When you’re managing a company that has grown from a single vacation rental to a national hospitality brand operating in over 18 markets, most leaders would reach for org charts, operational SOPs, and management consultants. But for Steve Schwab, the answer came in the form of a credo.

Steve Schwab is the Founder of Casago, a purpose-led vacation rental and property management company built on empathy, loyalty, and service. Today, he serves as the CEO of Vacasa, following the recent merger between the two companies. This union marks not just a consolidation of brands, but a bold vision for redefining hospitality through human-centered leadership at scale.

Casago was never just a hospitality company. It became a values-driven movement powered by people who believe in doing right by others, no matter the cost. That ethos now has the opportunity to reach millions more through the Vacasa platform.

In an episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Steve shares how his time as a U.S. Army Ranger shaped the way he approaches business, and why he believes every company should have its own internal leadership doctrine, not a rulebook, but a lived set of principles.

Steve’s journey into leadership wasn’t traditional. In fact, he questioned whether he was even the right person to lead after a rapid acquisition expanded his company overnight. It was in that moment of doubt that he began to write what would become The Orange Credo, a set of guiding values that have since fueled Casago’s culture and inspired generations of team members.

Whether you’re leading a startup, managing a distributed team, or scaling a company through multiple regions, Steve’s approach to conscious capitalism and decentralized leadership offers powerful lessons. At Casago, love is not just a feel-good concept. It is operationalized through principles that empower employees to act with confidence and compassion, especially when no one is watching.

Empathy as Infrastructure

The Orange Credo includes statements like, “We believe in standing shoulder to shoulder,” and “We leave things better than we found them.” These aren’t just motivational phrases painted on the wall. They guide how employees respond to crises, how they treat guests, and how they support each other in times of personal struggle.

Steve shares the story of an employee who, without being asked, drove through a snowstorm to deliver blankets to a stranded guest. Another story features an operations manager who helped a family involved in a car crash navigate insurance and logistics. These moments aren’t isolated. They are expected. Because everyone at Casago is entrusted to lead with care.

A Playbook Rooted in People

Unlike companies that rely on rigid hierarchy and micromanagement, Casago thrived through distributed trust. New employees were onboarded with a calligraphed Book of Lore that documented stories of heroic service and practical wisdom. This collection of lived experiences became both training and inspiration.

Steve believes that empathy scales when leaders commit to principles instead of prescriptions. The credo creates alignment, allowing people to make values-based decisions even in the absence of a manager or directive. That autonomy is not accidental. It is earned through cultural investment.

The ROI of Love and Loyalty

When asked about what drives retention at Casago, Steve points to love. Employees and franchisees stayed not because they were obligated, but because they felt deeply connected to the mission. Some housekeepers worked with him for over 20 years. Families passed down roles through generations. These are not typical industry stats. They are the result of leading from the heart.

Steve also touches on the economic side of purpose. When a company consistently leads with service, it creates long-term trust. That trust shows up in customer referrals, operational resilience, and team loyalty. It also creates a ripple effect in local communities, as the team goes above and beyond to support not just guests, but neighbors and partners too.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Why every business should create its own leadership credo
• How decentralizing leadership empowers your team to act with integrity
• The role of storytelling in building cultural continuity
• Why love, loyalty, and legacy are competitive advantages in hospitality and beyond
• How to scale a company without losing your soul

Steve’s vision for the future of leadership is grounded in one idea: people before process. The businesses that thrive tomorrow will be the ones who invest in culture, values, and human connection today.

Final Thoughts

Steve Schwab’s story is not about building a company. It’s about building a culture where people matter more than processes, and where principles carry more weight than policies. His journey reminds us that leadership is not a title. It’s a daily decision to serve, empower, and trust others to rise.

At a time when many companies are scrambling to keep up with disruption, Steve chose to double down on values. He proves that conscious capitalism isn’t a trend. It’s a long-term strategy for resilience, growth, and human connection.

From empowering housekeepers to honoring guest experiences, his leadership playbook is one that prioritizes dignity over dashboards and heart over hierarchy.

