Bold Enough

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Klay Hafeez, a former oil and gas engineer turned multi-franchise owner, for a powerful conversation about identity, risk, grit, and building a legacy from scratch.

Klay’s journey is anything but ordinary. He grew up in a culture where entrepreneurship wasn’t the norm, but he persevered; writing “10 in 10” on a piece of paper, and building toward it. After ditching the security of a corporate career, he went all-in on his vision, starting with a plastic folding table and one hire (who didn’t last long). Today, Klay oversees a thriving portfolio of home service brands, a team of nearly 30, and a family-run business that is redefining what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

This episode is a heart-forward roadmap to legacy-building, complete with emotional turning points, lessons in leadership, and the surprising power of “just doing it.”

Key Takeaways

• Why owning your time often means betting on yourself
• The hidden power of written goals (and Klay’s famous “10 in 10” mantra)
• How to lead by empowering others and not controlling them
• What it really takes to scale from 1 to 30+ team members
• The emotional weight of payroll and responsibility
• Why building a business with your family can be your ultimate legacy

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction to Klay Hafeez
• [04:56] Mr. Handyman: His first franchise move
• [06:04] Becoming a franchise community leader
• [09:30] Growth into multiple franchises (Bath Tune-Up, AirServe, Kitchen Tune-Up)
• [12:28] The birth of the “10 in 10” goal
• [14:09] The weight of payroll and leadership
• [17:48] Unexpected joys: family involvement and team building
• [24:50] Defining success
• [30:58] Where to find and follow Klay

Notable Quotes

• [02:19] “I realized I was building someone else’s legacy. I wanted ownership, control, my own time, my future.” — Klay Hafeez
• [07:01] “If you come to me with a question, I can’t give you a straight answer. I have to give you the why.” — Klay Hafeez
• [12:38] “I wrote ‘10 in 10’ on a piece of paper. No one knew what it meant, but I did. Ten businesses in ten years. That was the goal.” — Klay Hafeez
• [14:20] “Payroll goes beyond numbers. Families rely on me. That’s a heavy load.” — Klay Hafeez
• [27:27] “Success equals self-actualization + empowering others + a high-flyer community + deep trust + unlocking care in others.” — Madeleine MacRae
• [28:42] “I have a poster in my office: ‘Building a community where everyone belongs.’ That’s what I live.” — Klay Hafeez

Our Guest

Klay Hafeez is a former engineer turned serial entrepreneur and proud owner of four (and counting) home service franchise brands. With roots in Calgary and dreams bigger than most dared to dream, Klay built his business empire from scratch, driven by a belief in legacy, leadership, and community. Today, he’s not just building businesses, he’s building a future where everyone around him belongs.

Klay Hafeez

• Website - https://www.mrhandyman.ca/west-calgary/
• LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/klayhafeez

Madeleine MacRae

• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/
• Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

Many leaders focus on skills, but Rob White built his career on purpose, passion, and a belief in serving others. In this heartfelt episode, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Rob, Brand President at Monster Tree Service, to unpack how values-driven leadership, a love for small business, and the courage to follow divine direction can lead to enduring impact.

From launching a Rainbow Restoration franchise with zero handyman skills to running multiple FastSigns locations and now leading a national tree service brand, Rob’s journey is filled with unexpected turns, moments of heartbreak, and hard-earned wisdom. His story is a testament to what’s possible when business becomes a vehicle for purpose, and leadership is rooted in love, not ego.

Key Takeaways

• Why not having “skills” can actually be a superpower in business
• How faith and values-based leadership influence every decision
• Why franchising isn’t passive income; it’s a people-first business
• The heartbreak of leadership and why it’s still worth it
• The power of hiring leaders before you feel ready
• How small acts of alignment build long-term impact

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction to Rob White
• [03:31] Rob’s journey into franchising and small business
• [05:13] Becoming a brand president and family decisions
• [06:59] Owning multiple franchises and Fast Signs story
• [08:16] Board membership and broader franchise experience
• [10:25] The importance of passion and love in business
• [14:26] Recognizing and nurturing talent in others
• [17:32] Systems, training, and the three T’s
• [20:07] Leadership heartbreak and betrayal
• [26:26] Sacrifice, family, and the law of the lid
• [29:53] Favorite business philosophy
• [31:03] Defining success and the success algorithm
• [35:29] Closing and contact information

