Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.

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 t…

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 Move…

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 …

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, YouT…

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.

tl;dr:

* Guest Introduction: The episode features Brian Belley, VP of Product at KingsCrowd, discussing his analysis on rates of return on various debt structures and how investors should evaluate compensation for risk.

* Key Analysis: Brian explains that many investors misunderstand the risks involved in debt and revenue share deals in small businesses and crowdfunding. He highlights the necessary interest rates or payback multiples needed to compensate for these risks.

* Revenue-Based Financing Explained: Brian delves into the mechanics of revenue-based financing, where investor returns are tied to company revenues, offering flexibility for companies with fluctuating earnings.

* Failure Rates and Required Returns: Data shows that pre-revenue companies have a higher failure rate (around 5.5%), requiring higher interest rates to compensate investors. As companies grow in revenue, failure rates decrease, and required interest rates also lower.

* Market Trends: The transcript discusses how rising federal interest rates have influenced the interest rates offered by crowdfunding platforms, showing a trend of increasing returns to align with market conditions.

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Brian Belley, Vice President of Product at KingsCrowd, to discuss a profoundly important topic: the risk-return dynamics of debt and revenue share deals in regulated investment crowdfunding. Brian recently published an insightful analysis that sheds light on the realities of these investment vehicles, challenging many common assumptions.

As a quick aside, let me say that I love investing in crowdfunded debt offerings. Having made dozens of investments in the space, I’m lucky to report that as yet, I haven’t had a borrower default. I was excited to have Brian on the show to help you learn how to better approach investing in regulated investment crowdfunding debt offerings.

When we think about crowdfunding, our minds often gravitate toward high-growth startups. But there’s another side to this space: debt and revenue share deals. These options may seem less risky compared to startup equity, but as Brian highlighted, that perception can be misleading.

Understanding the Risk of Debt and Revenue Share Deals

Many investors approach these deals with a mindset of minimizing risk, viewing them as safer alternatives to equity investments in startups. Yet, as Brian points out, “What a lot of these investors miss is that there’s still a lot of risk in these deals.” These companies may not aim for venture-backed growth, but they still carry significant risk, especially those that are pre-revenue or early-stage.

Brian’s data-driven analysis provided a comprehensive overview of the failure rates associated with companies offering debt and revenue share deals. He explained that pre-revenue companies carry the highest risk, with an 11% return required to compensate investors for potential failures. For more mature businesses generating $1 million or more in annual revenue, the required interest rate drops to around 9.7%. These numbers serve as a wake-up call to those who assume debt investments are inherently low-risk.

One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation was Brian’s explanation of the importance of compensation for failure risk. He emphasized, “These aren’t necessarily the super high-growth trying to be a venture-backed startup, but there’s still a lot of risk in this.” As investors, we need to account for these risks when evaluating debt and revenue share deals, just as we would with equity investments.

Revenue-Based Financing: A Flexible Option with Risks

In our discussion, Brian took the time to explain how revenue-based financing works, providing valuable insights into the mechanics behind these deals. He described revenue-share deals as having two primary components: the percentage of revenue shared with investors and the payback multiple. He shared a practical example, saying, “Let’s say a restaurant has cyclical revenues. Investors might receive higher returns during busy summer months but less during slower winter months. That flexibility can benefit the business, but it also means the timing of returns is unpredictable for investors.”

While this model offers flexibility, it also introduces a level of uncertainty. Investors may get paid back faster than anticipated if the business performs well, but they could also face delays if revenues fall short. As Brian pointed out, “You’re not going to get consistent month-by-month payments, but if you believe that the company has potential, it can give them more flexibility and potentially work out in your favor.”

This flexibility, however, comes with a tradeoff. Investors must be prepared for variable returns, which may stretch over an extended period. Yet, the potential for higher-than-expected returns if the company succeeds makes revenue-based financing an attractive option for those willing to accept some level of uncertainty.

