Scaling the Gap is a podcast crafted for the bold, bright, ambitious leaders of today. As an Owner, Entrepreneur, Founder, CEO, President you've already tasted success, and you’re on a quest for more — more impact, more growth, more fulfillment! Our podcast is your companion on this journey, offering a unique recipe of inspiration, introspection and innovation blended with high-impact tactical, practical business advice. We’re here to guide you through the complexities of scaling your busine ...
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Introducing The Lazy Overachiever Show with Naketa Ren Thigpen—a fresh space where we break more than boxes. Unlike our flagship show, Balance Boldly, which focuses on building legacies with intentional relationships and work-life balance, The Lazy Overachiever Show hones in on innovative self-care practices and sustainable growth strategies designed for founders & leaders determined to evolve beyond the status quo. This podcast dares you to break free from outdated norms, embrace intentiona ...
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Turn Failure Into Fuel: A Franchise Founder’s Comeback Story with Steven Livingston | Ep 70
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35:14Are you feeling stuck in your career, yearning for something more but unsure how to make the leap? You're not alone. Many people dream of entrepreneurial success but struggle to break free from the golden handcuffs of corporate life. In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae chats with Steven Livingston, a self-proclaimed "corporate…
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How Women CEOs Can Lead Without Burning Out with Meghann Conter | Ep 69
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44:18In this episode, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Meghann Conter, founder and CEO of The Dames, to dismantle the myths of hustle culture and redefine what success looks like for high-achieving women. From physiological differences in productivity to personal stories of burnout, ADHD diagnoses, and solo parenting, this episode is a masterclass i…
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Authenticity Over Ego: The Entrepreneur’s Edge with Trevor Emerson | Ep 68
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34:01What does it take to build a thriving business while staying true to your values? How do you navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship without losing sight of what truly matters? In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Trevor Emerson, founder of LSM and host of the FranchisOR Bust Podcast, to explore his uncon…
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The Hidden Algorithm of Success: What Most Leaders Overlook with Billy Samoa | Ep 67
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38:29In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Billy Samoa Saleebey, the creative force behind the very production of this show. Billy shares his eclectic journey from big-budget Hollywood productions to Tesla training, and ultimately, to building a podcast empire that saves leaders time and amplifies their impact. Billy b…
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The Infinite Mountain: Exploring Boundless Ambitions with Moe Abbas | Scaling the Gap Ep 66
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42:07In today’s digital landscape, the heart of entrepreneurial success lies in continuous learning and adaptation. In the latest episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Moe Abbas, founder of Sales Ask – an AI-powered sales tool designed to revolutionize home service businesses. Together, they explore the secrets to scaling a bu…
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Beyond Blinds: The Human Code Inside a Robotic Franchise With Kristopher Stuart | Scaling the Gap Ep 65
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45:03In 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 conne…
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The Success Genealogy: Who’s Really Behind Your Wins? With Dr. Phil | Scaling the Gap Ep 64
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25:23Imagine 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” P…
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Fail Fast, Scale Faster: Future-Proofing a 21-Year-Old Multimedia Business with Tom Bohn
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27:29What 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 sti…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 62 | The Wealth Mindset with Brian Kaskavalciyan
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44:01In 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 entre…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 61 | Freedom, Gratitude & Growth: A Modern Founder’s Playbook with Andrew Killian
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26:35In 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 entreprene…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 60 | Maximizing Business Value: Insights on Mergers and Acquisitions with Dena Jalbert
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46:28In 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, s…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 59 | How to Build a Business That Feels Like Family: Janie Sandberg’s Story
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27:18What 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 do…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 58 | Matt Millsap: How One CEO Turned Crisis into Triumph
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33:33Being 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…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 57 | The Ultimate Assist: AI, Sports, and Sales with Gabe Lullo