Notable Quotes

• [06:02] “I believe that God puts opportunities in front of you. He puts the license in front. You just have to take action.” — Rob White
• [16:22] “I enjoy bringing out the best in others. That’s where I get joy.” — Rob White
• [23:56] “Service businesses are not absentee. Not the ones I’ve ever seen. You have to be involved.” — Rob White
• [28:40] “Every time I paid more than I wanted to for talent, it worked out. It always grew the business.” — Rob White
• [31:42] “ God has blessed me, but I'm not finished yet.” — Rob White

Our Guest

Rob White is the Brand President of Monster Tree Service under Authority Brands, a home services franchise platform. With over two decades of leadership experience across brands like Rainbow Restoration, Mosquito Squad, and FastSigns, Rob has served in nearly every role in the franchise ecosystem—from owner to advisor. He’s driven by faith, family, and a mission to build businesses that serve people, not just profits.

Rob White

• Website – https://www.monstertreeservice.com/
• Website – https://www.authoritybrands.com/
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-white-trexlo
• Email – [email protected] or [email protected]

Madeleine MacRae

• Website – https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/
• Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

Mentioned

•  Book: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Jeremy Morgan, Group President at Horsepower Brands, to explore how hands-on leadership, lived experience, and leading with influence can transform your business and your legacy.

Jeremy shares his unconventional journey from broke college student running a painting franchise to overseeing two high-growth home service brands, Groovy Hues and Bumblebee Blinds. Along the way, he’s coached nearly 600 entrepreneurs and learned hard lessons about leadership, influence, and building businesses that endure beyond your lifetime.

Key Takeaways

•  Why true influence always beats positional power
•  How "living it to lead it" creates authentic leadership that earns trust
•  The difference between transactional relationships and legacy-driven partnerships
•  Why franchising can shorten your learning curve—but never replaces the work
•  How to lead with empathy, even when delivering tough truths
•  What building a business that outlasts you really requires

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Jeremy Morgan
• [00:05:41] The value of experience and empathy
• [00:06:39] Leading with influence vs. power
• [00:11:16] Building legacy and non-transactional relationships
• [00:13:10] “Live it to lead it” philosophy
• [00:16:19] Humility and relatability in leadership
• [00:19:45] Culture, modeling behavior, and trust
• [00:22:27] Unexpected challenges: the truck fire story
• [00:26:59] The gift in adversity and realistic leadership
• [00:31:06] Entrepreneurship as a heroic journey
• [00:33:42] Ripple effect and creating opportunities
• [00:35:57] Defining success and life purpose
• [00:38:21] Closing and contact information

Notable Quotes

• [05:41] "Being both a franchisor and a franchisee has given me a greater appreciation and a lot more empathy for the franchisees I’ve had the blessing to serve over my career." — Jeremy Morgan
• [06:23] "It’s been a real ride and a tremendous blessing to have the chance to write a small chapter in someone else’s entrepreneurial story, which is a lot of fun." — Jeremy Morgan
• [11:51] "Part of what motivates me is going, 'Okay, how can I build something that will serve people even when I’m not in it?'" — Jeremy Morgan
• [16:36] "I see consistently, time after time, those who dive in, humble themselves and go do all the things, ultimately end up winning the hearts and minds of those they work with." — Jeremy Morgan
• [26:45] "I’ve tried to be that kind of leader, coach, or friend to the folks I’ve had the blessing to work with over these years. It’s something I always try to aspire towards." — Jeremy Morgan
• [29:21] "The benefit that’s come out of that hard thing has given me some tools and the ability to connect with folks who are in hard things." — Jeremy Morgan

Our Guest

Jeremy Morgan is Group President at Horsepower Brands, overseeing Groovy Hues and Bumblebee Blinds. With nearly three decades of franchise experience, including launching almost 600 franchisees, Jeremy is passionate about servant leadership, legacy building, and helping entrepreneurs turn hard work into lasting impact.

Jeremy Morgan

• Website - https://horsepowerbrands.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremynmorgan
• Email - [email protected]
• Groovy News - https://horsepowerbrands.com/groovy-hues-is-painting-the-future-with-new-leadership/
• Bumblebee Blinds - https://www.bumblebeeblinds.com/

Madeleine MacRae

• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/
• Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

If you’re great at your craft but feel like running your business is the hardest part, you’re not alone. 

In this episode, Madeleine MacRae welcomes seasoned business coach John Nieuwenburg, who specializes in helping small business owners make the leap from “technician” to true CEO. John works with tradespeople and professionals who’ve mastered their skill set but now find themselves overwhelmed by the business side of things. Whether it’s time management, team building, or getting control of your finances, John breaks down the hidden roadblocks that hold business owners back, and how to overcome them.

This episode is packed with real talk on what it takes to grow: shifting your mindset, learning to delegate, building a culture you’re proud of, and having the hard conversations that leadership demands. John also shares his powerful personal story, from a suicide attempt in 2011 to living his most successful decade yet, and how that experience reshaped his definition of success.

You’ll walk away with new perspective, tactical tools, and a clearer path forward, no matter where you are on your business journey.

Key Takeaways

• Why your title hasn’t changed, but your job must
• The real reason business coaching is often personal coaching in disguise
• Why time, team, and money challenges all trace back to mindset
• How the “Sh*t List” reveals your biggest delegation gaps
• Why culture is not a cherry on top, but the foundation of your business
• How to scale complexity without losing control
• Why 80% done by someone else is 100% awesome

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Introduction to John Nieuwenburg
• [00:04:00] John’s journey into coaching
• [00:09:22] Delegation and the “sh*t” list
• [00:14:13] Valuing the owner’s time
• [00:16:09] Scaling and the captain analogy
• [00:17:47] Mindset and culture as foundations
• [00:21:22] Complexity of scaling and systems
• [00:25:08] Small business advantages and recruiting
• [00:28:13] Compassion in difficult conversations
• [00:33:20] Success and personal journey
• [00:41:22] Closing remarks and John’s resources

Notable Quotes

• [06:45] “Very often, business coaching is personal coaching in disguise.” — John Nieuwenburg
• [19:06] “Your culture isn’t the cherry on the cake—it is the cake.” — John Nieuwenburg
• [20:34] “People want to be part of a good culture. They yearn for being part of a great culture. So you're serving your people when you create a great culture.”— John Nieuwenburg
• [08:52] “If you don’t have a VA, you are the VA. And you’re probably bad at it.” — John Nieuwenburg
• [13:40] “80% done by someone else is 100% awesome.” — John Nieuwenburg
• [22:23] “Systems run the business. People run the systems. You lead the people.” — John Nieuwenburg

Our Guest

John Nieuwenburg is a seasoned business coach and founder of W5 Coaching, where he helps service-based business owners transition from technicians to CEOs. With a background in leadership, coaching, and personal transformation, including his own turning point in 2011, John brings clarity and strategy to those ready to scale. His TEDx Talk and curated blog series continue to inspire entrepreneurs across industries.

John Nieuwenburg

• Website – https://w5coaching.com/
• Blog – https://w5coaching.com/resources/
• TEDx Talk – Search “John Nieuwenburg TEDx” on YouTube

Madeleine MacRae

• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae welcomes David Balkan, a veteran entrepreneur who spent the last 40+ years growing his family’s plumbing company into New York City’s largest house sewer and water service line contractor. But what makes David’s story compelling isn’t just the scale of the business—it’s the transformation behind the scenes.

David opens up about what it really took to evolve from a fear-driven leader—what he calls “a hammer always looking for a nail”—to the head of a thriving, values-driven team. Together, he and Madeleine dive into the kind of leadership that lasts: building culture with intention, learning from failure without fear, and understanding that true success isn’t just about financial wins—but legacy, impact, and people.

If you’ve ever struggled with the loneliness of leadership, the pressure to prove yourself, or the challenge of building a team that truly gels—this episode will hit home. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Culture isn’t fluff, it’s your foundation.
• Mistakes are inevitable; make them a one-off.
• The most successful leaders lose their ego.
• Don’t use your business to prove your worth.
• Loneliness in leadership is real—find community.
• People, not profits, are the true legacy.

