Building Community as the Heart of Business Growth

A Harvard Business Review study shows that companies fostering strong connections see 50% higher employee retention and 56% greater productivity. While many leaders chase profits or scale as the ultimate measure of success, the organizations that stand the test of time often have something deeper at their core: community.

On The Bliss Business Podcast, we spoke with Devan Kline, Co-Founder and Visionary of Burn Boot Camp, about how building a true sense of belonging can transform a business from the inside out. From a $600 start in a parking lot to more than 400 locations across 44 states, Burn Boot Camp’s journey is proof that when leaders prioritize connection and purpose, growth follows naturally.

Community Before Scale

Devan shared that his mission was never to “get big.” Instead, it was to get better. From the beginning, he focused on improving one person’s life at a time, which created a foundation of trust, belonging, and loyalty that later fueled national growth.

This mindset reframes the typical business playbook. Instead of chasing metrics at all costs, Burn Boot Camp sought to meet universal human needs: confidence, connection, and self-esteem. As Devan put it, “We’re not a fitness company that sells memberships. We’re a confidence company that sells you on yourself”.

The Championship Culture

At Burn Boot Camp, community is not a vague ideal but a disciplined practice they call “championship culture.” This culture blends empathy and belonging with a high standard of excellence. It rejects the misconception that connection means lowering the bar. Instead, it embraces accountability, humility, and a drive to improve daily.

Members and employees alike are challenged to meet personal and professional standards that elevate both the individual and the community. This approach echoes what makes championship sports teams successful: trust, accountability, and relentless pursuit of growth.

Love as the Ultimate Motivator

Devan believes that human behavior is driven by a single motivator: love. People act either to gain love or to avoid its loss. Leaders who understand this truth unlock a deeper level of motivation in themselves and in their teams.

He illustrated this point with a striking metaphor: a grandmother lifting the back of a car to save her trapped grandchild. That superhuman strength came not from physical power, but from love. Business leaders, Devan argues, can inspire similar extraordinary efforts when their cultures are fueled by care, belonging, and purpose.

Scaling Authenticity

Scaling a culture of belonging is one of the hardest challenges in business. Many critics argue that you cannot scale feelings or emotional connection. Burn Boot Camp has proven otherwise.

By creating what they call the “Blue Carpet Experience,” the company has standardized the details that communicate care and connection at every location—from the music that greets members in the parking lot to the high-fives and personal attention they receive upon entering. These processes ensure that the emotional essence of the brand is replicated consistently across hundreds of gyms, without losing authenticity.

Key Takeaways

• Community and connection drive retention, productivity, and growth.
• Growth should be the byproduct of getting better, not the goal itself.
• Championship culture balances empathy and belonging with accountability and excellence.
• Love is the ultimate human motivator and the root of extraordinary effort.
• Authenticity can be scaled through intentional processes like the Blue Carpet Experience.

Final Thoughts

Burn Boot Camp’s story is a powerful reminder that the future of business is not transactional, but relational. When leaders focus on building community, instilling confidence, and inspiring love, they unlock growth that is both scalable and sustainable.

As Devan Kline demonstrates, the true measure of business success is not how big you become, but how deeply you connect with the people you serve.

Check out our full conversation with Devan Kline on The Bliss Business Podcast.