Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Leighton Hull moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1980 and launched Leighton Hull Management Associates, a consulting firm that worked with start-ups and struggling businesses. During his time with the Los Angeles firm, he served as a chief consultant for Todd Shipyards Corporation and eventually became a full-time in-house consultant while continuing to head his own firm. In the 90s, Leighton Hull completed The Wharton School program at the University of Pennsylvania and the Harvard Business School CEO program. He soon turned his attention to franchises, beginning with McDonalds, increasing sales at his first location by more than 80 percent within two years.
Leighton Hull later transitioned to Denny’s Corporation and within five years owned and operated 14 locations in California, Indiana, and Hawaii. In 2003, he turned to Shell Oil Products US and became a multi-site operator, managing 15 Shell Fuel Stations. Throughout the course of his career, he has held many board positions, including chairman of the board for Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Corporation and a board member of Pacific Clinics Mental Health Services Corporation.