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

• [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

• [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

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.

Resources and Links

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/

• 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