In This Episode

• [00:00 Introduction to David Balkan
• [03:06] Luck vs. hard work
• [05:23] Unexpected highs: joy in team & culture
• [06:38] Overcoming anxiety & pressure
• [08:35] Building company culture
• [10:11] Authenticity & values alignment
• [12:01] Handling mistakes: one-off mentality
• [13:49] Communication & curiosity
• [15:04] Challenges of entrepreneurship & loneliness
• [19:51] Hiring people better than yourself
• [21:52] Defining success
• [24:22] Closing & call to action

Notable Quotes

• [04:22] “One day I read a definition of luck from Socrates. He said, luck is the intersection of opportunity and preparation.”— Madeleine MacRae

• [05:42] “I wasn't driven to succeed. I was terrified of failing. So any person or thing that became a potential for my failure got treated in a very harsh way.”— David Balkan

• [06:07] “The world is absolutely nuts out there—maybe more so now than before. Not in my four walls.”— David Balkan

• [12:11] “How do we make a mistake a one-off? How do we make an issue a one-off? That mentality of, listen, mistakes are going to happen—problems are going to come up. What's the way that we don’t make it happen again?”— Madeleine MacRae

• [18:46] “What separates the highly successful from the moderately successful—or the not successful? What is that? It’s that sense of lose your ‘I’... that ability to embrace humility.”— Madeleine MacRae

• [20:30] “Don’t use your business as the vehicle to constantly prove your worth.”— David Balkan

• [21:54] “I’d like to think of myself as a lifelong learner. I always want to learn new things. I, you know, sometimes get frightened—but I don’t get stopped.”— David Balkan

Our Guest

David Balkan is the President of Balkan Plumbing, a third-generation, family-run business that’s grown from 7 laborers to over 100 employees. With nearly four decades of experience and a passion for people-first leadership, David has redefined what success looks like—not in dollars, but in dignity, culture, and legacy.

David Balkan

• Website – https://www.balkanplumbing.com/
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-balkan-21922222

Madeleine MacRae

• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/

What if the business that fired you ended up being your biggest blessing?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Matt Cobb, co-owner of Southern Traditions Window Fashions, for a conversation that hits every note: grit, failure, rebuilding, and leading with purpose.

Matt shares his unconventional journey: laid off with a newborn at home, he eventually became co-owner of the very company that had let him go. It was a powerful full-circle moment, but the real test came later. When COVID struck, it threatened to unravel everything they’d built. Partnership tensions flared, operations were thrown into chaos, and doubts crept in. As Matt describes it, it was their hardest season yet. But it also became their turning point.

By focusing on their individual strengths instead of trying to fix every weakness, Matt and his partners found a new rhythm. They learned that alignment matters more than agreement, and that the best partnerships are rooted not in similarity, but in complementary skills and deep trust.

This episode is a masterclass in navigating business breakpoints, surviving a global crisis, and building a leadership team that thrives through it—not in spite of it. Because success isn’t just about revenue, it’s about what you’re building outside the office, too.

Key Takeaways

• Why getting fired can be the greatest pivot point of your career
• The true value of buying a business with legacy—and the risk it carries
• What makes a business partnership thrive (and the red flags to avoid)
• Why working in your zone of genius is the ultimate growth strategy
• The dangers of panic hiring and how to build sustainable teams
• How a childhood road trip memory became Matt’s north star for defining success

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Matt Cobb
• [00:04:09] Acquiring Southern Traditions: The Panera Bread deal  
• [00:08:32] The power of partnership 
• [00:12:09] Gallup StrengthsFinder and focusing on strengths, not weaknesses  
• [00:16:01] Challenges and growth edges in partnership  
• [00:17:55] Navigating COVID-19 and difficult decisions  
• [00:22:03] Post-COVID growth and hiring lessons  
• [00:24:56] Defining and measuring success  
• [00:28:24] Personal success algorithm and reflection  
• [00:31:56] Contact information and closing thoughts 

Notable Quotes

• [02:20] "Our story was kind of one of those good old-fashioned American underdog stories... that transition from employee to former employee." — Matt Cobb

