Are you stuck in the corporate grind, wondering if there’s a different path to financial freedom? In this episode, Tim chats with Phil Wilkins, a former finance professional who traded spreadsheets for fries and freedom. After stumbling on an article that sparked his entrepreneurial fire, Phil left the safety of his 9-to-5 and bought his very first business. Tune in as he shares the emotional rollercoaster of walking away from a stable job, the lessons he learned as a first-time business owner, and why belief in yourself might be the most valuable asset of all.
Tim is an entrepreneur who believes everyone should explore the opportunities that business and real estate can provide on the path to financial freedom. He owns and operates a wine & liquor store, a software startup, a consulting company, and a growing portfolio of commercial and residential real estate.
Tim’s passion for independent business has led him to support dozens of other business owners. For over a decade, he has worked with businesses on strategy, processes, finances, and marketing. These experiences, along with analyzing dozens of other businesses for potential acquisition, have provided Tim with an immense knowledge base to pull from.
Tim has appeared on multiple top-tier podcasts in the financial space, such as Bigger Pockets Money and The Freedom Chasers Podcast.
[00:35 – 09:30] From Corporate to Entrepreneur
Phil shares how a single article inspired him to leave his stable finance career.
Talks about the emotional and mental hurdles of walking away from a 9-to-5.
Describes how belief in himself carried him through early doubts.
Highlights the “burn the boats” mentality that pushed him forward.
[09:32 – 16:42] Franchises, Cash Flow, and McDonald’s Lessons
Breaks down how studying McDonald’s helped him understand systems.
Discusses the value of cash flow and repeatable models.
Shares how he applied franchise logic to his own business decisions.
Offers insight into why big ideas don’t always require big capital.
[16:43 – 30:22] Buying Restaurants and Building Real Estate
Details what he looks for when evaluating a restaurant for purchase.
Talks about pairing business ownership with real estate assets.
Explains how real estate plays a key role in long-term wealth.
Discusses avoiding shiny object syndrome when scaling.
[30:23 – 35:23] Starting Lean and Staying Scrappy
Emphasizes growing businesses with minimal resources.
Shares the early grind of taking out trash and doing it all.
Talks about reinvesting instead of extracting profits early.
Encourages others to start small and scale with purpose.
[35:24 – 42:37] Using AI and Positivity to Scale
Shows how AI tools help automate his operations.
Talks about protecting mental space and avoiding negativity.
Shares the role of gratitude and belief in business success.
Encourages surrounding yourself with uplifting, driven people.
[42:38 – End] Financial Discipline and Redefining Success
Highlights the importance of being conservative with money.
Talks about what “wealth” and “retirement” really mean to him.
Shares how he pushes through hard times with mindset and support.
Ends with a philosophy of building resilience over time.
Guest Bio:
Phil Wilkins is a keynote speaker, podcaster, coach, consultant, and author who teaches how to win every day. He prides himself on his unique ability to inspire individuals and organizations in dedication to strategic goals, cultivation of an unwavering work ethic, and commitment to nurture a culture of excellence.
Connect with Phil:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-wilkins-4290b66/
https://www.instagram.com/philwilkinsbya/
https://www.threads.com/@philwilkinsbya
https://open.spotify.com/show/7LprDk6OEdL2fNvMfyc1v1
If you found value in today’s show, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with insights to help you buy and grow a business that creates real financial freedom.
Connect with Tim and the community on social media for more tips and updates:
Website: https://www.powerofbiz.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerofbiz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtdelaney/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@timtdelaney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytdelaney/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timtdelaney
Tweetable Quotes:
“Having a supreme belief in yourself, you do belong.” - Phil Wilkins
“I read that article a thousand times. It was like a vision I couldn’t shake.” - Phil Wilkins
“I didn't know anything about manifestation. But somehow, it found me first.” - Phil Wilkins
“It wasn’t about burgers, fries, or Coke. It was about ownership.” - Phil Wilkins
