How can a simple college side hustle grow into a thriving, full-fledged business? In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae welcomes Patrick Brown, founder and CEO of Surv. What began as Rent Sons, a playful idea to offer “quality service without the complaining of an actual son,” has grown into a purpose-driven franchise that builds stronger communities while empowering people to grow.

Pat opens up about his entrepreneurial journey from a college side hustle to a tech-enabled startup and eventually into a scalable franchise model. Along the way, he shares the lessons learned from embracing feedback, fostering innovation among franchisees, and leading with humility and faith.

Together, Madeleine and Pat explore how servant leadership transforms business, why structure creates freedom, and how low-mindshare work gives people the mental space to reflect on who they are becoming. The result is a conversation that proves success is not just about profit. It is about purpose, people, and the quiet power of serving well.

Whether you lead a growing team or are searching for meaning in your work, this episode will inspire you to see everyday service in a whole new light.

Key Takeaways

• How “Rent Sons” evolved from a college project into a community-centered franchise
• Why feedback, even when hard to hear, is the foundation of authentic growth
• How servant leadership and faith intersect in building a purpose-driven business
• The hidden value of “low mindshare” work and how it fosters reflection and growth
• Why franchising thrives on humility, collaboration, and shared innovation
• How true success is defined not by wealth, but by meaning, impact, and legacy

• [00:00] Introduction to Patrick Brown
• [02:54] Building community and business growth
• [06:16] Challenges in transitioning to franchising
• [11:16] Generosity, information sharing, and scarcity mindset
• [12:42] Personal growth and embracing feedback
• [18:03] Learning from others and role models
• [19:49] Intentionality and self-discovery in work
• [21:08] Pat’s definition of success
• [27:17] Closing reflections and contact information

• [04:25] "I love being an entrepreneur. I love always innovating and finding new ways to do things and making the business better and better." – Pat Brown
• [14:04] "Feedback will always help you grow, and you grow into your best self through feedback." – Pat Brown
• [21:41] "I think the finish line is a false reality. Success really is about living the way you would want to be living today." – Pat Brown

Pat Brown is the Founder and CEO of Surv, a fast-growing service franchise that connects people through meaningful work. What began as a college venture called “Rent Sons” has evolved into a mission-driven business empowering individuals to serve their communities while developing practical and life skills. Pat believes in the power of feedback, curiosity, and servant leadership to create a ripple effect of positive impact across generations.

Resources and Links

Pat Brown

• Website: https://www.wesurv.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pat-brown-surv

• 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