In today’s fast-paced business world, success is often measured by growth charts, revenue, and market share. But for Anthony Siela, business consultant, investor, community leader, and founder of GMWS, LLC, success is defined differently. With years of experience guiding home builders, real estate developers, and service companies across multiple states, Siela has built a reputation as a trusted advisor. Yet his life’s mission extends far beyond profits. Deeply rooted in family, faith, and service, Siela blends professional expertise with personal purpose. In this interview, he shares insights into leadership, balance, and why lasting success is always bigger than business.
What inspired you to create GMWS, LLC, and how does your work reflect your personal values?
The inspiration for GMWS, LLC came from a deep belief that business can and should serve a greater purpose than profits alone. I saw a gap where companies in home building and home services needed not only strategic guidance but also a partner who cared about the people behind the business. GMWS was born from that vision. Every project we take on is rooted in respect, integrity, and long-term sustainability. For me, the values of family and service are inseparable from professional goals, and GMWS is an extension of that philosophy.
How do you define success, both professionally and personally?
To me, success is less about numbers on a balance sheet and more about the impact we make on lives. Professionally, it is about helping businesses thrive in a way that strengthens their communities and creates opportunities for others. Personally, it means being present for my family, supporting my children in their passions, and giving back through volunteer work. True success is balance, where business achievements complement personal fulfillment and service to others. If my work and life leave people better off than before, I consider that the greatest measure of success.
What role has community involvement played in your journey?
Community involvement has been central to my journey, shaping not only my values but also my sense of purpose. Volunteering at Saint Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church and coaching youth sports has given me perspective beyond business. It has taught me patience, leadership, and humility. Being part of something larger than myself reminds me that success is not individual rather it is shared. Community engagement allows me to align my professional life with my personal mission of service, ensuring that everything I do contributes to building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
How has your background in home building and real estate influenced your consulting work?
My background in home building and real estate gave me a practical understanding of the challenges business owners face daily. From managing crews and timelines to navigating market fluctuations, I have lived those realities. That experience allows me to approach consulting with empathy and hands-on solutions, not just theory. I understand both the operational and financial sides of the industry, so I can bridge strategy with execution. Clients appreciate that I can anticipate obstacles because I have faced them myself. This foundation has been invaluable in shaping my approach to guiding sustainable and scalable growth.
What motivates you to balance business leadership with coaching and volunteering?
What motivates me is the understanding that leadership is not limited to boardrooms. Coaching and volunteering allow me to see firsthand the impact of time, patience, and encouragement on others’ lives. I believe that the best leaders serve professionally and personally. Coaching youth basketball, for instance, is not just about the game it is about teaching discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These same principles apply in business. When I step back, the real motivation is legacy. I want my children and community to see leadership as service, not simply authority or achievement.
How do you incorporate family into your vision of success?
Family is at the heart of my definition of success. My children’s passions and accomplishments fuel me as much as any business milestone. Whether it is supporting my son on the football field at Westlake High School or celebrating my daughters’ dedication to ballet, I see their growth as part of my life’s work. Success without family would feel hollow. I strive to model for them that hard work and ambition mean little if they are not paired with love, service, and presence. For me, family is not a balance to success, it is success itself.
What challenges have you faced in aligning business growth with community values?
One of the greatest challenges has been resisting the pressure to prioritize short-term gains over long-term impact. In fast-paced industries like homebuilding and real estate, it can be tempting to cut corners or overlook community considerations in pursuit of profits. Staying true to values requires patience and sometimes making difficult decisions that may not immediately maximize returns. Another challenge is ensuring that clients also share a vision of sustainable success. Yet these challenges reinforce my commitment to the principle that integrity and service are not negotiable but essential to lasting growth and credibility.
How do sports and the arts influence your approach to leadership and business?
Sports and the arts have profoundly shaped how I view leadership. From sports, I learned discipline, teamwork, and resilience, the qualities essential for any team or business to thrive. Coaching basketball has reminded me that no win happens without collaboration and trust. From the arts, particularly through supporting my daughters’ ballet, I see the importance of creativity, discipline, and expression. Both sports and arts emphasize dedication, patience, and the pursuit of excellence. Bringing these lessons into business allows me to lead with balance, valuing both structure and innovation, both performance and personal growth.
What advice would you give entrepreneurs who want to balance profit with purpose?
My advice is to start with clarity about your values and let them guide every decision. Too often, entrepreneurs chase growth without defining what they stand for, and that leads to burnout or compromise. Understand that purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive, they can strengthen each other. Invest in people, not just processes, because long-term growth depends on trust and relationships. Stay grounded in community, because your business exists within a larger ecosystem. Finally, measure success not just in dollars but in the lives you positively influence through your work.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to build through your career and community work?
The legacy I hope to build is one of service, integrity, and family. I want to be remembered not only as a business consultant who helped companies grow but as someone who uplifted people along the way. Through GMWS, I hope to demonstrate that businesses can thrive while serving communities. Through coaching and volunteering, I want to instill values of discipline, compassion, and teamwork in the next generation. Above all, I want my children to see that true legacy is not measured in wealth but in love, service, and the impact left on others.
Anthony Siela’s story is a reminder that success cannot be defined by profits alone. His work through GMWS, his dedication to community service, and his devotion to family all highlight a broader and more meaningful vision of achievement. By weaving together professional expertise with values of faith, service, and balance, he demonstrates how leadership can uplift not just businesses but entire communities. As Anthony looks to the future, his legacy will be measured not only in the companies he has guided but in the people, families, and communities who have been enriched by his commitment.