Zappos' first core value was to deliver 'Wow' through service, emphasizing the importance of customer experience.

At Zappos, we learned that maintaining a strong company culture requires daily investment, or it can deteriorate over time.

Initially, we didn't articulate our values; we focused on who we enjoyed working with. As we scaled, we realized the need to define and communicate our values clearly.

We created a core values interview process to ensure that new hires share our beliefs and values, which is crucial for maintaining our culture.

Establishing company values early helps guide decision-making. If everyone knows the framework for decisions, they are more likely to make consistent choices that align with the company's goals.

A strong culture leads to passionate employees, which in turn creates a strong brand that customers resonate with. Zappos has a strong brand and culture that emphasizes the importance of company culture.

It's crucial to build the right culture from day one by defining your values and aligning your team with the company's vision and mission.

Core values should be unique to your company and serve as a hiring framework, guiding the recruitment process when you can no longer interview every candidate personally. At Homejoy, nobody is above any job, which means I seek people who respect others regardless of their roles, from contractors to engineers.

The values and principles of a company reflect those of its founder and CEO, making it essential to establish them thoughtfully from the beginning.