About Us
Margolis Ventures is a private investment and development firm focused on building and scaling high-performing franchise and consumer brands. Founded by Jake Williams and Wilson Castillo to honor the legacy of Dan Margolis—a pioneer in multi-unit franchising and mentor to Wilson—the firm represents a new generation of leadership grounded in deep experience, disciplined execution, and entrepreneurial ambition.
Dan Margolis spent decades acquiring, developing, and operating successful franchise locations across nationally recognized brands such as Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon. His career was defined not only by operational excellence but by the mentorship and leadership he extended to those around him.
As his grandson and mentee, respectively, Jake and Wilson created Margolis Ventures not only to preserve Dan’s core values—but to scale them with the energy and vision of a new generation. The firm was built to extend his legacy, fusing Dan’s people-first model with fresh capital, modern systems, and a forward-looking growth strategy.
Who We Are
At Margolis Ventures, we are more than developers—we are brand builders, operators, and partners. We invest in people and platforms with long-term potential, and we bring the infrastructure, capital discipline, and executional rigor to unlock sustainable growth. Our foundation is built on legacy, but our focus is on the future.
Our Vision
Margolis Ventures exists not just to build stores—but to build enduring enterprises. We believe that success is rooted in operational excellence, grown through mentorship, and scaled through disciplined execution. With each new venture, we strive to honor the past while building the future of franchising.
Our
Leadership
Wilson Castillo began his career at a local mall at the age of 15, and was introduced to the Auntie Anne’s franchise in 1999 at age 26. He worked for Dan Margolis, a local franchisee operating 3 stores, and helped grow the company to 20+ locations through a combination of acquisitions, new store developments, and strategic sales. When Dan retired and sold the business, Wilson co-founded Fresh Dining Concepts (FDC), which was backed by a private equity firm, where Wilson assumed the role of COO. As COO of FDC, Wilson oversaw 200+ locations and led the company’s expansion from a small group of 3 stores generating $1.5M in revenue, to a portfolio of 240 stores generating $150M annually. His strategic focus on operations, development, and team-building was a driving force behind FDC’s success and its continued operational excellence throughout his tenure. Wilson has now left FDC to return to his roots, forming Margolis Ventures with Dan’s grandson, who—fittingly—is 26, just as Wilson was when he began his own journey in 1999.
Jake Williams is a third-generation franchise owner continuing the legacy of his grandfather, Dan Margolis, who entered the Auntie Anne’s system in the 1990s. Growing up in the business, Jake gained hands-on experience across store operations and now owns two Auntie Anne’s and two Cinnabon locations. He was the first in his family to expand into the Cinnabon brand and is now launching new ventures with Nothing Bundt Cakes. At 26, Jake has partnered with longtime family colleague Wilson Castillo to form Margolis Ventures, honoring Dan Margolis’s legacy while building the next generation of growth.
Diliet Farinas is an accomplished accounting professional with over 13 years of experience managing financial operations and supporting business owners. She works closely with franchisees of nationally recognized brands such as Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon, providing accounting solutions tailored to the unique needs of franchise businesses. Her expertise includes bookkeeping, financial reporting, and cash-flow management, with a strong focus on accuracy and clarity. Diliet is passionate about simplifying the accounting process so that business owners can make informed decisions and focus on growing their businesses. Known for her reliability and attention to detail, she is a trusted resource for small business owners and franchise operators alike.
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