Failure Rates: A Key Consideration for Investors

One of the most critical factors in evaluating any investment is the potential for failure. Brian’s analysis broke down the failure rates for companies at different stages of revenue generation, with pre-revenue companies exhibiting the highest failure rate at around 5.5%. This failure rate decreases as companies generate more revenue, with those earning over $1 million showing a failure rate of just 1.5%.

However, Brian cautioned that these figures only represent known failures. “Sometimes companies shut down quietly, or it takes months or even years to fully dissolve,” he explained. This means that the actual failure rates could be higher, and investors need to factor in this uncertainty when considering their potential returns.

To compensate for the unknowns, Brian suggests building in a margin for error when calculating required returns. By accounting for potential late payments and unknown failures, investors can better manage their expectations and avoid overestimating their future returns.

The Impact of Market Conditions on Interest Rates

Our conversation then turned to the effect of broader economic trends on the interest rates offered in debt and revenue share deals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve dropped interest rates to near zero, but as the economy began to recover, rates steadily increased. Brian’s analysis showed that the interest rates on debt deals offered through crowdfunding platforms followed a similar trajectory. He observed, “The interest rates offered on deals in mid-2022 were just below 10%, but by July 2024, they had risen to over 12%.”

As the Federal Reserve continues to adjust interest rates, it will be interesting to see how the crowdfunding space adapts. Lower interest rates could make it more challenging for investors to achieve their desired returns, while higher rates may improve the prospects for those looking to lend. Regardless of market conditions, understanding the factors that influence interest rates is critical for making informed investment decisions.

Platform-Specific Trends: Not All Crowdfunding Deals Are Equal

Finally, Brian’s analysis looked at interest rates by platform, revealing that different crowdfunding portals offer varying rates depending on their focus. Platforms like Honeycomb Credit and SMBX, which specialize in debt deals, tend to offer rates in the 8% to 11% range, while some smaller platforms may have higher rates. However, as Brian noted, some of these higher rates may come from platforms that have only done a few deals, making their data less representa…

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?

Liza: I think that passion of building something that helps people has always been my superpower.

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Liza Rodewald, the Co-Founder and CEO of Instant Teams, a company making a powerful impact by helping military spouses thrive professionally despite the frequent relocations that come with military life. Liza shared how her own experience as a military spouse drove her to create a solution for others facing the same challenges.

Military spouses often find themselves moving every few years, making it difficult to build a traditional career. Liza understood this struggle firsthand and turned it into a business opportunity that connects military spouses with remote jobs in customer experience roles. “If I was climbing a traditional corporate ladder, I would constantly be starting over,” Liza explained. "I have a high skill set... I have a lot that I can give and contribute."

Instant Teams allows military spouses to take their jobs with them when they move, offering stability in their careers. Liza’s company builds entire customer experience teams for brands, providing a highly skilled workforce to companies while giving military spouses the continuity they need.

The venture has grown significantly since its inception in 2016, with over 500 employees and 68,000 military spouses on their platform. Liza's innovative approach has not only solved a major problem for military families but also created a scalable business model.

Her advice for entrepreneurs, especially women, is simple yet powerful: “Sizing the market upfront and telling the story along with it... made a huge difference in my personal success and being able to raise money.”

Liza’s work is an inspiring example of how identifying a problem close to home can lead to a meaningful, impactful business.

tl;dr:

Guest Introduction: Liza Rodewald, founder of Instant Teams, was featured. The company connects military spouses with customer experience jobs, helping them maintain their careers despite frequent relocations due to military life.

Challenges and Achievements: Liza discussed the challenge of raising venture capital as a woman, noting that less than 2% goes to women-led companies. Despite this, she successfully raised funds and grew her company while being a military spouse.

Instant Teams' Mission: Instant Teams is dedicated to building remote customer experience teams for companies, using the skills of military spouses who can work remotely and maintain continuity despite relocations.

