In this inspiring episode of Scaling the Gap, Madeleine MacRae sits down with Jennifer Young, the owner of Mr. K’s Fabric Shop in Quincy, Illinois, a 50-year legacy business she unexpectedly found herself leading after one serendipitous phone call. Jennifer shares the unbelievable story of how she spoke the idea of buying the business out loud one night… only to receive an offer from the owner the very next morning. With zero experience in window treatments, upholstery, or awnings, she stepped in on February 1st and learned everything from the ground up. Along the way, she navigated skeptical employees, COVID uncertainty, and the steep learning curve of transforming a paper-based operation into a modernized, growing company. Through it all, Jennifer never lost sight of what matters most: people. She reveals how community relationships, genuine customer care, and the joy of working alongside a childhood best friend helped her evolve Mr. K’s into a thriving, service-driven business.Her story is a powerful reminder that preparation, faith, and courage often meet at the perfect moment if you’re willing to say yes.Key TakeawaysHow faith, timing, and bold words led Jennifer to buy a business she never expected.Why relationships, not revenue, drive sustainable success in rural communities.How Covid unexpectedly became a season of growth for Mr. K’s.The importance of honoring legacy while modernizing systems and processes.Why upholstery is a dying art and how Jennifer is preserving it for future generations.The real meaning of success when you lead with service, humility, and community impact.In This Episode(00:00) Introduction to Jennifer Young(03:45) Diving into a new industry(05:33) Unexpected delights: hiring a childhood friend(07:28) Early hurdles and team dynamics(10:07) Preparation meets opportunity(14:20) Serving a diverse clientele(16:10) Jen's definition of success(22:59) How to connect with Jen and Mr. K’s(23:26) Closing reflections and takeawaysNotable Quotes[01:57] “I do believe in a higher power and believe everything happens for a reason.” – Jennifer Young[10:08] “I've always wanted to own a business.  I just never knew what I wanted to own..” – Jennifer Young[10:21] “It's funny how God knows what he's going to give you before you know. And I just look back there and he gave me all the steps that I needed to be where I'm at.”– Jennifer Young[11:20] “It's about building the relationships. So it's not just selling that window treatment or selling that upholstery or that awning.” – Jennifer Young[12:07] “Luck is what happens at the intersection of preparation and opportunity…people miss opportunity because it shows up in overalls. It looks like hard work.” – Madeleine MacRae[13:41] “Sometimes the more you chase, the harder it is to catch it. If you chase service and depth of relationship, it's going to come back to you again and again and again.” – Madeleine MacRaeOur GuestJennifer Young is the owner of Mr. K's Fabric Shop, a 73-year-old Hunter Douglas gallery and upholstery service in Quincy, Illinois. With a background in HR, marketing, and sales, Jennifer unexpectedly became a business owner in 2019 and has since grown the legacy company by focusing on deep customer relationships, community integration, and a heartfelt commitment to service. She is passionate about preserving a "dying art" like upholstery and providing a welcoming place for both her customers and her committed staff.Resources and LinksMr. K’s Fabric ShopWebsite: mrksquincy.comFacebook: Mr. K’s Fabric Shop – Quincy, ILPhone: (217) 222-5816Jennifer YoungLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-young-a0977349Madeleine MacRaeWebsite - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

Ver todos los episodios