I've always put people first, even when others called it crazy. They still do.
Why People Matter Most
When you invest in your people, you're not just being generous — you're being strategic. Employees who feel valued don't just work harder; they think harder. They care more. They stay longer.
The traditional startup model treats employees as costs to be minimized. I treat them as the product. Because in a service business, the people ARE the product.
The Bonus Philosophy
Bonuses aren't just about money. They're about recognition. They tell people: I see you. I value you. You matter to this company's success.
Durable economic growth is built from the ground up, by everyday people — not handed down by capital.
When I look at a company's culture, I don't look at the mission statement on the wall. I look at how they treat their lowest-paid employees. That tells you everything.
Building for the Long Term
Building without outside investment forces you to think long-term. You can't chase quarterly numbers to satisfy investors. You have to build something that lasts — because your own money is on the line.
That's why I invest in people first. Because people are the only thing that compounds over time.