Business Model: Instant Teams works with middle-market and enterprise companies like Aflac and Expensify, offering both a marketplace and fully outsourced services. They have grown to over 500 employees and serve 68,000 military spouses.

Superpower and Advice: Liza emphasized her superpower of solving problems by seeing the bigger picture. She advises women entrepreneurs to focus on building relationships, providing transparency to investors, and leveraging networks for long-term success.

How to Develop Problem-Solving with Passion As a Superpower

Liza Rodewald’s superpower is her ability to step back, see the big picture, and solve complex problems. With a background in engineering, she approaches challenges by analyzing issues and finding solutions that not only address the immediate need but create lasting impact. Her deep passion for helping others fuels her drive to solve meaningful problems, particularly those affecting the military spouse community.

Liza shared a moving example of how her superpower played out in real life. She opened a co-working space in Southern Pines, designed to connect military spouses with job opportunities. One day, a military spouse came in, overwhelmed and struggling with a rigid job that wasn’t compatible with her lifestyle. Liza and her team were able to match her with a more flexible position that aligned with her needs. The connection transformed the woman’s life, providing a sense of balance and fulfillment. This personal interaction exemplified Liza’s ability to identify problems and create meaningful, life-changing solutions.

Tips for Developing This Superpower:

* Step Back for Perspective: Take a moment to step back from challenges and view the bigger picture. Analyze how different elements connect and where opportunities for problem-solving lie.

* Lead with Passion: Fuel your efforts with genuine passion for helping others. When you care deeply about the outcome, you’ll find creative and effective ways to overcome obstacles.

* Build Networks: Establish and nurture relationships with people who can help you solve problems. Keep these connections warm, as they may provide unexpected opportunities for collaboration or support.

* Stay Realistic: While passion drives your efforts, temper it with practicality. Make tough decisions when necessary to maintain a sustainable business model while keeping your mission intact.

By following Liza Rodewald’s example and advice, you can make problem-solving with 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

Liza Rodewald (she/her):

Co-Founder/CEO, Instant Teams

About Instant Teams: Instant Teams leads the way as a CX talent marketplace committed to the financial well-being of military families while providing companies instant access to remarkable talent.

Website: instantteams.com

X/Twitter Handle: @Instant_Teams

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/instantteams

Biographical Information: Liza is a 4x entrepreneur and software engineer. She is currently the CEO and Founder of Instant Teams and Twelve Million Plus. She has scaled the company to over 500 employees, raised more than $16M in venture capital and landed at #13 on the Inc. 5000 list for Human Resources across the nation.She is in the top 3% of graduates from the Founder Institute, alumni of the Blue Startups Accelerator named one of the Top 25 SheEO, and a published Forbes author. She is also a member of YPO and NationSwell and serves as a mentor for female founders.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lizarodewald

Instagram Handle: @ceo_liza

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | 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.…

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?

Lindsey: I'm really good at figuring things out. And so that's something that has served me well, both in my past corporate life and then also in running a business. I think that being a good problem solver will take you far because there's only so much information you can actually know.

On today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the privilege of sitting down with Lindsey Williams, the founder and winemaker of the Urban Wine Co. Lindsey shared the inspiring story of how she’s transforming the wine industry, particularly in the South, by introducing diversity and a fresh approach to winemaking.

Lindsey didn’t take the traditional route to becoming a winemaker. Starting her career as a lawyer and then transitioning to investment banking, she learned firsthand how to handle high-stakes transactions. But a trip to Tuscany sparked her love for winemaking, and that passion evolved into a full-fledged business.

Urban Wine Co. isn’t just another winery. Lindsey imports grapes from renowned wine regions like California and Oregon and even from overseas, but the magic happens locally in the Carolinas. “We’re making our wines here locally, and we’re spreading diversity wherever we go,” Lindsey told me during the interview. She explained that her goal is to make the wine world more accessible to people from all walks of life, introducing wine to new communities that might not typically engage with it.

