Podcast Summary:

In this powerful episode, Bart Berkey sits down with Gary Brandeis, CEO of Scholar Hotels and Penn State alumnus, to unpack what it means to build legacy through humility, risk-taking, and consistent, people-first leadership.

Gary reflects on his early days washing pots in Atlantic City, his pivot from accounting to entrepreneurship, and the enormous responsibility he embraced in revitalizing Penn State’s Nittany Lion Inn. His story is one of betting on himself—not for glory, but to create a sustainable, purpose-driven company that invests in people and communities.

Through heartfelt conversation, Gary shares the values instilled by his immigrant grandparents, his belief in servant leadership, and the importance of building a business where people—not just profits—come first.

Gary doesn’t seek legacy for ego—it’s about creating opportunity and dignity for the people in his company and the communities where they work. “Legacy is about what our company can do for people—not what it says about me.”

From working at an accounting firm to building a multi-property hotel group, Gary took calculated risks rooted in self-belief and hard work. He learned to outthink, outwork, and outstrategize—not because he was the smartest, but because he was committed.

Gary built his business model around control not to micromanage, but to create experiences he could shape and scale. Hospitality attracted him because it allowed him to control both the physical space and the emotional impact.

“I’m the least important person in the company.” This mindset drives a culture of empowerment and respect. His job is to support the front line, not to be the hero. “If our team isn’t performing, I have nothing to raise money with, nothing to grow from.”

Gary leads with quiet confidence. His photo isn’t highlighted on the website, and he avoids the spotlight—but his fingerprints are everywhere: in how people are treated, how decisions are made, and how values are lived.

Gary’s biggest decisions weren’t always home runs—but every risk he took helped him and his team get better. “Even if it’s a 50.1% chance of success, I’ll take the bet on myself.”

Gary isn’t chasing a bucket list. He’s building a company that will last long after he’s gone. That’s how he defines fun, fulfillment, and real success.

• “Most people don’t take risks—but I bet on myself.”

• “If I don’t make a profit, I can’t reinvest in our people.”

• “I learned from my father—I didn’t want my fate in someone else’s hands.”

• “When you believe in what you’re offering, people can feel it.”

• “Penn State chose us because we cared—and we showed up.”

• “Legacy is the ripple effect your business creates.”

  
  

  💡 Major Learnings and Takeaways:

1. Legacy Is Built Through Daily Impact

2. Betting on Yourself Requires Grit and Belief

3. Control Isn’t About Power—It’s About Responsibility

4. The Most Important Person? Not the CEO.

5. Humility Is a Leadership Superpower

6. Risk Doesn’t Guarantee Success—But It Guarantees Growth

7. Sustainability Over Speed

More about https://scholarhotels.com/

More about Most People Don't: https://mostpeopledont.com