The Art of Purpose-Driven Hospitality

In today’s fast-paced world, hospitality often feels like a mere transaction. To hell with that—whatever you give with an expectation in return, you lose. True hospitality is an art—an intentional effort to see people, value them, and connect with them. At its core is a simple truth: people don’t just remember what you do; they remember how you make them feel.

Purpose-driven hospitality takes your unique identity and transforms it into meaningful experiences that inspire loyalty and growth. It’s more than just delivering excellent service; it’s about fostering authentic human connections that leave a lasting impression—one that isn’t seen, but felt.

When you focus on intentional interactions, you not only attract people but turn them into advocates who believe in what you stand for. By embracing this approach, you’ll elevate your identity to unparalleled distinction.

Carry One

In a world where numbers often define success, it’s easy to focus on the crowd and forget the individual. Yet, the most profound impact often comes not from leading the many but from carrying the one. Where They Follow reminds us that true community and culture grow not from broad strokes but from the deliberate, one-on-one attention we give to each person.

Every individual in a group has their own story—a mixture of triumphs, struggles, and untapped potential. By tending to these stories, we weave a richer tapestry of culture. Consider the image of Jesus carrying a single sheep while the others follow. It’s not just a symbol of care; it’s a blueprint for transformative leadership.

When we pause to focus on one person, we strengthen the entire group. Whether it’s offering support during a challenging time or celebrating an individual’s unique contribution, this intentional act sends a ripple effect through the community. It tells others: You matter. We see you.

The truth is, we all have the capacity to carry someone. Whether it’s a friend, a colleague, or even a stranger, we are called to notice who needs us most and step into that space. The reward is not just a flourishing community but a deeper sense of connection and purpose.

The next time you’re in a group, resist the urge to focus solely on the collective. Instead, look for the one. Build a relationship. Extend a hand. As you carry them, you’ll find that others naturally follow, and a culture of care will blossom.

Because in the end, leadership isn’t about being in front of the crowd—it’s about knowing when to stop, turn back, and carry the one.

Where They Follow - A Book I Never Wrote

Where They Follow is a guide to building the community and culture you desire in a world of billions. Drawing on the image of Jesus carrying one sheep while 99 follow, this book reveals the secret to nurturing meaningful connections: deliberate, one-on-one attention.

Every community thrives on the individuality of its people—their unique challenges, strengths, and abilities. Together, they create the vibrant texture, color, and flavor of culture. This book explores the idea that true leadership comes not just from guiding the crowd but from carrying the one who needs you most.

Ultimately, we are all called to shoulder this responsibility. Where They Follow invites you to step into this role and discover how cultivating intentional relationships can transform any group into a flourishing community.

Had to Be There – A Polaroid

in

Polaroids do the best job at telling the “you had to be there” stories.

In a world of digital precision and perfectionism, Polaroids remain unyielding to perfect duplication, replication, or alteration. At its core, you simply had to be there.

A photograph's true satisfaction lies in its capacity to narrate a story.

It might as well be an honest one.

Obligation to Invitation: The Difference Is Intention

in ,

Study the DMV.

Having studied the DMV experience, I've come to view it as a compelling example of obligatory interaction. It operates on the premise that, 'I have what people need, and since there's no alternative, individuals are obligated to visit.'

The DMV teaches me what not to do – forced obligation; instead, I aspire to invite actively.

As I reflect on this, I wonder if my team operates similarly—out of obligation rather than active invitation. Recognizing these similarities has opened the door to transformative insights, guiding me toward the global marketing goal I'd call 'relatability.'

In the realm of marketing, I need to be worth connecting with.

Marketing is not just a message; it's an invitation to engage.

The word 'invitation' itself implies a sense of pursuit and vigor. I've learned that I must actively pursue and offer what I have, much like the relentless pursuit of love (the same type of love that drives a broke man to spend thousands of dollars on a rock to give to a partner).

This transition from obligation to invitation has taught me to rethink how I and my businesses operate. By infusing relatability into our interactions, we invite genuine engagement. I now recognize my worth and the value I bring, extending an open invitation for others to connect. It's not about perfection; it's about creating authentic, relatable engagement.