Her ambition doesn’t stop at making wine approachable—she’s aiming to scale the business dramatically. Urban Wine Co. has already secured a partnership with Target, bringing their wines to 44 stores. Lindsey sees this as just the beginning, with a vision to grow the company into a multi-million dollar business.

I was inspired by Lindsey’s dedication to continuous learning, diversity, and growth. Her journey from corporate America to winemaking is a testament to what can happen when passion meets perseverance.

The Urban Wine Company is raising capital from the crowd via Wefunder. I encourage you to visit the site to learn more.

tl;dr:

* Introduction to the Guest and Business: Lindsey Williams, founder and CEO of Urban Wine Company, discusses her unique winery concept in the South, where they import grapes and use modern fermentation techniques. Her mission is to diversify the wine world and make it more accessible.

* Innovative Wine Production: Urban Wine Company imports grapes from various regions, including California, Oregon, and overseas. They’re working on producing North Carolina-grown wines, with their process taking place locally in the Lake Norman area.

* Lindsey’s Background and Transition: Lindsey, a former J.P. Morgan investment banker and lawyer, became passionate about wine during her travels. She studied winemaking and transitioned into the industry, eventually founding Urban Wine Company.

* Business Growth and Scaling: The company started small but gained popularity, now partnering with Target for a 44-store deal. They’re raising funds to expand production and distribution.

* Entrepreneurship and Problem-Solving: Lindsey shares advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of learning, problem-solving, and adapting, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Develop Problem-Solving As a Superpower

Lindsey’s superpower is her ability to solve problems, a skill she developed during her corporate career, and that has been crucial in her entrepreneurial journey. Her approach to problem-solving has helped her navigate challenges ranging from regulatory issues in the wine industry to the everyday tasks of running a business.

Lindsey shared how, early in her business journey, she faced the sudden closure of her wine-tasting room due to COVID-19. At the time, her business relied entirely on in-person sales. With no prior experience in online sales, she quickly learned the legal and technical requirements for selling wine online in North Carolina. By working with a vendor to meet compliance standards, Lindsey successfully transitioned her business to online sales, allowing her to continue serving customers during the shutdown.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

* Learn as much as you can: Every new problem is an opportunity to become an expert. Immerse yourself in the issue, whether it's marketing, sales, or regulatory compliance.

* Write things down: Organize your thoughts by writing them down, using lists, sticky notes, or vision boards to map out potential solutions.

* Prioritize issues: Focus on the most critical problems first and consider what you can control.

* Get everything out in the open: Use tools like whiteboards to visualize all possible solutions before determining your approach.

By following Lindsey’s example and advice, you can make problem-solving 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

Lindsey Williams (she/her):

Founder & Winemaker, The Urban Wine Co.

About The Urban Wine Co.: The Urban Wine Co. is the first urban winery in the Charlotte regional area and was started out of the desire to bring approachable, affordable and locally made wine options to the Carolinas.

Website: www.theurbanwineco.com

X/Twitter Handle: @theurbanwineco

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/theurbanwineco

Other URL: wefunder.com/urbanwinellc

Biographical Information: 18+ years of corporate legal and finance experience at companies like JPMorgan and Wells Fargo. Lindsey led teams, oversaw operations, and closed deals exceeding $833 million. Level 1 Sommelier and Winemaker, JD and BA from The Ohio State University.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lindsey-williams-a199736/

Instagram Handle: @theurbanwineco

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | 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 August 20, 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, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”

* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will simultaneously stream live 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

* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.

* C…

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 ultimately as your superpower?

Jannice: I would say it's that I am a person of action.

In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Jannice Newson, the CEO and founder of Lillian Augusta Beauty, a company revolutionizing the haircare industry with plant-based braiding hair. As someone unfamiliar with braids, I was eager to learn how her innovation could change the beauty landscape—and I wasn't disappointed.

