Bold Enough

Hosted by Madeleine MacRae

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120

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Oct 2026

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About the show

A podcast for bold, bright, ambitious leaders who want to think more honestly about success. In each episode, Madeleine MacRae explores what success really costs, how leaders define it for themselves, and how that definition evolves over time.

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October 20, 2026Episode 2631 min

Building a People-Centered Business Where Everyone’s Success Is Everyone’s Success with Joey Ford

In this episode of Bold Enough , Madeleine MacRae sits down with Joey Ford, co-owner of The Blind Broker, a Kansas City window treatment company offering blinds, drapery, motorized shades, and awnings that has grown from a one-man operation into a 20-person business with two showrooms and a warehouse. Joey and her husband Rick started The Blind Broker out of their house over 20 years ago, and today their very first two employees are still with them, training and mentoring the people who come after them. Joey opens up about the responsibility of building a team that has gambled on the business, why promoting from within changed everything, and how she and Rick weathered the 2008 housing crisis by staying nimble and debt-free. Now, with their son in college earning a business degree and preparing to join the company, Joey and Rick are formalizing the systems and processes they've lived for years, tightening up the ship so they can hand off a thriving business, not a mess. Joey shares the identity shift of leaving a career she loved, why her definition of success has less to do with revenue than with relationships, and what it means to build a company where everyone's success is everyone's success. This conversation is a powerful reminder that the businesses worth passing on are the ones built on people, and that the greatest legacy you can leave the next generation isn't just a profitable company, but a culture that carries it forward. Key Takeaways Why staying nimble with finances helped them survive the 2008 housing crisis Why leaving a career you love is often an identity shift, not a financial one Why honoring the risk your team takes by betting on you is a leadership duty How a succession plan raises the bar for the business you're building today In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [01:17] Guest introduction: Joey Ford and The Blind Broker [02:43] Preparing for the next generation and succession [03:37] How Joey got involved: from pediatric audiologist to business partner [05:34] Outgrowing the first showroom, buying a warehouse, and opening a second showroom [07:34] Lived processes vs. documented processes: the stages of clarity [11:01] Why the team is the “why”: the first employees who bet on the business [13:03] Risk, responsibility, and betting your livelihood on a business [16:04] The housing crisis and lessons in staying nimble [19:02] Letting go of an identity: leaving healthcare [23:00] Does Joey consider herself successful? [24:57] Healthy competition and a vibrant design community [25:53] Madeleine’s read on Joey’s success algorithm [29:34] Where to find The Blind Broker [30:03] Closing thoughts and takeaways for the year ahead Notable Quotes [19:24] "I was 40-ish years old, and to be able to totally reinvent yourself and totally do something different at that point in life was so fun." – Joey [23:45] "Building relationships builds your business. You're not going to have strong relationships if you're not providing great service, if you're not caring about people." – Joey Our Guest Joey Ford is the co-owner, with her husband Rick, of The Blind Broker, a Kansas City window treatment company offering blinds, drapery, motorized shades, outdoor shades, and awnings. A former pediatric audiologist at a children’s hospital, Joey joined the business full time around age 40 and helped grow it into a 20-person team across two showrooms and a warehouse. Resources and Links Joey Ford The Blind Broker: https://www.blindbroker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-ford-3a1822332 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindbroker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindbrokerkc/ 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

October 15, 2026Episode 2531 min

Building a Business That Serves Your Life, Not the Other Way Around with Toni Parkhurst