Whether you’re building a hospitality brand, managing a remote team, or simply searching for a more human way to lead, Steve’s message is clear: culture is not a byproduct of success. It’s the foundation.

And when you lead with love, people don’t just show up. They stay, they care, and they thrive.

Check out our full conversation with Steve Schwab on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

For many entrepreneurs, the tension between purpose and profit feels like a constant negotiation. Are you building a company to scale, or are you building something that stands for something? For Robin Gagnon, co-founder and CEO of We Sell Restaurants, that’s a false choice.

On a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Robin shared her journey as a business leader who’s managed to scale a successful national franchise brand without sacrificing the soul of her work. Her approach is grounded in empathy, driven by values, and, most importantly, it works.

Restaurants Are Community

Robin sees restaurants not just as businesses, but as community hubs. They’re where people gather, celebrate, mourn, and make memories. Her company’s mission is about more than transactions. It’s about transitions.

“We’re not just selling businesses,” she said. “We’re transferring someone’s dream to the next dreamer.”

That perspective comes from experience. Robin’s early career included small business ownership and corporate leadership. She’s lived on both sides of the entrepreneurial divide, giving her a unique lens into how empathy, systems, and social responsibility can coexist inside a growth-driven business.

Leading With Core Values

Unlike many companies that treat core values as wall art, Robin and her team live them. They review their values in meetings. They reference them during hiring. And when those values aren’t upheld, they give themselves grace and adjust.

But values aren’t just about internal behavior. They’re also used as a filter for growth. New franchisees must align with those values. No matter how promising a candidate looks on paper, if they don’t fit the culture, they’re out.

“There’s nothing more important than someone aligning with our values,” Robin said. “It matters more than background, experience, or financials. You can teach skills. You can’t teach character.”

Conscious Capitalism in a Franchise Model

Robin’s leadership was tested during COVID, when the restaurant industry nearly collapsed overnight. Sales stopped. Uncertainty skyrocketed. In that moment, she chose to lead not with fear, but with service.

“We literally stopped saying the word ‘sell,’” she said. “We moved into consulting mode. We educated. We coached. We helped our community survive.”

Her team supported restaurant owners with no expectation of return. They offered guidance on emergency funding, negotiated with landlords, and answered questions from people in crisis. Years later, that investment came back. One restaurant owner reached out simply because he remembered who showed up when it mattered most.

Slower Growth, Deeper Impact

In an industry obsessed with scale, Robin’s approach is refreshingly deliberate. She’s not trying to be the fastest-growing brand in her category. She’s focused on sustainable growth. Her company adds about ten franchisees a year, and that’s by design.

“I’d rather grow with the right ten people than add fifty who don’t reflect who we are,” she said.

Her philosophy is simple: grow slowly, stay true to your values, and never compromise your culture for speed. The result is a brand that’s built to last.

The Power of Grace in Leadership

One word that kept coming up during the conversation was grace. Grace for the team. Grace for customers. Grace for herself. Business, after all, is human. Mistakes happen. Feelings get hurt. Promises are missed. But if you’re anchored in a purpose that guides your response, even setbacks become teachable moments.

Robin doesn’t see leadership as perfection. She sees it as presence. Showing up. Admitting mistakes. Leading with love.

The Soul of a Franchise

In an age of automation and systematized everything, it’s easy to lose the human touch. Robin’s response? Make empathy part of the system. At We Sell Restaurants, even their AI tools have names and personalities. Newsletters are sent by “Tess” and “Fred,” their internal tech assistants. It’s not gimmicky. It’s a way to keep the culture human.

And that human-first approach isn’t just internal. Robin’s also leading a redesign of their entire listings experience — moving away from dry facts and figures to stories. She believes that behind every sale is a narrative worth telling.

“When people buy a restaurant, they’re not just buying cash flow,” she said. “They’re buying a dream.”

Final Thought

Robin’s story is proof that you don’t have to choose between profitability and purpose. You can build systems that support both. You can make values part of your hiring process. You can lead with grace and still grow.

