24 Years of Ardor: Lessons from a Family-Owned Legacy

Twenty-four years ago, Ardor Health began in southern Florida, not as a grand plan to create a name in healthcare staffing, but as a vision rooted in family, care, and passion. “Ardor” means passion, and from the very beginning, passion has been at the heart of everything we do. Passion for helping clinicians find opportunities where they thrive, passion for caring for communities across the country, and passion for treating every employee and traveler like family.

Over two decades later, Ardor has connected tens of thousands of healthcare professionals with life-changing opportunities. Along the way, we’ve weathered challenges, embraced growth, and celebrated countless victories as a women- and family-owned business. What began with Mike and Patty Lamia in 2001 has evolved into a true family endeavor, with their children, Stephanie (President) and Michael Thomas (COO & EVP), playing a crucial role in shaping Ardor into what it is today. Together, they’ve built not just a company, but a legacy—honoring perseverance, teamwork, and heart.

To celebrate 24 years in business, we asked each of the four Lamias to share six lessons they’ve learned along the way. Twenty-four pieces of wisdom, earned through trial, triumph, and transformation, that reflect who we are as a family and as a company.

24 Lessons from 24 Years

Mike

1. Starting Ardor with Patty was the best decision we ever made.

2. One regret: not involving Stephanie and Michael sooner. They’ve exceeded every expectation.

3. Don’t listen to every consultant; sometimes, outsiders’ advice leads you astray.

4. Hire experts early. Financial missteps can come from frugality.

5. At the time, parting ways with our school division was painful, but it taught us to structure ourselves for resilience and adapt to current market priorities.

6. Begin every day with optimism. Improve daily. Treat everyone as family.

Patty

7. My background in teaching taught me patience and gratitude. These skills have steadily remained in every part of business.

8. Some things you must accept, even when they bring hurt and sadness.

9. Running your own business is both rewarding and frustrating, yet always worth it.

10. Discovering the pride and love that comes from our children now following in our footsteps.

11. I wish we had built a marketing department sooner.

12. Always reward the employees who stand the test of time. Loyalty & respect are immeasurable.

Stephanie

13. Trust your gut and act quickly; agility keeps you relevant.

14. Relationships are your strongest ally. Networking opens doors.

15. Wake up 30 minutes earlier than the world; quiet time fuels success.

16. Have a “one more” mentality. One more call, one more rep, one more “I love you.”

17. Protect your time, prioritize yourself and your wellbeing.

18. Be kind to yourself. Confidence fuels growth, self-deprecation stalls it.

Michael Thomas

19. Patience Pays Off: Overnight success is a myth. The biggest wins come from consistently showing up.

20. People Make or Break the Business: The right hires and strong culture matter more than strategy alone.

21. Adaptability Beats Perfection: Markets shift, and flexibility is what has kept Ardor strong for nearly 25 years.

22. Relationships Outlast Transactions: Deals come and go, but relationships build opportunity.

23. Don’t Underestimate Culture: Culture is in daily decisions, not posters on the wall. Protect it.

24. Our Business Grows As Much As You Do: Keep learning, growing, and surrounding yourself with great people.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on these 24 lessons, we feel nothing but gratitude for our dedicated team, our talented clinicians, and the communities we serve. Ardor’s story has always been one of passion, perseverance, and people. To have reached this milestone as a women- and family-owned company is both humbling and energizing.

The past two decades have taught us to adapt, to lead with heart, and to never lose sight of why we began: to connect extraordinary clinicians with opportunities where they can thrive, on and off the clock. As our Mission Statement states, we’re here to empower a smarter, stronger, and more connected healthcare workforce.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We’re excited for what’s ahead, and if the last 24 years are any indication, the best is yet to come. ✈️

#HealingOnTheFly