Bruce McFarlane Hear Me Roar Podcast: The Untold Truths of Building a Franchise Empire
On this episode of the Hear Me Roar podcast, we welcome Bruce McFarlane, one of Australia’s most respected voices in franchising, law, and business growth. He has led BDC Partners and founded BDC Law, building a career helping franchisors and retailers turn challenges into opportunities.
Bruce’s career spans leadership, investment, and hands-on entrepreneurship. As a result, he brings a rare mix of boardroom strategy and frontline grit. His journey makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone serious about business expansion and leadership.
A Career Built on Growth
Bruce is the CEO of BDC Partners, a group of six professional services businesses that remove the biggest headaches for franchisors and retailers. From strategy and law to recruitment, property, investments, and performance, BDC Partners acts as a one-stop shop for growth.
In addition, he is Co-Founder and Director of BDC Investments, partnering with experienced franchisors to back emerging franchise brands. Current investments include multiple franchised businesses, along with a joint venture with UK-based ComputerXplorers.
Furthermore, Bruce is the Founder & Principal of BDC Law, where he specialises in mergers, acquisitions, franchising, and leasing. Thanks to this, he has built a reputation as a trusted legal and strategic advisor.
Beyond Business: Passion and Purpose
Bruce’s work extends beyond boardrooms. He is Director of Hattch, a lead generation platform that matches franchisors with qualified franchisees. He also serves as CEO of Zorakle Profiles Australia, which provides science-driven assessment tools to predict franchisor/franchisee success.
On a personal level, Bruce is also a franchisee with Recovery Lab Australia, a health and wellness studio run by his daughters. This mix of professional and family ties demonstrates his belief in growth through relationships, community, and collaboration.
Outside business, Bruce shows the same commitment. For example, he has coached junior football teams, supported surf lifesaving, and chaired community fundraisers. His leadership and energy extend far beyond the office.
Why This Episode Matters
The Hear Me Roar podcast is built on real stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership. Bruce embodies all three. His experience shows what it takes to navigate the ups and downs of franchising, legal complexity, and business expansion. Most importantly, he reminds us to keep people at the centre of it all.
If you are a founder, franchisor, retailer, or simply someone seeking inspiration from a proven leader, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.