Lillian Augusta Beauty isn't just about braids. It’s about creating "hair without harm," as Jannice put it. Synthetic braiding hair, made from low-grade plastic, not only exacerbates traction alopecia and causes allergic reactions but also contributes to a staggering amount of plastic waste. “Synthetic braiding hair results in about 98 million pounds of plastic just in the U.S. each year,” Jannice explained.

Her solution? A sustainable, hypoallergenic, plant-based alternative that eliminates the negative effects of traditional braiding hair while supporting environmental health. “We are offering something that is certified hypoallergenic, ultra-lightweight, and compostable,” she added, describing her product’s appeal to both clients and hairstylists alike.

Jannice’s journey to creating Lillian Augusta Beauty was inspired by her background in environmental science and her commitment to solving community problems. Her story of perseverance, from experimenting with plant fibers during her time at the University of Michigan to launching the product amid a pandemic, is both compelling and inspiring.

As we discussed her ongoing WeFunder campaign, I couldn't help but feel excited about the potential impact her work could have—not only for the beauty industry but also for the environment. Jannice is truly making a difference, and I’m thrilled to share her story with you today.

tl;dr:

* Introduction to the company: Jannice Newson, the CEO of Lillian Augusta Beauty, introduces her company, which produces sustainable, plant-based braiding hair as an alternative to synthetic hair made from plastic.

* Problem with synthetic braiding hair: Synthetic hair causes traction alopecia, allergic reactions, and environmental harm, contributing to 98 million pounds of plastic waste annually in the U.S. alone.

* Sustainable solution: Lillian Augusta Beauty provides hypoallergenic, ultra-lightweight, and compostable braiding hair that is better for both users and hairstylists while addressing environmental concerns.

* Entrepreneurial journey: Jannice, with a background in environmental science, began developing the product at the University of Michigan and overcame challenges to make the product in her basement during the pandemic.

* Business outlook and crowdfunding: The company has launched and is running a crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder, aiming to revolutionize the $2.5 billion Black haircare industry and expand into a $100 million business.

How to Make Being a Person of Action Your Superpower

Jannice Newson’s superpower is her ability to take action, no matter the challenges. She embodies a mindset of determination and resourcefulness, always finding ways to move forward despite obstacles. Whether it's developing innovative solutions or driving her business, she refuses to let circumstances hold her back. This superpower allows her to create opportunities and achieve success even in the face of adversity.

An excellent example of Jannice’s “person of action” superpower is her journey of creating plant-based hair for Lillian Augusta Beauty. She began by cutting plants with garden shears on her college campus and experimenting with fibers in a basement workshop. Despite making one braid an hour, she persisted through challenges like the pandemic and limited resources, driven by her determination to create a sustainable solution for synthetic braiding hair.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

* Courage to Fail: Don’t be afraid to take risks and fail. Jannice’s success comes from her willingness to try, even when the odds seemed against her.

* Take Initiative: Look for opportunities where others see obstacles. Jannice took action when others might have stopped.

* Complain Constructively: Identify things that bother you and seek solutions. Jannice started Lillian Augusta Beauty because she complained about the negative effects of synthetic hair.

* Seek Unexpected Solutions: Explore unconventional resources and partnerships. Jannice found unexpected funding opportunities through avenues like the Regional Transportation Authority.

By following Jannice Newson’s example and advice, you can make being a person of action 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

Jannice Newson (she/her):

CEO, Lillian Augusta Beauty

About Lillian Augusta Beauty: Lillian Augusta Beauty (LAB) is bringing lightweight and allergen-free braiding hair to the community with its patent-pending plant-based braiding hair. Based on the Chicago southside, LAB promises hair without harm: no more allergic reactions, heavy braids, or plastic waste from tossing out synthetic braiding hair. LAB was founded by two Black female scientists who started this company because of their own troubles with allergic reactions from synthetic hair. They made prototypes in a fiber lab at the University of Michigan and even in the basement during quarantine to get LAB to where it is today.

