By Devin Thorpe
5
66 ratings
The podcast currently has 1,236 episodes available.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Natasha: I think maybe one thing I pride myself on is being a power listener.
Today’s episode of the Superpowers for Good show features Natasha Cornstein, CEO of Blushington, a company bringing high-quality beauty services to a broader audience while breaking traditional barriers in the industry. Blushington isn't a startup just out of the gate—it's a growing company with a decade of experience, built on making beauty accessible to everyone.
Natasha shared how Blushington pivoted during the pandemic, using that challenging period as an inflection point to redesign its business model. They emerged with a franchise concept, allowing people to become business owners supported by Blushington’s proven expertise. This shift has positioned Blushington for ambitious growth, aiming to open 60 franchise locations by the end of 2028.
One of the most compelling aspects of Blushington’s expansion is its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. As Natasha said, "The Blushington experience is about luxury, but it’s about accessibility." This mission resonates deeply with potential franchisees, especially those like Dr. Karen Diaz Maeike, Blushington’s first franchise owner, who embodies the spirit of making a difference in their community.
Blushington’s current capital raise on WeFunder aligns with its expansion plans, providing investors with an opportunity to be part of this exciting journey. Natasha’s passion for empowering others, whether through beauty services or entrepreneurship, shines through, making Blushington a company poised for impactful growth. It’s truly inspiring to see a business not just survive adversity but use it as a springboard for transformation and inclusivity.
tl;dr:
* Blushington, led by Natasha Cornstein, has pivoted and expanded its services, adding blowouts and wig styling to create a unique beauty experience that combines luxury and accessibility.
* The company transitioned from corporate ownership to a franchise model, using the pandemic as an opportunity to reorganize and improve profitability, aiming for significant growth in the coming years.
* Natasha emphasizes Blushington's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring all customers, regardless of background, feel welcome and comfortable in their beauty journey.
* The new wig styling service originated from listening to customer needs, demonstrating Natasha's "power listening" approach to innovation and business growth.
* Blushington launched its franchise sales in early 2024 and is focused on expanding across the Southeast, with the first franchise owned by a longtime customer, showcasing trust and validation of the brand.
How to Develop Power Listening As a Superpower
Natasha describes her superpower as being a "power listener." She genuinely loves meeting new people and learning from their experiences. This ability to listen attentively, coupled with her passion for execution, allows her to identify innovative ideas and turn them into real business opportunities. Natasha emphasizes that listening isn’t just a passive activity—it’s the foundation for her leadership and Blushington’s growth.
One notable story that exemplifies Natasha’s superpower is the recent launch of wig styling services at Blushington. This idea originated from a casual conversation with a client and a suggestion from one of the artists on the salon floor. Natasha listened carefully, researched the idea, and ultimately implemented it, transforming it into a new offering that aligns with Blushington’s mission to provide uplifting experiences for all customers, including those facing health challenges like chemotherapy.
Tips for Developing the Superpower:
* Be Present in Conversations: Practice active listening in every interaction—whether it’s with team members, customers, or others. Engage fully to understand their perspectives.
* Be Curious: Treat every conversation as a learning opportunity. Approach new people and ideas with curiosity.
* Value Others’ Ideas: Give importance to suggestions and insights from people around you. Find ways to explore and evaluate their ideas.
* Execute on Feedback: Take action on the best ideas. Follow through with research, testing, and implementation to bring those ideas to life.
By following Natasha's example and advice, you can make power listening a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Natasha Cornstein (she/her):
CEO, Blushington
About Blushington: Blushington is revolutionizing the beauty industry by offering express luxury beauty services that cater to the diverse needs of all ages, skin tones, and hair textures. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, Blushington provides a unique blend of high-quality makeup, skincare, and blowout services- all under one roof. Through our newly introduced franchising model, we are scaling our brand to reach communities nationwide, empowering beauty professionals and making A-list beauty experiences available to everyone.Founded in 2011 by sisters Stephi Cohen and Nicki Maron on the belief that people of all ages and backgrounds deserve to feel confident and beautiful, Blushington has seen tremendous success over a decade. Now, the brand is disrupting the beauty industry with its franchise model, offering blowouts, makeup, and skincare services all under one roof. Committed to inclusivity, Blushington welcomes customers of all ages, backgrounds, and hair textures.Blushington’s franchise model offers multiple recurring revenue streams through in-store and on-demand services, designed for longevity. The brand is actively seeking franchisees who are motivated, detail-oriented, and passionate about the beauty industry. Target markets include Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and California. Blushington also offers discounts for veterans and multi-unit owners. The initial investment to open a lounge ranges from $435,500 to $630,100.Website: blushington.com
Facebook Page: fb.com/blushington
Instagram Handle: @blushington
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/blushington-holdings
Other URL: wefunder.com/blushington
Biographical Information: Natasha Cornstein is the CEO of Blushington, a pioneering beauty brand transforming the $646 billion beauty industry with its innovative express beauty concept. Under her leadership, Blushington has evolved from a beloved makeup lounge to a comprehensive beauty service provider, offering makeup, skincare, and blowouts. Formerly the Global Director at CIRCA, Natasha managed a $5M+ media budget, showcasing her expertise in driving growth and brand visibility. Natasha has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Vogue, and was named to the prestigious Glossy 50 list. She is also a co-founder of the Courts of Dreams Foundation and holds a BA from Washington University.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/natasha-cornstein-27317628/
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on October 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, October 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At October’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “How to Assess Your Crowd's Potential for Investing?” Free to attend.
* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!
Community Event Calendar
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* Community Capital Alternatives for Outdoor Recreation Challenges, Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better speaking at American Trails, October 3, 10:00 AM, free.
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Krishi Janani PBC Crowdfunding Virtual Office Hour, Sep 21, 2024, Noon Eastern.
* Investment Week 24, October 19-20, 2024, Los Angeles.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Tim: I've always been able to see the sort of hidden potential in those around me, whether it's my friends, my students when I was teaching, the co-founders that I work with–a lot of times I see it before they even see it themselves.
On today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim He, the founder and CEO of Cherrytree. Tim is dedicated to solving one of the most common problems faced by startups: co-founder conflict. He revealed a startling statistic—about two-thirds of startups fail due to co-founder issues. Recognizing this, Tim’s work with Cherrytree focuses on helping co-founders build strong, lasting relationships.
The key to a successful co-founder relationship, Tim explains, is a principle we can all relate to: helping each other thrive. “You become a better co-founder when you help your co-founder succeed,” Tim shared during our conversation. This mindset echoes the dynamics of a healthy marriage, where mutual support and shared success are vital. Tim’s analogy to parenting also struck a chord, illustrating how fostering your co-founder’s growth can improve the partnership and the business as a whole.
Cherrytree offers resources like a twice-weekly newsletter, one-on-one coaching, and cohort classes, providing entrepreneurs with practical tools to improve their co-founder relationships. Tim’s focus on awareness and teamwork helps founders not just survive but succeed together.
