#196 James Hilovsky: Why Athletes Are Built for Business (And How Franchising is Their Secret Weapon) – Part One

Part One. James Hilovsky traded his cleats for contracts, moving from professional sports to a thriving career in franchising. He knows firsthand how skills like teamwork, leadership, and risk-taking make athletes natural business owners. In this episode, James breaks down how following a coach’s playbook isn’t so different from running a franchise—and how he’s helping others transition from the game to the business world without dropping the ball. Key Highlights of Our Interview: From Baseball to Business “My baseball career was short-lived due to injury, but transitioning to the restaurant industry felt natural. It was another kind of team—working together toward a shared goal.” Systems That Lead to Success “Franchises, like sports leagues, refine their systems to avoid pitfalls. They hand franchisees a proven playbook to help them stay on course and achieve their goals.” Athletes and Franchising: A Natural Fit “Athletes already understand the value of following systems and being part of a team. That mindset translates seamlessly into running a successful franchise.” From Coach to Franchisor “In the franchise world, the franchisor acts like a head coach—laying out the strategies, providing guidance, and ensuring the business operates at peak performance.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: James Hilovsky ______________________ --**Chief Change Officer**-- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs, Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts. 6 Million+ All-Time Downloads. Reaching 80+ Countries Daily. Global Top 3% Podcast. Top 10 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<< --Chief Change Officer-- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep, Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts. EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist. 20 Million+ All-Time Downloads. 80+ Countries Reached Daily. Global Top 1% Podcast. Top 5 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<