Website: hairwithoutharm.com

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/hairwithoutharm

Other URL: wefunder.com/lillian.augusta

Biographical Information: Jannice Newson is a social entrepreneur innovating in hair and beauty. She is the founder and CEO at Lillian Augusta Beauty. Her background is in environmental science and ecology. She also sits on the board for Enterprise for Youth's Climate Career Corps and Charles Roundtree Bloom Project. Outside of work, she enjoys cartoons, crocheting, walking off Lake Michigan, and eggs benedict.

Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/jannice.newson

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jannice-newson-a3b8a9103/

Instagram Handle: @jannicespieces

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | 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 August 20, 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, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”

* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window opens soon! Watch for updates!

* 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 A…

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?

Nicole: I would say 90% of what NESsT did and has done has been just the hard work of myself and the team, the wonderful team that I have worked with closely. It's persevering. It's not giving up. 

In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the privilege of speaking with Nicole Etchart, Founder and Board Member of NESsT, an organization dedicated to impact-first investing in social enterprises within underserved communities. Throughout our conversation, Nicole shared valuable insights into what it takes to truly make a difference through impact investing.

One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of being clear about your intentions as an investor. Nicole emphasized that at NESsT, they approach their investments with an "impact first" mindset. This means prioritizing social impact over immediate financial returns. Nicole explained, “When you're working in remote areas with low-income communities, the changes do not happen overnight. So, having patient capital and accompanying companies through their journey is critical.”

Patience isn’t the only characteristic necessary for successful impact investing. Nicole also highlighted the need for risk tolerance, especially when working with diverse, low-income communities in challenging environments. She pointed out that this approach can lead to more resilient companies that are better equipped to navigate obstacles, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finally, Nicole stressed the importance of being deeply committed to the local realities of the communities where investments are made. “It's very important for those providing the resources at scale to be committed to the local realities and working with those local realities,” she said. This commitment ensures that investments are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term.

Nicole’s experience and wisdom serve as a powerful reminder that impact investing requires more than just financial resources—it demands patience, a willingness to embrace risk, and a deep connection to the communities being served.

tl;dr:

* Introduction of Nicole Etchart: Nicole Etchart is introduced as a leading figure in social entrepreneurship, having invested decades in supporting underserved communities through her organization, NESsT.

* About NESsT: NESsT helps social enterprises grow and become self-sustainable, focusing on dignified employment for underserved communities. The organization has invested in around 250 companies, creating over 112,000 jobs and impacting 1.7 million people, primarily in emerging markets.

* Investment in Impactful Enterprises: Nicole discusses NESsT's work with companies like Aswabe in the Brazilian Amazon, which produces Brazilian nuts sustainably. NESsT supports these enterprises through capacity building, business services, and providing capital, ensuring they can grow and have a greater impact.

* Impact Investing Approach: Nicole emphasizes that NESsT is an impact-first investor, prioritizing social impact over quick financial returns. She highlights the importance of patience, tolerance for risk, and deep understanding of local realities in successful impact investing.

* Personal Insights and Resilience: Nicole shares her personal background and attributes her success to resilience, hard work, and the support of mentors. She also discusses the challenges NESsT faced in starting its own impact fund and the importance of perseverance in achieving long-term goals.

How to Develop Resilience and Perseverance As a Superpower

Nicole Etchart’s superpower is her remarkable resilience and perseverance. Throughout her career, she has faced numerous challenges and setbacks but has consistently demonstrated the ability to push through obstacles, remain committed to her mission, and ultimately achieve success. This tenacity has been central to her work with NESsT, where she has led efforts to invest in and support social enterprises in underserved communities.

One example of Nicole’s resilience is when NESsT decided to start its own impact fund. Despite skepticism from the board and others who doubted their experience in impact investing, Nicole persisted. She and her team spent a year convincing stakeholders of their capabilities and then successfully raised the necessary funding. This effort culminated in the establishment of two functioning funds, one in Central Eastern Europe and one in Latin America, now investing millions of dollars in social enterprises.

