Episode 40. Excellence as a Standard - How Personal Virtues Translate to Organization Expectations.

In this episode , I sit down with John Richmond from Richmond Vona LLC, a fast-growing personal injury firm located in Buffalo, NY. This episode follows John’s path from the early spark of an idea to running a thriving business — a journey fueled by an unwavering personal standard for excellence. For John, excellence wasn’t an abstract ideal; it was a deeply ingrained habit that influenced every decision, from the way he treated customers to how he built his team and brand. We explore how his personal expectations became the blueprint for his company’s culture, and the leadership lessons he’s learned (and is still learning) along the way about how to apply these standards in a way that translates to success- for his clients, his team, and his organization.

John’s story is not just about drive and success, it’s also one of vulnerability and community. He learned that excellence isn’t about being infallible; it’s about being willing to listen, to adjust, and to lead by example. For other entrepreneurs and business leaders, John’s journey is a reminder: your personal values don’t just influence your business, they become it. Excellence, when lived out daily, isn’t a pressure to perform — it’s a path to creating something that lasts. And that means a lot of winning and learning as a leader along the way- if you are willing to do the work.