Cherrytree isn’t just a resource for co-founders; it’s a community. Entrepreneurs are learning to navigate the challenges of running a business alongside a partner, turning potential points of conflict into opportunities for growth. If you're looking for guidance on how to build stronger co-founder relationships, Tim’s work at Cherrytree could be the solution you need.
tl;dr:
* Co-Founder Issues: Tim highlights that about 65% of startups fail due to co-founder conflicts, emphasizing the need for early awareness and proactive relationship management.
* The Power of Partnerships: He stresses the importance of having a co-founder, not only for skill-sharing but also for emotional support, which can be key to a startup’s success.
* Building Strong Co-Founderships: Tim explains that the secret to a successful co-foundership lies in self-awareness and mutual support, similar to a healthy marriage where both parties work together to help each other succeed.
* Practice and Patience: Drawing from his sports background, Tim uses the analogy of mastering a skill, noting that experienced co-founders have honed their partnership over countless hours of hard work, not just luck.
* Cherrytree's Resources: Cherrytree, Tim’s platform, provides a range of tools, including a newsletter, coaching, and cohort classes aimed at helping co-founders develop stronger relationships and succeed in business.
How to Develop Seeing Potential As a Superpower
Tim He’s superpower is his unique ability to see the hidden potential in others, even when they may not see it themselves. Whether working with co-founders, friends, or students, Tim’s gift is helping people recognize and develop their strengths. This superpower is at the core of his work at Cherrytree, where he supports co-founders in nurturing stronger partnerships and becoming better versions of themselves.
Tim shared a powerful story from his teenage years. At the end-of-year ceremony in high school, while all his friends won awards, Tim didn’t receive any. Though initially disappointed, he later realized that he had contributed to his friends’ success by helping them in areas like history and physical education. This mental shift allowed him to celebrate their recognition rather than be jealous of it. This experience taught Tim that his role in unlocking the potential of others was more valuable than winning an award himself—a realization that shaped his future approach to leadership and mentorship.
Tips for Developing the Superpower:
* Be Humble: Focus less on yourself and more on elevating those around you. Tim emphasizes that humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.
* Create Space for Growth: Provide an environment that allows others to explore their abilities. Sometimes, people need support and space to grow rather than constant input.
* Recognize Potential: Learn to see beyond the surface and recognize the talents and strengths that others may not immediately identify in themselves.
* Offer Support: Help others achieve their goals by guiding and mentoring them, as Tim does with co-founders through Cherrytree.
By following Tim’s example and advice, you can make seeing potential a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Tim He (he/him):
Founder & CEO, Cherrytree
About Cherrytree: 65% of startups are killed by co-founder conflicts. Cherrytree helps you beat the odds. As you might know, without a strong cofoundership, your company is doomed by default. With one, you have a fighting chance. Cherrytree offers a free 2x/week newsletter with stories and insights from dorm-room founders to unicorns and everyone in between. We also have a 1:1 coaching aspect for more engaged and hands-on support.
Website: cherrytree.app
Biographical Information: Tim He cheated his way through high school, attended the only university he was accepted by and almost failed out. He was rejected by nearly every company he ever applied to. Many of his entrepreneurial ventures fizzled out. Since then, he has started several companies, advises a range of teams from dynamic duos to global giants, and delivers lectures at prestigious universities.His cofounder journey taught him the good, the bad, and the ugly. Now, his mission is to help cofounders around the world work better together and ultimately become better cofounders themselves.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/timhe2000/
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on October 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, October 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At October’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “How to Assess Your Crowd's Potential for Investing?” Free to attend.
* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!
Community Event Calendar
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* HELP Fund’s Launch Press Conference, September 30, 2024, 9:00 AM Eastern, Old Dutch Church, Kingston, NY (272 Wall St, Kingston, NY 12401)
* Community Capital Alternatives for Outdoor Recreation Challenges, Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better speaking at American Trails, October 3, 10:00 AM, free.
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Krishi Janani PBC Crowdfunding Virtual Office Hour, Sep 21, 2024, Noon Eastern.
* Investment Week 24, October 19-20, 2024, Los Angeles.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Carina: I think listening to what others have to say, try to gently change—not change their perspective, but give them light into their decisions and be a good friend that way.
On today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Carina Comer, the owner of Carina’s Bakery. Carina’s story is remarkable not only because of her journey as a legally blind entrepreneur but also because of the impact her bakery is making on her community. Carina’s Bakery, located in Beaverton, Oregon, isn’t just a business; it’s a place of opportunity, especially for people with disabilities.
Carina shared how her own experiences with vision loss, stemming from childhood health challenges, inspired her to create a bakery that employs individuals with a range of disabilities. "I probably had 40 people with disabilities work for me or do work experiences or internships throughout that time," she explained. This commitment has fostered a sense of community and growth, not just for her employees but also for her as a leader. She described the joy she feels watching her employees, many of whom have been overlooked by traditional employers, gain confidence and contribute meaningfully.
What struck me most was Carina’s reflection on the challenges of managing a business with such a diverse workforce, yet how the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. She continues to grow as a leader and hopes to inspire other businesses to embrace the unique contributions that people with disabilities can bring to the table.
For those interested in supporting Carina’s mission, she is currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit. You can check out her campaign at s4g.biz/carina to learn more about how she is using these funds to further develop her bakery and its training programs.
Carina’s dedication is a testament to the power of inclusive employment and the incredible potential that lies in everyone.
tl;dr:
* Carina's Journey: Carina Comer, legally blind due to childhood brain cancer, founded Carina’s Bakery in Beaverton, Oregon, a vegan and gluten-free bakery. Her inspiration stemmed from her family’s entrepreneurial background and her love of baking.
* Inclusive Employment: Carina's Bakery primarily hires individuals with disabilities, providing opportunities for people who are often overlooked by traditional employers. Her staff includes people with blindness, autism, and learning disabilities.
* Challenges and Adaptation: Running the bakery comes with unique challenges, such as managing a diverse workforce and compensating for her own visual limitations. Despite this, Carina has created a supportive and loyal team, with many employees staying long-term.
* Crowdfunding for Growth: Carina has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit to fund the bakery’s growth, focusing on developing training programs and obtaining adaptive equipment.
* Personal Growth: Carina shared how the bakery has helped her become a more resilient, confident leader, with a deeper understanding of both disabilities and the challenges businesses face in employing people with disabilities.
How to Develop Active Listening As a Superpower
Carina’s superpower is her ability to actively listen. This skill has been critical to her success as an entrepreneur and leader.
Carina uses active listening to understand her employees’ and customers’ needs, adjusting her management and business strategies accordingly. This superpower has enabled her to grow as a leader, creating a supportive environment where people with disabilities can thrive. By fully hearing others before responding, she fosters an inclusive and respectful atmosphere in her bakery.
One illustrative story involves a difficult decision to let go of a long-time employee. Though painful, Carina reflected on the feedback she received, which ultimately led her to hire a new workplace manager. This decision eased her workload and helped her better address her employees’ needs, showcasing her ability to listen and adapt for the growth of her business.
Carina offers actionable advice for developing active listening:
* Listen fully: Don’t jump in to respond before someone finishes speaking.
