In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Jeremy Owens, third-generation contractor and founder of US Construction Zone, for a powerful conversation on redefining success, reclaiming your time, and building a legacy that lasts beyond business.

Jeremy shares how growing up in a multi-generational remodeling family shaped his perspective, and how a brief foray into corporate life confirmed that he was built for entrepreneurship. Through the pandemic, he discovered his true “why”: fostering connection, highlighting the nobility of construction, and creating community across an often overlooked industry.

This episode goes deeper than business strategy... Madeleine and Jeremy explore how mental health, education, and individual strengths all play a role in leading teams well and building businesses that are both profitable and purposeful. It’s a raw, real look at what it means to lead with heart, while still growing with intention.

Key Takeaways

• Why your “zone of brilliance” matters more than your résumé
• The untold nobility of working in trades and construction
• How legacy, not just revenue, can become your leadership north star
• Why your child’s education path shouldn’t start with a 4-year college
• Mental health red flags every entrepreneur should watch for
• The surprising power of asking: “Do I still know my why?”

• [00:00] Introduction to Jeremy Owens
• [04:01] The radical transformation of the construction industry
• [06:38] How COVID sparked Jeremy’s passion for connection
• [09:08] US Construction Zone and building industry community
• [10:57] Fighting stereotypes in the trades
• [12:46] Rethinking education, college, and career paths
• [15:38] Recognizing and developing early strengths
• [20:30] The real ROI of aligning work with your passion
• [28:07] Jeremy’s Success Algorithm
• [33:01] Burnout, boundaries, and mental health in leadership
• [35:21] Final thoughts + where to connect with Jeremy

• [05:56] “During COVID, we lost kind of our connection piece as an industry. The conferences weren't happening, people weren't connecting. So really, it started with a desire to network and connect with my peers.” — Jeremy Owens
• [07:12] “It's really about having a curious mind, right? It's that curiosity of wanting to know more, but the real reason behind it is legacy. Will my kids be proud of me when I'm all done?” — Jeremy Owens
• [25:01] “If you don't find out what makes people tick, then you're not going to be able to motivate people properly and make them happy.” — Jeremy Owens
• [26:56] “People buy your why. They don't buy the product or service.” — Jeremy Owens

Jeremy Owens is a third-generation contractor, podcast host, and founder of US Construction Zone, a growing digital community for construction professionals. With over two decades in the industry, Jeremy is a fierce advocate for mental health, trades-based careers, and redefining leadership through legacy, not just numbers. His mission is to change the conversation in construction, one connection at a time.

Resources and Links

Jeremy Owens

• Website -https://usconstructionzone.com/
• LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-owens-2786a32a
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-zone/id1591470553

• 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 - https://www.amazon.com/Tenacious-Pursuit-Peace-Success-Enough/dp/B0CQVLWLBG

• Book: Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham - https://www.amazon.com/Discover-Your-Strengths-Marcus-Buckingham/dp/0743201140
• Book: Start With Why by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447
• Gallup StrengthFinder - https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx