Dear Reader,
Every son wants to hear two things from a father: “I love you” and “I’m proud of you.”
One gives comfort. The other gives strength.
Jonathan Bancroft lost his father in a car accident when he was just seven years old.
The man he once looked up to—the architect, the hero—was suddenly gone. That kind of loss doesn’t just leave a hole. It leaves questions.
What kind of man will I become?
Who will show me the way?
Years later, broke and buried under student loan debt, Jonathan stumbled into a Sunday dinner at his mother’s house. A guest mentioned a job at Morris-Jenkins. Jonathan followed up.
That phone call changed his life.
He didn’t know it yet, but he had just stepped into the orbit of a different kind of father figure—Dewey Jenkins.
Mr. Jenkins didn’t just give Jonathan a job.
He gave him purpose.
He saw talent when Jonathan didn’t see it in himself.
He put him in sales.
He put him in management.
He put him through the fire—and he stood beside him through it all.
He taught him that leadership is quiet strength.
That handwritten notes still matter.
That the best cultures are built on celebration and consistency, not slogans.
That you can’t mandate performance—you can only inspire it.
Over time, Mr. Jenkins became more than a mentor.
He became literal family.
Jonathan married his daughter, Blair.
Together, they started their own family.
And when the time came for Mr. Jenkins to name a successor, he gathered his daughters around the table—and they all pointed to Jonathan.
That was the day a technician became a CEO.
Not because he demanded it.
But because he had been groomed for it—through time, trust, and tradition.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear the full story.
It’s about legacy.
About leadership.
And about what happens when a good man takes the long road—when he chooses to honor the past while building the future.
Jonathan Bancroft didn’t just inherit a company.
He inherited a calling.
And in doing so, he carries the voice of a father who always knew he could do it.
If you’ve ever longed for someone to believe in you like that—this one’s for you.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- Morris-Jenkins Home Services
- Mr. Jenkins Told Me (book)
- Service Excellence – https://www.servextra.com
- Scaling Up by Verne Harnish
- Books by Jim Collins and Patrick Lencioni
Episode Chapters & Summary
Starting at the Bottom
“What drove me initially was get out of debt and find something in my life I could plant my flag in.”
Jonathan's story begins with struggle and debt—until a casual referral leads him to the trades. What started as a $9/hour apprentice job turned into a calling. His hunger to be the best drove his early career. He became the one they'd call when no one else could fix it.
Key Takeaways:
- Referrals can change your life.
- Early struggle builds work ethic.
- Show up. Stay consistent. Get better.
- Hunger to grow outweighs natural talent.
The Path to Sales
“They had seen something in me. And that warms my heart.”
Leadership noticed Jonathan's potential before he did. After encouragement—and a powerful conversation with his mom—he stepped into sales and never looked back. That leap became a 12-year success path shaped by mentoring, coaching, and execution.
Key Takeaways:
- Your mentors often see your gifts before you do.
- The right advice can change your trajectory.
- Being great in sales is an act of service.
- Don't say no just because it's uncomfortable.
Succession and Leadership
“We're either going to sell the business or keep it in the family—with a plan.”
Jonathan married the founder's daughter—but he didn't skip the line. His journey to CEO included leading training teams, building operations, and learning through fire. His leadership was forged through action, not title.
Key Takeaways:
- Being the successor means proving yourself first.
- Real leadership is learned in hard places.
- There is no shortcut to earning respect.
- Titles follow value creation—not the other way around.
The Influence of a Mentor
“He helped me see the light.”
Mr. Jenkins was calm, thoughtful, and effective. He showed Jonathan how to lead with humility and listen before acting. He also created timeless rituals like handwritten cards that reinforced connection and culture. His mentorship built leaders—not just managers.
Key Takeaways:
- Mentors shape how you lead others.
- Lead soft—stay strong.
- Small traditions build big loyalty.
- Never underestimate handwritten connection.
Why Celebration Matters
“Celebrate everything you want to see more of.”
Jonathan made celebration a strategy—not a side note. Every win, anniversary, and great review is shared publicly and frequently. Culture is built on moments, and celebration makes those moments stick.
Key Takeaways:
- Culture lives in what you repeat.
- Celebration is the best performance fuel.
- Recognition should be systematic, not random.
- Create rituals that scale appreciation.
Guest Spotlight
Jonathan Bancroft – CEO of Morris-Jenkins & Author
Jonathan leads one of the most admired home service businesses in the country. His journey from apprentice to CEO is filled with grit, gratitude, and growth. His book Mr. Jenkins Told Me captures the principles that shaped his leadership. Learn more about his company at www.morrisjenkins.com
