Compass Time Capsule

There wasn’t extra money. No safety net. Not a lot of margin for error. In this episode, Eric and Sadie talk about what it looked like to build Compass in those early years. Margins were tight. Decisions carried weight. And a lot of what they chose to do didn’t make sense on paper. They didn’t lower the vision to match the reality. They had to get creative enough to meet it. Scrappiness wasn’t a personality trait. It was how they made it work.

What does it look like to build a culture that actually lives its values? In this episode, Eric and Sadie share the real stories behind Compass’s seven core values—how they were created, why the language matters, and the intentional choices that shaped them. From the origins of “honor” and “community” to the secret value menu (think: teachability, grit, and play), they unpack how values guide tough decisions, shape daily life, and show up in unexpected ways. It’s an honest, practical conversation about what it takes to create a culture where values aren’t just words on a wall—they’re lived out, wrestled with, and made real every day.

After taking full ownership of Compass, Eric and Sadie Hess set out to redefine the company’s mission and culture. In this episode, they share how a weekend of reflection, a pivotal book, and a new sense of freedom led to the creation of their “Dreams, Direction, Destiny” mission. They talk about the power of dreaming—both for themselves and their team—and how inviting staff to pursue their own dreams transformed the workplace. From vulnerable first steps to electrifying breakthroughs, Eric and Sadie unpack how a simple shift in language sparked a culture where everyone is encouraged to dream big, support each other, and celebrate every milestone—no matter how small.

Some of the most important leadership conversations didn’t happen in the office. They happened in the car. In this episode, Eric and Sadie unpack the tension of sharing power, navigating conflict, and learning when to lead and when to step back. It’s a candid look at the challenges of building trust while raising a family, running a business, and figuring out how to truly partner with each other.

After the buyout, everything changed—at home and at work. In this episode, Eric and Sadie open up about the messy, honest process of learning to lead together as business partners and spouses. They talk about the grief of letting go, the tension of sharing power, and the challenges of building trust while navigating lawsuits, financial surprises, and a new company vision. From redefining roles to finding a new rhythm, this is the story of how Compass 2.0 was born—and how the hardest seasons laid the foundation for a stronger partnership and a new chapter.

Setting the stage to celebrate 30 years all year long!

In this season finale of The Time Capsule Podcast, we sit down to reflect on where it all began—sharing favorite moments, untold stories, and the milestones that shaped Compass through its first years. Expect heart, humor, a few surprises, and a whole lot of gratitude as we wrap Season One and set the stage for Season Two… which will take us all the way to Compass’ 30th year.

In this episode of Time Capsule, we revisit the early days of a relationship that helped shape Compass in profound ways. Fresh from maternity leave, Sadie recalls the moment she met an attorney who immediately “got us”—someone who understood the heart behind the work and could strengthen what Compass was becoming. That introduction sparked a partnership built not just on legal expertise, but on shared values and a deep understanding of people.
Our guest reflects on his first impressions of Joanna and Sadie: their intuition, compassion, and natural ability to build trust were the rare qualities that set Compass apart. Legal strategy could be taught, he explains, but the relational wisdom required to lead a human-centered organization is a gift—and Compass had it in abundance.
Together, they discuss the early vision for Compass, the challenges of scaling with purpose, and the defining moments that shaped the journey. At its core, this conversation is about recognizing calling, honoring alignment, and valuing the people who make the mission come alive.
A powerful reminder that when leadership is rooted in love and connection, growth becomes a natural outcome.

Step into the family stories that shaped Sadie. Her parents recall childhood adventures, parenting with patience, and the lessons learned from raising a daughter who was always willing to take risks
. They also share their first encounters with disability, the challenges of healthcare, and the resilience that carried them through
.
Why listen? These episodes reveal the generational threads—risk-taking, grit, humor, and faith—that shaped Sadie long before Compass began. It’s heartwarming, real, and deeply human.

Step into the family stories that shaped Sadie. Her parents recall childhood adventures, parenting with patience, and the lessons learned from raising a daughter who was always willing to take risks
. They also share their first encounters with disability, the challenges of healthcare, and the resilience that carried them through
.
Why listen? These episodes reveal the generational threads—risk-taking, grit, humor, and faith—that shaped Sadie long before Compass began. It’s heartwarming, real, and deeply human.