* Identify key emotions or needs: Focus on the words that reveal what the person truly feels or needs.
* Tailor your responses: Respond with answers that are helpful, positive, and relevant to their situation.
* Adapt your approach: Pay attention to the speaker's tone and body language to adjust your listening style as needed.
By following Carina’s example and advice, you can make active listening a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Carina Comer (she/her):
Owner, Carina’s Bakery
About Carina’s Bakery: Carina’s Bakery combines Scandinavian traditions and inspiration with Oregon ingredients to make vegan ( and other allergy-friendly, ) treats, coffee, and savory items that are made by employees with didABILITIES. Not only do we feature Item based on family recipes and cultural heritage, we also follow a similar philosophy to that of Sweden and other social democracies in highlighting individuality, Choices, and pleasure while providing a social safety net and assistance. we do this all in a inviting community space that changes the way people think about food and the people who make it all while being kind to animals and the environment.
Website: www.carinasbakery.com
Company Facebook Page: FB.com/CarinasBakery
Instagram Handle: @carinasbakery
Other URL: https://invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/Carina's-Bakery
Biographical Information: You might say I was born an entrepreneur. Both my grandfathers immigrated out of Sweden and Ireland to the US in the late 40s and early 50s, only to find a harder life in the US. Eventually, they both opened businesses in Farmington, Connecticut, and raised families to take over their businesses, when health challenges arose. Their grit followed down to me, a woman born with a brain tumor that not only caused lifelong health effects but also resulted in blindness and one eye and tunnel vision in the eye. Through this, two other brain tumors, and many hospital visits in between, my family and our love for food grounded me, especially time spent in the kitchen making cookies and cardamom buns. Over time, baking has not just become a passion but a way to share the message of perseverance, ability, and personality. I stood steadfast in this love of sweets while paddling bakers on a tricycle for funds to buy gifts for cancer patients, fighting my way through the high-speed, no-nonsense environment of pastry school and the long hours of grad school that I attended. Still, no doors opened toward a career in the food industry. Eventually, I figured out that even in the more welcoming and diverse place I now called home, Oregon, the only way I was going to make a name for myself doing the thing I loved most was to open my own place. In fact, I have dreamt of having a bakery since I was five when I first remember telling someone such but I never dreamed I would really be doing it at 25, especially if you saw how extremely quiet and shy I was at those first farmers market stalls! But now, approaching our seventh anniversary in downtown Beaverton, I am more than just a baker, but a meaningful part of a community creating sweet change.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/carinacom
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Watch the pitch and invest in the best!
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on October 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, October 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At October’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “How to Assess Your Crowd's Potential for Investing?” Free to attend.
* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!
Community Event Calendar
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* HELP Fund’s Launch Press Conference, September 30, 2024, Old Dutch Church, Kingston, NY (272 Wall St, Kingston, NY 12401)
* Community Capital Alternatives for Outdoor Recreation Challenges, Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better speaking at American Trails, October 3, 10:00 AM, free.
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Krishi Janani PBC Crowdfunding Virtual Office Hour, Sep 21, 2024, Noon Eastern.
* Investment Week 24, October 19-20, 2024, Los Angeles.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What do you see as your superpower?
Sandy: Probably more than anything else, it's empathy. It's understanding what people are—how their lives are different—and trying to come up with products that will make them or come up with just living a life that will help ease the burden of others.
In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sandy Stinson, the President of GoodWag, Inc. Sandy’s journey from mortgage loan officer to pet product entrepreneur is a fascinating story of risk-taking and empathy. She shared how her personal need for an easier way to handle pet waste led her to create GoodWag’s signature product, the “PooPail.”
Sandy’s background as an entrepreneur shines through in her tenacity. “When I came up with the idea for GoodWag, I didn't hesitate. It’s like, if I want this, maybe other people do too,” she explained. Her initial crowdfunding campaign was a resounding success, with $500,000 in sales within 30 days. However, navigating production hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic was far from smooth. Despite delays and supply chain issues, she persevered, eventually manufacturing the PooPail in the United States.
Today, Sandy is taking GoodWag to new heights through a regulation crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine. “There’s what, 65 million households in America that have dogs? And nobody likes to pick up dog poop. I’ve decided to make that my focus,” she noted. With additional products in development, Sandy’s vision extends beyond just solving a messy problem—she’s aiming to be the go-to company for pet waste solutions.
For those interested in supporting her innovative endeavor, Sandy’s StartEngine campaign is currently live. You can check out her crowdfunding effort at s4g.biz/goodwag.
tl;dr:
* Introduction to Sandy Stinson: Sandy Stinson, President of GoodWag, shares her journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting her background as a mortgage loan officer and her natural inclination towards risk-taking.
* GoodWag's Product Story: The origin of GoodWag began with the creation of the "poop pail," a solution for dog waste disposal developed out of personal need. Sandy tested the product's market viability through a crowdfunding campaign in March 2021, raising $500,000 in 30 days.
* Challenges in Manufacturing: Sandy discusses her struggles with manufacturing during the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain issues and setbacks with manufacturers. Despite delays, she overcame obstacles to successfully bring her product to market.
* Sales and Expansion: Since launching the product on their website in late 2022, GoodWag has sold over a million dollars worth of poop pails. The company is currently exploring new products and has launched a regulation crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine to support its growth.
* Empathy as a Superpower: Sandy identifies empathy as her superpower, using it to understand and solve customer problems, both in her previous mortgage career and in her current business. She emphasizes the importance of listening to customer feedback to improve products and services.
How to Develop Empathy As a Superpower
In today's episode, Sandy Stinson described her superpower as empathy—the ability to understand and appreciate how others' lives differ from her own. She emphasized how empathy drives her to create products and live a life that eases the burdens of others. For Sandy, empathy isn’t just a personal trait; it’s a guiding principle in her business practices, helping her connect with customers and design solutions that truly address their needs.
Sandy recounted her time as a mortgage loan officer, explaining how empathy was key in serving her clients. Unlike others who focused solely on sales, Sandy took the time to ensure clients fully understood their loans. She used worksheets and wrote upside down to walk them through complex details, emphasizing, "You're not leaving here until you understand everything." This patient, empathetic approach led to her clients being well-prepared for their financial commitments, resulting in fewer foreclosures among her customers.
Tips for Developing Empathy:
* Know Your Weaknesses: Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and understand that not everyone shares the same abilities or background.
* Resist Judgment: Recognize that people are doing the best they can with their skills and experiences. Avoid making assumptions about others' capabilities.
* Be Patient: When communicating, especially in complex situations, take the time to ensure others fully understand. Reiterate and simplify as needed.
* Listen Actively: Incorporate feedback into your actions. Sandy redesigned her product, the poop pail, based on customer feedback, demonstrating the importance of listening to others’ needs.
By following Sandy's example and advice, you can make empathy a skill. With practice and effort, it can become a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Sandy Stinson (she/her):
President, GoodWag, Inc.