When asked if love belongs in business, Robin didn’t hesitate.

“Absolutely,” she said. “Love belongs everywhere.”

That’s the kind of leadership the business world needs more of. Grounded. Real. Profitable. And human.

Check out our full conversation with Robin Gagnon on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

For years, the office was seen as the beating heart of business. If you wanted to prove your company was real, you needed a physical space. Desks. A kitchen. A place where people clocked in, gathered, and did the work.

But as Alpesh Doshi, founder of Kendra Labs, reminded us in a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, the real transformation isn’t just about where we work. It’s about rethinking the purpose, structure, and strategy of work itself.

Alpesh has been advising startups and enterprise leaders on how to build the future of business with AI at the center. But his view goes far beyond automation. He challenges organizations to redesign their operations with a people-first, systems-intelligent mindset. What’s outdated isn’t just the office. It’s the assumption that presence equals productivity.

Remote Work Wasn’t a Revolution, It Was a Reckoning

The pandemic didn’t usher in a remote work revolution. It exposed how unprepared we were to begin with.

Most companies didn’t transition to remote intentionally. They were pushed into it overnight. As a result, they replicated in-person dysfunction online. Endless Zoom meetings. Lack of documentation. Vague expectations. Misaligned communication.

According to Alpesh, one of the most overlooked opportunities was to intentionally codify the way people work. At Kendra Labs, they’ve done exactly that — creating rituals, rules of engagement, and systems that make work visible, shared, and scalable across time zones. It’s not about control. It’s about clarity.

He shared examples of asynchronous-first communication, default-to-sharing norms, and onboarding practices that give people a real understanding of how to succeed in a distributed environment. In his words, “If people don’t understand the operating model, how can you expect them to thrive in it?”

Accountability Without Micromanagement

One of the most striking points Alpesh made was about accountability in remote settings. Contrary to old-school assumptions, distributed teams can be more accountable, not less. But it requires rethinking the mechanics.

Traditional models rely on top-down supervision. In self-managed teams, accountability emerges from a shared sense of purpose and mutual responsibility. People don’t want to let down their peers. And when the goal is clear and the mission matters, performance often takes care of itself.

Still, this model isn’t automatic. Many professionals, especially early in their careers, have never been taught how to succeed without structure. It’s not that they’re incapable. It’s that the system never invested in their autonomy.

This is where leadership comes in. Organizations that want to build resilient, empowered teams must also teach skills like goal-setting, self-awareness, and ownership. These are not soft skills. They’re strategic.

Isolation Is Real and Preventable

Remote work has many benefits, but let’s be honest — it can be lonely.

Alpesh didn’t shy away from this. He spoke openly about the need to design for connection, not just productivity. Culture doesn’t disappear in a distributed model, but it does require more intention.

Spontaneous hallway chats. Morning coffee with a colleague. Team lunches. These weren’t just perks. They were part of the emotional fabric that kept teams cohesive.

Now, leaders must create new rituals that foster belonging. Virtual roundtables. Cross-functional collaboration spaces. Off-site gatherings with purpose. Even well-designed Slack channels can restore some of the human magic we lost.

As Alpesh said, “Remote-first doesn’t mean people-last.”

The Rise of the AI-First Organization

Perhaps the most forward-looking part of the conversation was Alpesh’s vision for “AI-first” companies. Not businesses that just use AI, but those built with AI at the center of their workflows, decisions, and operations.

He shared jaw-dropping examples of lean teams using AI to scale up with incredible efficiency. One company he referenced hit $100 million in revenue with just 15 people. Another founder eliminated nearly all hourly reporting, replacing it with outcome-based metrics driven by smart automation.

But he also pointed to friction. Engineers refusing to adopt AI tools out of fear. Leaders worried they’ll lose visibility. Founders wrestling with trust.

The lesson? It’s not just the tools that need upgrading. It’s the mindset.

True AI-first companies are not just digitized. They’re rehumanized. They use AI to remove friction, elevate insight, and refocus people on high-value work that drives meaning, not burnout.

