VISION IN MOTION:
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY OF LEIGHTON HULL
Long before the franchises and the boardrooms, there was a young man with a pilot's license and a vision. This timeline traces the key entrepreneurial milestones in Leighton Hull's storied business life.
1973
Earned pilot's license and purchased first aircraft. Pictured with future wife.
1975
Appointed Regional Director, Indiana Department of Commerce - Small Business Development Division.
1985
Acquired first McDonald's franchise in Los Angeles. Pictured with older sister.
1990
Expanded into luxury home development in Southern California.
1995
Scaled operations into multi-state Denny's franchise ownership across California, Indiana, and Hawaii. Pictured - Denny's Kona, Hawaii over-looking the ocean.
2003
Built a portfolio of Shell stations with integrated car washes, convenience stores, and QRS brands throughout Southern California.
2012
Launched Bojangles operations in Atlanta. Pictured with daughter, franchise partner.
2014
Expanded consulting practice to advise multi-unit franchisees, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals on operational scale, continuity, and legacy planning. Played an active role in advancing the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute's mission, including mentoring international fellows. Pictured - Allen Entrepreneurial Institute.
2024
Authored memoir and began pilot transition training from piston aircraft to private jet.
Awards and recognitions
Leighton Hull’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a powerful blend of operational mastery, visionary leadership, and strategic diversification. His impact spans the franchise
industry, the broader business landscape, and the communities he serves—earning him numerous accolades for excellence, innovation, and civic contribution.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee 1955
Honoring those individuals and companies whose ingenuity, hard work, and innovation have created successful and growing business ventures.
1995
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee 1955
Honoring those individuals and companies whose ingenuity, hard work, and innovation have created successful and growing business ventures.
1995
Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards- Best Restaurant
Voted "Best Restaurant" two years in a row by community members as part of the nationally recognized Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Los Angeles. The award honors local businesses that deliver exceptional service and cultural relevance. View the moment on YouTube to see the live presentation and audience response.
2000 & 2001
Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards- Best Restaurant
Voted "Best Restaurant" two years in a row by community members as part of the nationally recognized Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Los Angeles. The award honors local businesses that deliver exceptional service and cultural relevance. View the moment on YouTube to see the live presentation and audience response.
2000 & 2001
Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards- Best Restaurant
Voted "Best Restaurant" two years in a row by community members as part of the nationally recognized Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Los Angeles. The award honors local businesses that deliver exceptional service and cultural relevance. View the moment on YouTube to see the live presentation and audience response.
2002
Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards- Best Restaurant
Voted "Best Restaurant" two years in a row by community members as part of the nationally recognized Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Los Angeles. The award honors local businesses that deliver exceptional service and cultural relevance. View the moment on YouTube to see the live presentation and audience response.
2002
Benjamin L. Hooks Business Award
Presented for promoting exceptional social and economic support in underserved communities. This award honors sustained commitment to empowerment, opportunity, and inclusion.
2019
Benjamin L. Hooks Business Award
Presented for promoting exceptional social and economic support in underserved communities. This award honors sustained commitment to empowerment, opportunity, and inclusion.
2019
International Trailblazer Award - Bill Rosenfeld Honoree
Honored at the 14th Annual International Trailblazer Awards for forging new paths in business and making significant contributions to industry and community advancement.
2022
International Trailblazer Award - Bill Rosenfeld Honoree
Honored at the 14th Annual International Trailblazer Awards for forging new paths in business and making significant contributions to industry and community advancement.
2022
Congressional Pinnacle Award
Awarded by the United States Congress in recognition of outstanding business leadership and invaluable service to the community. This national honor celebrates individuals who exemplify entrepreneurial excellence and civic impact.
2024
Congressional Pinnacle Award
Awarded by the United States Congress in recognition of outstanding business leadership and invaluable service to the community. This national honor celebrates individuals who exemplify entrepreneurial excellence and civic impact.
2024
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee 1955
Honoring those individuals and companies whose ingenuity, hard work, and innovation have created successful and growing business ventures.
1995
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee 1955
Honoring those individuals and companies whose ingenuity, hard work, and innovation have created successful and growing business ventures.
1995
Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards- Best Restaurant
Voted "Best Restaurant" two years in a row by community members as part of the nationally recognized Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Los Angeles. The award honors local businesses that deliver exceptional service and cultural relevance. View the moment on YouTube to see the live presentation and audience response.
2000 & 2001
Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards- Best Restaurant
Voted "Best Restaurant" two years in a row by community members as part of the nationally recognized Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Los Angeles. The award honors local businesses that deliver exceptional service and cultural relevance. View the moment on YouTube to see the live presentation and audience response.
2000 & 2001
Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards- Best Restaurant
Voted "Best Restaurant" two years in a row by community members as part of the nationally recognized Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Los Angeles. The award honors local businesses that deliver exceptional service and cultural relevance. View the moment on YouTube to see the live presentation and audience response.
2002
Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards- Best Restaurant
Voted "Best Restaurant" two years in a row by community members as part of the nationally recognized Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Los Angeles. The award honors local businesses that deliver exceptional service and cultural relevance. View the moment on YouTube to see the live presentation and audience response.
2002
Benjamin L. Hooks Business Award
Presented for promoting exceptional social and economic support in underserved communities. This award honors sustained commitment to empowerment, opportunity, and inclusion.
2019
Benjamin L. Hooks Business Award
Presented for promoting exceptional social and economic support in underserved communities. This award honors sustained commitment to empowerment, opportunity, and inclusion.
2019
International Trailblazer Award - Bill Rosenfeld Honoree
Honored at the 14th Annual International Trailblazer Awards for forging new paths in business and making significant contributions to industry and community advancement.
2022
International Trailblazer Award - Bill Rosenfeld Honoree
Honored at the 14th Annual International Trailblazer Awards for forging new paths in business and making significant contributions to industry and community advancement.
2022
Congressional Pinnacle Award
Awarded by the United States Congress in recognition of outstanding business leadership and invaluable service to the community. This national honor celebrates individuals who exemplify entrepreneurial excellence and civic impact.
2024
Congressional Pinnacle Award
Awarded by the United States Congress in recognition of outstanding business leadership and invaluable service to the community. This national honor celebrates individuals who exemplify entrepreneurial excellence and civic impact.
2024
Additional Recognitions
Leighton Hull has also received numerous honors from corporate partners, civic organizations, franchise associations, and community institutions in recognition of his business leadership, mentorship, and long-standing service.
Board and Leadership Service
Leighton Hull Board and Leadership Service.
Pacific Coast Regional Business Finance Corporation
-Chairman
Denny's Franchisee Association
-Vice Chairman; Chair, Marketing Committee
McDonald's Operators Association
-Board Member; Chair, Ethnic Sub-Marketing Committee
Bojangles Franchisee Association
-Board Member
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
-Board Member; Chairman, Real Estate Development Committee
Huntington Memorial Hospital
-Board Member; Member, Finance & Building Committees
Pacific Oaks College
-Trustee
Armory Center for the Arts
-Board Member
Pacific Clinics Pasadena
-Board Member
The Wharton School YPO-CEO Executive Education Program
-Chairman
ACCOMPLISHMENTS