Every leader seeks to establish a company that can endure the test of time. Establishing a mission founded on purpose, people and performance is a powerful means toward that end. Those that do so often create highly successful organizations with operations grounded in core values like grit, integrity, honor and a mindset of continuous improvement, which informs their leadership style and marketplace service approach. More than inspirational statements, these guiding principles serve as a human-centric organizational blueprint—foundational pillars that executives and team leaders can use to cultivate a dynamic company culture and construct a business model in which meaningful social impact is inherent.
These kinds of values aren’t abstract—they’re actionable. They drive achievement while developing enduring customer trust, while also creating a loyalty-minded environment where employees flourish. Purpose-oriented leaders who apply such ideologies with consistency and courage create businesses that don’t just grow—they lead.
Case in point is Caleb Roth, CEO of Restorative Industries—a company empowering people through an extraordinary culture and meaningful careers in premium wood care solutions for restaurant exteriors—who walks the walk. “I didn’t set out to just build a company—but rather spark a movement,” he explains. “From day one, our leadership team has been guided by a simple but powerful mission: empowering others to build a better life. Whether through our products, partnerships or people, that mission drives everything we do. It’s not just a statement—it’s a promise. And that promise starts with our team. The heart of our company is built by the people who show up every day with grit, integrity and purpose. From the jobsite to the front office, every member of our crew plays a role in shaping the culture we’re so proud of. Together, we’ve built more than a business—we’ve built a place where people grow, lead and thrive.”
Roth, a former firefighter and EMT who turned a backyard staining side hustle into a $10M+ multi-brand empire that includes a vertically integrated ecosystem of wood care brands, is now helping everyday tradespeople across America build lucrative businesses of their own. He’s not just another multi-million-dollar entrepreneur; he’s reinventing the American Dream for the skilled trades. From running his family’s fence company as a young man, to building a vertically integrated, multi-brand powerhouse, Roth has proven that the path to leadership success doesn’t require a Silicon Valley address or venture capital. Indeed, from his small-town home base, Roth is quietly leading a national movement to restore the dignity of work, decentralize opportunity and give skilled laborers a blueprint for blue-collar wealth.
Below, Roth shares his 18 key principles that reflect how business figureheads can work, lead and lift each other up—because, as he believes, a mission only moves forward when everyone at an organization does so together.
- Day 1 Mentality – Every day presents a new opportunity to innovate, improve and lead. Success is fueled by the same hustle, curiosity and drive found on day one.
- Customer Obsession – Exceptional experiences begin with deep listening, empathy and thoughtful action. Exceeding expectations becomes the standard.
- 360° Improvement – Continuous growth happens in all directions—across teams, processes, products and purpose. Every area of business is subject to evolution.
- Service Above All Else – Excellence is defined by responsiveness, anticipation of needs and accountability at every stage of the customer journey.
- More with Less – Resourcefulness drives smart execution. Impact is maximized through efficiency, not excess.
- Be Quick, Don’t Hurry – Agility is balanced with accuracy. Speed matters, but thoughtful, calculated risk-taking ensures quality decisions.
- Insist on High Standards – High standards are non-negotiable. Continuous improvement is driven by a refusal to settle for “good enough.”
- Leave It Better Than Found – Every interaction, space or system should be left in better condition than when it was first encountered.
- Earn Trust – Trust is built through honesty, accountability and respect. It is earned daily through consistent actions and open communication.
- Make Exceptions – Policies should never overshadow doing what’s right. Flexibility is a strength when guided by principle and purpose.
- Long-Term Results – Strategic decisions are made with a long-view mindset, prioritizing sustainability and future value over short-term gains.
- Hire & Develop the Best – Strong organizations are built by elevating the talent within them. Leaders are cultivated through mentorship, training and opportunity.
- Kaizen – Incremental, continuous improvements—no matter how small—build momentum and deliver lasting impact.
- Stop & Fix It – Empowerment to halt a process in order to correct quality issues ensures that problems are addressed at the root, not passed along.
- Lead by Example – True leadership is demonstrated through action. Ownership mentality ensures accountability at every level.
- Think Big – Ambitious thinking fuels innovation and growth. Visionary ideas are the foundation of breakthrough solutions.
- Go & See – Real insight comes from firsthand observation. Being present at the source of an issue enables faster, more accurate resolution.
- Have a Backbone – Courageous leadership requires speaking up with respect and standing firm on values. Once a path is chosen, full commitment follows.
Businesses that integrate these values into their daily operations develop trust-based relationships while building loyal customers and achieving excellence in all their interactions. A defined value system enables organizations to make purpose-driven decisions while giving people the power to lead with purpose. The alignment between each action and the shared mission leads to improved brand reputation and sustainable growth. Purpose-driven businesses that maintain their principles stand as the most successful entities to navigate today’s fast-changing world as they lead their industries into the future.
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Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
