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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What is your superpower? Cody: A lot of it comes down to just a high level of commitment to my ambitions and goals. In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cody Soodeen, the visionary CEO & Founder of Kara Water Inc. Cody introduced us to a groundbreaking technology capable of extracting drinking water directly from the atmosphere—even in arid environments. His approach is not just revolutionary; it's a beacon of hope for sustainable water consumption globally. Cody shared, "We take the air and make it into what I call locally sourced drinking water." This statement underscores the essence of Kara Water's mission—to innovate for accessibility and sustainability. The technology, according to Cody, is applicable even in desert climates, a testament to its versatility and potential to change lives. The implications of this technology extend beyond mere convenience. As Cody explained, "It's not just about producing water; it's about reshaping how we think about water consumption." He emphasized that traditional methods, such as bottling and extensive transportation, are not only inefficient but environmentally detrimental. Cody’s solution offers a localized, eco-friendly alternative that could significantly reduce our ecological footprint. One aspect that struck me about Cody's narrative was his background as an architect. He believes that his architectural insights have led to a consumer-friendly product design, distinguishing Kara Water from previous attempts by engineers focused solely on technical aspects. "Engineers think in squares, and architects think in circles," Cody noted, highlighting the importance of design in technology adoption. Our discussion ventured into the broader social impacts of such technology. Cody passionately pointed out the alarming prevalence of microplastics in our environment and how technologies like his can play a crucial role in preventing these contaminants from entering our bodies from the start. In a world increasingly aware of sustainability and health, the innovations presented by Cody through Kara Water Inc. are not just necessary; they are imperative. As we wrapped up the conversation, it was clear that he is not only a CEO but a pioneer advocating for a world where clean and sustainable water is not a luxury but a given. Today's episode wasn't just enlightening—it was a glimpse into a future where technology meets humanitarian needs head-on. In our conversation today, Cody highlighted an exciting opportunity for listeners to engage with Kara Water beyond consumer interaction—through their regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine. He expressed his enthusiasm about giving both loyal customers and new supporters a chance to own a part of the company. This initiative not only aims to extend the reach of their innovative water technology but also strengthens community involvement in their mission to make locally sourced drinking water accessible globally. The campaign has already seen significant interest, reflecting confidence in Kara Water's potential and its impact on the future of sustainable water consumption. Cody invites everyone to visit startengine.com/offering/karawater to learn more about the offering and consider becoming a shareholder in a company poised to revolutionize how we access drinking water. AI Episode Summary 1. Devin Thorpe introduces Cody Soodeen, CEO and co-founder of Kara Water, on the "Superpowers for Good" show for a discussion about the company's innovative technology that...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What is your superpower? Eve: Probably my biggest superpower is ignoring people when they say, “No, you can't do this.” Actually, that probably gets me going. If someone says “no” to me, then I put blinders on, and I'm going to make it happen. In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with Eve Picker, the visionary Founder & CEO of Small Change. Eve shared some groundbreaking insights on how her platform is transforming real estate investment. Eve's company is a beacon of innovation in the finance sector, leveraging crowdfunding to make real estate investment accessible to all. This model isn't just about raising funds; it's a robust approach to community building and social equity. "What I really love about this regulation," Eve explained, "is that it's the SEC's first attempt to democratize investment." Through Small Change, individuals from any background can invest in projects that reshape their own neighborhoods. This democratic approach is crucial. Traditionally, real estate investment has been a bastion for the affluent, often inaccessible to the average person. Small Change disrupts this norm by empowering people from diverse backgrounds to have a stake in the development that affects them directly. The impact of Eve's work extends beyond financial returns. It’s about creating inclusive communities and revitalizing areas that traditional developers might overlook. It’s also a testament to the power of innovative financial tools to create real, positive change in society. As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Eve’s dedication to democratizing investment is more than just business; it’s a passion for social impact. With leaders like Eve at the helm, the future of real estate investment is not only promising but inclusive. Eve will be one of the distinguished participants in SuperCrowd24, a two-day virtual conference beginning tomorrow. This event is a dynamic assembly aimed at revolutionizing the way we think about crowdfunding and investment and Eve's involvement is particularly noteworthy. At SuperCrowd24, she will be engaging with other CEOs in a panel discussion, exploring the complexities and challenges faced by leaders in the crowdfunding sphere. Eve's insights, drawn from her extensive experience as a founder of a crowdfunding platform that emphasizes social impact in real estate, will undoubtedly highlight her commitment to innovation and democratizing investment opportunities. It's an event designed to empower attendees with knowledge and networking opportunities, making the complex world of crowdfunding more accessible and actionable. This is a pivotal moment for anyone interested in the intersection of real estate, social impact, and investment. Register now with the discount code SuperCrowd to save 50 percent! AI Episode Summary 1. Devin Thorpe introduces Eve Picker, CEO and founder of Small Change, a crowdfunding portal for real estate projects with social impact. 2. Eve discusses recent expansion at Small Change, including the addition of five new partners from another real estate crowdfunding platform. 3. The short-term effect of this expansion is increased busyness and the need to align the new partners with Small Change's processes and compliance issues. 4. Long-term implications include the ability to handle more and larger listings and to take on a broader range of projects. 5. Small Change leverages Regulation Crowdfunding, which enables developers to raise capital from the public for projects with emphasis on...