Every week Pete from Hire Yourself will give you some franchise, business, or entrepreneurial advice and information. The episodes are ten to twenty minutes long and are perfect for the commute to or from your office. And who knows, maybe one day they will convince you to hire yourself!
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August 11, 2026Episode 1213 min
The Biggest Franchise Trends Shaping the Next Decade
Where are the biggest opportunities in franchising headed over the next decade? After spending several days hearing directly from more than 120 franchise brands across North America, one thing was clear: franchising is evolving, and some of the strongest growth is happening in areas driven by long-term shifts in how people live, spend, work, and invest. In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, we break down the biggest trends shaping the future of franchising and what they could mean for professionals considering business ownership. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 Why health, wellness, and longevity businesses are gaining momentum 🔹 Why essential and specialty services continue to offer resilient opportunities 🔹 The growing demand behind pet care, children's services, senior care, and home improvement 🔹 How AI is making franchise businesses more efficient—not simply replacing them 🔹 What these trends reveal about where franchise growth may be headed over the next decade For corporate professionals navigating AI disruption, layoffs, restructuring, and changing workplace expectations, these trends offer another perspective on what it can look like to build something of your own. CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
July 28, 2026Episode 118 min
Remote Work Is Over, Now What?
As more companies tighten return-to-office requirements, many professionals are being forced to reconsider what flexibility really means. Remote work may offer freedom from the office, but when an employer can change that policy at any time, how much control do you actually have? In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan explores the difference between employer-provided flexibility and the flexibility that can come with business ownership. Drawing from his own experience leaving the corporate world, Pete shares how becoming a business owner gave him greater control over his schedule, from being present for his kids’ activities to spending a month working remotely from Florida. Business ownership does not necessarily mean working less, but it can give you more control over when, where, and how you work. For corporate executives considering what comes next, the bigger question may not be whether remote work will survive, but what kind of life and career you want to build. Pete discusses how corporate leadership skills can transfer to business ownership and why franchising may offer a path toward greater control over your time, income, and future. Chapters 00:00 - The freedom to work on your own terms 00:56 - Why return-to-office mandates are making a comeback 01:54 - What flexibility really means 02:42 - The return-to-office trend is accelerating 03:24 - Why corporate flexibility can change overnight 03:56 - What flexibility really looks like as a business owner 04:13 - How business ownership gave Pete more control over his time 04:54 - How technology is creating more flexibility for business owners 05:33 - Working, traveling, and building a schedule on your own terms 06:14 - The bigger question: What kind of life are you trying to build? 06:30 - Turning corporate experience into an advantage in business ownership 07:36 - Next steps for exploring business ownership CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
July 14, 2026Episode 109 min
How Do You Finance a Franchise Business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a franchise is that you need to write one massive check upfront. In reality, experienced entrepreneurs often approach business ownership very differently by strategically combining multiple funding sources to preserve capital while investing in a business designed to generate long-term wealth. In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan breaks down the fundamentals of franchise financing and explains why understanding your funding options can be one of the most important steps toward becoming a business owner. Rather than viewing financing as a barrier, entrepreneurs learn to leverage available resources in ways that maximize flexibility, reduce risk, and maintain liquidity. Successful entrepreneurs focus less on the purchase price and more on building an effective financing strategy. The episode also explores several common funding options available to prospective franchise owners, including brokerage-backed lending, retirement funding through the ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) program, SBA loans, traditional bank financing, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), outside investors, friends and family financing, and franchise-sponsored financing programs. Key themes include: Why many successful entrepreneurs avoid paying for a business entirely with cash Understanding leverage as a core principle of business ownership How combining multiple financing sources can reduce financial strain The advantages of retirement funding through the ROBS program How SBA loans work and what entrepreneurs should expect during the process Using brokerage accounts and home equity as sources of business capital The role of outside investors, friends and family, and franchise financing programs Why preserving liquidity is critical when starting or acquiring a business The mindset shift from asking "Can I afford it?" to "What's the smartest way to finance it?" How understanding financing options can remove one of the biggest barriers to business ownership Financing a franchise is rarely about writing one large check. This episode helps listeners understand the full range of funding options available and strategically leverage multiple sources of capital to preserve cash, reduce financial risk, and build a stronger foundation for long-term business success. CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
June 30, 2026Episode 99 min
The Rise of Tiny Teams