When life throws you curveballs, do you have the freedom to step away when it matters most? In this episode of Bold Enough , Madeleine MacRae sits down with Toni Parkhurst, franchise owner of Budget Blinds, to explore how a sudden family crisis reshaped her definition of leadership, success, and freedom. Toni shares the pivotal moment that changed everything. While she was traveling extensively in a senior corporate role, her young daughter was struck by a car while crossing the street with her grandmother. Though her daughter survived, the incident became a wake up call that no title or promotion was worth missing the moments that matter most. That decision ultimately led Toni out of corporate life and into entrepreneurship, where she built a multi-million-dollar business designed to support her family, not replace it. Years later, that same business allowed her to step away for months to care for her mother during her final season of life. This was a sacred period she would not have been able to access without the team and structure she intentionally built. Together, Madeleine and Toni explore the unseen sacrifices behind long term success, the emotional cost of ambition, the identity shifts required of business owners, and why true scaling is about creating a business that gives you freedom when life demands your presence elsewhere. Key Takeaways Why choosing family at critical moments can unlock unexpected opportunities Why “luck” is earned through preparation, sacrifice, and action The emotional cost of entrepreneurship that most people never see Why success evolves through different seasons of life The importance of redefining identity as your role as a leader changes In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [02:00] Business overview & giving back [03:07] Company culture of generosity [03:19] Annual convalescent home visit [05:46] How Toni entered the industry [06:12] Career growth & family crisis [07:24] Transition to entrepreneurship [08:38] Reflections on sacrifice & ambition [09:58] Taking risks & “winging it” [14:04] Luck, opportunity, and preparation [18:11] Community recognition & professional milestones [19:55] Bougie success & staying grounded [20:49] Multigenerational family support [24:33] Defining success beyond money [27:08] Toni’s personal success algorithm [30:45] Contact information & closing Notable Quotes [10:45] "Pushing through the fear, I never dreamed I would have a multi-million dollar company." – Toni [16:30] "The biggest compliment for me is when people say, “You deserve it. You’ve worked your ass off.” That is the biggest compliment." – Toni [19:57] "I can enjoy some bougie, but I'm still that same person. I've been broke before, and you don't forget that." – Toni [24:17] "Most of it doesn't have to do with money. I am successful because I've been a really good mother. I've been able to help my kids both to get into their first home." – Toni Our Guest Toni Parkhurst is a longtime entrepreneur and franchise owner of Budget Blinds, leading a multi-million-dollar business with a strong family and community focus. With nearly two decades of ownership, Toni has built a company rooted in generosity, resilience, and people-first leadership. Her journey reflects the power of perseverance, values-based decision-making, and redefining success across seasons of life. Resources and Links Toni Parkhurst Budget Blinds of Fairfield & Vacaville: https://www.budgetblinds.com/fairfield/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/budgetblinds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solanobudgetblinds/?hl=en Email: tparkhurst@budgetblinds.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-parkhurst-501b23a Phone: Phone: (707) 447-2494 Madeleine MacRae Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/

October 13, 2026Episode 2435 min

Why Leadership is Learned on the Frontlines, Not in the Boardroom with Adam Povlitz

In this episode of Bold Enough , host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Adam Povlitz, President of Anago Cleaning Systems, to explore how a family-founded business transformed into a disruptive $100M+ franchise brand and why the next target is $300 million. Adam shares how Anago’s three-tier franchise model turns the traditional structure on its head, creating unique synergy between master franchisees and unit franchisees. He opens up about starting at the bottom, cleaning daycares, how the 2008 recession pushed him into the family business, and the lessons he has learned growing from reluctant successor to visionary CEO. This conversation dives into servant leadership, innovative technology, hiring smarter people, and redefining success beyond revenue. Adam’s story is candid, inspiring, and tactical whether you are scaling a family business, leading through a crisis, or building a disruptive franchise. Key Takeaways Why Anago’s three tier franchise model separates day and night businesses for efficiency and scalability How technology like CleanCom turns customer complaints into opportunities for loyalty Leadership lessons from starting in telemarketing and cleaning shifts to leading a $100M+ brand Why COVID 19 became a turning point for Adam’s leadership style The power of servant leadership and leadership duplication to inspire franchisees as fellow CEOs Hiring smarter people: moving from fear of hiring to building a powerhouse executive team Why success for Adam is measured by family, relationships, and personal growth, not just revenue In This Episode [00:00] Introduction to Adam Povlitz [01:29] Explaining the three-tier franchise model [02:51] Master vs. unit franchise roles [04:45] Benefits of the model & example success story [06:18] Adam’s personal journey to Anago [12:32] Leadership journey: from operator to CEO [13:10] Servant leadership & early career lessons [19:05] Building a high-performing team [21:39] The $100 million challenge [25:02] Unexpected delights of leadership [26:47] Introversion, extroversion, and leadership balance [28:20] Defining success [34:48] Closing & contact information Notable Quotes [20:55] "I don't want to call it afraid, but uncomfortable in hiring, I went from someone uncomfortable in hiring to someone where, you know, you could dump me in any industry in any part of the country and tell me I need to hire any position and I can figure it out and be totally fine doing it." — Adam Povlitz [22:25] "I thought like I would feel different now that I have $100 million business. And I'm like, he goes, I know your problem. He goes, you're thinking about 200 million now." — Adam Povlitz [18:34] "As you ascend the proverbial ranks, you ascend those ranks because you're... The way you think is works. You know, your gut instincts are strong and they tell you what to do and they're usually accurate." — Adam Povlitz [25:38] "I was very shy in middle and high school. Probably even, you know, reasonably shy, but at least, you know, but. But in college, there was at least some beers that you could have, and you go, I'm not that shy." — Adam Povlitz Our Guest Adam Povlitz is the President of Anago Cleaning Systems, a national commercial cleaning franchisor with a unique three tier franchise model. Since joining the family business in 2009, he has helped scale it from $60 million to over $100 million in system wide revenue, with Vision 2028 aiming for $300 million. Adam is passionate about servant leadership, customer first innovation, and building teams that thrive. Resources and Links Adam Povlitz https://anagocleaning.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/apovlitz 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