About GoodWag, Inc.: GoodWag wants to become the go-to company when your dog goes #2. We tap into the $147 billion pet industry (US only for 2023) in the largely underserved area of pet waste. Our initial products are SmartPoopy Walking Bags and the PooPail, the world's first 2-in-1 system for picking up and storing backyard pet waste. Both PooPail Liner Bags and SmartPoopy Walking Bags are home compostable and biodegradable. Why preserve dog poo in plastic forever? We want to grow the company with three new products and expand our sales footprint.
Website: GoodWag.com
X/Twitter Handle: @poopail_club
Company Facebook Page: fb.com/ThePooPail
Instagram Handle: @the.poopai
Other URL: s4g.biz/goodwag
Biographical Information: Sandy Stinson created the PooPail out of necessity. She took the company from idea to successful business. With 15,000 units sold only through the GoodWag website, which went live on Black Friday, 2022.
Personal Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009206707398
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/sandy-stinson-a8669461/
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on October 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, October 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.
* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!
* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Watch the pitch and invest in the best!
Community Event Calendar
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* Community Capital Alternatives for Outdoor Recreation Challenges, Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better speaking at American Trails, October 3, 10:00 AM, free.
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.
* Krishi Janani PBC Crowdfunding Virtual Office Hour, Sep 21, 2024, Noon Eastern.
* Investment Week 24, October 19-20, 2024, Los Angeles.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What do you see as your superpower?
Caio: I think my superpower is to really understand what simplicity really is.
When I invited Caio Buchalla, CEO of OVE Touch & Go, onto this episode of Superpowers for Good, I knew we were in for a treat. Caio is pioneering a breakthrough technology that allows users to link their bank accounts and credit cards to their fingerprints, making payments as simple as a touch.
Caio shared how his idea came from a real-life frustration. He was on a run in San Francisco and couldn't buy coconut water because he didn't have his wallet, phone, or watch. This led him to question why we rely on external tools to authorize payments and how to create a more secure, fraud-resistant system.
OVE Touch & Go aims to solve these problems using fingerprint technology, offering both convenience and security. "We use a sensor called capacitive technology, which is the one the iPhone used to have... And also, we are moving to another technology called ultrasonic fingerprint technology that... doesn’t matter if your finger is dirty, wet with oil. It doesn't matter," Caio explained.
The company is now raising capital through a crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine. As Caio noted, "It's a very democratic way of investment... And it's a proof of concept to people investing." This innovative approach could be a game-changer for the future of payments.
The vision Caio shared is compelling. Imagine walking into a store, selecting your items, and paying effortlessly with just a touch. OVE Touch & Go is bringing that future closer than we might think.
tl;dr:
* Inspiration for Innovation: Caio Buchalla, CEO of OVE Touch & Go, was inspired to create a fingerprint-based payment system after experiencing the inconvenience of being unable to buy coconut water during a run without his phone, wallet, or watch.
* Secure and Simple Payments: The technology developed by OVE Touch & Go allows users to link their bank accounts and credit cards to their fingerprints. This simplifies transactions and enhances security, reducing the risks associated with traditional payment methods.
* Advanced Fingerprint Technology: To address challenges like dirty or altered fingerprints, the company uses advanced sensors, including capacitive and ultrasonic fingerprint technologies, ensuring reliable identification under various conditions.
* User Convenience and Rewards: OVE Touch & Go offers a feature called "OneTouch AI" that intelligently selects the best credit card for each transaction, maximizing rewards for users without requiring them to keep track of complex points programs.
* Crowdfunding for Growth: The company is currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine. This provides a democratic way for individuals to support and invest in the company’s vision for a simpler, more secure payment system.
How to Develop Seeing Simplicity As a Superpower
Caio's superpower is his ability to see the simplicity in complex situations. He believes the world is too crowded with information and noise, and he has honed the skill of cutting through that clutter to find simple, elegant solutions. This approach helps him develop products and services that align with the minimalist lifestyle many people are beginning to seek.
Caio shared a story from his childhood in Brazil that exemplifies his superpower. At 13, he had the simple yet profound idea to collect donations for planting trees in the Amazon rainforest, promoting sustainability. Later in life, he applied this same principle of simplicity to his decision-making process. For instance, when he decided to pursue his master’s degree in the U.S., he didn’t overthink it. He simply applied, got accepted, and moved forward without hesitation.
Tips for Developing the Superpower:
* Look for Crowded Spaces: Identify areas in your life or work that feel overcrowded with information or processes. Ask yourself if there’s a simpler, more efficient way to achieve the same goal.
* Take the First Step: Don’t overthink decisions. When you have an idea, act on it rather than dwelling on it. "One day or day one—you decide," as Caio puts it.
* Practice Deep Thinking: Spend time contemplating problems deeply to uncover their simplest solutions. Often, simplicity is not immediately obvious and requires deliberate exploration.
* Focus on the User Experience: Consider how people naturally want to live their lives. Develop solutions that make things effortless and free people from unnecessary complexities.
By following Caio Buchalla’s example and advice, you can make seeing simplicity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Caio Buchalla (he/him):
CEO, OVE Touch & Go
About OVE Touch & Go: OVE Touch & Go is a fintech company offering the first cloud-based fingerprint payment system, integrating AI for secure, touch-based transactions. Co-founded by and Caio Buchalla and Daniel Cafiero, OVE allows users to link credit cards to their fingerprints, enabling seamless payments while its feature OneTouch AI optimizes credit card points & rewards, and enhances fraud prevention. The system is backed by granted patents and partnered with Green Payments (POS).
Website: www.ovetouchngo.com
Instagram Handle: @ovetouchngo
Other URL: startengine.com/offering/ove-touch-and-go
Biographical Information: Caio Buchalla is the visionary cofounder, CEO, and board member of OVE Touch & Go. Leading OVE since 2021, he raised over $500K in pre-seed funding and secured multiple US patents. With a background as an Investment Director at Bay Angels and Business Analyst at Citi, Caio's fintech expertise drives OVE's mission to revolutionize biometric payments.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/caiobuchalla/
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on October 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.
* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!
* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Watch the pitch and invest in the best!
Community Event Calendar
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* SEC - CfPA Webinar, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM Eastern.
* Community Capital Alternatives for Outdoor Recreation Challenges, Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better speaking at American Trails, October 3, 10:00 AM, free.
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.
* Krishi Janani PBC Crowdfunding Virtual Office Hour, Sep 21, 2024, Noon Eastern.
* Investment Week 24, October 19-20, 2024, Los Angeles.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Jack: I think my superpower, I would say, is empathy.
Today’s episode of Superpowers for Good features Jack Jokinen, an author whose life was transformed by the unexpected arrival of a stray dog. Jack’s story is one of compassion, resilience, and how small acts of kindness can ripple into something far greater.
In December 2019, a stray dog limped into Jack's home through a door left ajar during a storm. Despite her poor condition—malnourished and suffering from infected paws and dental issues—Jack and his family chose to take her in. They named her Suzy, and she quickly became a beloved part of the family.
Reflecting on the experience, Jack shared, “It could have been a lot worse. That was the only path forward, turning something negative into something positive.” Over time, Jack and his family raised $42,000 from generous supporters, more than enough to cover Suzy’s medical bills. With the excess funds, they launched an initiative to help hundreds of other dogs find their forever homes.
