Money success stories
Your attitude toward money can make all the difference in your business. In my book, The Amare Wave, I show how companies like Trader Joe’s, REI, and USAA thrive because they treat money as fuel for a higher purpose. Trader Joe’s focuses on delivering healthy, affordable food with joy and humanity, creating both loyal customers and enviable profits. REI gives back more than 70% of profits to employees, members, and communities, and it still grows steadily year after year. USAA has long outperformed competitors because its mission is crystal clear: serve those who serve the nation. These companies are proof that making money and finding meaning in business are not at odds. In fact, they multiply each other when love leads the way.
Questions to reflect upon
How do you currently explain where money “comes from” in your life and business?
Do you treat profits as your master, servant, or partner?
How does your relationship with money reflect your relationship with love and purpose?
Doorway to action: 5 steps to building a better relationship with money
Run the “money fuel test.”
Before a major decision, ask yourself, “Does this use of money fuel a higher purpose or just inflate numbers?” If it’s only the latter, rethink it.
Name your money motto.
Write down one clear sentence about how you want to relate to revenue such as, “Profits fuel purpose.” Post it where you’ll see it every day.
Audit alignment.
Once a quarter, compare your company’s stated values with how you actually make and spend money. If there’s a gap, then determine how to close it.
Celebrate “enough.”
With your team, name one financial milestone that already feels like “enough.” Celebrate it before rushing on to the next goal.
Practice generosity on purpose.
Set aside a percentage, whether of profits, time, or resources, to invest back into your people, customers, or community. Don’t put this off for someday. Instead, do it this quarter.
Your money legacy
Money is neutral. It only carries the meaning you give it. For some, it becomes a ruthless scoreboard. For love-powered leaders, profit is energy that makes more love possible in the world. That’s why some of the most admired and consistently profitable companies, such as Trader Joe’s, USAA, REI, Costco, Patagonia, aren’t just great businesses. They’re also great teachers of how to align profits with meaning by serving people, purpose, and values first.