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: what do you see as your superpower? Rick: Now, my superpower, because I've learned so much from these outstanding causes and from these amazing people I've met along the way… people are asking me if I might know the solution to something, so you can ask me anything. Now, I have a whole bunch of actual solutions to actual problems. In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with Rick DellaRatta, the visionary founder of Jazz for Peace. Rick's insights into the power of music as a universal language for fostering peace and unity struck a deep chord with me and, I believe, with our listeners as well. Rick poetically expressed how "Jazz for Peace, coming through the trees, fills my heart like a celebration." This imagery captures the essence of what Rick has achieved through his work—using the universal appeal of jazz music to bridge divides, inspire hope, and foster a deeper connection among people, irrespective of their backgrounds. During our conversation, Rick recounted an incredibly moving experience in Ghana, where he performed for individuals who had never been exposed to jazz music before. His reflections on their genuine, unfiltered reactions to the music underscored the universal language of jazz. "It's funny because there's a video of it... and you can hear the people reacting to the music at certain points. They would start clapping and make sounds as it affected them, and they would just emote that it was affecting them," Rick shared. This experience in Ghana highlights the raw power of music to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, offering a glimpse into the potential of the arts to build bridges and foster understanding. Rick's commitment to using his art to "espouse, so to speak, for who you are as a person, your growth as a human being, and what it means to you to make a difference for others" is a testament to the transformative potential of integrating one's passions with a purpose greater than oneself. Rick's journey with Jazz for Peace is a beacon of hope, showing us how the arts can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. As we continue to navigate a world rife with challenges, Rick's work serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty that can arise when creativity, humanity, and a commitment to peace converge. AI Episode Summary 1. Rick DellaRatta is a guest on the "Superpowers for Good" show hosted by Devin Thorpe. 2. Rick is the founder of Jazz for Peace and is recognized for his musical talent and dedication to peace. 3. During the show, Rick recites a poem and performs a piece of music that convey his message of peace and empathy. 4. Jazz for Peace is a response to the tragic events of 9/11, aligning Rick's music with a mission to make a difference and support causes. 5. Rick has performed internationally, including in countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Ghana, to spread the message of peace through jazz. 6. Audiences worldwide, regardless of their familiarity with jazz, react positively to Rick's music, demonstrating the universal appeal of the art form. 7. Rick's work has evolved to include providing solutions to social issues and conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 8. Rick's superpower is his ability to stay positive, see adversity as an opportunity, and now share solutions to significant challenges based on his experiences. 9. To develop the ability to solve big problems, Rick advises embracing humanity's greatest qualities collectively, such as humanity, creativity, artistry, and intellect. 10. People can learn more about Jazz for Peace and connect with Rick through the generic email address info@jazzforpeace.org, and his work focuses on...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? Karen: I can really help entrepreneurs cut through their own noise to get to the sweet spot of what an investor is going to care about. In today's episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Karen Rands, a visionary leader and founder of Kugarand Capital Holdings, LLC, whose insights into angel investing are reshaping how we view wealth creation. Karen's unique approach, blending compassion with capitalism, is not just inspiring; it's a call to action for potential investors sitting on the sidelines, uncertain of their next move in the investment world. Karen shared a profound perspective, emphasizing that investing in entrepreneurs should not be the exclusive domain of the affluent. She passionately argued against the long-standing myth that ordinary folks aren't savvy enough for angel investing. "The laws prior to the JOBS Act contributed to this lack of awareness and even a negative connotation for investing in entrepreneurs," Karen explained, shedding light on a systemic issue that has kept many potential investors in the dark. What struck me most was Karen's unwavering belief in the potential of the everyday individual to make informed, impactful investment choices. "The main thing that I tell [new investors] is to identify what they know... invest in the things you know and you're passionate about," she advised. This simple yet powerful guidance serves as a beacon for those intimidated by the complexities of the investment landscape. Karen's work, from her enlightening books to her digital courses, is a testament to her dedication to democratizing investment knowledge. She's not just teaching people how to invest; she's empowering them to contribute to the businesses they believe in, fostering a community of informed, compassionate investors. Reflecting on Karen's words, it's clear that angel investing is not just about financial returns; it's about being part of a larger narrative of growth, innovation, and social impact. As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the idea that each one of us has the potential to not just witness change but to actively participate in it through thoughtful, informed investing. As we move forward, let's carry Karen's message with us: invest with purpose, passion, and a belief in the power of the collective. Together, we can shift the paradigm of investment and open doors for a new generation of investors ready to make their mark on the world. As the conversation transitioned to Karen's upcoming participation next week in SuperCrowd24, her excitement was palpable. "Oh well, that's an easy one to answer," she began, her enthusiasm infectious as she recounted the value of community and shared experiences in the realm of investing and entrepreneurship. Karen reminisced about her previous involvement in SuperCrowd22, where the power of connection and learning from diverse journeys left a lasting impression on her. "It was so powerful," she recalled, emphasizing how such events foster a unique space for engagement, knowledge exchange, and the building of meaningful relationships. Karen's eagerness for SuperCrowd24 was evident as she spoke about the anticipation of being part of an event that not only brings together like-minded individuals but also aligns with her core mission of compassionate capitalism. "You can't create a community if you don't have events where people can come together and get to know each other," she noted, highlighting the importance of these gatherings in nurturing 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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What is your superpower? Chris: If I had to really define my superpower, it would be resiliency. It's a willingness to go in the face of continuous and unending obstacles. In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of hosting Chris Lustrino, the visionary Founder & CEO of KingsCrowd. Our conversation delved into the transformative power of crowdfunding and the pivotal role of digital platforms in democratizing investment opportunities. Chris shared an insightful perspective that resonated deeply with me: "The last frontier of investments... continue to live offline... in the paper age, which is just insane. No one lives in the analog age anymore." This statement encapsulates the crux of our discussion – the inevitable digital migration of private market investments and the pivotal role of platforms like KingsCrowd in this transformation. KingsCrowd's mission is to streamline the startup investment process, making it more accessible and efficient for the everyday investor. By aggregating opportunities from over 80 platforms and providing comprehensive data and ratings, KingsCrowd empowers individuals to make informed decisions in a burgeoning market. The digital evolution of investment isn't merely a convenience; it's a necessity. Just