Purpose Is Still the Anchor

Despite all the talk of tools, systems, and strategy, Alpesh kept returning to one core idea: purpose.

Without purpose, autonomy feels like abandonment. Without purpose, AI feels like surveillance. Without purpose, growth becomes noise.

When people understand the why behind their work, accountability rises. Innovation flows. Collaboration improves. The organization becomes more than a place. It becomes a shared mission.

That’s the future of work. Not office versus remote. Not AI versus human. But aligned purpose, thoughtful systems, and empathetic leadership.

Final Thought

As we navigate the next chapter of work, we have to ask harder questions than “when are people in the office?”

We need to ask:

• Do people understand how to succeed here?
• Are we designing systems that support autonomy and accountability?
• Are we leading with purpose, not just productivity?

Alpesh Doshi’s insights remind us that the companies that thrive won’t just embrace change. They’ll architect it. With empathy. With clarity. And with purpose at the core.

Check out our full conversation with Alpesh Doshi on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

Business isn’t just about transactions. It’s about relationships. David DeLorenzo, CEO of Bar and Restaurant Insurance and author of Just Getting Started, has built his career around this principle. He didn’t just create a business. He built a community.

David’s journey is anything but traditional. He began in the music industry, working with legendary artists and navigating a world where connections were everything. When that chapter closed, he didn’t lose his passion for people. He brought it with him into the world of insurance, a field that’s often seen as cold and transactional.

For David, community isn’t just a marketing concept. It’s the core of everything he does. His company doesn’t just sell policies. It protects dreams, supports businesses, and fosters genuine relationships with clients who trust him not just as an insurance provider, but as a partner.

Why Authenticity is the Ultimate Business Strategy

David’s approach is built on a simple truth: Authenticity is magnetic. Customers don’t just want products or services. They want to know who they’re doing business with. That’s why David insists on being himself, always.

“People don’t want perfect. They want real,” he explained. This belief is reflected in everything he does, from his branding to his conversations with clients. He avoids the stuffy, suit-and-tie image often associated with insurance and instead shows up as himself: genuine, approachable, and passionate.

This authenticity isn’t just a personal preference. It’s a strategic advantage. According to a study by Sprout Social, 86 percent of consumers say authenticity is a key factor in choosing which brands to support. David’s business isn’t just about policies. It’s about relationships built on trust and connection.

The Power of Connection in Business

For David, connection isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about being a resource, a mentor, and a community builder. He actively connects his clients with other trusted professionals, helping them succeed beyond their immediate needs. This approach has made him more than just an insurance provider. It has made him a trusted advisor.

He refers to himself as a “connector and protector,” a phrase that perfectly captures his mission. He doesn’t just sell insurance. He helps clients protect what matters most. But his value goes beyond coverage. He offers guidance, builds relationships, and creates a network of support for the people he serves.

Reinventing Success: The Story of Just Getting Started

David’s impact goes beyond his business. He’s also the author of Just Getting Started, a book that explores the power of reinvention at any stage of life. It’s a story of resilience, authenticity, and the courage to keep growing.

For David, reinvention isn’t just about changing careers. It’s about evolving, staying curious, and continuing to pursue what matters. His story is proof that it’s never too late to pivot, try something new, or discover a new passion.

What Other Leaders Can Learn from David’s Approach

David’s journey offers powerful lessons for leaders and entrepreneurs in any industry:

Authenticity Builds Trust: Customers want to know who you are. Be yourself, and the right people will connect with you.

Connection is More Valuable Than Transactions: Focus on building relationships, not just making sales. Be a resource, a mentor, and a connector.

Community Creates Resilience: When you build a network of loyal clients who trust you, your business can weather any storm.

Reinvention is Always an Option: No matter where you are in your career, you can always learn, grow, and start something new.

Purpose Drives Performance: David doesn’t just sell insurance. He protects the dreams of his clients. His purpose is clear, and it guides everything he does.

Final Thought

Business is about more than just numbers. It’s about people. David DeLorenzo’s success is a reminder that true connection is the most valuable asset any business can have. Authenticity isn’t just a feel-good idea. It’s a powerful strategy for lasting success.

