Take It Personal
How to Succeed by Building Relationships and Playing the Long Game
In his leadership manifesto, hospitality icon David Grutman shares the importance of building relationships to drive success, with practical tips to level up your business—and your life.
ISBN
9781638933496
Language
English
Page count
336
Edition
Hardcover
Sale date
April 14, 2026
Dimensions
6 x 9
About the Book
David Grutman knows everyone, and everyone—or rather, anyone who’s anyone—knows him. From a humble start as a 21-year-old bartender at a restaurant in the Aventura Mall just north of Miami to today, partnering with the owner of that same restaurant almost two decades later on a globally recognized nightlife brand. Grutman is credited with singlehandedly transforming the global nightlife and hospitality scene. His collective business properties across Miami, Dallas, and Las Vegas include a Japanese-inspired steakhouse in partnership with Bad Bunny and some of the highest-grossing-per-square-foot restaurants in the country. Groot Hospitality is a household name and David prides himself on not only creating incredible venues, but once in a lifetime experiences that people are willing to travel from all over the world to enjoy.
David has taken hospitality to a whole new level, and now, he is breaking down exactly how he got to where he is today. The key to his success has not changed from his first opening to his most recent multimillion-dollar venture: It’s his relationships. In Take It Personal, David shares his core values and guiding principles on building relationships, and businesses, that last, including:
- Don’t just open a venue, create an ecosystem.
- The little things are everything in hospitality.
- Build a team you can trust.
- Play the long game, but know when to walk away.
- And so much more . . .
Entertaining and practical in equal measure, Take It Personal is the perfect guide to accelerating your career and unlocking your full potential.
Reviews
“In order to be successful in life, you don’t need to be special. You just need to be what most people aren’t. Consistent, dependable, and willing to work for it! If I know anything about Dave, it’s that he works his ass off! He loves people and he loves his family! I’m so happy he opens up and shares with others what he has learned on his incredible personal and professional journey!”
“David brings the same focus and intensity to hospitality that athletes bring to the court. Take It Personal shows how consistency, resilience, and genuine care for people can turn ambition into something lasting.”
“David is a talented businessman, a fearless leader, and a loyal friend—he raises the bar for everyone. In Take It Personal, his story shows how passion, creativity, and loyalty can turn any idea into a legacy.”
“David’s story is pure drive. He started with a dream and a lot of grit, and today his empire should inspire anyone and everyone to chase their own dreams. Take It Personal is a reminder that hard work, discipline, and heart always win.”
“David is truly a one of one. His relationships are at the core of all his success, and he has a taste and style that drives all his accomplishments. I’ve seen David take risks most people wouldn’t even dream about and makes them look effortless. Take It Personal is full of lessons on creativity, courage, and the power of betting on yourself.”