What if the future of entrepreneurship isn't about building bigger companies—but building smarter ones? In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan explores one of the most important business shifts emerging in the age of artificial intelligence: the rise of tiny teams. For decades, business success was measured by growth in employees, management layers, office space, and operational complexity. Today, AI and automation are changing that equation. Pete explains how entrepreneurs are leveraging AI-powered tools to automate tasks that once required entire departments. From customer service and scheduling to marketing, lead qualification, content creation, and operational support, technology is enabling lean businesses to operate with unprecedented efficiency. Pete also examines why corporate executives may be uniquely positioned to benefit from this trend. Skills developed in large organizations—such as leadership, process management, operations, project management, and technology integration—can become powerful competitive advantages when combined with modern AI tools. Key themes include: How AI is reducing the labor required to operate many businesses Why tiny teams can compete effectively against larger organizations The advantages of low-overhead, lean business models How AI can function as a virtual assistant, marketer, scheduler, and customer service representative Why corporate leadership experience translates well into entrepreneurship The growing role of automation in customer service, scheduling, and operations How franchising and AI create powerful scalability opportunities Why technology is lowering the barriers to business ownership The potential to manage multiple businesses and revenue streams through automation The core takeaway: entrepreneurship is entering a new era where success is no longer determined by the size of your workforce. By combining AI, automation, and proven business systems, entrepreneurs can build highly competitive, scalable businesses with smaller teams, lower overhead, and greater operational flexibility. Chapters 00:00 - How AI and automation make it easier to scale multiple businesses 00:56 - The rise of tiny teams and the end of the "bigger is better" business model 01:37 - Why large corporate organizations are losing their advantage 02:23 - Future of entrepreneurship: building a business with AI, experience, and execution 02:56 - How AI is reducing the labor required to run a business 03:27 - The reinvention of the solopreneur through AI 03:59 - The competitive advantages of lean, low-overhead businesses 04:38 - AI as your workforce: sales, customer service, scheduling, and operations 05:24 - Real-world examples of AI in customer service and automation 06:10 - How technology is lowering the barriers to business ownership 06:43 - Why corporate executives have an advantage in the AI era 07:09 - Using AI to manage multiple businesses and revenue streams 07:40 - Why franchising and AI are a powerful combination 08:08 - The future belongs to agile, technology-driven businesses 08:35 - Exploring franchise ownership opportunities and final thoughts CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
June 16, 2026Episode 89 min
Why Blue-Collar Businesses Are Booming
Why are blue-collar businesses becoming some of the most attractive opportunities in today's economy? In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan explores the major shift taking place across the workforce and business landscape. While corporate careers, technology roles, and white-collar professions have dominated the conversation for decades, many blue-collar and service-based industries are quietly experiencing significant growth and creating substantial wealth-building opportunities. Drawing from his own transition from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship, Pete explains why essential service businesses such as home services, skilled trades, property maintenance, restoration, and senior care continue to thrive regardless of economic uncertainty. These businesses solve urgent, necessary problems that consumers cannot delay, creating predictable demand, strong cash flow potential, and long-term resilience. Pete also discusses how advances in AI and automation are making these traditionally "old-school" businesses more efficient than ever. From AI-powered customer service and estimating tools to automated lead qualification and scheduling systems, technology is helping service businesses scale while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. The core takeaway: some of the biggest wealth-building opportunities today may not be found in flashy startups or emerging technologies. Essential service businesses combine recurring demand, scalability, AI resistance, and operational leverage, creating a compelling path for executives seeking greater control over their future through business ownership. Chapters 00:00 - Why blue-collar businesses may create the next generation of millionaires 01:02 - The shift away from white-collar careers and corporate ladders 02:24 - Why Pete left corporate America and became an entrepreneur 02:49 - Essential services: the foundation of predictable demand 03:38 - Why blue-collar businesses are recession-resistant and AI-resistant 04:32 - Workforce shortages and the opportunity in skilled trades 05:07 - Real-world examples: Grout Medic, Oura Ring, and Surface Experts 06:38 - Why franchising and technology create a powerful combination 07:02 - How executives can leverage their leadership skills in business ownership 07:57 - The overlooked opportunity in blue-collar and home service businesses 08:26 - Final thoughts and exploring franchise ownership opportunities CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
June 2, 2026Episode 78 min
Why AI Changes Everything
Is AI making entrepreneurship easier than ever before? In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan explores how artificial intelligence is transforming small business ownership and challenging many of the assumptions people have about entrepreneurship. While many executives still picture business ownership as long hours, manual operations, and constant problem-solving, today's AI tools are helping entrepreneurs automate tasks, streamline operations, and scale more efficiently than ever before. Pete discusses why corporate executives may be uniquely positioned to benefit from this shift. Their experience with systems, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making can pair naturally with franchise models that already provide established processes and AI-enabled tools. Key themes include: How AI is reshaping small business ownership Real-world examples of AI-powered customer service and lead generation The role of AI in sales optimization and customer acquisition Why franchises are increasingly leveraging automation and AI tools How executives can apply their corporate experience to business ownership The growing impact of AI on white-collar roles and career planning AI is not replacing entrepreneurs; it is giving them better tools. For executives considering business ownership, AI is lowering operational barriers, increasing efficiency, and making it easier to build scalable businesses without doing everything themselves. CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
May 19, 2026Episode 68 min
Recession-Proof Your Legacy
