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