October 7, 2026Episode 2425 min

From Dental Assistant to Paint Store Pioneer

What does it take to build a business around the life you actually want? On this episode of Bold Enough , Madeline McCrae sits down with Ashley Peterson , co-owner of Blue Mist Paint and Supply , to talk about entrepreneurship, time freedom, taking bold risks, and finding success in unexpected places. Ashley and her husband, Heath, started their business just three years ago. What began as a renovation company with a showroom evolved through several pivots, including flooring, cabinetry, and installation, before becoming the full-service paint and supply store it is today. Ashley openly shares what she thought business ownership would look like versus what she actually discovered. While she expected the money and financial success, one of the greatest benefits has been something far more valuable to her: time freedom. Today, entrepreneurship gives Ashley the flexibility to spend more time with her son, homeschool him, support other local businesses, and use her own business as a real-world learning environment for him. Ashley also talks about the challenge of introducing Dunn-Edwards paint to South Carolina, where the brand was unfamiliar to many local painters. Rather than seeing that lack of awareness as a reason to stop, she saw an opportunity to help establish the brand in her market and build something that could have a much bigger impact over time. Along the way, Ashley has experienced some unexpected wins, including appearing on the cover of a trade magazine and winning a Best of South Carolina award for her independently owned paint and hardware store. In this conversation, Ashley and Madeline explore: Why time freedom can be more valuable than financial success How Ashley and Heath continually evolved their business until they found the right fit What it takes to introduce an unfamiliar brand to a new market Why creating your own category can help you stand out How entrepreneurship has allowed Ashley to spend more time with her son Why success can mean having more mountains left to climb How building a business can become an opportunity to teach and empower the next generation At the heart of Ashley's story is a powerful idea: you don't always have to compete in an existing category. Sometimes, you can create your own. Bold Enough explores the pressure, pivots, clarity, and courage behind building businesses and lives on your own terms.

October 2, 2026Episode 2228 min

Turning Life's Hard Knocks into a Coaching Legacy

What does it take to build a business that can succeed without you? On this episode of Bold Enough , Madeline McCrae sits down with Bill McDevitt , small business and leadership coach and founder of Top of the World Coaching , to explore leadership, personal growth, succession, and the deeper meaning of building a lasting legacy. Bill spent nearly three decades with McDonald’s before making the transition from corporate America into entrepreneurship. Along the way, he discovered a leadership principle that would shape much of his work: teach people what you know, then have them teach someone else. That philosophy helped Bill understand the importance of developing people rather than making yourself indispensable. As he explains, if an owner is the business, it becomes difficult to build transferable value or eventually step away from it. Bill also shares his “Three Ps” philosophy: people, performance, and profit . His approach starts with getting the right people, training and coaching them well, and creating an environment where strong performance can naturally lead to stronger results. The conversation takes a personal turn as Bill shares the story of losing his wife to breast cancer and how honoring a promise they made together ultimately influenced his decision to leave corporate America and launch his coaching business. He also reflects on a lesson he learned as a 12-year-old paperboy, when taking responsibility for a broken window taught him about honesty, accountability, collaboration, and the lasting impact of doing the right thing. Bill and Madeline explore: Why being indispensable can actually hold a leader back How training your replacement creates stronger organizations Why business owners need to build systems beyond themselves The connection between people, performance, and profit How honesty and accountability shape lasting relationships Why empathy, flexibility, and self-awareness matter in leadership How difficult experiences can influence the direction of your life What it really means to build a meaningful legacy At the heart of this conversation is a powerful question: What will people say about you when you're not in the room, and what will they say when you're no longer around? This is a conversation about building something that lasts, empowering others to grow, and creating a legacy that extends far beyond the business itself. Bill McDevitt Top of the World Coaching - https://totwcoaching.com/ Email - bmcdevitt@totwcoaching.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billmcdevitt-top-of-the-world-coaching 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