What does it actually mean to "recession-proof" your future in a world shaped by economic instability and AI-driven disruption? In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan unpacks the difference between perceived stability and real control. After nearly two decades in corporate America at companies like Ford Motor Company and Terex, Pete learned a hard truth: strong performance doesn't guarantee long-term security. A separation package from Ford—despite being a top performer—was the pivotal moment that pushed him toward franchise ownership and a new definition of career resilience. Pete makes the case for owning businesses in essential, need-based industries that hold up regardless of economic conditions. He also addresses the growing impact of AI on white-collar careers and why many executives are turning their attention toward service-based and blue-collar industries that are harder to automate. Key themes include: Corporate stability vs. actual control Why need-based businesses weather economic cycles How franchising offers a proven path into entrepreneurship AI's impact on white-collar employment Building long-term legacy through ownership The core takeaway: recession-proofing isn't about fear—it's about positioning yourself in business models that offer durability and control. If you've been questioning corporate life or exploring ways to secure your financial future, this episode offers a practical perspective on building resilience through franchise ownership. CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
May 5, 2026Episode 57 min
The Golden Handshake
What if a severance package wasn’t just a safety net, but a strategic asset? In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan reframes the concept of the “golden handshake,” drawing from his own experience during the early stages of the Great Recession when he was offered a voluntary separation package. What initially appears as an unexpected disruption can, when approached deliberately, become a catalyst for long-term control and ownership. Pete breaks down a key distinction: most people treat severance as a temporary bridge between jobs, but it can instead function as seed capital, funding both the launch of a business and the personal runway needed to build it without immediate financial pressure. This episode explores how to think strategically about that capital, including how to allocate it between business investment and living expenses, and why timing, cash flow planning, and operational stability are critical in the early stages of entrepreneurship. Pete also explains why franchising can be a particularly effective model in this transition. With established systems, brand recognition, and built-in support, franchise ownership reduces the uncertainty that typically comes with starting from scratch, allowing professionals to leverage their existing skill sets within a proven framework. Key themes explored in this episode include: Why severance packages can be reframed as opportunity rather than loss The difference between using severance as a bridge vs. using it as seed capital How to create both financial runway and business momentum simultaneously The importance of cash flow timing and low-overhead startup strategies Why franchise models provide structure, support, and scalability The psychological shift from reacting to circumstances to making intentional decisions How control, not certainty, reduces perceived risk in career transitions If you’ve recently received a separation package, or want to be prepared if that moment comes, this episode offers a practical framework for turning uncertainty into a calculated move toward business ownership. CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
April 21, 2026Episode 47 min
Create Certainty in an Uncertain World
What does it actually mean to create certainty in a world that feels increasingly unstable? In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan explores the growing sense of uncertainty many professionals are facing—from economic volatility and corporate restructuring to the rapid rise of AI—and why traditional career paths may no longer offer the stability they once did. Drawing from his own experience as a former corporate executive, Pete shares the pivotal moment that forced him to rethink control over his future, and how that led him into business ownership through franchising. This episode breaks down a critical shift in perspective: certainty doesn’t come from external stability—it comes from control. And for many, that requires moving away from corporate dependency and toward ownership. Pete outlines the strategic reasoning behind investing in essential, needs-based businesses, industries that maintain consistent demand regardless of economic conditions. These include sectors like restoration, HVAC, senior care, and property maintenance—businesses built around solving real, ongoing problems. Key themes explored in this episode include: Why corporate “security” can change overnight, regardless of performance The difference between perceived stability and actual control How essential service businesses create more predictable demand Why franchise ownership reduces guesswork through proven systems The distinction between risk and strategic positioning How to think differently about long-term career and income stability A central takeaway is that uncertainty is not temporary—it’s structural. The individuals who navigate it best are those who intentionally position themselves in environments they can control. If you’re questioning the stability of your current path or looking for a more strategic approach to your future, this episode offers a clear framework for thinking about certainty, control, and business ownership. CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
April 7, 2026Episode 39 min
What Are Franchisors Really Looking For?
What actually gets someone approved for a franchise, and why do some candidates get turned down? In this episode of the Hire Yourself Podcast, Pete Gilfillan breaks down one of the most misunderstood aspects of franchising: approval isn’t automatic, even if you have the capital. Franchising is not a one-sided decision. It’s a long-term partnership, and franchisors are highly selective about who they bring into their system. They’re evaluating more than financial qualifications—they’re looking for the characteristics that signal whether someone can successfully operate and grow the business over time. Pete walks through the key traits franchisors are looking for in a potential partner, including: Coachability and the ability to follow a proven system Leadership and people management skills Financial stability and adequate capitalization Long-term commitment and a growth mindset Cultural alignment and brand representation Relationship-building and community connection Resilience, accountability, and problem-solving ability A common thread across all of these factors is fit. Franchisors are not just looking for investors; they’re looking for operators who can execute within the system, represent the brand consistently, and contribute to the long-term success of the network. If you’re considering franchise ownership, this episode offers a clear perspective on how franchisors evaluate candidates—and how to position yourself as the right partner. CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/ CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804 ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642 📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
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