Scaling the Gap

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Kristopher Stuart, co-founder of Bloomin’ Blinds, to unravel how a family-built window coverings business is rewriting the rules of franchising with AI, robotics, and a firefighter’s grit. But here’s the twist: their biggest innovation isn’t in the tech—it’s in the human connection the tech enables.

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Imagine standing at the edge of a breakthrough—your business, your dream, your legacy—but something holds you back. Is it fear? Lack of resources? Or have you simply never been shown the invisible architecture behind every great achievement?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae pulls back the curtain with Dr. Mercidieu “Phil” Phillips, a man who’s cracked t...

What does it take to transform a 21-year-old print magazine into a cutting-edge multimedia empire powered by AI? In this compelling episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Tom Bohn, CEO of TheHomeMag, who did exactly that—and doubled his company's revenue in just three years.

In today's rapidly evolving market, standing still is the fastest path to irre...

In this powerful episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae, CEO and co-founder of ProQ, sits down with Brian Kaskavalciyan—entrepreneur, podcast host, and a leading voice in the home improvement industry.

Brian shares his journey from launching a relationship marketing company in 2009 to becoming a trusted advisor for home improvement entrepreneurs seeking financial fre...

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae has an honest and inspiring conversation with Andrew Killian, founder and CEO of HomeStead HotLeads, about what it really takes to walk away from a successful career in software engineering and build something of your own.

Andrew opens up about the motivations behind his leap into entrepreneurship, the obstacles he’s fac...

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, Madeleine MacRae sits down with Dena Jalbert, CEO of Align Business Advisory Services, for a deep dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for founders and family-owned businesses. Dena unpacks the emotional and strategic challenges of selling a business, stressing the importance of planning ahead, staying true to core values, and finding the right buy...

What if the secret to building a thriving business wasn’t about cutting-edge strategies or flashy marketing—but something much simpler, yet profoundly powerful? What if the key to customer loyalty, team satisfaction, and even personal fulfillment could be summed up in one word: love?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Janie Sandberg, co-own...

Being a CEO means navigating constant pressure, especially when scaling your business. Now, imagine this: you're sitting on the edge with everything on the line. The stakes are high, and failure seems inevitable. So, what do you do? 

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Matt Millsap, CEO of Build Co. 7, to explore how he not only weather...

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae welcomes Gabe Lullo, CEO of Alleyoop, a leading sales development agency. Gabe shares insights into his company's approach to sales, which focuses on prospecting and appointment setting for various businesses. 

The conversation explores the importance of mastering language and communication in sales, the integration...

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of Business Network International (BNI) and a former Marine Corps officer, to explore the values-driven leadership that fuels business success.

Mary shares her journey through personal and professional challenges, from navigating the loss of a mentor to leading her organization t...

What if the key to standing out in a crowded market wasn’t just about what you sell, but the stories you tell?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Rich Harshaw, owner of Level 10 Contractor, to explore leadership, marketing strategies for contractors, and the transformative power of storytelling. Rich delves into the evolution of his company, highlighting the importance of standing out in a compe...

What really makes a leader stand out? Is it just about boosting profits, or is it about something bigger—like inspiring a team, navigating challenges, and leaving a lasting impact?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Agata Olivieri of Maple Drapery and Carpet to unpack the real essence of leadership. They dive into the ups and downs of runni...

How often do businesses pour countless hours, resources, and energy into their marketing campaigns, only to feel like they’re speaking to an empty room? Picture this: you’re addressing a crowd of 10,000 people, but none of them are your ideal buyers. All that time and effort are wasted because your message isn’t reaching the right audience. It’s frustrating, right?

In this epis...

Running a family-owned business is no small feat, right? How do you keep the balance between family dynamics and professional growth? What happens when an economic downturn hits—do you fight or fold? In a competitive market, is it better to sacrifice quality for price, or is holding onto your values the real secret to success? And when it comes to your employees, how do you create a workplace where they ...

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae talks with business strategist James Hutchings, who shares his decade-long journey in the business world and his insights into building sustainable growth. With a wealth of experience, James explores the critical areas that entrepreneurs should focus on to maintain longevity and success, including adaptable leadership, data-driven decision-making, and cultivating resilience ...

Join Madeleine MacRae on Scaling the Gap as she hosts Chris and Tyler from "Make Taxes Fair" for a deep dive into tax strategies tailored for entrepreneurs. Chris and Tyler blend humor with expertise to make complex tax topics accessible. They cover everything from proactive tax planning to overcoming common pitfalls, offering real-life solutions that keep your hard-earned dollars in your business. Grab a pen—this episode is packed...