Jack’s story, now immortalized in his children’s book A Stray Dog for Christmas, continues to inspire people worldwide. As Jack puts it, “We’ve changed a lot of lives. We’ve saved a lot of lives. And it’s something that myself and my family are really proud of.”
Jack's journey teaches us all a valuable lesson: when we open our hearts, the impact of even the smallest actions can be profound.
tl;dr:
* Jack Jokinen shares the heartwarming story of how a stray, malnourished dog, Susie, unexpectedly entered his home and how his family decided to adopt her, inspiring many others to adopt rescue dogs.
* After receiving $42,000 in donations for Susie’s medical care, Jack and his family used the excess funds to help support 366 dog adoptions over the span of a leap year.
* Jack discusses Susie’s ongoing recovery, her joyful integration into their family, and how her story has touched the lives of many, leading to the publication of his children’s book, A Stray Dog for Christmas.
* Jack reflects on empathy as his superpower, explaining how a focus on understanding others has positively influenced both his personal and professional life, particularly in his work as a customer success manager.
* Jack encourages empathy in his children by helping them understand the motivations behind others' actions and emphasizes the importance of living by example to inspire kindness and empathy in future generations.
How to Develop Empathy As a Superpower
Jack’s superpower is empathy. He developed this ability through experiences that helped him see beyond surface behaviors, understanding the deeper struggles others face. This empathetic perspective allows him to relate to people with compassion and make more meaningful connections in both his personal and professional life.
Jack shared a powerful story of how empathy became central to his life. Early in his career, a lesson involving Bart Simpson reframed his perspective on others’ behaviors. Instead of seeing Bart as a “troublemaker,” Jack learned to see him as a child in trouble, dealing with tough circumstances. This lesson shifted Jack’s worldview, helping him recognize that people’s actions often stem from more profound struggles, shaping his approach to relationships and interactions, including rescuing Suzy, a stray dog.
Tips for Developing Empathy:
* Pause and Reflect: When faced with negativity, take a moment to consider what might have led the other person to act in this way.
* Ask Questions: Try to understand the other person’s point of view by asking thoughtful questions that reveal their underlying concerns.
* Practice Patience: If you’re in a frustrating situation, give yourself time before reacting. Jack suggests taking a walk before responding to heated emails.
* Model Empathy: Live empathetically in front of others, especially children, by demonstrating compassionate responses to challenging situations.
By following Jack’s example and advice, you can make empathy a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Jack Jokinen (he/him):
Author, SourceBooks Kids
About SourceBooks Kids: Sourcebooks Kids publishes notable fiction and non-fiction projects, including board books, picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade works with the hope of engaging children in the pure fun of books and the wonder of learning new things.
Website: astraydogforchristmas.com
X/Twitter Handle: @Sourcebooks
Company Facebook Page: fb.com/SuzynPupman
Biographical Information: Jack Jokinen is a businessman, blogger, podcaster, and author. He lives outside Philadelphia with his wife, Emily, their two daughters, Johanna and Layla, and their two dogs, George and Suzy. After receiving global attention for adopting Suzy, Jack used his platform to spread awareness for animal adoption and positive change in the world. This led to Jack writing A Stray Dog for Christmas to continue to spread a positive message. X/Twitter Handle: @jjfromthebronx
Personal Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/jack.jokinen/
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jackjokinen/
Instagram Handle: Suzy's: @suzynpupman Mine: @JJFromTheBronx
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.
* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free! Express interest with an email to Devin.
* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Watch the pitch and invest in the best!
Community Event Calendar
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* SEC - CfPA Webinar, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM Eastern.
* Community Capital Alternatives for Outdoor Recreation Challenges, Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better speaking at American Trails, October 3, 10:00 AM, free.
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What do you see as your superpower?
Jarret: For me, having passion as my superpower is present because I'm so present with what it means for me to be alive at this time, at this converging of storms with the challenges we face as humanity, as a human family and as a global interconnected family of life.
In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jarret Schlaff, the co-founder and CEO of Pingree Detroit. His company is creating meaningful social and environmental impact while simultaneously crafting high-quality, handmade goods.
Pingree Detroit, a worker-owned cooperative based in Detroit, upcycles leather from the automotive industry, crafting beautiful shoes, bags, and other products from materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. But this venture isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about creating opportunities for Detroiters and veterans to gain skilled trades and meaningful employment.
Jarret shared a key insight during our conversation, saying, "Relationships are our strongest currency. We’re able to connect with people and create an environment where folks have meaningful work, working with their hands to create something of real value." This idea lies at the heart of Pingree Detroit’s mission: providing both economic opportunity and a supportive, empowering environment for its workers, many of whom have faced significant challenges in life.
During our discussion, Jarret highlighted the company's commitment to supporting its workers, even when life circumstances create challenges. He explained, "We have a different way of supporting that person...we might say, 'Check in with your battle buddy,' to ensure they have the support they need on tough days."
Pingree Detroit is currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit. The funds will support the company’s growth and help launch exciting new products, including a highly anticipated line of boots.
The work Pingree Detroit is doing represents a powerful combination of social and environmental impact, and I couldn’t be more excited to share their story with you.
tl;dr:
* Introduction to Pingree Detroit: The episode introduces Jarret Schlaff, CEO of Pingree Detroit, a worker-owned cooperative in Detroit. The company upcycles leather from the automotive industry to create products like shoes, bags, and wallets, with a focus on providing skilled jobs for veterans and Detroiters.
* Business Model and Social Impact: Jarret explains how Pingree Detroit has been profitable while balancing a strong social mission, including providing meaningful employment and creating high-quality, handmade products. The company's approach to pricing reflects the true costs of production and support services for employees.
* Worker Ownership: Pingree Detroit is a worker cooperative, where employees can become worker-owners, helping to improve retention, efficiency, and investment in the company. Jarret highlights the benefits of ownership in fostering emotional and financial commitment from employees.
* Capital Raising through Crowdfunding: The company is raising capital via Honeycomb Credit to fund key initiatives, including launching a new product (a boot called the Governor), purchasing their building, scaling operations, and investing in marketing efforts.
* Jarret's Superpower – Passion: Jarret identifies his superpower as passion, which drives his work toward building a restorative, localized, and equitable economy. He shares stories of how his passion has inspired others to start their own ventures and positively impact their communities.
How to Develop Passion As a Superpower
Jarret Schlaff identifies passion as his superpower, explaining that it drives him to create meaningful change in the world. His deep sense of purpose comes from his desire to contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and restorative future. This passion fuels his daily work and enables him to inspire others, believing that anything is possible when driven by such purpose.
Jarret shared a story about how his passion has inspired others to start their own social impact companies after learning about Pingree Detroit. His commitment to the mission of upcycling and creating meaningful jobs has resonated so strongly with people that it has sparked their own entrepreneurial journeys. He also noted the reciprocal inspiration he experiences by witnessing team members thrive despite overcoming immense adversity, further reinforcing his belief in the transformative power of passion.
