Is It Time to Hire Yourself?
Thursday, June 25, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
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An Executive Q&A with Pete Gilfillan
You’ve spent years in corporate leadership helping build someone else’s business, but lately, you might be looking around and wondering, “Is this really it?” If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your future—or your organization's—it may be time to explore what comes next.
Imagine a path where you use your experience to own and grow a business of your own. The executive franchise model is designed for experienced professionals who want more control over their future. Whether you're considering a full-time transition or want to own a business while keeping your current job, it offers a different path to business ownership.
Join bestselling author and former corporate executive Pete Gilfillan for an honest, no-pressure conversation about what it looks like to make that leap. This is a relaxed, educational discussion designed to help you think through your options, ask real questions, and explore whether this model is worth learning more about. No sales pitches—just a chance to gain clarity on what it could mean to finally hire yourself.
All registrants will receive the recorded program. Simply complete your registration to receive it in the follow-up communication after the live session.
About the Presenter:
Pete Gilfillan is the president of Winning Franchise Solutions, a nationally-recognized franchise consultant and the international best-selling author of HIRE YOURSELF.
Pete is a passionate business leader who is driven to help people achieve their dreams of career independence through franchise ownership. With more than 20 years of experience as a corporate executive across multiple industries and a history of small business ownership, Pete brings a wide breadth of experience to his work as a franchise consultant. His unique knowledge of franchising, energetic outlook, and determination to find the right franchise for each candidate's lifestyle and goals set Pete apart in his field.
Pete was raised in an entrepreneurial family. He spent seventeen years working at Ford Motor Company, rapidly advancing through a variety of regional and national positions to reach the role of general manager where he guided up to six hundred franchise dealerships generating $5 billion in revenue. In his executive capacity, Pete was able to gain an in-depth knowledge of the mechanics, strengths, and benefits of franchising from the corporate side of the table. Pete became a franchise owner himself in 2010 when he purchased a multi-state master license to a junk removal franchise. His investment gave him the opportunity to better understand the benefits and challenges of being a franchisee and the importance of choosing the right franchise for one's strengths, talents, and business objectives. Since 2011, Pete has been working as an independent franchise consultant with FranChoice to help potential franchisees gather information, evaluate opportunities, and make smart selections in franchise ownership. In his role of helping each candidate find his or her optimum investment and lifestyle choice, Pete has found his most fulfilling and rewarding professional calling.
Pete is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and resides in Naperville, IL, with his wife and children. In his private life, he enjoys watching his kids activities, spending time outdoors, exercising, and avidly pursuing self-improvement through books, audio programs, and seminars.