as banking and stock trading have embraced digital platforms, private market investments are poised for a similar revolution. Chris's vision of a future where all private market transactions are conducted online aligns with the broader trend of digitization that has reshaped countless industries. As we navigate the early stages of this industry, it's clear that crowdfunding platforms like KingsCrowd are not just facilitating investment opportunities; they're laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem. This democratization of investment is a testament to the power of technology in leveling the playing field, allowing more individuals to participate in the economic growth driven by startups and innovative ventures. In embracing the digital future of investing, we're not just witnessing the evolution of a market; we're participating in a movement that empowers individuals to contribute to and benefit from the success of startups and new business models. This is a thrilling time to be involved in the crowdfunding space, and I'm excited to see how platforms like KingsCrowd will continue to shape the future of investment. AI Episode Summary 1. Devin introduces the Superpowers for Good show, emphasizing that listeners can learn how to make impactful changes by drawing lessons from successful changemakers. 2. Chris Lustrino, CEO of KingsCrowd, describes his company as a data and ratings platform for startup investors, consolidating investment opportunities from over 80 platforms into a single, efficient system, much like Bloomberg or Morning Star for the startup investment world. 3. Devin discusses the future growth of the crowdfunding space, predicting a significant increase in market size driven by ordinary investors participating in Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) and Regulation A (Reg A) offerings. 4. Chris concurs, envisaging the digitization of private market investments, such as startups and real estate, and the movement away from traditional, offline transactions. 5. KingsCrowd is currently crowdfunding on Wefunder to scale revenue channels and invest in product development and AI, with a focus on achieving sustainability and reducing reliance on outside capital. 6. Chris introduces KingsCrowd Capital, an...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: Dan, what is your superpower? Dan: What's really hit me throughout my life is the wide range of things I can't do. So, I'm not very good at detail things. I'm not very good at structured or organized project management. But I am really good at seeing the big picture. Devin: Jennifer, what is your superpower? Jennifer: I was talking to someone the other day, and they introduced me as a force of nature, which actually made me think, is that a good thing or a bad thing? The driving motivation of my life has been inequality. I hate things that aren't fair. So, I think my superpower is harnessing that saying, “I can run through walls.” I can make big things happen where I am deeply motivated. For me, that's around inequality. In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Jennifer Wilde, Founder of Lighten, and Dan McClure, Innovation Choreographer of Innovation Ecosystem, about their groundbreaking approach to solving complex problems through ecosystem innovation. Their insights, drawn from their book Do Bigger Things, shed light on a transformative method that goes beyond conventional solutions, tapping into the collective power of interconnected systems for impactful change. Jennifer’s journey began in the heart of crisis zones, where she swiftly learned the importance of addressing complex challenges not with simple fixes but through a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected nature of problems. "You can have all the money in the world and still struggle to solve complex problems, which often spider into numerous interconnected issues," she shared. This realization led her and Dan to explore how ecosystems could be reimagined and restructured to facilitate solutions that are not only effective but sustainable and scalable. Dan, bringing his unique perspective from a career that thrived in chaos and transformation, emphasized the broader application of ecosystem innovation. "It's tempting to see innovation as the next app or technology. But real-world challenges require the orchestration of people, organizations, governments, and technology," he noted. This approach shifts the focus from isolated inventions to the synergy of multiple components working together, a concept that is central to their book and their work. One of the most compelling examples Jennifer shared was from her experience in a refugee camp in Iraq. A simple yet profound desire from a mother wanting her daughters to attend university highlighted the vast gap between potential solutions and the intricate web of barriers that prevent their realization. "It's not just about technology. It's about understanding the multifaceted needs and crafting a supportive ecosystem that addresses them holistically," she reflected. As we prepare for SuperCrowd24 on April 17 - 18, we’re excited to note that Jennifer and Dan will conduct a workshop on ecosystem development for impact crowdfunders. Their insights remind us of the power of collective action. Through their work, they demonstrate that by rethinking how we approach problem-solving, we can unlock unparalleled potential for change. For those eager to join the movement towards innovative solutions for complex challenges, remember to register with the code SuperCrowd to save 50 percent. This is not just an opportunity to learn but to be part of a transformative journey towards doing bigger things together. AI Episode Summary 1. Devin Thorpe introduces his guests, Jennifer Wild and Dan McClure, authors of Do Bigger Things, on his show "Superpowers for Good." 2. Jennifer explains that the book they co-authored focuses on solving complex problems by helping those who tackle significant issues such as homelessness,...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What is your superpower? Michael: I would say it's the ability to recognize hope. In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Maggio, President and Founder of iWrc, an individual whose story and mission captivate the essence of positive change. Michael's journey from a corporate executive at Johnson & Johnson to spearheading a global recycling initiative is nothing short of remarkable. His vision extends beyond environmental stewardship, delving deep into social justice and poverty alleviation. Michael vividly recounted his eye-opening experience in Brazil, which laid the foundation for his transformative work. "I remember one woman distinctly eating from the conveyor belt as she was sorting through the trash, trying to get the recyclables out. I thought, Johnson & Johnson can't use this material. But now that I've seen it, I don't feel like I can walk away." This poignant moment underscores the stark realities faced by those at the frontline of the informal recycling sector, a community often overlooked yet integral to our global ecosystem. Under Michael's guidance, iWrc champions a unique approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating and uplifting these informal recyclers. By offering training and creating viable supply chains, iWrc not only enhances the livelihoods of these individuals but also propels the corporate world towards more sustainable and responsible practices. The essence of Michael's work transcends the conventional boundaries of recycling; it's about recognizing the inherent value in every individual and their contribution to our planet. His initiative is a testament to the power of compassionate leadership and the potential for corporate responsibility to foster genuine, widespread impact. As I reflect on our conversation, I'm reminded of the profound interconnectedness of our actions and their ripple effects on both humanity and the environment. Michael's story is a beacon of hope and a call to action, urging us all to rethink our approach to sustainability and social equity. Through collective effort and empathy, we can transform the very fabric of our global community, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. AI Episode Summary 1. Michael Maggio is the CEO and founder of iWrc (Informal Waste Recycling Consortium), a company focusing on recycling and poverty alleviation. 