In this episode, Blaise Zuschlag, EVP & Chief Administrative Officer of Acadian Companies, shares how a family-run ambulance service grew into a 5,000+ employee enterprise without losing its heart.
Blaise walks us through:
- His pivot from JPMorgan to joining the family business
- The early days of Acadian Ambulance and a pivotal buyout decision
- How they use M&A to grow into new regions while preserving culture
- The power of ESOPs and what it means when medics are also owners
- 10 core “ZP” (Zuschlag Principles) that guide leadership at Acadian
- The ROI of handwritten notes, duck camps, and direct communication
- Where AI, drone tech, and predictive models fit into emergency services
Whether you’re in operations, legacy leadership, healthcare, or private equity, this is a masterclass in long-term thinking, boots on the ground innovation, and family-rooted execution.
Connect with the Guest:
Blaise Zuschlag: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acadianambulance/posts/
Connect with the Hosts & The Deal Podcast:
Joshua Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
www.youtube.com/@dealpodcast
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