Tips for Developing the Superpower:
* Visualize the Future: Imagine the world you want to help create, focusing on what it looks and feels like. Use this visualization to drive motivation.
* Identify Your Unique Gifts: Assess your skills and how they can contribute to a larger mission, whether through leadership, support, or creativity.
* Stay Grounded in Your 'Why': Regularly ask yourself why your work matters to you and how it aligns with your deeper sense of purpose.
* Share Your Passion: Talk about your vision with others to inspire them and create a ripple effect of positive change.
By following Jarret Schlaff’s example and advice, you can make passion a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Jarret A Schlaff (he/him):
Co-founder and CEO, Pingree Detroit
About Pingree Detroit: Pingree Detroit, founded in 2015, is a worker-owned, triple-bottom-line design and manufacturing cooperative that hand-makes footwear and home, pet, and fashion accessories in Detroit with leather and other materials upcycled from the auto industry.
Website: www.PingreeDetroit.com
Company Facebook Page: fb.com/PingreeDetroit
Other URL: invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/Pingree-Detroit
Biographical Information: Jarret Alan Schlaff is the Co-founder and CEO of Pingree Detroit & Founder of Lectric Boil. He lives on Detroit’s east side and is committed to fostering neighborhood resilience and developing opportunities for sustainable, community driven job creation accessible to his neighbors. He is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses program, was one of 90 leaders selected from across the U.S. as a 2015 Young American Leadership Fellow with Harvard Business School, named an Emerging Leader by the Detroit Chamber of Commerce in 2015, 20/20 Detroit Person of the week in November 2017, in 2020 was awarded the Oakland University, “10 Under 10 Alumni” for outstanding achievements and impact within ten years of graduation, and most recently was given the 2024 Michigan Recycling Coalition Award of Excellence.
X/Twitter Handle: @Planit4planet
Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/jarret.schlaff/
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jarret-schlaff-4931b120/
Instagram Handle: @pingreedetroit
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.
* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Watch the pitch and invest in the best!
Community Event Calendar
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* SEC - CfPA Webinar, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM Eastern.
* Community Capital Alternatives for Outdoor Recreation Challenges, Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better speaking at American Trails, October 3, 10:00 AM, free.
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Rachel: What really, I would say, cultivated my major superpower is that seeking that peace amongst this constant chaos leads me right back to the kid me, the creative me, the child me, the me that existed before, I would say, the world kicked in, before humanity kicked in, before you go through that phase where you're just buried by just everything, you know, and a lot of people get buried, and some people just never resurface.
In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel Renee, the Founder and CEO of Goat Moves. Rachel shared her inspiring journey and the mission behind her innovative e-commerce marketplace platform designed to help small business owners and solopreneurs centralize their sales efforts.
Rachel’s passion for supporting small businesses comes from her own experiences as a serial entrepreneur. "I have lived many lives," she told me. From working in warehouses to bartending in Vegas, she’s gained an intimate understanding of the challenges many small business owners face, especially when trying to manage multiple platforms for their products and services.
Goat Moves simplifies this process by offering an all-in-one solution where entrepreneurs can sell physical products, services, and digital downloads in one place. “You don’t have to spread your offerings across every platform,” Rachel explained. “We have centralized it for our businesses.”
What stood out most during our conversation was Rachel’s drive to make wealth and business success accessible to everyone. By launching a regulated crowdfunding campaign, she’s giving everyday people the opportunity to invest in her vision. “I wanted to make wealth accessible to the public,” she said, referencing her journey from Kansas City to Los Angeles, where she often found herself on the short end of financial opportunities.
Rachel’s belief in ethical business practices and the power of small businesses to lift communities is clear. “We are built for the people, by the people. I am the people,” she declared, embodying her role as what she calls “the people CEO.”
Rachel’s passion and vision are truly inspiring. If you’re an entrepreneur or investor, this is a platform you won’t want to miss.
tl;dr:
* Introduction of Guest and Business: Rachel Renee, CEO of Goat Moves, discusses her company's marketplace platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to sell products, services, and digital downloads on one centralized platform.
* Business Model and User Experience: Rachel highlights that Goat Moves offers a streamlined experience for both sellers and buyers, eliminating the need to manage multiple platforms. The marketplace is still in beta, with over 900 sellers waitlisted, including estheticians selling products and services.
* Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Campaign: Rachel explains Goat Moves' current crowdfunding campaign on NetCapital. She emphasizes her commitment to making wealth accessible to the general public, regardless of their financial standing.
* Rachel’s Entrepreneurial Journey: She shares her diverse career background, including government contracting and various other jobs, and how this experience shaped her vision to create a business that benefits and supports small businesses.
* Superpower and Personal Growth: Rachel describes her superpower as maintaining inner peace amidst chaos, which fuels her creativity and passion. She encourages others to reconnect with their inner child to rediscover joy and creativity.
How to Develop Childlike Creativity As a Superpower
Rachel Renee's superpower is her ability to tap into her childlike creativity amidst chaos. By maintaining her inner peace and nurturing the imaginative, compassionate side of herself, she has been able to sustain her drive and passion. This connection to her younger self fuels her vision, creativity, and empathy in her entrepreneurial journey.
Rachel shared an inspiring story of how she used her childlike creativity and determination to build Goat Moves despite significant challenges. During the pandemic, she found herself "founder broke," with only her sweat equity to offer. She rallied a team by asking them to believe in her vision, and through passion and creativity, she secured the resources needed to move forward. Her unwavering commitment and childlike drive inspired her team to support her, helping Goat Moves grow significantly in just two years.
Tips for Developing the Superpower:
* Cultivate inner peace amidst chaos to reconnect with your creative self.
* Seek out activities or memories from childhood that bring joy and inspiration.
* Allow yourself to be curious and passionate, even if it feels unconventional.
* Look for ways to recreate childhood experiences that spark excitement and wonder.
* Focus on finding personal joy without needing to justify it to others.
Conclusion: By following Rachel’s example and advice, you can make childlike creativity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Rachel Renee (she/her):
Founder & CEO, Goat Moves Inc.
About Goat Moves Inc.: We are an innovative and comprehensive approach to e-commerce. Consolidating various services and capabilities into one central platform can offer several benefits for both sellers and customers. Goat Moves Inc.. evolved from its origins as Goat Moves Drug Testing in Kansas City, MO, where it operated as a government contractor providing alcohol & drug testing, DNA testing, and cleaning services to entities such as the Department of Transportation, American Airlines, law offices, and various employers across the Kansas City Metro.Managing multiple platforms for different customer bases proved to be Inc.reasingly challenging and costly. Some platforms allowed only one service, while others had long processing times, high fees, complex setups, or were simply neglected due to subpar user experiences.In recognizing the need for a streamlined approach, we observed a significant demand for consolidating services, not only for B2B transactions but also for achieving B2C synchronicity.The goal was to establish a connection that seamlessly brought together the entirety of the business, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creators with customers, utilizing a harmonious aggregation based on algorithms.
Website: netcapital.com/companies/goatmoves
Company Facebook Page: fb.com/officialgoatmovesInc.