September 29, 2026Episode 2128 min

Building a Business That Serves People First: Lessons from Surv’s Founder

How does a simple idea become a business that changes the way people think about work, community, and growth? On this episode of Bold Enough , Madeline McRae speaks with Patrick Brown , founder of Surv , about entrepreneurship, franchising, personal growth, and building a company around service. Patrick’s entrepreneurial journey started in college when he began knocking on doors in his community and offering his help to homeowners. His goal was simple: earn money for school while learning practical skills. But what he discovered was something much bigger — the power of building relationships and becoming part of people’s lives. That early experience became the foundation for Surv, a company designed to help homeowners with everyday tasks while creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities. After expanding across Rhode Island, Patrick began franchising the business and building a model that could be replicated in new markets. In this conversation, Patrick shares what he learned while transitioning from being the person doing the work to the person building the system. He discusses the challenges of creating a repeatable franchise model, empowering franchise owners, and developing a business that can scale without losing its original mission. Patrick also opens up about one of the biggest lessons of his entrepreneurial journey: the importance of feedback. From having his first website completely critiqued by professional designers to learning how to separate valuable feedback from noise, he explains how growth comes from being willing to listen, reflect, and improve. At the heart of this episode is a powerful idea: Success is not just about reaching a finish line. It is about becoming who you want to become, creating meaningful impact, and embracing the journey along the way. A thoughtful conversation for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to turn everyday opportunities into something meaningful. Pat Brown Website: https://www.wesurv.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pat-brown-surv 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

September 24, 2026Episode 2031 min

The Overlooked Way to Build Confidence in Kids and Leaders Alike | Leigh Feldman

How do you build a business that helps people discover who they are? On this episode of Bold Enough , Madeline McRae speaks with Leigh Feldman , CEO of a youth enrichment brand platform, about entrepreneurship, franchising, leadership, and creating experiences that help children and families grow. Leigh’s work focuses on brands that combine education, creativity, and hands-on experiences to help children develop confidence and important life skills. Through Young Chefs Academy and Flower Power Cooking Studios , cooking becomes more than an activity. It becomes a way for kids to discover their abilities, build self-esteem, and learn that they can tackle challenges. In this conversation, Leigh shares why he believes every child deserves the opportunity to find the thing that makes their heart “flutter” — the activity where they feel connected, capable, and confident. They explore the importance of creating remarkable experiences, building strong franchise relationships, and supporting business owners through the challenges of scaling. Leigh explains why franchise success depends on reputation, relationships, and giving owners the tools they need to thrive. Leigh also discusses the challenges of evolving established brands, including maintaining culture, adapting processes, supporting different levels of technology comfort, and creating systems that serve everyone in the organization. At the heart of this episode is a powerful idea: Success is not just about what you build. It is about helping others discover what they are capable of building within themselves. A meaningful conversation for entrepreneurs, franchise leaders, parents, and anyone passionate about creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. Leigh Feldman Young Chefs Academy: https://youngchefsacademy.com Flower Power Studios: https://flourpowerstudios.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-feldman-39a2b4203 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

