I recently had the opportunity to listen to an excellent podcast produced by NPR where the founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, was interviewed.

Chouinard is an active outdoorsman who began Patagonia because he felt that the clothing and equipment available to recreational enthusiasts at that time were of very poor quality. Mr. Chouinard’s passion for the outdoors led him to build a company that was completely focused on providing superior products that responded directly to the needs of his customers.

While countless clothiers and equipment producers existed before Patagonia was founded, Chouinard tapped the vein of authenticity and built a lifestyle around his product. To this day, Patagonia focuses on the “simplicity and utility” of its products, and has a corporate mission that emphasizes not only building the best product, but also a much more macro-goal. That is, Patagonia uses its business to “inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” In other words, the employees of Patagonia don’t see themselves as simply purveyors of shirts and tents, but rather as agents of environmental protection. Their company has meaning and purpose. Perhaps best of all, the company is consistently profitable while concurrently making positive contributions to the world.

Bozzuto is similar in that our company is driven by the desire to create extraordinary experiences. Our mission is to create the best possible living environment for our customers, and to do so in a way that creates community and respects the world in which we live. This is “why” we exist.

My father often describes our responsibility to create “sanctuary” for our residents. I have always loved the concept of “sanctuary,” and consider it a true privilege to be a part of a business that focuses on such a noble purpose.

The sanctuary that Bozzuto creates is special in that we are focused on the extraordinary experience of our customers. We surround our customers, clients and partners with positive and emotionally resonant experiences. In doing so, we have the power to create joy in people’s lives.

1. Bozzuto Construction builds projects of the highest quality while respecting the communities we are building in;
2. Bozzuto Homes creates incredibly well-planned homes and thoughtful communities, and strives to make our customers’ buying experiences extraordinary.
3. Bozzuto Management surprises and delights its customers through its personal relationships and attention to detail;
4. Bozzuto Development is a placemaker, always delivering projects to the neighborhoods we develop in that are stunning in design and execution.

If we pour all our energy into the creation of extraordinary experiences like these for our customer, clients and partners, our success will continue. We will differentiate ourselves from our peers who often describe making money as their sole motivator. And while money may not be our primary motivator, I suggest that by doing the right thing ALL the time, we will actually be more profitable than our peer set. If we adhere to this mission, I am confident that – together – we can leave behind a legacy that transcends the ordinary. Our legacy will be that of a company that touched people’s lives.