Other URL: rachelrenee.me
Biographical Information: Rachel Renee is the founder and CEO of Goat Moves Inc., an all-in-one e-commerce marketplace, replacing multiple website systems. After bootstrapping over $250k in Q4 of 2023, a $5M pre-seed RegCF raise engagement was secured and is facilitated by NetCapital.Goat Moves Marketplace enables businesses to list their products, services and digital downloads on a unified platform. This patent-pending technology is one of the features that makes Goat Moves Marketplace unique.In January 2024, the company secured a deal with Nibi TV powered by BitCentral for “Kali Streaming” on Goat Moves Marketplace. The company has amassed 6,000+ waitlisted users and 900+ waitlisted sellers. In that same month, Goat Moves Marketplace secured a partnership with Unielogics. Unielogics provides turnkey logistics and warehousing software, granting BIG access to small businesses globally.In April 2024, Goat Moves Inc.. secured a multi-million dollar advertising deal with Consult TV. A programmatic facilitator for SInc.lair Broadcasting, Gray Television and Hearst Media. Rachel Renee is the media co-host on Revolt Media’s “Holdin’ Court Podcast” alongside her father and host Courtney “Big Court” Richardson ll. Her father also serves as a media partner of Goat Moves Inc.., and he is the owner of Nibi TV.
Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/rchlrenee
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rchlrenee
Instagram Handle: @rchl_renee
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc.., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.
* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your regulated investment crowdfunding campaign to the SuperCrowd!
* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc.., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.
Community Event Calendar
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* SEC - CfPA Webinar, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM Eastern.
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Daniel: I'd say that I'm a multidisciplinary high achiever.
In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Daniel Farb, CEO and Founder of Flower Turbines. It's been over five years since our last conversation, and the progress Daniel has made with his company is nothing short of remarkable.
Flower Turbines isn't just about harnessing wind power; it's about doing it beautifully and efficiently, particularly in urban environments where traditional turbines would struggle. Daniel's vision for small, aesthetically pleasing wind turbines that operate quietly and efficiently has brought a fresh perspective to renewable energy.
One of the most intriguing aspects of our conversation was Daniel's explanation of their patented "bouquet effect." This innovation allows their tulip-shaped turbines to be placed close together, enhancing each other's performance—something unheard of with traditional large wind turbines. As Daniel aptly put it, “When you have winds, you can collect [energy] 24 hours a day... We’re the only ones that can place turbines close together, and ours have this great benefit so that we can make better use of tight spaces than anybody else can.”
This ability to optimize space without sacrificing efficiency could be a game-changer, particularly for off-grid power solutions. Moreover, Flower Turbines' products are bird-friendly, quiet, and designed to be integrated with solar and battery technologies, offering a comprehensive energy solution.
Daniel's passion for innovation, backed by a robust portfolio of patents, is driving Flower Turbines toward what could be a significant leap in the renewable energy market. As they move into mass production, the potential for impact is tremendous, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes them next.
Flower Turbines is raising capital from the crowd via StartEngine.
tl;dr:
* Guest Introduction: Dr. Daniel Farb, CEO and founder of Flower Turbines, returns to the show after several years to discuss the progress and innovations in small wind turbines designed for urban environments.
* Innovation and Progress: Dr. Farb shares how Flower Turbines has evolved from early-stage prototypes to manufacturing and selling turbines. They’ve made significant strides in aerodynamics and electronics, leading to unique products that perform better when placed close together.
* Crowdfunding Success: Flower Turbines has completed five successful crowdfunding rounds on StartEngine, raising substantial funds from over 8,000 investors. They are now preparing for their sixth round.
* Multidisciplinary Approach: Dr. Farb attributes his success to his ability to combine different fields of knowledge, from science and art to business, which has been crucial in developing innovative products and solutions.
* Advice on Becoming Multidisciplinary: Dr. Farb encourages others to explore diverse interests, as these experiences often connect in unexpected ways, enhancing both personal and professional growth.
How to Develop Multidisciplinary High Achievement As a Superpower
Daniel’s superpower is his ability to excel across multiple disciplines, combining creativity with scientific and business acumen. This unique blend allows him to approach complex problems from various angles, resulting in innovative solutions that bridge the gap between art and science, as well as between invention and marketing.
Daniel exemplifies his multidisciplinary superpower through the design of Flower Turbines' wind turbines. He drew on his diverse background—merging artistic inspiration with scientific rigor—to create beautiful, efficient turbines that are not only functional but also visually appealing. Additionally, he shared an anecdote about his work in e-learning, where he applied creative storytelling to teach complex pharmaceutical regulations, transforming a traditionally dull subject into an engaging, interactive experience.
Tips for Developing this Superpower:
* Pursue Diverse Interests: Follow your curiosity and explore different fields. Every skill or knowledge you acquire can connect in unexpected ways later on.
* Combine Creativity with Discipline: Use both your creative and logical sides to approach problems. Don’t be afraid to blend art with science or other seemingly unrelated disciplines.
* Embrace Hard Work: Multidisciplinary excellence requires dedication. Be willing to work hard and push the boundaries of your abilities in multiple areas.
By following Daniel's example and advice, you can make multidisciplinary high achievement a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Dr. Daniel Farb (he/him):
CEO and Founder, Flower Turbines
About Flower Turbines: Flower Turbines is an innovative small wind turbine company with the ambition to become a major global force in renewable energy. With over 30 patents, the company has solved the technology and design problems holding small wind back from being as large an industry as solar. One of its biggest innovations is the cluster effect, whereby the turbines, when placed close to each other correctly, make the whole group perform better. For example, four turbines together produce as much energy as eight separate ones.