2. Michael’s journey with iWrc began during his tenure at Johnson & Johnson, where, tasked with sustainability goals, he aimed to use recycled material in packaging. 3. On a trip to Brazil, after proposing the use of recycled material, Michael was taken to a local recycling co-op, where he was confronted with poor working conditions for those sorting recyclables. 4. The conditions prompted the creation of Project Phoenix to train and certify recycling cooperatives to become part of Johnson & Johnson’s supply chain. 5. When Michael decided to leave J&J and pursue this full-time, J&J supported him and became iWrc's first client on the condition he involved other companies. 6. iWrc operates by forming a consortium of corporations aiming to use recycled materials responsibly, addressing the entire supply chain for both social and environmental impact. 7. iWrc's model ensures that current workers in recycling co-ops are trained and integrated into improved processing streams rather than replaced. 8. Michael highlights the critical role that seeing hope plays in his leadership and approach to business, using hope to transform perspectives and inspire changemaking efforts. 9. Through storytelling, Michael and his team sustain morale by highlighting "People First" moments that...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What is your superpower? Minda: I think my superpower is overcoming challenges. Especially as a person with a disability, at the beginning, people didn't have high expectations of me. But I think with my parents’ encouragement, their belief, and my internal desire to succeed, I have been able to overcome a number of obstacles in order to achieve the goals that I set out for myself. In today's episode, I had the profound pleasure of speaking with Minda Dentler, a beacon of resilience and a testament to the human spirit's capability to triumph over adversity. Minda's story is not just about an Ironman champion; it's a narrative that interweaves the threads of hardship, determination, and unparalleled achievement, making it a perfect centerpiece for an article. Born in India, Minda's life took a dramatic turn when she contracted polio at just six months old, leading to paralysis in her legs. Her journey from an orphanage in India to becoming the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship is nothing short of remarkable. She shared, "I was a late bloomer when it came to athletics... I participated from the sidelines growing up, but I never thought that I could be an athlete myself." This quote encapsulates the essence of her journey—transitioning from a spectator to a participant on the world's most challenging athletic stages. Minda's story is a powerful reminder that our beginnings do not dictate our endings. Her transition from feeling isolated and different as a child with a disability in Spokane, Washington, to standing on the global stage as an Ironman champion and advocate for polio awareness is a narrative that resonates with everyone facing their battles. This episode is not just about the physical endurance required to complete an Ironman but about the mental and emotional resilience needed to face life's challenges head-on. Minda's ability to redefine her limitations and achieve what seemed impossible serves as an inspiration to us all. Her journey teaches us that with determination, support, and a relentless spirit, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. Minda wrote a memoir for children called The Girl Who Figured It Out. Children are already responding enthusiastically to her story. Get your copy today. AI Episode Summary 1. Devin Thorpe hosts the "Superpowers for Good" show and introduces his guest Minda Dentler, an author, triathlete, Ironman competitor, and polio survivor. 2. Minda shares her origin story. Born in India and paralyzed by polio at six months old, which led to being adopted and growing up in Spokane, Washington, where she overcame challenges with her parents' support. 3. She reflects on her athletic journey, starting hand cycling at 28 and triathlons at 30, leading to her competing and eventually completing the Kona Ironman World Championship after failing on her first attempt. 4. Minda discusses how her parents raised her with high expectations, which led her to internalize the belief that her disability shouldn't hold her back. 5. She touches upon her motivation for maintaining rigorous athletic training alongside her full-time job and the importance of setting goals and having a supportive community. 6. Minda became involved in polio awareness, partially inspired by vaccinating her daughter and witnessing firsthand the impact of vaccine accessibility in India. 7. Through her speaking engagements, including a TED talk, she raises awareness for polio eradication and shares her story to inspire others. 8. Minda has written a children's book titled The Girl Who Figured It Out inspired by her own experience growing up...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What is your superpower? Dre: My superpower is insight, and the way I describe insight is my ability to take things apart and put them back together. Insight and taking those things apart can be a simple process. It also can be complex depending on who and what you're working with and why. In this episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of conversing with Dre Baldwin, the innovative mind behind Work On Your Game Inc. As a former professional basketball player turned entrepreneur, Dre shared insights that resonated deeply with our discussions on harnessing personal strengths for societal benefit. One idea that struck me was the importance of mental conditioning in achieving success. Dre explained, "Mental conditioning is all about conditioning your mind to think a certain way on a consistent basis rather than just thinking about something on a surface level." This concept is crucial not only for athletes but for anyone striving to make a significant impact in their field, especially social entrepreneurs and change-makers facing daunting challenges. Dre's journey from a barely-noticed high school player to a professional athlete and subsequently to a sought-after motivational speaker and author underscores the power of perseverance and the strategic application of one's innate abilities. His transformation was propelled not just by physical training but by a relentless focus on cultivating the right mindset. His approach to mental conditioning involves the intentional repetition of positive affirmations and a conscious effort to alter subconscious thought patterns. This method, Dre asserts, is the foundation for overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success. It's a strategy that can be applied beyond the basketball court, extending to the realms of business, social impact, and personal development. As we delved into Dre's four-part framework for success, his emphasis on mindset as the cornerstone of achievement became evident. This perspective is particularly relevant for those in the impact space, where the magnitude of societal issues can sometimes feel overwhelming. By adopting Dre's approach to mental conditioning, social entrepreneurs and change-makers can fortify their resolve and enhance their effectiveness in driving positive change. Dre's insights offer a valuable lesson on the significance of mental strength and discipline. As we navigate the challenges of making a meaningful impact, his advice serves as a reminder that the foundation of any significant achievement lies within the power of our minds. AI Episode Summary 1. Devin Thorpe introduces Dre Baldwin, a former professional basketball player who is now a thought leader and mentor in discipline and success. 