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28:51In 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 i…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 56 | Bold Leadership, Big Impact: Building Lasting Legacies with BNI CEO Mary Kennedy Thompson
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34:51In 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…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 55 | The Contractor’s Edge: Rich Harshaw on Resilience, Perspective, and Redefining Success
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38:41What 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 int…
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Scaling the Gap EP 54 | The Greatest Lessons in Leadership from a Second-Generation Family Business
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30:16What 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 i…
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Scaling the Gap EP 53 | Cracking the Code of Marketing Strategy: Insights from James on Reaching Your Ideal Customer
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29:06How 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 fr…
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Scaling the Gap EP 52 | Building a Legacy of Quality, Culture, and Community at Draped and Style
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32:32Running 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 …
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Business Partnerships: Before I leave This Place
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22:23In the final episode of her powerful "Normal Is Not Necessary" series, host Naketa Ren Thigpen takes you on a deep dive into the world of business partnerships. With over 13 years of experience co-founding ThigPro with her husband, Naketa brings you valuable insights on how to build and sustain successful business collaborations. In this solo episo…
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In this installment of our "Normal Is Not Necessary" series, Naketa dives into understanding platonic relationships. Titled "Friendships: Don't Adapt, Influence," Naketa breaks down the different dynamics of friendships and encourages us to rethink what we've accepted as normal. Whether it's seasonal friends who come and go or lifetime buddies who …
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Scaling the Gap EP 51 | Revolutionizing Home Services with a People-First Approach with James Crossway
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41:30In this inspiring podcast episode, James Crossway, owner of Premier Blinds and Designs, shares his entrepreneurial journey and passion for exceptional customer service. From his beginnings in the blinds business to his focus on leadership and mentorship, James outlines how his people-first approach drives his company’s success and growth. Premier B…
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Scaling the Gap EP 50 | Redefining Property Management as Investment Strategy with Tammy McNaught
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38:01Tammy McNaught, CEO and President of BanCal Properties, shares her journey as a property management entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in the competitive San Francisco Bay Area real estate market. Tammy discusses her holistic approach to property management, emphasizing strategic investment over routine operations, and her commitment to …
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Scaling the Gap EP 49 | Insights on Long-Term Business Success with James Hutchings
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33:28In 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, inc…
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Founder Stories Featuring Madeleine MacRae Part II- Measuring Wealth Beyond Finances
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21:21With the incredible Madeleine MacRae on this round of our "Normal Is Not Necessary" series, success and wealth are redefined in this touching episode in ways that go beyond money. As a four-time founder, Madeleine shares her journey from humble beginnings to achieving success while navigating personal hardships. They delve into Madeleine's holistic…
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Scaling the Gap EP 48 | Revolutionizing Home Improvement Sales with Tim Musch
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28:17Join us as we explore Tim's journey from a young tech enthusiast to a business development expert at Paradigm Bendo. Discover how his innovations, including the Ven platform, are revolutionizing the home improvement sales experience by meeting modern consumer expectations and driving industry growth. myparadigm…
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Scaling the Gap EP 47 | Navigating Tax Challenges for Entrepreneurs with Tyler Buechler and Chris Middelton
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47:02Join 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 t…
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Scaling the Gap EP 46 | Embracing Community, Resilience, and Balance in Business and Life with Michelle Charpentier
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35:55In this inspiring episode of Scaling the Gap, we dive into the world of brand strategy and community building with Michelle Charpentier, founder of Charp Consulting. With years of experience in helping women-owned businesses and mompreneurs find their voice, Michelle shares her journey and insights into leveraging community connections, overcoming …