Tips for Developing Resilience and Perseverance:

* Find Supportive Mentors: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your mission. These mentors can provide reassurance and encouragement when you face challenges.

* Maintain a Long-Term Vision: Keep your eye on the ultimate goal, even when the journey is tough. This focus will help you navigate through obstacles.

* Embrace Persistence: Don’t give up, even when others doubt your abilities. Persistence in the face of adversity is key to achieving your goals.

By following Nicole Etchart’s example and advice, you can make resilience and perseverance 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 Etchart  (she/her):

Founder and Board Member, NESsT

About NESsT: NESsT invests in enterprises that create quality jobs for underserved communities while sustaining the planet. Locally based social enterprises are uniquely qualified to transform low-income, excluded and environmentally vulnerable communities. These enterprises are on the ground, have the trust of the communities, and have created businesses aligned with their best interests. NESsT supports social enterprises through two businesses: (1) loan funds that provide patient debt financing to purpose-driven small and growing businesses in emerging markets and (2) an accelerator program that catalyzes impact-focused enterprises towards growth and investment readiness.Since its founding in 1997, NESsT has invested over $36M and trained and supported over 35,000 entrepreneurs across 50 countries. It has accelerated and financed 248 enterprises, in total sustaining more than 112,000 formal jobs and improving the lives of 1.7 million people from the most marginalized communities around the world, including smallholder farmers, Black people, Indigenous Peoples, ethnic minorities, the LGBTQIA+ community, migrants and refugees, people with disabilities, women, and youth.

Website: www.nesst.org

X/Twitter Handle: @nesstorg

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/nesstorg

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/nesst/

Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/nesst_org/

Biographical Information: Nicole Etchart, Co-Founder & Board Member of NESsT, plays a pivotal role in driving global strategy, growth, and impact. NESsT invests in and provides strategic business support to social enterprises focused on generating quality jobs for underserved communities while sustaining the planet. During her 27 years as CEO, Nicole oversaw the organization's diverse portfolio of high-impact enterprises through its acceleration program and impact-first funds.  

Linkedin Profile: linkedin.com/in/nicole-etchart-437a171

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, N…

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?

Luni: I call it “if only.” So there are so many people out there that talk about the problems, the SDGs or any way you want to talk about the problems of the world. Usually, they'll sit back and say, “Well, if only this existed, we could solve this problem. If only that existed, we could solve this problem.” I'm one of those people who does sit around and say, “if only.” And then I go make it happen.

In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of welcoming back a dear friend and visionary entrepreneur, Luni Libes, the CEO of Africa Eats. Luni is not only an inspiring leader but also a key investor in the super crowd. His innovative company, Africa Eats, is on a mission to end hunger and poverty in Africa through a unique for-profit model, currently crowdfunding on WeFunder.

Luni shared the story of how Africa Eats operates differently from traditional non-profits and government initiatives. "We're jumping in as a for-profit company to lower hunger and to literally pull people out of poverty," Luni explained. This approach allows Africa Eats to scale its impact sustainably and efficiently.

The company has invested in over 20 enterprises across Africa, focusing on enhancing the food and agriculture supply chain. Luni highlighted how Africa Eats supports small-scale farmers by aggregating their produce and selling processed food in urban markets, thereby doubling the farmers' incomes. "We’ve seen it grow from a few hundred farmers to thousands of farmers," Luni shared, illustrating the substantial growth and potential of these ventures.

One of the most compelling aspects of Africa Eats is its commitment to reducing food loss. By managing the supply chain professionally, the company cuts down food loss from the typical 30-40% to just 5-6%, making a significant impact on both food security and economic savings for the continent.

Luni’s vision extends beyond just a few companies. He envisions replicating this model across sub-Saharan Africa, empowering more entrepreneurs and scaling operations to new heights. "We could replicate this. We can either bring this company to the next country over or find another entrepreneur in another part of the continent that wants to do the same thing," Luni said, underscoring the vast potential for growth.

