Embracing the vulture: Joe DeLoss on leadership, service and change

Serial entrepreneur, investor and business advisor Joe DeLoss shared his experiences growing successful businesses and leading with a people-first approach to the Heidelberg community on Wednesday, February 19.

Heidelberg welcomed Joe as the keynote speaker of the first HYPE Career Ready® day this semester.

Entrepreneur at heart

From a young age, Joe had an entrepreneurial spirit, launching his first business by selling cold pop, popsicles and candy – items he and his friends pilfered from their parents’ houses – using an old, rusty wagon to deliver them to construction workers. Their venture lasted just two weeks until their moms found out.

The threads of independence and self-sufficiency began to truly weave together for Joe during his time at Capital University, where a mentor encouraged his social entrepreneurship. Around the same time, Joe observed his parents’ shift from blue-collar jobs to professional careers, fostering in him a strong commitment to community and philanthropy.

Shortly after graduating, Joe worked as an investment bank analyst for 20 months, but quickly realized, “It was not my vibe.” He then moved into a trailer in his friend’s backyard to cut costs, save money, and launch 4 to 5 businesses that ultimately ended in “near misses.”

“I had a lot of ideas that just didn’t work, but I kept trying,” Joe shared.

He continued consulting to make ends meet but admitted, “I’m not a good employee.” This period of persistence and self-reflection ultimately led to his future success in building and leading his own company.

The $80 air fryer

After purchasing an $80 air fryer from Bed, Bath and Beyond and researching how to fry hot chicken, Joe embarked on a mission to “add my work and credibility to the world.” It took six months of renting a portable chicken stand and setting it up every Saturday in Old Town East, Columbus, before Joe’s efforts culminated in the creation of what is now known as Hot Chicken Takeover.

Hot Chicken Takeover quickly grew to 9 locations across central and northeastern Ohio, employing several hundred people, with Joe serving as the CEO. Despite its success, the company remained committed to a distinct mission and vision, setting it apart from many other businesses.

Through Hot Chicken Takeover, Joe sought to “create ordinary experiences for extraordinary people.” “It wasn’t just how we hired but who we hired,” Joe shared. Eighty percent of the team had faced significant adversity in their lives, with many re-entering society after encounters with the prison system.

Joe wanted to contribute to a long-term solution where his employees “could thrive and have opportunity,” rather than offering a temporary fix to these societal challenges.

From 'Chicken Guy' to farmer

After growing tired of being a CEO, Joe sold the still-growing Hot Chicken Takeover in 2021. Seeking a change, he purchased a farm and spent time immersed in the dirt, far removed from the fast-paced world of business. Joe learned valuable life lessons along the way about patience, resilience, and humility.

Joe offers three key pieces of advice to Heidelberg students:

“Hike your own hike” – Joe reminds students that everyone has their own internal compass shaped by their individual timelines, visions and values. “You’re holding the compass. Don’t turn it over to anyone.”

“Peace is every step” – Joe emphasizes that we always have a choice in the face of adversity. Meeting life’s challenges with opposition only amplifies them. “No matter what step on your trail, you have an opportunity to meet the moment with peace and compassion.”

“Serve without conditions” – Joe compares the role of turkey vultures in nature – biologically engineered to turn waste into future life – to the way we should approach service. “They do really critical jobs for us and all they get from us is judgment.” The best leaders give without expectations or gratitude, focusing on service rather than reputation, wealth, and credibility.

“You will be the ones leading. The world needs your generation to show up differently. There is so much work to do,” Joe proclaimed.

“Find your way toward your own version of being a vulture. We need you.”

– by Kami Stanfield '25