2. Dre shares his background, starting from sitting on the bench in high school, playing Division III college ball, to a nearly decade-long international professional basketball career. 3. Dre explains how he built his name not on the court but through posting videos on YouTube, eventually leading to the creation of his 'Work On Your Game' framework. 4. Dre discusses his four-part framework: mindset, strategy, system, and accountability, emphasizing the importance of each in both sports and business. 5. Mindset is highlighted as the foundation, focusing on mental conditioning to instill repetitive and emotionally powerful thoughts. 6. Strategy revolves around creating a plan of action and a "Reverse Roadmap" to identify the steps to reach desired outcomes. 7. System entails creating processes that are consistent, duplicable, and predictable, such as Starbucks and McDonald's consistency in their products. 8. Accountability is about both holding...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? Steve: One of the nice things about getting older is you have a little more wisdom, or you hope you have a little more wisdom to kind of reflect on how you got to where you're at now. I began to realize after the housing crisis blew up, after spending 20 or 30 years in a certain career, I had three or four different kinds of careers. Also, I knew a lot of people. So, I think of myself as a connector. In this episode of the Superpowers for Good show, I had the privilege of hosting Stephen Shaff, the visionary founder of Community-Vision Solutions, Benefit LLC. Stephen shared insights into his groundbreaking initiative, the Community Alliance Project, aimed at revitalizing underserved communities in a sustainable and inclusive manner. His approach, rooted in decades of social enterprise and activism, offers a fresh perspective on community development that leverages the strengths of diverse sectors for collective progress. Stephen's journey began with a realization that conventional community revitalization efforts were often fragmented and under-resourced, unable to effectively counteract market forces or address deep-seated inequalities. "The community revitalization paradigm is dysfunctional and grossly under-resourced," Stephen observed. This acknowledgment led him to explore a more holistic and cooperative model, one that could harness the potential of social enterprise and the broader community for meaningful impact. The essence of the Community Alliance Project lies in its collaborative framework, bringing together faith-based organizations, nonprofits, local businesses, activists, and other stakeholders to work towards common goals. By integrating various sectors, including housing, arts, education, and civic engagement, the project aims to build vibrant, self-sustaining communities where everyone has a stake in the outcome. Stephen's approach underscores the importance of inclusivity and shared value, principles that are critical in countering the forces of gentrification and displacement. One particularly compelling aspect of Stephen's strategy is the emphasis on utilizing existing assets within communities, such as underutilized land owned by faith-based organizations. By forming strategic partnerships, these assets can be transformed into mixed-use developments that provide affordable housing, community services, and commercial spaces, all while preserving the community's cultural and social fabric. As I reflect on my conversation with Stephen, I am struck by the potential of his model to effect transformative change. The Community Alliance Project represents a beacon of hope for underserved communities, offering a path to empowerment and prosperity through collaboration and innovation. Stephen's dedication to this cause is not only inspiring but a testament to the power of unity in overcoming the challenges that face our society today. In embracing this model, we can all play a part in building a more equitable and vibrant world, one community at a time. Stephen will speak at SuperCrowdBaltimore at the B&O Railroad Museum on Thursday. This event addresses directly how we can support community builders like Stephen with impact investments via crowdfunding. Register today with the discount code SUPERCROWD to save 30 percent. AI Episode Summary 1. Stephen Shaff is the CEO and founder of Community-Vision Solutions, which focuses on rebuilding underserved communities with authentic, community-oriented approaches. 2. Community-Vision Solutions is 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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? Pooja: That's such a hard question. Two things come to mind. One, I feel like I'm a bit of a generalist. Another one is that I have had my fair share of mistakes running businesses and making investments, and I feel very comfortable at this stage in my life to really be upfront about it. As the host of the Superpowers for Good show, I've had the privilege of meeting many changemakers who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. One such inspiring individual is Pooja Mehta, the founder of The Marigold Effect and Vice-President/Co-Owner of AMPM Enterprises. In our conversation, Pooja shared the profound influence of marigolds in her approach to business and philanthropy, offering a refreshing perspective on growth and community support. Pooja described The Marigold Effect as inspired by the flower's role in a garden, where it supports the flourishing of surrounding plants. "Marigolds, when they are planted in a garden, really help other vegetables flourish," she explained, highlighting her mission to help businesses thrive through a similar symbiotic relationship. This concept resonates deeply with me, as it encapsulates the essence of what we aim to explore on the show: the power of individual actions to foster collective prosperity. Under Pooja's guidance, The Marigold Effect has taken a novel approach to philanthropy and business support, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility in its microgrant program. By cutting through the red tape typically associated with grant applications, Pooja's initiative allows small businesses and nonprofits to focus on their core missions without being bogged down by onerous requirements. This approach not only aids the recipients directly but also sparks a broader conversation about the nature of support and investment in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Pooja's insights into investment crowdfunding were particularly enlightening. She revealed how this approach democratizes access to capital, allowing community members to invest in local businesses they believe in. This model of mutual benefit and support is a cornerstone of The Marigold Effect, fostering a sense of ownership and connection among investors and entrepreneurs alike. Reflecting on our conversation, it's clear that Pooja Mehta's work with The Marigold Effect and AMPM Enterprises exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking and community-oriented action that can drive real change. Her approach to business and investment not only nurtures individual enterprises but also contributes to a healthier, more vibrant community ecosystem. As we continue to share stories of impact on Superpowers for Good, Pooja's vision serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within each of us to be agents of positive change. Pooja will be speaking at SuperCrowdBaltimore and SuperCrowd24. Join us for those events. The discount code SuperCrowd will save you 30 percent in Baltimore and 50 percent for SuperCrowd24. AI Episode Summary 1. Devin Thorpe, the show host, introduced his guest Pooja Mehta, the founder of Marigold Effect, which is named for marigolds' property of helping other plants thrive – an analogy for how her business helps other businesses flourish. 