Building a Team That Believes
This weekend, a 5-star Google review came in — one that actually made me pause. It wasn’t the rating.
It was the message:
“The team blew us away.”
Moments like that remind me why I care so deeply about building teams, not staffs. Anyone can hire. But inspiring people to show up with pride, purpose, and heart — that’s the real work of hospitality.
Over the years, I’ve watched incredible employees and managers grow, move on, chase new chapters. But what I’m most proud of is how many return when I call. How many want to be part of the next project. That doesn’t happen by luck. It happens when people believe in what you’re building — and feel that you believe in them.
You can’t fake culture. You can’t buy loyalty.
You earn it through clarity, consistency, and treating people like they matter — because they do.
So yes, the review made my day. But what really got me was knowing a guest felt what I feel every night: this team is special. They care. They’re invested. They’re the reason the vision works.
In hospitality, buildings and menus don’t create magic — people do.
And when you build a team with intention, they don’t just work for you.
They believe with you.
