How Personal Values Shape the Success of My Business
When Phil and I started Henderson Properties, we wanted to build something for the ages that reflected who we are and what we believe. That’s why we chose our family name. For us, it’s a daily reminder of the responsibility we have to uphold the values that shape everything we do. Personal values are the foundation on which we’ve built this company. They’re at the core of our culture, hiring decisions, and long-term success.
Culture: The Heart of a Business
Just like you can’t build a house without a solid foundation, you can’t build a business without strong values. That means integrity, honesty, and a commitment to putting people first. These values are at the heart of our company culture.
After going through the 2008 financial crisis, we saw how a commitment to people-first leadership could carry a business through. While other companies struggled with layoffs, we doubled down on our core values and showed our employees renewed support and appreciation. Our culture grew stronger—and so did our business.
I’ve always believed that small business culture should feel personal because people work harder when they feel valued. We’re not just here to complete transactions but to serve.
Hiring: Finding the Right Fit
As you may certainly know, hiring goes beyond qualifications on paper. It’s all about finding people who share your values. You can have the smartest person in the room, but if they don’t align with your company’s core beliefs, it won’t work. When we hire, we look for talented people who demonstrate integrity, fairness, and a willingness to work as a team.
A few years back, we went through a hiring phase. We learned that skills-based hiring isn’t enough. You need people who are coachable, who want to be part of the team, and who align with your values. I’ve seen what happens when there’s a misalignment: it disrupts everything from teamwork to morale. That lesson taught us to prioritize values like integrity and teamwork over credentials alone.
Surrounding yourself with people who support your goals ensures you’re always improving. Our core value, “Together we are stronger,” isn’t just a saying—it’s how we work.
Ethics: The Backbone of Leadership
Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that how you treat people defines your success. Whether we’re negotiating contracts, resolving issues, or building new partnerships, we always ask ourselves: Are we doing the right thing?
Admitting when you’re wrong and finding solutions is key to success. We’ve made our share of mistakes, but acknowledging them and remaining open to trying new approaches has fostered a stronger culture and work environment.
The old saying, “If you don’t bend, you might break,” holds true—but only if you have the right people can you build a bend-but-don’t-break culture.
Business leaders need to grow, too. I’ve learned that surrounding myself with people who are smarter than me and bring different perspectives to the table is key to ensuring we stay on track ethically. It’s not just about leading; it’s about learning.
Teamwork: Together, We Are Stronger
I believe there is no “I” in the team.
That’s why I prioritize building a team where everyone feels empowered. Our motto, “Together we are stronger,” sums it up perfectly. When people feel part of something bigger, they’re more committed and likely to go the extra mile.
I’ve seen firsthand how a team built on shared values can get you through any crisis—including a volatile real estate market, a global pandemic, or major storms. We lift each other up and get through challenges together.
Values Define Success
The true test of a business is how it weathers change—whether it's a shift in the market, a new competitor, or an internal challenge. What keeps us steady through these storms are the values we chose long before the challenges appeared. They act as our compass, guiding us through tough decisions and unexpected opportunities.
As leaders, we set the tone for the kind of impact we want to make. And when that impact is built on a foundation of integrity, service, and respect, it becomes something that lasts. It becomes the legacy we’re proud to leave behind.