• [06:44] “And for us, what we thought we were buying and what we were always, we were buying the longevity and the reputation of Southern Traditions because we had been a part of this growth.” — Matt Cobb

• [07:48] “There is something to buying a business that already has a firm foundation, especially a really great reputation in your marketplace. You gain something that you would have had to build.” — Madeleine MacRae

• [10:53] “So many business owners actually cap out their own growth because they spend an inordinate amount of time backfilling weaknesses.” — Madeleine MacRae

• [13:56] “You can go twice as far with half as much effort when you work in a zone of strength versus when you work in a zone of weakness.” — Madeleine MacRae

• [15:09] “If you have a weakness that lands you in the ditch every time, build a bridge.” — Madeleine MacRae

• [16:45] “We walked in the door day one, and our debt service, monthly debt service, was just under 20% of revenue. 20% going to pay off buying this business. And obviously that's not a good ratio.” — Matt Cobb

Our Guest

Matt Cobb is the co-owner of Southern Traditions Window Fashions, a company he once worked for, was let go from, and ultimately returned to purchase and transform. With over 20 years in the industry, Matt brings deep expertise in sales, an unwavering belief in the power of strong partnerships, and a relentless commitment to doing business with heart. Alongside his co-owners, Matt has grown the company into a respected regional leader by leveraging each partner’s unique strengths and staying grounded in personal purpose. His leadership style blends grit, humility, and a dedication to creating meaningful work—for himself, his team, and his family.

Matt Cobb

• Website - https://www.shutters4u.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuttermattcobb
• Email: [email protected]

Madeleine MacRae

• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/
• Book: The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

Mentioned 

• Book: Now, Discover Your Strengths by Gallup
• Gallup StrengthFinder Online Assessment
• Book: E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber

What does success really mean to you? In this episode, host Madeleine MacRae breaks format and flies solo to share a raw, deeply personal reflection on what it truly takes to scale, not just your business, but yourself. If you've ever felt like you should be further along by now or questioned whether the struggle is worth it, this episode is for you.

Madeleine takes you behind the scenes of her own entrepreneurial journey from sitting on executive leadership teams to sitting on the floor of a coworking space in tears, how those rock-bottom moments became the fuel for transformation, and why redefining success was the key to everything changing.

Key Takeaways

• Why money is the worst metric for success, and what to use instead.
• How predictable breakpoints in business signal growth, not failure.
• The real transformation required to scale from $1M to $10M+.
• Why no one builds a legacy alone (and how to ask for help).

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction
• [01:15] The podcast’s flagship question: “Do you feel successful?”
• [02:29] Why profit matters more than top-line revenue
• [05:09] What are “breakpoints” and why they matter for growth
• [06:27] Why your next business breakthrough requires personal transformation
• [09:38] Who this podcast is really for (and how to be a guest)
• [13:52] Madeleine answers her own signature question
• [14:51] A raw story: negative bank balance, no diapers, and no way out
• [20:44] From struggle to stability: the power of healing and growth
• [21:52] Wealth in what matters: redefining success from the inside out
• [23:08] Advice to her younger self
• [24:09] Final reflections and encouragement

Notable Quotes

• [06:37] “You can hustle your way to a couple million. But you cannot hustle your way to $10 million.” — Madeleine MacRae

• [02:10] “ I heard a speaker say that having a number in your bank account that makes you feel successful is a poverty mindset.” — Madeleine MacRae

• [22:31] “ You can win the lottery. It doesn't make you successful, it makes you wealthy.” — Madeleine MacRae

Our Host

Madeleine MacRae is the CEO and Co-Founder of ProQ and the visionary behind Scaling the Gap. With years of experience helping business owners break past revenue plateaus, she’s on a mission to help leaders scale with systems, sustainability, and soul. Her journey from executive to entrepreneur has been anything but smooth—and that’s exactly why her insights resonate so deeply.

