“Sit down and think: ‘What can I do to make sure my business is still here in 100 years and has made a difference in the world?’ Then reverse engineer that process to today.” When customers enter Jelinek Cork Group’s (JCG) retail store, many share their cork experiences - from crafting with wine corks to … Continue reading Episode 46: Sonny Jelinek of Jelinek Cork Group
Episode 45: Alyssa Norwalk of Plenty Lifestyle
I had an idea and a vision, and through purpose and passion it evolved into something that I didn’t imagine. Alyssa Norwalk’s passion lies in the retail industry. After working at a women’s clothing store owned by her mother as a manager and buyer for many years, Alyssa began to form a vision for a … Continue reading Episode 45: Alyssa Norwalk of Plenty Lifestyle
Episode 44: Kristine Garlisi & COMMONS café
That’s what life’s about: feeding people, making them feel good and making them proud of their community. The COMMONS café is a quick service social enterprise eatery located in Staten Island, New York, whose motto is: “Eat Good. Do Good.” Established by the Nicotra family, the restaurant is fulfilling that motto through its local dishes … Continue reading Episode 44: Kristine Garlisi & COMMONS café
Episode 43: Britnie Turner of Aerial
Real estate development can spur action, to where people can have hope in hopeless places. Britnie Turner never planned to go into business. At a young age, she committed her life to wiping out poverty at its roots and to providing hope in places and cultures where abuse and neglect are common place. At 21, … Continue reading Episode 43: Britnie Turner of Aerial
Episode 42: Elena Terán & Leif Fairfield of Ingage
Ingage Partners is finding a way to combine technical skills with something more - like a passion or a purpose. Ingage Partners and Thrive Impact used to co-exist as sister organizations, but after making the decision to combine resources, have been known as one of Cincinnati’s Fast 55 Best Places to Work Since 2011. They … Continue reading Episode 42: Elena Terán & Leif Fairfield of Ingage
Episode 41: Kate Holby of Ajiri Tea
Ajiri Tea has a social mission to create employment for women in western Kenya, and to provide education for Kenyan orphans - all through the sale of tea. In 2008, Kate Holby went to visit her sister, Sarah Holby, who had been volunteering in western Kenya distributing food and medicine to members of the community. … Continue reading Episode 41: Kate Holby of Ajiri Tea
Episode 40: Bill Humphrey of The Rainforest Inn
We have taken almost every conceivable step towards making The Rainforest Inn a place that costs the Earth very little. Bill and Renée Humphrey combined their dreams to live in the El Yunque Rainforest and to manage a boutique hotel after purchasing a small hurricane-ravaged property in 1997. Hoping to one day share the natural … Continue reading Episode 40: Bill Humphrey of The Rainforest Inn
Episode 39: Curt Vander Meer of Endangered Species Chocolate
Whatever brings you joy in business, write it down, and practice that mission each and every day. Curt Vander Meer, CEO of Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC), is the leader behind the financial success of the company, but also the driving force behind their mission-oriented approach. ESC has donated a total of $5.5 million to non-profits … Continue reading Episode 39: Curt Vander Meer of Endangered Species Chocolate
Episode 37: Nell Derick Debevoise of Inspiring Capital
It doesn't have to be all-inclusive, all-encompassing, perfect or cutting edge from the beginning, but you have to start somewhere. Step 1: discover your personal drive Step 2: uncover your professional capabilities Step 3: contribute to an organization that integrates profit with building a thriving community Step 4: that community provides you and all of … Continue reading Episode 37: Nell Derick Debevoise of Inspiring Capital
Episode 36: Donna Miller of Purse Power
Women have the power - the purchasing power they need to drive impactful change. It is a well known fact that women own a significant portion of the economy's purchasing power. Donna Miller created Purse Power so women could easily find and support the organizations that support them. Purse Power is a women-owned, women-led organization, committed … Continue reading Episode 36: Donna Miller of Purse Power
Episode 35: Pamela Cone of Milliman
Many organizations run into issues measuring the impact of CSR. They do all the right things, but fail to measure their efforts. That's where Pamela Cone steps in. Milliman is one of the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services. As the VP of Global Social Responsibility, Pam enacts programs that draw … Continue reading Episode 35: Pamela Cone of Milliman
Episode 32: Kent Kramer of Goodwill
Goodwill works to remove barriers to healthcare, education and employment that many people face around the country. Most people know Goodwill as a retail store but they do so much more than that. With over 20 years of experience with the company, Kent Kramer has witnessed first hand the benefits and opportunities that Goodwill provides … Continue reading Episode 32: Kent Kramer of Goodwill