2. Marigold Effect focuses on three main areas: business advising, legal consulting, and impact investing, with the goal of reducing gender and racial wealth gaps. 3. Pooja discussed their micro-grant initiative, which aims to simplify the grant application process for non-profits, matching the level of effort with...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? Julie: This might seem a little bit unconventional, but for me, I think it's really an embrace of a beginner mindset. In the realm of immersive art and entertainment, Meow Wolf stands out not just for its kaleidoscopic, mind-bending exhibitions, but for its profound commitment to using art as a vehicle for social impact and community development. Founded as an artist collective in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Meow Wolf has evolved into a significant force in the experience economy, redefining what it means to engage with art. Under the leadership of Julie Heinrich, Chief Impact Officer, Meow Wolf's mission transcends the conventional, weaving together creativity, inclusivity, and societal change. At its core, Meow Wolf is about immersive experiences that invite participants of all ages to step inside the mind of an artist. The exhibitions, spread across locations in Denver, Las Vegas, and soon in the Houston area, offer a unique blend of art and storytelling, where every narrative is interlinked, creating a vast, interconnected story universe. This innovative approach to art is not just about spectacle; it's about creating a space where art becomes a shared, tactile experience, fostering a deep connection between the audience, the artists, and the narratives they explore. Julie Heinrich's journey with Meow Wolf underscores a narrative of creativity and community. The organization's inception as an artist collective was a response to the restrictive nature of the traditional art scene, aiming instead to build a community grounded in generosity and inclusivity. This ethos has carried through to Meow Wolf's operations today, with a significant emphasis on hiring local artists and creating art that is accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. The Meow Wolf Foundation, led by Julie, embodies the organization's commitment to leveraging art for societal benefit. The foundation's initiatives focus on art access, healing, and transformation, particularly targeting grassroots projects, BIPOC-led or serving organizations, and youth-focused initiatives. This strategic focus not only amplifies underrepresented voices in the art world but also demonstrates a belief in art's power to catalyze positive change within communities. One of the foundation's notable strategies is its emphasis on supporting projects that make art accessible to broader segments of the population, including those in rural or underserved areas. By funding programs that, for example, facilitate school trips to cultural spaces or promote cultural sharing in indigenous communities, the foundation ensures that the transformative power of art reaches beyond urban centers, touching lives across diverse social and geographical landscapes. The story of Meow Wolf, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a cultural powerhouse, is a testament to the potential of art to bridge divides, inspire change, and build community. The involvement of notable figures like George R.R. Martin, who provided early support for the venture, adds a layer of intrigue, illustrating the unexpected intersections between popular culture and the art world. As Meow Wolf continues to expand, both physically and into digital realms, the question of how art impacts society becomes even more pertinent. With Julie at the helm of impact initiatives, Meow Wolf is not just creating art; it's crafting experiences that challenge, delight, and, most importantly, bring people together in a shared journey of discovery and transformation. “We've always been, as I mentioned, very community-minded since those early days of art making in the warehouse space,” Julie says. “Our artists were...

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work. Devin: What is your superpower? Joel: That's a loaded question, but my ability and desire to help the next generation, if you will, behind me and train them on what needs to be done to shorten the learning cycle toward their success. Wall Street Capital Partners, a big real estate developer in Northern Virginia, is tackling a project in historic Old Town Alexandria. CEO Joel Miller joined me to discuss the project, including the unusual step of offering shares to small investors in the community. The project is interesting on many levels, including the fact that the development will replace some surface parking where the project will be built with multi-use structures that include affordable housing, market-rate housing, retail and high-tech parking. The project, six blocks from both the waterfront and the DC Metro, is conveniently located in a prime–read that expensive–location. “We're having a percentage of units affordable, which is something people kept scratching their heads on and were blown away by, especially,” Joel says. “Folks in the city and other investors–they're like, ‘How are you going to do that?’ But we found a way to get it done.” The parking system uses automation to park the cars for tenants who use an app or fob to retrieve their vehicles, receiving them almost as if from a vending machine. The $48 million project doesn’t require funding from the public or the local community, Joel says. Opening investment to the community is part of a strategy for allowing the community to participate directly in the economic benefits of the project. It also grows out of Joel’s superpower–mentoring. This decision gives rising developers an inside look at the business of real estate development. To make the shares available, Joel is using Small Change, a FINRA-member regulated investment crowdfunding portal led by Eve Picker. “Eve is outstanding,” he says. “She's great to work with. She knows her stuff. She really gets the job done.” AI Episode Summary 1. Devin Thorpe, the host, introduces Joel Miller, CEO and founder of Wall Street Capital Partners, during the "Superpowers for Good" show. 2. Wall Street Capital Partners is a development firm in the Northern Virginia area, originally branching out from its sister company, Wall Street Capital Advisors. 3. The company has a history of providing debt and equity for various commercial projects, including office, multifamily, and retail, and is now also engaged in development. 4. They are working on a unique project called Old King Henry in Alexandria, Virginia—a historic district with limited supply and affordability issues where development is challenging due to restrictions. 5. The Old King Henry project involves redeveloping surface parking into multifamily housing over retail, located conveniently near the waterfront and metro. 6. The project provides a percentage of affordable housing units, which is unusual and challenging to achieve in Old Town Alexandria but was important to the developers. 7. A mechanical parking system is utilized in the project, which allows for efficiency by reducing the need for deep underground or large above-ground parking structures. Cars are parked and retrieved by the system, reducing space requirements. 8. Part of the project includes townhomes with private balconies, and Joel emphasizes the opportunity for minority visibility in the retail spaces. 9. Joel's partner has an extensive background, having developed over 15,000 units of multifamily housing, with the Lumen in Tysons Corner being a notable example of...