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Scaling the Gap EP 45 | Building Exceptional Teams and Culture with Ryan Englin
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32:25In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with leadership coach Ryan Englin to uncover the secrets to building exceptional teams and fostering a winning workplace culture. Ryan, a specialist in team dynamics and culture-driven hiring, shares valuable insights for leaders who want to empower their teams and create an enviro…
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As we continue the "Normal Is Not Necessary" series, host Naketa Ren Thigpen dives deep into the often-overlooked hypocrisy that infiltrates personal and professional growth. Transitioning from one field of expertise to another can be fulfilling and necessary, but it can also bring a dismissive attitude toward prior industries or practices. Naketa …
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Scaling the Gap EP 44 | From Skepticism to Strategic Connection with Brian Galke
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41:30In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae introduces Brian Galke, a keynote speaker and one of the featured speakers at the inaugural Bridgepoint event in Orlando on November 22nd. Brian shares his journey from being an introverted help desk employee to a regional VP managing a $40 million business. His transformation stemmed from m…
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Scaling the Gap EP 43 | How Curiosity and Discomfort Propel Success: Lessons with Steve Sims
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26:54In the latest episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Steve Sims, acclaimed author of Bluefishing and Go For Stupid, to explore his unconventional approach to achieving success. Describing himself as an "aggravated curious child," Steve shares how curiosity, paired with action, can challenge the status quo and unlock extrao…
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Continuing the "Normal Is Not Necessary" series, host Naketa Ren Thigpen dives deep into the intriguing world of personal fear and self-imposed narratives. In this thought-provoking solo episode, Naketa reflects on her recent Self-Lovecation and uncovers the invisible boundaries created by fear—fear that controls our decisions, restricts our advanc…
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Kicking off this series, "Normal Is Not Necessary," Naketa Ren Thigpen sets the tone for doing things differently in this engaging solo episode. Reintroducing listeners to the concept of the lazy overachiever, a theme resonating deeply with ambitious women and a few brave men, she dives into the journey of podfading and the evolution of her podcast…
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Scaling the Gap EP 42 | Rachel Berlin: Empowering Women & Transforming the Flooring Industry
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37:06In this exciting episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae welcomes Rachel Berlin, a bold and ambitious leader who has dedicated her life to empowering women—specifically women in the flooring industry. Join us as we dive into Rachel's inspiring journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and how she's flourishing in both her personal…
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Scaling the Gap EP 41 | Angela shares her journey of creating a successful one-stop-shop
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30:48In this exciting episode of Scaling the Gap, Madeleine MacRae welcomes Angela Fielden, the owner of Simply Floors and Lights in Gilmer, Texas. Angela shares her journey of creating a successful one-stop-shop for flooring and lighting in a town with a population of just 4,900. Tune in to hear how she has built a boutique-style retail business, the s…
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Scaling the Gap EP 40 | The Entrepreneur’s Journey from Family to Business with Patrick Francey
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38:16In this episode of Scaling the Gap, Madeleine MacRae sits down with Patrick Francey, a successful entrepreneur, podcast host, and dedicated family man. Patrick shares his journey, discussing the balance between being a husband, father, and grandfather while managing the demands of entrepreneurship. He dives deep into the world of business, the mind…
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Scaling the Gap EP 39 | Unlocking Marketing Mastery with Mark Perel
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37:34In this exciting episode of Scaling the Gap, we welcome marketing expert Mark Perel, a long-time connection and first-time podcast guest. Mark’s journey through the world of business and marketing is filled with valuable lessons and powerful strategies. From his experience in networking groups to the incredible success he’s achieved in marketing, M…
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Scaling the Gap EP 38 | Inside the World of Award-Winning Designer Linda H. Bassert
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44:06In this inspiring episode of Scaling the Gap, we sit down with the talented Linda H. Bassert, the 2024 Designer of the Year as awarded by Vision Window Fashions Magazine. Join us as Linda shares her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated designer in the window coverings industry. Learn about the challenges she overcame, her award-w…
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Scaling the Gap EP 37 |Luann Nigara's Journey from Window Treatments to Podcasting Stardom
