Introduction: A New Era of Small Business Leadership
Small businesses are more than just economic engines—they are the cultural heartbeat of communities across the globe. Yet too often, their growth playbooks have focused narrowly on profit margins, cost-cutting, and expansion at any cost. The Stewardship Advantage by David Grau Sr., JD challenges that traditional narrative and offers a bold alternative: building profitable companies that also serve people, purpose, and principle.
Published in August 2025 and already recognized as a Bronze Medalist in The Global Book Awards (Strategic Business Planning category), this book has quickly positioned itself as a landmark guide for small business owners who want to do more than just survive in competitive markets. It provides the frameworks, stories, and step-by-step methods to show that stewardship—responsible, intentional leadership that takes all stakeholders into account—isn’t just a “feel-good” idea. It’s a competitive advantage.
In this review, I’ll unpack the key themes and frameworks from the book, highlight the most powerful takeaways (especially the sections I found most compelling), and also provide insights into the author’s distinguished career.
The Power of Stewardship
Redefining Success Beyond Profits
At the core of The Stewardship Advantage is the argument that profit and principle aren’t opposites—they’re partners. Grau insists that doing good is not a cost to business but an investment in its long-term strength. This concept becomes clear early in the book when he outlines why small business owners should embrace stewardship:
- Because you can: Entrepreneurs have the courage to build something from nothing. Why not also build something that uplifts people and communities?
- Because you are needed: Small businesses are uniquely positioned to respond to local challenges faster and with more authenticity than large corporations or governments.
- Because doing good is good business: Customers, employees, and partners reward principled behavior with loyalty and trust—two assets more valuable than any financial metric.
This framing resonates deeply in today’s marketplace, where buyers and employees are actively searching for companies that reflect their values. As one highlighted section in the book puts it: “Stewardship is no longer just the right way to run a business, it is also what an increasing number of customers want.”
A Practical Roadmap for Small Business Owners
Unlike many leadership books that dwell in abstract theories, Grau delivers concrete frameworks that small business owners can immediately apply.
1. Identifying Stakeholders
The book expands the definition of stewardship beyond the typical shareholder-first model. Grau identifies eight key stakeholder groups every small business must balance:
- Owners
- Managers
- Employees
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Community
- The Environment
- The Business Entity itself
By mapping these out, owners can see clearly where their responsibilities lie and how stewardship must address both internal and external needs.
2. Crafting Purpose and Mission
One of the book’s most actionable sections explains how to develop a mission statement that captures purpose, vision, and values. Grau provides dozens of examples—from global corporations like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola to small, community-driven companies like Bombas. His message is clear: even the smallest business can articulate and live out a mission that inspires stakeholders.
This section stood out as particularly useful because it breaks down the often-intimidating task of writing a mission statement into simple guiding questions:
- Who are we?
- What do we do?
- Why do we do it?
- For whom do we do it?
For a small business, having clarity on these questions can transform not just marketing but also hiring, decision-making, and daily culture.
3. The Stewardship Formula
The book’s recurring formula—FOCUS + CONSISTENCY + DURATION = GOOD STEWARDSHIP—is more than a catchy phrase. Grau unpacks it across chapters, showing how sustained commitment is what separates one-off charitable acts from true stewardship. This framework ensures that stewardship isn’t a temporary initiative but a long-term part of the company’s DNA.
Stories That Inspire Action: Stewardship Spotlights
Theory is powerful, but stories are unforgettable. Grau fills the book with Stewardship Spotlights—real-world examples of businesses practicing stewardship and thriving because of it.
- King Arthur Baking Company: Transitioned to a 100% employee-owned model, proving that empowering employees can fuel both growth and loyalty.
- ECOALF (Spain): A sustainable fashion brand turning recycled ocean plastics into high-quality clothing, showing how environmental stewardship drives innovation.
- Tony’s Chocolonely (Netherlands): A chocolate company dedicated to ending exploitation in the cocoa industry, reminding us that stewardship can drive systemic change in entire supply chains.
- Bombas: Built its business model around a “buy one, donate one” mission, showing that stewardship can be woven into the very foundation of a company.
These stories serve as both inspiration and proof. They remind readers that stewardship isn’t reserved for billion-dollar companies with corporate social responsibility budgets—it’s already being practiced by small businesses worldwide.
Why This Book Stands Out
What elevates The Stewardship Advantage above other business books is its balance of principled vision and practical application. Grau doesn’t lecture about morality from a distance; he draws on decades of personal experience as a lawyer, consultant, and business advisor who has sat at the table with thousands of entrepreneurs.
For readers, this means the advice is realistic. He understands that small business owners juggle payroll, marketing, regulations, and endless responsibilities. Stewardship isn’t presented as an added burden but as a strategy that strengthens profitability, durability, and legacy.
The tone is also highly encouraging. Even if a business owner starts with something as simple as supporting local vendors or creating a written stewardship plan, Grau shows how those small steps ripple outward—building resilience for the business and positive impact for the world.
About the Author: David Grau Sr., JD
To fully appreciate the book, it’s worth looking at the remarkable career of David Grau Sr., JD.
A Pioneer in Stewardship and Succession
David Grau has spent over 30 years advising small business owners on ownership transition, management, and legacy planning. His expertise spans business perpetuation, securities regulation, business taxation, and law, giving him a rare 360-degree perspective on what makes businesses endure.
Acclaimed Author & Speaker
- Five nonfiction books on stewardship, succession planning, and business management.
- Named one of Investment News’ Icons and Innovators (2017).
- Delivered over 1,000 presentations across 48 U.S. states, reaching entrepreneurs from coast to coast.
- Written dozens of nationally published columns and white papers, shaping thought leadership on sustainable business practices.
An Advocate for Small Business Legacy
Grau’s passion is helping entrepreneurs not just make money, but leave behind thriving businesses that uplift communities. His influence extends through his speaking, writing, and consulting, making him a trusted voice for business owners who care about more than quarterly profits.
📌 Connect with the Author
- Website: www.DavidGrauSr.com
- LinkedIn: David Grau Sr., JD
- YouTube: @DavidGrauSr
For entrepreneurs eager to combine profitability with stewardship, following David’s work is a must.
Overall Rating & Recommendation ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I give The Stewardship Advantage a 4/5 rating for its rare combination of vision, practicality, and inspiration. It’s one of those books that doesn’t just change how you think about business—it makes you want to take action immediately.
- For entrepreneurs, it provides a roadmap to balance profitability with principle.
- For leaders, it offers tools to inspire teams with purpose and vision.
- For readers, it’s a reminder that small businesses truly can change the world—one decision, one stakeholder, one ripple at a time.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “What does it all mean?” as a business owner, this book will give you answers. And if you’ve ever wondered how to turn your company into more than just a livelihood—into a legacy—then this book is your next essential read.
“In the end, The Stewardship Advantage is more than a business book—it’s a call to action, reminding every small business owner that true success lies not just in building profits, but in building a principled legacy that lasts for generations.”