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek appropriate counsel before making investment decisions. Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your streaming device–Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube. When you purchase an item, launch a crowdfunding campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. It’s an easy way to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? Jim: The thing that I think I'm particularly good at and that I think other folks that do work like mine maybe aren't as good at is that I can identify the difference between a good idea and a good idea that actually works. Living in Baltimore, one of the 19 US cities with over 100,000 in population and a Black majority, Jim Kucher, a professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, leads the social innovation certificate program. He sees the effects of historic and current systemic social injustices and how social enterprises are one way of addressing them. Jim, who will speak at SuperCrowdBaltimore, cites Lawrence Brown from Morgan State University as the expert on the social disparities between white and Black communities in their city. A map showing neighborhoods in the town by racial composition shows an L-shaped area through the heart of the city that is predominantly white. The east and west sides of the city are primarily Black. Brown calls the areas the “White L” and the “Black Butterfly.” “He has done a brilliant job of overlaying any number of social disparities, be they health, be they economic disparities, be they home ownership,” Jim says. “Every single one of them lays almost perfectly directly over those racial demographics.” Brown is working on documenting the history of redlining in Baltimore, which evidence now shows to have been the origin of the practice enforced by the Federal government preventing banks from lending in predominantly Black neighborhoods. A literal red line defined no-lending communities. Baltimore provides a textbook for defining social injustice. “Baltimore, because of that, is also a textbook for how this can be fixed,” Jim says. Jim has identified four reasons why Baltimore is a great place for social entrepreneurs. * Higher than average percentage of people with graduate degrees. * Baltimore has substantial wealth “despite what people may think from the outside.” * The city is the optimal size for effective networking–big enough to have all the resources and small enough to access them. * The city is home to a variety of social problems, giving innovators plenty to work on. Jim is excited to see people succeed and doesn’t begrudge anyone accumulating wealth, but does argue that enough can be enough: I have a presentation that I've been using for years now around the basics of how to fix capitalism through social enterprise. There's a slide that I have in that presentation that talks about mega-yachts. I use a line that's intended as a bit of a joke but also very, very serious. Is there anybody on the planet that really needs a 160-foot mega yacht? I mean, I don't know about you, but I could probably learn to get by with 140 feet. You know, those last 20 feet are just kind of excessive. The program Jim directs at UMB is a graduate certificate in social entrepreneurship. It requires a bachelor’s degree to start the program but is only 12 credits rather than the 36 typical of master’s programs. You can complete the online program in one year. “One of the reasons we did it that way is because a lot of the folks that are doing good work in social change already have various advanced degrees–master's in social work, sometimes an MBA–but they need specific skills around what's unique about social enterprise,” Jim says. Throughout his career, Jim has leveraged and honed a superpower of opportunity discernment. He can distinguish between a good idea and one that will...

I’m not a financial advisor; nothing I write in Superpowers for Good should be considered investment advice. You should seek appropriate counsel before making investment decisions. Remember, you can watch the Superpowers for Good show on e360tv. To watch the episode, download the #e360tv channel app to your streaming device–Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV–or your mobile device. You can even watch it on the web or YouTube. When you purchase an item, launch a crowdfunding campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. It’s an easy way to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? Mark: I've been an active ceramist. I'm a craftsman. I love the crafts, which are different than the fine arts. Architecture is first a craft, which is to make something work. Then there's the next level: to make it work beautifully. Then, if you keep going, you enter the fine arts. But you have to start with the crafts to make things work. After building a successful architectural firm in New York City, Mark Winkelman was looking for projects with more impact and scale. When he found the Pajama Factory in Williamsport, Pennsylvania he recognized his new home. Mark describes the history of the Pajama Factory: It's an accumulation of eight industrial buildings that started in the 1800s, 1883; Lycoming Rubber Company invented and made Keds sneakers here for about 15 years. Then it rolled into the depression, and they rented out space to various shoe companies and Weldon Pajama Company. There were fabric companies, and they made garments. Weldon grew and eventually bought the building in 1950 or 52 and renovated it a little bit. Then they went out of business in the 70s, I think. No one was wearing pajamas in the 70s. That's probably why that happened. But anyway, it's a very large complex of 300,000 square feet in eight buildings surrounding a courtyard. We have been renovating it in pieces for the creative class–for artists and small businesses. We do this by dividing up the big floor plates into smaller spaces. We've got 160 spaces rented now and built. We're 100% occupied. He also described the current varied use of the space: We've got a little of everything. We run two nice Airbnb units, and we use them to invite folks out and check it out. We have maybe a dozen folks living here. Well, some of them are just living in their studios, but otherwise, we have half a dozen apartments. Then we've got a hundred other spaces. We have all kinds of businesses in them. The ground floor is more retail. We've got event spaces. We've got the community wood shop, the clay studio, a pasta maker, a great coffee roaster and coffee shop. We've got a bicycle recycle shop. The list goes on and on. We have a mosque. We have a selfie lounge. We have an art store. It goes on and on. Mark is now leading a capital campaign that includes a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign hosted by Small Change. He explains the strategy: We've got a grant from the state. We've got some money from a bank. So this [crowdfunding campaign] is a piece. I mean, at 300,000 square feet, ultimately, it needs millions to restore the building. So, we keep piecing away at it. What we hope to do in this next round–which we've started–is to deal with some parking lots, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, and we need to do roofs. The difficulty we've had is that banks require cash flow; you borrow against cash flow. But when you buy an empty building, you have no cash flow. And this is just this huge building in this small town, and nobody could imagine how it would get filled up. So, we need to borrow money from outside the traditional sources to build, expand, and allow the capital to grow. This has meant that we've deferred long-standing maintenance and improvement issues, and we need to take care of them now. It's pretty clear the project is going to be a complete success. Now it's a half success. At least it's...