Website: flowerturbines.com
X/Twitter Handle: @flowerturbines
Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/flowerturbines
Instagram Handle: @flowerturbines_us
Other URL: startengine.com/offering/flowerturbines
Biographical Information: School, Degree, Year2019: NSF Innovation Corps Certification by NYCRIN, New York2011 and 2012: Course Series: Executive’s Guide to Patent Strategy, Herzliya, Israel, taught by Finnegan law firm and the University of Haifa1999 – 2001: Courses at UCLA School of Business and Management. - Program in International Trade and Commerce. Partially completed. Los Angeles, CA2000: Certification course by Pharmaceutical Education & Research Institute (PERI), on Applied Good Clinical Practices. Online.1997: Anderson School of Management, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA. Degree in Executive Management. 1978 – 1982: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. – M.D. Elected to Alpha Omega Alpha honors fraternity. 1976 – 1977: Special Student in Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Advanced Science Courses1972 – 1976: Yale College, New Haven, CT – B.A., English Literature (Cum Laude) (set academic record for being the only person in Yale history allowed to take double the number of allowed courses in one semester, including many science courses, and getting all A grades). RELEVANT EXPERIENCE2013 – Present: Founder, CEO, creator of most of the intellectual property, Flower Turbines. Headquartered in NY. Operations in Texas and Netherlands.2006 – Present: Founder, CEO, creator of most of the intellectual property, Leviathan Energy, a group of renewable energy companies with innovations in a variety of wind, water, wave, and underwater turbines. Originally included a predecessor to Flower Turbines.2005 – 2006: Patent writer and consultant with an intellectual property law firm 1999 – 2011: CEO, UniversityOfHealthcare.com, and UniversityOfBusiness.com, for web-based management and healthcare training. 1986 – 2005: Clinical Practice in Ophthalmology, Los Angeles, CA. Included managing a small medical group. Maintained contracts with 100 care centers. 1978 – 1979: Summer work researching neurotransmitter pharmacology, National Institutes of Health, laboratory of Dr. Irwin Kopin, Washington, D.C. (One of the world's top labs in catecholamine and antidepressant basic research.) 1977 – 1978: Research project with World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland on health care delivery in developing countries. Culminated in the presentation of a paper for the Department of Psychiatry on health staff utilization in developing countries.RELEVANT AWARDS• 2010 – Cleantech Open – Won 2nd & 3rd Place for the “Best Clean Technologies in Israel.”• 2011 – Wind Tulip invention on display in Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem as one of Israel’s top 45 inventions.• His hydro turbine team won the Eurogia and Eureka labels for technological excellence• 2015 – Speaker at US Congress on renewable energy technology• US Navy SBIR 2015 Phase 1 award for portable underwater turbines• 2021: Top 1000 Sustainable Solutions, Solar Impulse Foundation• 2021: Impel+ 2021 Innovator, US Department of Energy• 2021: Pepperdine University Business School picked Flower Turbines among the top 10 Most Fundable Companies in the US.• 2023: A winner of the Yes San Francisco Sustainability competition, co-sponsored by the World Economic Forum• 2022 and 2023: Two-time winner of the Dutch government sustainability awardRELEVANT PUBLICATIONS• Developed about 80 PCT patents in various aspects of renewable energy. • Authored and edited over 100 books and CD/e-learning courses in management and health sciences, many of which won four and five star reviews. • Several ophthalmology journal articles. • “Wind Energizer” – Front cover article for WindTech Magazine, September 2009.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/flower-turbines-llc
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.
* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your regulated investment crowdfunding campaign to the SuperCrowd!
* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.
Community Event Calendar
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* SEC - CfPA Webinar, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM Eastern.
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Devin: what do you see as your superpower?
Nicole: My superpower is that I don't get—climate change isn't something I see as a depressing end-of-world must-be scenario. It's very much a call to action.
In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Whalen, Founder and CEO of Green Compass, a company dedicated to fighting climate change by retrofitting buildings with green infrastructure. The conversation highlighted the significant yet often overlooked role that buildings play in contributing to climate change. According to Nicole, over 70% of emissions in Washington, D.C., come from buildings, and this trend is common across the globe.
Nicole shared how Green Compass utilizes nature-based solutions to retrofit commercial and multifamily buildings. These efforts include installing solar panels, electrification systems, and green stormwater infrastructure, all aimed at reducing emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. One of her most striking projects involved creating a 2,000-square-foot rain garden that captures almost a million gallons of water per year. "Something as small a footprint as 2,000 square feet can capture almost a million gallons of water a year," she said, emphasizing the scale of impact even small projects can have.
What I found particularly compelling was Nicole’s vision for decentralizing both energy and water systems, a step she sees as critical for sustainability. “Decentralizing utilities is something that's...indicative for sustainability. We need to have more decentralization of our energy sources [and] decentralized water systems as well,” she explained.
Nicole’s work demonstrates the immense potential of combining private sector investment with innovative green solutions to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems: climate change. Green Compass’s Raise Green crowdfunding campaign is now live, offering a unique opportunity for impact-minded investors to support this mission.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on how business leaders are using their superpowers for good!
tl;dr:
* Introduction of Green Compass: Nicole Whalen, founder of Green Compass, explains that her company retrofits commercial and multifamily buildings using green infrastructure to combat climate change, employing nature-based solutions like solar systems and EV charging.
* Climate Impact of Buildings: Whalen highlights the significant role buildings play in emissions, with over 70% of emissions in Washington D.C. coming from buildings, and emphasizes the need for retrofitting to reduce these emissions.
* Stormwater Retention Credits: Green Compass develops projects that utilize stormwater retention credits, a market-driven solution that allows private investment in green infrastructure, benefiting entities like churches and reducing costs while improving environmental outcomes.
* Future Expansion: Green Compass, initially focused in D.C., plans to expand across the U.S. as other municipalities adopt similar stormwater management systems, driven by climate change and inadequate existing infrastructure.
* Nicole's Superpower: Whalen attributes her success to her scientific mindset, particularly her ability to view the world through ecological relationships, and her passion for using nature to restore the environment, offering an optimistic approach to addressing climate challenges.
How to Develop Green Innovation As a Superpower
Nicole’s superpower lies in her ability to drive significant environmental change through innovative green solutions. By retrofitting buildings with advanced green infrastructure, she tackles climate change head-on. Nicole’s approach integrates nature-based systems like green stormwater infrastructure, solar energy, and electrification to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in urban environments.
An illustrative story from our conversation involved a project where Nicole’s team created a 2,000-square-foot rain garden that captures nearly a million gallons of water annually. This project not only manages stormwater effectively but also enhances the local environment by adding trees and reducing urban heat. Nicole’s innovative approach allows her to address both water management and carbon sequestration simultaneously.
To develop green innovation as a personal strength, Nicole suggests focusing on several key areas:
* Invest in Learning: Understand the latest technologies and methods in green infrastructure.
* Leverage Investment Opportunities: Utilize innovative financing solutions like stormwater retention credits to support your projects.
* Embrace Decentralization: Promote decentralized systems for energy and water management to increase sustainability.
By following Nicole’s example and advice, you can make green innovation a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Nicole Whalen (she/her):
Founder & CEO, Green Compass LLC
About Green Compass LLC: Based in Washington DC, Green Compass retrofits commercial and multifamily buildings to fight climate change by deploying: 💧 Green Stormwater Infrastructure☀️ Renewable Energy Systems🔋 EV Charging Infrastructure🏢 Building Efficiency Measures
Website: www.greencompass.co
Other URL: invest.raisegreen.com/offering/greencompass/details
Biographical Information: Nicole is the founder and CEO of Green Compass. She has an interdisciplinary background in earth science and economics and followed her lifelong love of the oceans upstream to scale nature-based solutions that reduce air and water pollution.Nicole earned a BA in International Studies/Economics cum laude from New College of Florida and a MA in Global Sustainability, Water Resource Management from the University of South Florida. Her career started in marine science and international development, working on climate adaptation programs funded by USAID and the US Department of State. She is proud to call DC home as a 5th generation Washingtonian and is passionate about deploying nature-based and city-led solutions to climate change.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/niwhalen/
Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/greencompass.co/
Max-Impact Members
The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:
Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.
* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your regulated investment crowdfunding campaign to the SuperCrowd!
* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.
Community Event Calendar
* Community Revitalization - Devin Thorpe - SuperCrowd, Thursday, August 29, 10:00 AM Eastern.
* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.
* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.
* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
The podcast currently has 1,236 episodes available.