The question is, in your own business, are you building real connections or just making transactions?

Check out our full conversation with David DeLorenzo on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

Community is more than just a buzzword, it’s the backbone of lasting business success. In a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Jason Parker, CEO of K-Nine Resorts, shared how a simple idea built on trust transformed a local pet-sitting service into a nationally recognized brand.

What began as a neighborhood pet-sitting service evolved into a thriving business built on one powerful principle: trust builds community, and community drives success. But for Jason, community isn’t just about customer relationships, it’s about creating a network where every location becomes a hub of connection and care.

Franchise owners at K-Nine Resorts aren’t just operators; they’re “mayors of their markets,” actively engaging with their communities. They attend local events, build partnerships, and become recognizable, trusted faces. This approach doesn’t just drive foot traffic, it builds loyalty.

Why Community Drives Business Success

In today’s world, consumers don’t just buy products or services, they buy relationships. A study by Sprout Social revealed that nearly 80 percent of customers feel more loyal to brands that foster community. And K-Nine Resorts is living proof.

At every new location, franchise owners are encouraged to engage with their communities before the doors even open. Whether it’s attending street fairs, partnering with local shops, or simply being present, they become familiar faces.

Jason’s philosophy is clear: If you can be a trusted presence in the community, you become the go-to choice when customers need your services.

The Business of Trust

Trust isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s a strategic advantage. K-Nine Resorts builds trust in three powerful ways:

Local Ownership, Local Connection: Franchisees aren’t just operators; they’re community members. They build relationships with customers, who know them by name.

Transparency and Consistency: Every location follows the same standards, from facility cleanliness to customer service. Customers know they can expect the same quality experience no matter which location they visit.

Education and Empowerment: Franchisees receive ongoing training on best practices, from customer care to community engagement. Regular webinars, an annual conference, and access to industry experts ensure they stay at the cutting edge.

Passion Fuels Purpose

Jason’s advice to aspiring franchise owners is simple: “Don’t just choose a business because it looks profitable, choose something you love.” His own story is proof. What began as a passion for dogs turned into a thriving business, but more importantly, it turned into a community.

This passion isn’t just good for morale, it’s good for business. Purpose-driven companies consistently outperform their competitors. According to a study by Deloitte, purpose-driven businesses grow three times faster than their peers.

Lessons for Business Leaders

What can other businesses learn from K-Nine Resorts? At its core, Jason’s approach is about building trust through authenticity, consistency, and community engagement. Whether you’re running a local service or a global enterprise, the principles are the same:

• Show Up: Be present where your customers are, both physically and digitally.
• Be Transparent: Consistency in your brand experience builds trust.
• Invest in Education: Support your team and partners with continuous learning.
• Lead with Passion: Do what you love, and your customers will feel that energy.

Final Thought

Community isn’t something you build once, it’s something you nurture every day. For K-Nine Resorts, that means recognizing that dogs aren’t just pets, they’re family. And families deserve more than just a service, they deserve a relationship.

The question is, in your own business, how are you building that sense of community?

Check out our full conversation with Jason Parker on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog

When it comes to leadership, some traits are easy to recognize. Decisiveness, strategic thinking, and resilience often top the list. But there’s one skill that’s just as crucial, yet often overlooked: emotional intelligence (EQ).

In a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Jason Olsen, Founder and CEO of Image Studios, shared how EQ has shaped his leadership journey. From building a thriving franchise network to navigating tough team dynamics, Jason made it clear that emotional intelligence isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a strategic advantage.

The Real Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business

Research from TalentSmart shows that 90 percent of top performers have high emotional intelligence, compared to just 20 percent of low performers. Despite this, many organizations still undervalue EQ when hiring or developing leaders.

Jason’s experience challenges that trend. He has spent the last 15 years growing Image Studios from a single location to over 100 across the country. His key insight? Building a successful business is straightforward until you add people into the equation.

“Business is easy until you add the human component,” Jason explained. “That’s where things get messy. If you can’t tune into the human side, you’re missing half of the formula.”

