If you have ever worked in the service industry, you’ll know that it has its ups (hint: in the tip jar) and downs (in the bathrooms with a scrubbing brush). It takes a certain type of person to stick it out into adulthood, but those who do tend to develop a special kind of outlook on the world. 

After long enough in the business, you might find yourself wilting beneath armloads of coffee cups, half-empty plates of food, and wine glasses, especially when you’re holding down the fort on your own…

But you keep right on serving, running on a mixture of passion and hunger for that paycheck. Some nights, your workmates might be the only thing left holding you up.

That’s why a great team is the cornerstone of most successful hospitality ventures, and as it turns out, the same is true for many successful start-ups. 

Surprised? You might not be after you meet today’s interview guest. 

When times are tough, nothing could be more valuable than a strong team - at least that’s the philosophy of Kimberly Lipari. In her time as the CEO and co-founder of valet.io, she has navigated trials and tribulations without an empire-building handbook in sight (unless you count a few words of wisdom from Brene Brown). 

In this episode of Profit and Impact, Kimberly unpacks the secrets to her success: valuing team culture, embracing the suck, and always leading with the question, “How can I help?” 

So what’s this conversation REALLY about?

Choosing the mission of service over all else (even a secure engineering job)How to make it up as you go along The value of the trough before the peak The power of a committed team 

Why you should listen

The revelation that being helpful can become an entire business philosophy might just blow your mind, but once you hear Kimberly’s story, you’ll be inspired to put the pieces back together and start on your own Crusade of Helpfulness. 

Links 

valet.io 

You can quote me on that... 

“You should always be and surround yourself with people who can do things that you can't. It's inspiring and it's humbling at the same time.” - Kimberly Lipari

“I think that's how most businesses are, like, "I have no idea what I'm doing." You almost don't know enough of what you're not doing [so you're] like, "Hey, what the hell? You know, I could do this."” - Nev Harris

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