Madeleine MacRae

• ProQ – https://proqsystems.com/
• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/
• Email Madeleine – [email protected]
• Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

We all know complacency when we see it in others—but what about when it’s hiding in our own routines, masked as success? It’s easy for leaders to mistake comfort for progress—until a harsh wake-up call reveals just how far they've drifted from their drive. So, how do you reignite your hunger for growth when success starts to feel… safe?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership Certified Team and author of From Drift to Drive. Chris opens up about his remarkable journey—from watching John Maxwell on VHS in a church basement to sharing stages with global presidents. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. A humbling moment during a high-stakes keynote in Cambodia forced Chris to confront his own complacency—and inspired the powerful 7-step framework he now teaches to help others reclaim their edge.

This candid conversation dives deep into the tension between achievement and potential. Whether you're a seasoned executive or scaling your first venture, you’ll walk away with practical tools for breaking stagnation, building better habits, and surrounding yourself with the kind of mentorship that accelerates transformation.

If you’re ready to close the gap between where you are and who you’re meant to become, this is your episode.

Key Takeaways

• Why proximity and intentionality are critical ingredients for success
• How to recognize the subtle signs of complacency—even when you're "winning"
• Why mentorship is either pay to play or serve to earn
• The importance of being the same person on stage and off
• How one statement—“I did nothing”—can become your most powerful growth tool.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction to Chris Robinson
• [04:27] Mentorship from John Maxwell
• [08:08] Overview of Chris' book, From Drift to Drive
• [10:14] The Cambodia story and complacency realization
• [12:23] The value of elite mentorship
• [17:22] Relatability and success as a separator
• [20:01] Advice for early-stage entrepreneurs
• [23:20] The reality of opportunity and hard work
• [25:19] Defining success and the success algorithm
• [27:28] Daily commitment and accountability practice
• [29:35] Rest vs. inaction and honest self-assessment
• [31:34] Closing thoughts

Notable Quotes

• [08:43] “Complacency is a secret place of satisfactory success. Now, when we begin to look at complacency that way, we all have a place where we are good at something and we haven't gone back to work on it.”— Chris Robinson
• [10:20] "On a scale of 1 to 10, you can go from 0 to 8 at something that you're good at, and it can be good at an 8. But it gets very, very difficult to get that last 20%."— Chris Robinson
• [18:25] "Success is a separator. And, you know, never do we want to be on stage only talking about success because that creates that wall and that separation." — Chris Robinson
• [20:24] "I would not be doing what I'm doing today without paying for coaching, but then also serving for coaching, because I believe that everyone out there needs to be in proximity to someone that's doing what it is that they want to do."— Chris Robinson

Our Guest

Chris Robinson is EVP of Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, where he’s certified over 58,000 coaches, speakers, and trainers worldwide. A former Maxwell mentee turned leadership faculty president, he now helps high achievers break through complacency. His book, From Drift to Drive, unpacks the 7-step framework he used to build his career—and how you can apply it too.

Chris Robinson

• Website - https://www.chrisrobinsonspeaker.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerchrisrobinson
• Maxwell Leadership Certified Team - https://www.maxwellleadership.com/
• Book: From Drift to Drive - https://drifttodrivebook.com/

Madeleine MacRae

• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/

So many entrepreneurs hit pause, waiting for all the pieces to fall into place before they take action—but that pause can come at the cost of real momentum. What if the secret to success is just getting started, even when things feel a little messy?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Todd Green, president of Premier Blinds and Shades and host of The Premier Podcast, for an unfiltered look at what it really takes to scale a business. Todd helped grow a retail window covering company from his friend’s basement into a 100-person operation… all without a website, CRM, or any formal systems. But scaling fast came with lessons—some tough, some transformative.

Todd opens up about what went wrong, what he’d do differently, and how those experiences are now shaping his new B2B venture, built on the pillars of simplicity, support, and service. From sales strategies to leadership lessons and mindset shifts, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

Tune in now and learn what it really looks like to scale through the chaos—and come out stronger on the other side.