Leading Through Conflict: A Real-Life EQ Case Study

Jason shared a powerful story from his own experience. His marketing team was clashing over the direction of a major national campaign. Emotions were high, and the project was at risk of stalling.

Instead of dictating a top-down solution, Jason tapped into his EQ. He recognized the tension and took a step back. Instead of taking sides, he invited each person to share their perspective. By actively listening and facilitating an open dialogue, he not only diffused the conflict but also guided the team to a solution that everyone could support.

“It could have gone into a serious fight,” Jason recalled. “But instead, everyone came out with a better strategy than we had originally planned.”

Why EQ Matters More Than Ever

In today’s fast-paced business world, the ability to navigate human dynamics is a critical leadership skill. A study from Forbes found that leaders with high emotional intelligence are 70 percent more likely to successfully scale their businesses. Why? Because EQ-driven leaders create environments where people feel valued, heard, and empowered.

Jason pointed out that emotional intelligence is not about being nice. It’s about being understood. Effective communication builds trust and reduces conflict, allowing teams to perform at their best.

“If a leader can demonstrate good EQ skills, it sets a tone,” Jason said. “People start mirroring that behavior, and it becomes part of the company culture.”

The Ripple Effect of EQ

One of the most intriguing aspects of Jason’s leadership philosophy is the ripple effect. At Image Studios, he fosters emotional intelligence not only within his corporate team but throughout his network of franchise owners and independent beauty professionals.

With over 2,500 beauty entrepreneurs across the country, maintaining consistent leadership values could be a challenge. Yet, Jason believes that EQ is the key to connecting with both franchisees and their clients.

“We help people start businesses,” he explained. “It’s exciting, but it’s also scary. Being able to connect with that emotion makes our brand relatable. It shows we get it. We know the journey, and we support them through it.”

Breaking the Misconceptions Around EQ

Despite the clear benefits, many leaders still view EQ as a “soft” skill, less important than technical expertise or hard metrics. Jason challenges this perception head-on.

“People think EQ is just about being nice,” he said. “But it’s really about being able to understand what’s going on with your team and your customers. It’s not just about feeling, it’s about knowing how to respond effectively.”

Jason pointed out that low EQ often leads to a toxic work environment, high turnover, and customer dissatisfaction. In contrast, high EQ leaders build resilient cultures that can navigate challenges without falling apart.

Practical Steps to Strengthen EQ

During the podcast, Jason shared practical advice for leaders looking to build their own emotional intelligence:

• Practice Self-Awareness: Regularly reflect on how your actions impact others. Ask for feedback and be open to adjusting your approach.
• Focus on Active Listening: Instead of formulating a response, focus on truly understanding what the other person is saying.
• Lead by Example: Your team mirrors your behavior. Model the EQ skills you want to see in others.
• Prioritize Empathy: Show that you understand your team’s challenges. This builds trust and encourages open communication.
• Resolve Conflict Thoughtfully: Create a space where different perspectives can be shared without judgment. Use conflicts as opportunities for growth.

EQ: The Leadership Skill That Transforms Culture

When Jason discussed why emotional intelligence isn’t prioritized in leadership training, he noted that many leaders simply aren’t taught how to practice it. In most MBA programs, the focus is on analytics, finance, and strategy, leaving emotional dynamics as an afterthought.

But as Jason demonstrated throughout the episode, EQ is essential to leading people, building community, and fostering business growth. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being human.

And when leaders take the time to understand their teams, they create not just better workplaces but stronger, more resilient businesses.

A Final Thought

As Jason put it, “It’s not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the one who listens, understands, and brings people together.”

Emotional intelligence isn’t just a leadership trend. It’s a strategic advantage that every leader should prioritize. The next time your team faces a challenge, ask yourself: Am I reacting or responding? Am I being directive or listening?

By embracing EQ, leaders can build not just profitable companies but lasting communities of people who feel valued and heard.

Check out our full conversation with Jason Olsen on The Bliss Business Podcast.

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog