Mark McFatridge, the founder of Quade, has taken an unconventional path from a successful banking career to becoming an entrepreneur. In this interview, Mark shares his journey, highlighting the lessons he learned along the way, the value of CEO peer groups, and the challenges he faced building Quade—a community of business leaders dedicated to personal and professional growth.
Quade: A Community of Leaders
Quade isn’t your average networking group—it’s a peer-to-peer community designed for CEOs and business owners who are serious about both personal and professional development. “We’re building a community of CEOs and business owners that support, challenge, and hold each other accountable,” says Mark. Quade operates with small “circles” of 8 to 10 leaders, facilitated by experienced former CEOs who guide discussions and offer their expertise. These circles aren’t just for networking; they provide real-time feedback, accountability, and a safe space for vulnerability—a rare commodity in the CEO world.
One of Quade’s standout features is its flexibility, offering both virtual and in-person groups across the U.S., including cities like Indianapolis, Tampa, Los Angeles, and New York, with plans to expand to Chicago, Minneapolis, and Denver.
Why Quade?
Before founding Quade in October 2021, Mark spent decades in the banking industry, where he had a unique vantage point to observe successful entrepreneurs. “I kept looking at them, and it wasn’t that they were smarter than I was; it was that they had this passion and inner drive,” Mark reflects. Despite his success, he realized that something was missing—the confidence to take that entrepreneurial leap himself.
This all changed when Mark became a bank president and joined a CEO peer group. “It literally changed my life,” he shares, explaining how the experience helped him navigate the complexities of leadership. Mark saw the potential for smaller, privately-owned companies to benefit from similar peer groups, and the seed for Quade was planted.
Lessons Learned: What Every Entrepreneur Should Know
Reflecting on his journey, Mark identifies three key traits that every entrepreneur should embrace:
- Thick Skin: “You’ve got to be able to listen—or sometimes not listen—to people telling you that your idea isn’t good,” he advises. The entrepreneurial path is full of naysayers, but staying true to your vision while extracting nuggets of wisdom from feedback is crucial.
- Visionary Thinking: Entrepreneurs need to look beyond the present moment and think strategically. “You have to be able to focus on what’s next,” Mark emphasizes. This forward-looking mindset allows business owners to drive growth while keeping an eye on emerging opportunities.
- Strong Operational Foundations: As essential as vision is, operations cannot be neglected. Mark points out that while entrepreneurs often have to be hands-on in the beginning, their goal should be to create a solid operational base. “As soon as you have a trusted team in place, you need to focus on being that visionary and developing strategic partnerships.”
Building a Diverse Team
Mark’s leadership philosophy extends to how he approaches hiring and team-building. He believes in surrounding himself with individuals who are not only diverse in demographics but also in skills and backgrounds. “You need people who are stronger than you in certain areas, and you have to get out of their way and let them do their job,” Mark says. Empowering team members to challenge and push him, he stresses, has been a vital part of his success.
This approach, however, is not without its challenges. “It takes a special person to be willing to challenge you, and it takes an equally special leader to accept that challenge,” he notes. Yet, this diversity and openness are essential to building a thriving, innovative team.
Core Values as the Cornerstone
In the CEO circles Mark runs, one of the most consistent themes among the most successful leaders is their commitment to their core mission, vision, and values. “It’s not just words on a poster,” he says. These values guide every decision, including hiring. Leaders who stay true to their mission and aren’t afraid to have tough conversations with employees who veer off track tend to build stronger, more cohesive teams.
“Some of the most successful CEOs are not afraid to have those hard conversations and part ways when someone is no longer a good fit,” Mark observes. This commitment to core values creates an environment where the entire team is aligned and motivated toward a common goal.
Challenges and Growth: What’s Next for Quade
As Quade expands, Mark’s primary challenge is growth—specifically, growing the membership and spreading awareness of what CEO peer groups can offer. “The biggest hurdle is letting CEOs and business owners know that these groups are out there and how valuable they can be,” he says. CEOs are often expected to have all the answers, and the idea of joining a group where they must be vulnerable can be daunting. Yet, Mark believes that vulnerability is key to unlocking growth.
“We just keep telling the story,” he says, referring to how Quade grows through referrals and word-of-mouth. Once business owners experience the value of being part of a peer group, they quickly refer others. Quade’s strategy of building strong initial circles in each new market allows for organic growth, as members share their experiences and invite others to join.
Telling the Story: The Power of Authenticity
To spread the word, Mark and his team rely heavily on social media, particularly LinkedIn. “We post six days a week, and we’re unapologetically authentic,” he says. Mark believes in showing the human side of leadership, often posting videos and personal reflections. This authenticity helps build trust with potential members and showcases Quade’s core values in action.
In addition to social media, Quade runs a podcast titled Igniting the CEO Within, where members share their journeys. “It’s amazing to hear the paths these leaders have taken to become CEOs and business owners,” Mark shares. These stories resonate with listeners and help prospective members see the value in joining Quade’s circles.
The organization also hosts an annual conference, bringing members and prospective members together for a blend of education and networking. “It’s all about building community,” Mark says.
Final Thoughts: A Focus on Legacy
Looking ahead, Mark’s goals for Quade are clear: growth, expansion, and creating lasting impact. He wants to see more CEOs experience the transformative power of peer groups and aims to continue fostering environments where leaders can be both challenged and supported.
Mark’s journey from banking to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of community, vulnerability, and staying true to one’s values. His story, like those of the CEOs in Quade’s circles, serves as an inspiration for business owners looking to grow—not just their companies, but also themselves.
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