Share
))
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
…
continue reading
Manage episode 520087774 series 3553316
Content provided by Madeleine MacRae. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Madeleine MacRae or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.
How does someone who never planned on entering franchising end up spending three decades shaping franchise systems across the country?
In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Suave Brachowski, a seasoned franchise leader and brand president within HorsePower Brands, who currently leads both Bilingual Premier Lighting and Varsity Zone HVAC.
Suave shares the unlikely beginning of his career at McDonald’s, the leap of faith that led him to Arizona, and the “instant regret” that somehow became one of the best decisions of his life. Through turnarounds, startups, and nationwide franchise systems, Suave discovered what truly fuels successful business growth: a heart of service, a culture of collaboration, and a deep commitment to helping franchise owners succeed.
This is a conversation for anyone building a team, leading a franchise, or looking to infuse more purpose and practical strategy into their work.
Key Takeaways
Why "Co-Opetition" is the essential framework for a thriving franchise system.
Why franchising is a “commercial marriage” and why giving 100% matters more than anything
How to diagnose and fix a broken or siloed company culture.
The two budgets every business owner must master: money and time.
Why your "why" is the most important asset you have as a leader and entrepreneur.
How a difficult decision and a moment of doubt can become your greatest turning point.
In This Episode
[00:00] Introduction to Suave Brachowski
[05:38] How positivity, teamwork, and vision turn desolate situations around
[07:35] Why franchising works when both sides give 100%
[09:07] Understanding your “why” in business and home services
[13:20] Hard moments: when franchise cultures are siloed or struggling
[14:31] The concept of “competition” and why it fuels successful brands
[16:17] Money vs. time: the two budgets every owner must track
[19:00] How cooperation and collaboration drive franchise success
[21:04] Suave’s evolving definition of success
[24:23] Where to connect with Suave
Notable Quotes
[04:53] “I enjoy bringing people together, creating a vision, and all of us contributing brick by brick, wall by wall, just building something that we are really all proud of.” – Suave
[05:41] “Sometimes we see something that is really desolate, that is not working, that is broken, and just a little bit of water, a little bit of sunshine, a little bit of positivity, and you can really turn it into something flourishing.” – Suave
[07:20] “Our goal always has been to make sure we give everything we possibly can for our franchise owners.” – Suave
[10:09] “You have to know your "why ". You have to know, are you doing this because you want your family to come into it? Are you building a long term legacy?” – Suave
[16:20] “Every business owner has two budgets: they have money and they have time.” – Suave
[15:06] “If there are 10 of us in a room and we all share our best ideas, yes, I lost one idea, but I just gained nine. We always win in that environment.” – Suave
Our Guest
Suave Brachowski is a seasoned franchise executive with over 33 years of experience spanning major brands, turnarounds, startups, and multi brand leadership. Today he leads Bilingual Premier Lighting and Varsity Zone HVAC under HorsePower Brands, helping franchise owners build successful businesses rooted in service, integrity, and community impact.
Resources and Links
Suave Brachowski
Madeleine MacRae
96 episodes