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33:33In this episode of "Scaling the Gap," Madeleine MacRae delves into the inspiring career of Luann, a former window treatment mogul turned podcasting powerhouse. They explore Luann's evolution from founding a successful business, Window Works, to influencing the interior design industry through her podcasts.…
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Scaling the Gap EP 36 | From Childhood Aspirations to Entrepreneurial Success
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22:59In this heartwarming episode of "Scaling the Gap," Madeleine MacRae hosts Jessica and Jacob, the entrepreneurial minds behind Get Floored, a unique flooring store in Myrtle Beach. They share their journey from childhood dreams to business reality, and the role family values play in their success. Jessica and Jacob's story is a testament to the powe…
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Scaling the Gap EP 35 | Dr. Sirisha’s Journey from Tech to Independence
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30:37In this episode of "Scaling the Gap," Madeleine MacRae hosts Dr. Sirisha, a former tech executive turned entrepreneur, who shares her multifaceted career journey, from layoffs to leadership, and her eventual leap into entrepreneurship. Dr. Kuchimanchi journey underscores the importance of resilience, strategic planning, and financial independence i…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 34 | Tina’s Leap from Nursing to Nurturing Spaces
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25:27In this episode of "Scaling the Gap," Madeleine MacRay interviews Tina Engdahl, owner of Apollo Draperies. Tina shares her journey from being a registered nurse to taking over a family-owned custom window treatment business. The discussion highlights the transformation of her career, the evolution of the business under her leadership, and the suppo…
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Scaling the Gap EP 33 | Empowering Businesses with Virtual Teams
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33:27In this episode of the podcast, Madeleine MacRay interviews Joe Rare, founder of Level 9 Virtual. Joe discusses his company's role in providing outsourced virtual services to help small businesses scale effectively. He emphasizes the benefits of virtual staffing, particularly in administrative and marketing roles, and shares how the shift to remote…
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Scaling the Gap EP 32 | Roger Magalhaes's Journey from Installer to Industry Innovator
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34:07In this episode of "Scaling the Gap," Madeleine MacRay interviews Roger Magalhaes, a serial entrepreneur in the window treatment industry. Roger shares his journey from starting as an installer to owning three companies, focusing on customer service and educating others in the industry. He highlights the importance of self-care and maintaining one'…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 31 | Jessica Harling's Journey to Streamlining Design Industry Operations
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23:45In a captivating episode of "Scaling the Gap," Madeleine MacRae hosts Jessica Harling, the visionary behind 'Behind the Design.' Together, they explore Jessica's journey from shaping family business operations to founding her own company that enhances processes within the interior design and window covering industries. Jessica Harling's story is a …
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Scaling the Gap EP 30 | Mastering Window Treatments and Business Partnerships
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22:03In this episode of "Scaling the Gap," Madeleine MacRae chats with Jessica Taylor, co-founder of Total Blinds and Window Tinting. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jessica shares her entrepreneurial journey and the unique dynamics of running a multifaceted window treatment business. Jessica and her partner started with a window tint company and expa…
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Scaling the Gap Ep 29 | Empowering Franchise Growth: John Hewitt's Journey with Loyalty Brands
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27:17In a recent episode of "Scaling the Gap," John Hewitt, founder of Loyalty Brands, shares his extensive experience in building successful franchise systems. Hewitt, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 55 years in the tax service industry, now manages multiple franchise brands, with a particular focus on tax services and mobile dog grooming. Hewitt's j…
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Scaling the Gap Podcast Ep 28 | Crowdfunding Insights with Jeff "Fuzzy" Wenzel
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29:18In this episode of "Scaling the Gap," Madeleine MacRae explores the innovative world of crowdfunding with Jeff "Fuzzy" Wenzel, an early pioneer in the space. Jeff shares his journey from participating in one of the earliest Kickstarter campaigns to specializing in equity crowdfunding, where small investors can own a stake in startups for as little …
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Scaling The Gap Ep 27 | A Tale of Growth and Opportunity in Window Treatments and Installations
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24:45In this episode of "Scaling the Gap," Jeremy Nienhuser discusses his unique journey from insurance to owning a franchise in window treatments and launching a national commercial installation business. Jeremy career evolution from insurance to entrepreneurship in window treatments and large-scale installations showcases a path marked by learning, ad…
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