September 22, 2026Episode 1924 min

The Accidental Owner: Building a Legacy Business with Heart and Humility

What happens when you say “yes” to an opportunity before you feel completely ready? On this episode of Bold Enough , Madeline McRae speaks with Jen Young , owner of Mr. K’s Fabric Shop , about her unexpected journey from sales and marketing professional to entrepreneur and steward of a long-standing community business. Jen’s path into business ownership began with an offhand comment. While discussing ways to expand her husband’s carpet business, she jokingly said she could buy Mr. K’s. The very next day, the owner of the window coverings business contacted her about selling it. Despite having no experience in window treatments, upholstery, or awnings, Jen decided to take the leap and become the next owner of a company established in 1973. In this conversation, Jen shares how she used the skills she had developed throughout her career, from sales and customer service to HR and relationship building, to grow the business and preserve the trust customers had built over generations. She discusses the challenges of stepping into a legacy company, navigating uncertainty, building a stronger team, creating processes, and continuing to evolve while respecting the foundation that came before her. Jen also shares why success is not defined only by financial results. For her, success means having committed employees, loyal customers, strong community relationships, and the ability to continue building something meaningful. At the heart of this episode is a powerful reminder: Opportunities often come disguised as moments of uncertainty, but the preparation you build along the way gives you the confidence to say yes. A must-listen conversation for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone considering taking the next bold step in their journey. Mr. K’s Fabric Shop Website: mrksquincy.com Facebook: Mr. K’s Fabric Shop – Quincy, IL Phone: (217) 222-5816 Jennifer Young LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-young-a0977349 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

September 21, 2026Episode 1829 min

From Oil-Stained Engineer to Remote CEO: The Reinvention of Judy Cisler

How do you build a business that gives you freedom instead of taking it away? On this episode of Bold Enough , Madeline McRae speaks with Judy Cisler , entrepreneur and owner of a custom window coverings business, about her journey from industrial engineer to business owner and the lessons she learned while building a company that can thrive without her being involved every day. Judy’s path into entrepreneurship was anything but traditional. After working as an industrial engineer, she decided to create something of her own and discovered an opportunity in custom window treatments, a field that combined her natural eye for design with her passion for helping customers create beautiful spaces. Over the years, she built a showroom, purchased the building her business operates from, developed a team, and created systems that allowed her to step away from daily operations and focus on the strategic side of the company. In this conversation, Judy shares the challenges that came with scaling, including learning that hiring does not automatically solve problems, navigating difficult employee decisions, and evolving her own mindset as the business grew. She also explains why some of the greatest rewards of entrepreneurship come from watching other people grow, seeing employees develop confidence, and creating an environment where customers and team members feel valued. At the heart of this episode is Judy’s definition of success: A happy team, strong customer relationships, predictable processes, and the ability to continue building a life she loves. A powerful conversation for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to create companies that can grow, thrive, and provide freedom for the people behind them. Judy Cisler Website: https://www.gotchacovered.com/grand-rapids/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/judy-cisler-71600944 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

September 15, 2026Episode 1742 min

Why Delegation is Your Growth Multiplier with John Nieuewenburg

What happens when the person who built the business becomes the biggest thing holding it back? On this episode of Bold Enough , Madeleine MacRae speaks with John Nieuwenburg , business coach and founder of W5 Coaching , about the transition every growing entrepreneur must make: moving from being the expert who does the work to the leader who builds the organization. John specializes in helping small business owners, particularly those in trades and professional services, who have mastered their craft but need support learning how to run and scale a business. He shares why many entrepreneurs struggle not because they lack talent, but because they haven’t developed the leadership, delegation, communication, and mindset skills required for growth. In this conversation, John explains why business coaching is often personal coaching in disguise, helping owners improve not only their systems and strategies but also their ability to lead, communicate, and think differently about their role. They explore the biggest challenges business owners face: time, team, and money. John shares why many owners spend their most valuable hours on tasks they shouldn’t be doing, how to create systems that allow others to succeed, and why culture must be intentionally built rather than accidentally created. John also shares powerful leadership lessons around accountability, difficult conversations, and defining success beyond traditional measures. His perspective on success comes from his own journey, including overcoming one of the darkest moments of his life and discovering a renewed purpose in helping others move forward. At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful idea: You cannot grow your business beyond the mindset and leadership capacity of the person running it. A must-listen conversation for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who want to scale with intention, build stronger teams, and create a business that works beyond themselves. 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/