hire for what you don’t know and focus on growth.

    "Ageism doesn’t apply when you’re an entrepreneur. Your drive, skills, and vision matter more than your years." — 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/


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    18 mins

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