top of page

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

DSC09177.heic

Wilson Castillo

Founder/Partner

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.

Sparky-Edited-53.jpg

Jake Williams

Founder/Partner

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.

Margolis-1.jpg

Diliet Farinas

Accounting/financial specialist

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.

Natalya Oksengorn.png

Natalya Oksengorn

Director of Operations

Natalya Oksengorn began her career in the food service industry at just 17 years old, quickly distinguishing herself through her work ethic, leadership ability, and commitment to operational excellence. Her early hands-on experience laid the foundation for a rapid rise into leadership roles, where she developed a deep understanding of team development, customer experience, and efficient restaurant operations. About a decade ago, Natalya transitioned into the franchise space, where she played a key role in bringing several emerging brands to market. She was instrumental in developing and implementing scalable operational strategies, optimizing systems, and supporting multi-unit growth. Her ability to streamline processes while maintaining strong team culture has been a consistent driver of success across the brands she has supported. When the opportunity arose to join Margolis Ventures, Natalya was excited to bring her passion for operations, people development, and growth to a forward-thinking organization. In her role, she continues to focus on building high-performing teams, enhancing operational systems, and driving sustainable expansion. Natalya is known for her results-driven mindset, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering commitment to excellence, making her a trusted and impactful leader in the restaurant and franchise operations space.

© 2025 by Rivas Digital Works

Headquarters

6200 NW 7th Street #262511

Miami, FL 33126

bottom of page