Four Seasons ― The Story of a Business Philosophy

Isadore Sharp answers these questions in his engaging memoir, which doubles as a powerful guide for leaders in any field. He recalls the surprising history of his company, starting with its roots in his father's small construction business, which Sharp joined after getting a degree in architecture. Shifting into hotels wasn't easy, and he learned by trial and error.

His breakthrough was a vision for a new kind of hotel, featuring superior design, top-quality amenities, and, above all, a deep commitment to service. Sharp realized that customers would gladly pay extra for a "home away from home" experience. But that would be possible only if everyone—from managers and supervisors to bellmen, servers, and housekeepers—was fully engaged. The front-line staff, who have the most contact with guests, can make or break a five-star reputation.

Readers will be fascinated to learn how Four Seasons does it, year after year, in more than 30 countries around the world.

The child of Polish immigrants, Sharp studied architecture in college and started out in the construction business working for his father. Over the years, his educational background combined with his design and construction expertise, his single focus on satisfying the customer and his leadership skills have allowed him to attract the capital sources and a loyal employee base to create the largest luxury hotel management company in the world.

He is a much admired Canadian business leader and was the first recipient of the Ruth Hartman Frankel Humanitarian Award for work on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society. Sharp and his wife, the former Rosalie Wise, live in Toronto. They have three sons, Jordan, Gregory and Anthony. The Sharps lost a fourth son, Christopher, to cancer in 1978.