My Recent Interview With Chris Suarez

By Chris Stuart

As the President of PLACE, Inc., Chris Stuart, in collaboration with co-founders Ben Kinney and Chris Suarez, is responsible for driving the organization’s cross-functional growth objectives by scaling the company’s technology and consulting platform to include a diverse offering of consumer services.

Click here to watch the full interview.

Recently, I was interviewed about my business philosophy and what it means to build a successful brand. Noise fills our industry, and our businesses often reflect that. A constant whirlwind of activity makes it challenging to cut through the clutter and find clarity.

I believe much of this ability stems from adopting a servant mindset each day. I approach my work with a focus on contributing to others. When it comes to the multitude of decisions we face in business, the key is to separate our emotions from our beliefs and operate with honesty and transparency.

We must pinpoint the core problem we’re trying to solve and then determine the best course of action serving the interests of all parties involved. Let me illustrate this with an example from my experience at Berkshire Hathaway.

When I joined the company, the franchise sales team was struggling, and our primary challenge was achieving growth. To address this, I initiated a candid conversation with the team, asking them what they were actually selling. It became evident that they were trying to sell a brand that hadn’t yet gained traction in the market.

By honestly acknowledging this reality and reframing our approach, we were able to craft a compelling value proposition that resonated with potential buyers. This process underscores the importance of identifying the problem, separating feelings from beliefs, and operating with a service-oriented mindset.

Now, as for the feelings that often hinder progress, ego, personal agendas, and financial considerations are common culprits. In the example I shared, there were individuals who had invested their pride and reputation in the brand, making it difficult to pivot our strategy. However, through diplomatic dialogue and a focus on finding solutions, we were able to navigate these challenges and move forward constructively.

You can call or email me with any questions about this topic. I look forward to hearing from you!