In 1987, Mike and Dale Bare embarked on a remarkable journey,
driven by a heartfelt belief that every customer and guest deserves not only an enjoyable experience but also one that is dependable and consistent. They understood the importance of feeling valued and welcomed and to create that sense of belonging for everyone.
With just $12 in business cards and a typewriter in their basement, they launched what was then known as Restaurant and Hospitality Services (RHS). Their mission was born: to provide actionable insights that lead to meaningful, positive changes in businesses.
Dale recalls, “We wanted to help companies truly understand their customers, ensuring every interaction mattered, no matter how small.”
Initially, RHS concentrated on the hospitality sector, serving restaurants, hotels, bars, health clubs, spas, and casinos. Their commitment to quality and innovation quickly garnered attention, leading to significant growth.
In 1999, the company rebranded as BARE International and expanded its reach globally by opening its first overseas office in Antwerp, Belgium. This expansion was driven by the Bares’ philosophy: “You don’t know if something will work until you try it.”
BARE International grew steadily, guided by its vision to reveal the true nature of business from the consumer’s perspective. With this focus, the company expanded its reach, now operating in over 185 countries.
At its core, BARE embodies its three Pillars of Passion, Innovation, and Excellence. “Passion drives us to go above and beyond,” Mike shares. “Innovation challenges us to find new solutions, and Excellence ensures we never settle for less than the highest standards in everything we do.”
Central to BARE’s success is its unwavering commitment to its values. By fostering Ownership, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, and Open Communication, BARE has created a culture where clients and employees alike feel valued and empowered.
“Diversity is not just a value for us—it’s our strength,” Dale explains. “By embracing unique perspectives, we’ve created a truly innovative environment that delivers extraordinary insights for our clients.”
From the very beginning, BARE was a family endeavor, and that legacy continues with Jason Bare, Mike and Dale’s son, now President of the company. Jason grew up immersed in the language of the business, listening to discussions about client projects over family dinners and learning what it meant to build something with passion and integrity.
As early as high school, he supported the company wherever he could, gaining a firsthand understanding of its operations. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Sports Entertainment, Jason decided to continue the remarkable legacy his parents had built.
Jason’s journey at BARE is a testament to the values at the heart of the company. He began as a project manager, scheduling evaluations and understanding the details of operations. From there, he moved into sales, then global sales, gaining a deep appreciation for both the business and the people it serves.
Today, as President, Jason leads the company with the same passion and commitment that have defined BARE from the start. Spending more than 100 days a year traveling the globe, Jason meets with clients, employees, and evaluators to connect, listen, and uncover new opportunities for growth.
“The relationships we’ve built over decades are what make this company truly special,” Jason says. “It’s about honoring our history while always looking forward to what’s next.”
BARE International now stands as a global leader in customer experience research, completing over 500,000 evaluations yearly and offering services including mystery shopping, business intelligence analytics, pricing audits, and more.
Yet, the heart of BARE remains unchanged: a genuine belief that businesses have the power to create meaningful connections with every customer they serve.
“At the end of the day,” Mike says, “it’s about making a difference—helping businesses not just meet but exceed expectations for every person, every time.”
BARE International’s journey is a testament to its mission of transforming businesses and elevating experiences. With Passion, Innovation, and Excellence as its guideposts, the company continues to inspire and lead, ensuring every customer’s voice is heard, and every interaction leaves a lasting, positive impression.
