From Ambulances to Acquisitions: Blaise Zuschlag on Scaling Mission Driven Impact

Update: 2025-11-24

Description

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