Key Takeaways

• Why courage, not certainty, is the first step to real success.
• The difference between motivation and inspiration (and why it matters).
• How scaling without systems exposes your blind spots—and what to do about it.
• Why surrounding yourself with the right people can change everything.
• How to evolve your definition of success as your life and business evolve.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction to Todd Green
• [05:39] Building sales systems and philosophy
• [08:45] Bias for action and company culture
• [10:28] Todd’s origin story
• [13:02] Founding Premier: identifying industry needs
• [16:30] Decades in days: the value of mentorship
• [18:17] Saying yes to opportunity and staying curious
• [24:15] Reflections on success and failure
• [27:08] Personal success algorithm
• [29:23] How to connect with Premier
• [29:45] Closing thoughts and call to action

Notable Quotes

• [03:56] "Scaling a business is a lot like doing a puzzle without the finished picture in front of you. Just start putting the pieces together." — Todd Green
• [04:08] "You don't have to be great to start, but you do have to start in order to be great." — Todd Green
• [09:36] "If you see a need and you take action and you fail, I'm not going to jump your case. But if you do nothing, that's when I'm not going to tolerate that mediocrity." — Todd Green
• [20:09] "Wise people learn from their mistakes, but the wisest people learn from the mistakes of others." — Todd Green
• [21:41] "Inspiration moves more than motivation. When people are inspired, that's what really moves people to act." — Todd Green
• [22:43] "Your life is always moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts." — Todd Green
• [26:21] "Success is not a shiny gleaming mountain. It's a pile of mistakes that you're standing on top of instead of buried underneath." — Todd Green

Our Guest

Todd Green is the President of Premier Blinds and Shades, a B2B window treatment provider serving dealers with high-quality products, low error rates, and unmatched support—including lead generation. Formerly a retail business leader in the window covering industry, Todd scaled a company from a basement operation to a 100-person team. Now, he helps dealers navigate growth with wisdom born of experience and failure alike.

Todd Green

• Website - https://premierblindsshades.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-green-247aa410
• Podcast - https://premierblindsshades.com/podcast/
• Discovery Call - https://premierblindsshades.com/contact/

Madeleine MacRae

• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/

Is cutting corners the only way to get ahead in business? Plenty of people think so—chasing quick wins and flashy success while leaving their values behind. But some entrepreneurs choose a different path. They stay grounded, play the long game, and still come out on top.

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae welcomes Craig Ceccarelli, founder of HomeSpec BasementFix, a long-standing basement waterproofing and foundation repair business that thrived in a notoriously shady market—all while staying rooted in integrity.

Craig shares the origin story of his business: starting out in a mobile home with a borrowed address, juggling home inspections to fund his dream, and ultimately transitioning into a full-time founder. From wrestling with whether honesty and business success can truly coexist to mentoring others in the trades, Craig’s journey reveals a deeply human, grounded, and refreshingly unglamorous side of entrepreneurship.

This candid conversation explores how separating your identity from your business can create the space to live freely, how to know when it’s time to systematize and scale, and why doing “boring” business well might just be the ultimate path to freedom.

Key Takeaways

• Honesty can scale—if you’re willing to play the long game.
• Don’t let your business define you; build it so you can walk away.
• Success often comes from “boring” businesses done exceptionally well.
• Mentorship, even from unlikely places, can change your entire trajectory.
• Freedom—not flash—is the real reward of entrepreneurship.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction to Craig
• [02:28] Industry ethics and dishonest practices
• [09:25] Unexpected joys and sorrows of business ownership
• [12:14] Balancing work and family life
• [16:25] Power, leadership, and mentorship in business
• [21:43] Paying it forward: mentoring others
• [23:20] Defining and measuring success
• [30:00] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
• [32:03] Closing thoughts and takeaways

Our Guest

Craig Ceccarelli is the founder and CEO of HomeSpec BasementFix, a leading Michigan-based basement waterproofing and foundation repair company. With over 25 years of experience, Craig built his business on integrity, system-driven growth, and a commitment to doing things right. He’s passionate about mentoring others and proving that honesty and long-term success can go hand in hand.

Resources and Links

Craig Ceccarelli

• Website - https://www.basementfix.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-ceccarelli

Madeleine MacRae

• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/

Mentioned

• The E-Myth - https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280
• The Millionaire Next Door (CD) - https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/0743517822
• How to Think Like a Billionaire (Audiobook) - https://www.audible.com/pd/Think-Like-a-Billionaire-Become-a-Billionaire-Audiobook/B0D7QQ8B7D