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Key Takeaways

Generosity toward employees can shape a company’s culture.

Giving employees a path to ownership gives them a direct stake in your success.

Grow into new markets without losing the identity that made your brand stand out.

Jim Bitticks had a crisp $10 bill ready for the valet. Then Bill Phelps handed the man $100.

The parking lot was only about 30 feet away. Retrieving the car had taken less than a minute. Bitticks looked at his own tip and told Phelps he could have at least let him go first.

Phelps pulled out another $100 bill and handed it to Bitticks.

“Make his day.”

In January 2026, Bitticks became CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken , moving up from president and chief operating officer.…