Several years ago, I interviewed Ruth Goepfert, founder of the Hummelstown Swim Club. This comment stuck with me: each year the board voted to do something to improve the swim club. Sometimes it was something big (adding a kiddie pool and fountain); sometimes it was small (adding a sand box). She said this mindset dramatically impacted their business.
Recently, I worked with Phil Guarno, owner of Fenicci's of Hershey, in facilitating an entrepreneur field trip for high schoolers. Guarno told the students that each year
he puts a significant percentage of his revenue toward a capital improvement fund, as he was taught to do by former employer Bill Marriott. Each year, Guarno improves the physical aspect of his restaurant.
As I show homes all over Sun Country, I view firsthand the impact seemingly small actions (or...