The journey of Africa Eats is a testament to the power of combining profit with purpose. As Luni confirmed, "When you are doing good profitably, the good becomes infinite."

Watch all of today’s episode to hear more about Africa Eats’ transformative work and how you can be part of this incredible mission.

Tl;dr:

Introduction of Luni Libes and Africa Eats:

* Luni Libes is an investor and recurring guest on the show, currently involved in a crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder for Africa Eats, a company he founded to combat hunger and poverty in Africa.

Mission and Approach of Africa Eats:

* Africa Eats operates as a for-profit investment company, supporting over 20 companies in Africa's food and agriculture supply chain. By purchasing from small farmers and reducing food loss, they increase farmer incomes and save costs on food imports.

Success and Impact:

* Since its inception, Africa Eats has significantly grown its portfolio companies, demonstrating substantial increases in revenue and farmer support. For example, Peniel Meat Processing in Rwanda grew from $30,000 to over a million dollars in revenue, becoming a major chicken processor.

Funding Strategy:

* Africa Eats combines traditional funding from accredited investors with crowdfunding campaigns to democratize investment opportunities. The goal is to eventually make Africa Eats a public company, allowing widespread participation in its growth and impact.

Luni Libes’ Superpower and Vision:

* Luni's "if only" superpower involves identifying unmet needs and making them a reality. He emphasizes the importance of networking, having built a network of over 21,000 contacts to support his ventures. His next goal is to establish market makers in Africa to enhance liquidity and capital market functionality. ​

How to Develop “If Only” As a Superpower

Luni's superpower is his ability to take ideas that begin with "if only" and turn them into reality. Rather than waiting for others to solve problems, he identifies needs and takes action to address them, creating impactful solutions.

Luni noticed that African stock markets lacked market makers, which are crucial for liquidity and efficient trading. Seeing this gap, he founded the first market maker in Mauritius, developed a business plan, secured funding, and built the necessary technology. This initiative addressed a critical need and demonstrated his proactive approach to solving problems that others overlook.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

* Identify Needs: Constantly look for gaps and unmet needs in your environment.

* Take Initiative: Don't wait for others to act; take the first steps to address the problems you see.

* Network Extensively: Build a broad network of contacts and maintain those relationships. This can help you find resources and support when needed.

* Document Contacts: Keep a detailed record of people you meet and reach out to them when you need advice or assistance.

* Embrace Entrepreneurship: Be willing to start new ventures and projects, even if they seem daunting.

* Hire Strategically: Hire individuals who can manage day-to-day operations, allowing you to focus on big-picture visionary work.

* Push Beyond Comfort Zones: Even if you're an introvert, push yourself to meet new people and expand your network.

By following Luni’s example and advice, you can make "if only" 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

Luni Libes (he/him):

CEO, Africa Eats

About Africa Eats: Solving hunger and poverty in Africa by building the profitable food/ag supply chain.

Website: africaeats.com

X/Twitter Handle: @africaeats

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/africa-eats

Other URL: wefunder.com/africaeats

Biographical Information: 

Luni Libes is a 30+ year serial entrepreneur turned mentor, author, and teacher.

Africa Eats is a pan-African investment company focused on feeding Africa. This company is a spin-off of Fledge, a global network of impact-oriented accelerators. Realize Impact is a public charity that makes it easy for anyone to make an impact investment, and The Angel Accelerator teaches early-stage impact investing.

In addition, Luni was an Entrepreneur in Residence and faculty at The Bainbridge Graduate Institute and an Entrepreneur in Residence Emeritus at the University of Washington’s CoMotion Center for Innovation and Impact.

Luni is the author of The Next Step series of books and podcasts, guiding entrepreneurs from idea to startup, The Pinchot Impact Index, a way to measure, compare, and aggregate impact, and Berkshire Africa, explaining how to use the lessons of Berkshire Hathaway in tackling hunger and poverty in Africa.

X/Twitter Handle: @lunarmobiscuit

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | 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 b…