I’m not a financial advisor; nothing I write in Superpowers for Good should be considered investment advice. You should seek appropriate counsel before making investment decisions. Remember, you can watch the Superpowers for Good show on e360tv. To watch the episode, download the #e360tv channel app to your streaming device–Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV–or your mobile device. You can even watch it on the web or YouTube. When you purchase an item, launch a crowdfunding campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. It’s an easy way to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? Irma: My superpower is to be a humble person. Irma Sanchez, the founder of Accesso Capital Fund, is sponsored by Coca-Cola to help educate Latina entrepreneurs like herself on raising capital with regulated investment crowdfunding. There are 2.3 million Latina-owned businesses in the United States; about 18 percent of Hispanic women run their own businesses. According to one source, they are 50 times more likely to start a business than average Americans. Irma partners with the Latin American Association in Atlanta. She works with Bill Huston, a nationally recognized crowdfunding expert, to help train women to use crowdfunding. The strategy is unfamiliar in that community, but they are excited to make progress. She also uses her regular role as a commentator on Telemundo to share the message. “It is an honor, as a Latina and a migrant, to be the voice of the voiceless on a television channel that reaches the world. We wanted to use this Telemundo platform to change lives transform lives. We can do it through education in a massive way through Telemundo.” In a moment that demonstrated her humility, she generously shared her personal history: I want to be a story of inspiration for many women who are listening and watching me right now; if I could do it, anyone can do it. I come from Bolivia; I was born in Bolivia. I grew up in Venezuela and migrated here to the United States. However, my life as a child was traumatic. That is why I have been on a mission to make educational programs to support women entrepreneurs for 15 years. I have been an entrepreneur since I was a child. When I came home one day, my dad and sister had passed away, and it was a real shock to my mother and me. Imagine how my mother was at that moment and how I was. Then, my mom, over the course of time, taught me how to be an entrepreneur. She also passed away. Today, I am very grateful to my family for leaving me a great legacy, which I want to pass on to my community. I started to sell empanadas. I started to sell shoes. I started to sell chocolates. I started to sell whatever my mother put in my way. That has helped me to be a humble person now, a person who can work as a team. When you are alone, when you feel alone, there is no other option but to say, ”OK, let's get together. Let's see how my strengths can help you, and you can help me with my weaknesses.” In other words, I believe 100 percent in teamwork, and that's why I believe 100 percent in crowdfunding: we can help each other grow our businesses. Irma’s rallying cry to her peers is that together, they are unstoppable. “We are one of the fastest-growing economic groups in the world. However, we are receiving less than 1 percent of venture capital. This is the moment to unite and say, ‘We are going to move forward together.’” AI Episode Summary 1. Devin welcomes Irma Sánchez and expresses gratitude for her presence. Irma thanks Devin for the opportunity and considers it an honor to be there. 2. Irma discusses her partnership with Coca-Cola, which sponsors educational programs for Latina entrepreneurs, helping them transform their businesses, access credit, and reach investors. 3. She is actively involved with the Latin American Association in Atlanta, providing educational courses and consultancy to teach the Hispanic community about Crowdfunding, a concept...

I’m not a financial advisor; nothing I write in Superpowers for Good should be considered investment advice. You should seek appropriate counsel before making investment decisions. Remember, you can watch the Superpowers for Good show on e360tv. To watch the episode, download the #e360tv channel app to your streaming device–Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV–or your mobile device. You can even watch it on the web or YouTube. When you purchase an item, launch a crowdfunding campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. It’s an easy way to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? George: My superpower is the ability to combine the analytical, the data with the human connection and the empathy required to live in a society. When I met George Cook, the founder and CEO of Honeycomb Credit, about seven years ago, he and I chatted about the social impact of local community investing. I was skeptical. Over the years since I’ve become a true believer. I relished my conversation with him for this episode, focusing on the societal benefits of local investing. Honeycomb Credit is one of the leading players in regulated investment crowdfunding. The SEC-regulated FINRA-member portal primarily helps small businesses with debt financing. It is quickly approaching $25 million in business financing since its founding. There are nearly 30 million small businesses in the US. Most of them have capital needs. This is a big potential market for Honeycomb Credit–and for the investors like you who participate in the loans. George grew up in Appalachia in a family that operated a community bank for 130 years. “I grew up in the family business. I fell in love with relationship lending, working with business owners who are literally sitting across the street from the branches that I was working out of and loved working with us, hearing their stories and playing a small piece in their growth journey.” He shares his vision for the community impact of the work he does. This is such an opportunity to do well while you do good. The diversity of business owners is: We're working with businesses that support disabled entrepreneurs. We have a ton of veteran-owned businesses. More than half of the businesses we work with are owned by BIPOC business owners. Almost two-thirds are women-owned businesses, and over 40 percent of the businesses we work with are in low to moderate-income communities. It's an incredibly diverse group of entrepreneurs that we get to work with. Every single one of them has these incredible, inspiring stories that just get us fired up every single day to come to work and know that we're playing this tiny little piece in their growth journey. That's how we want our investors to feel. For every single offering, we help coordinate a professional video shoot to help the entrepreneurs tell their stories. It's almost a little mini shark tank where you can come to the Honeycomb site and hear these stories. You can dig in and understand the health of the business, too. Of course, that's important. But then you get to decide which of these businesses you want to put your own hard-earned money into and see that money go to work in your community. With my skepticism of community investing’s social impact long retired, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in Honeycomb Credit’s loans. I made my first loan about 18 months ago, and every payment has been made on schedule, as promised. The business, a local restaurant, is thriving. George has built Honeycomb Credit utilizing his superpower, an ability to use both data and a human connection in decision-making. For the sake of brevity, let’s call it analytical empathy. AI Episode Summary 1. Devin Thorpe introduces his guest, George Cook, the founder and CEO of Honeycomb Credit, one of the leading crowdfunding portals focused on small businesses. 2. George Cook shares that Honeycomb Credit has grown from raising $1 million to being on...

I’m not a financial advisor; nothing I write in Superpowers for Good should be considered investment advice. You should seek appropriate counsel before making investment decisions. Remember, you can watch the Superpowers for Good show on e360tv. To watch the episode, download the #e360tv channel app to your streaming device–Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV–or your mobile device. You can even watch it on the web or YouTube. When you purchase an item, launch a crowdfunding campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. It’s an easy way to support our work. Devin: Laura, what do you see as your superpower? Laura: I'm very friendly, I'm outgoing, and I like to get to know people. Devin: Zach, what do you see as your superpower? Zach: I will be the first to admit I don't have the charisma of Laura. I'm constantly thinking about food and flavors and combos and what's going to go good together. Laura Harris and Zach Meier and building a healthy vegan protein bar company in Colorado. This enables them to take advantage of Colorado’s intrastate exemption from securities rules for IPOs to raise capital from the local crowd exclusively. The company has three flavors on the market: * Blueberry Coconut * Salted Chocolate Cherry * Peanut Butter Banana The last one was a challenge for Zach, the chef who develops the bars. “A funny story with the peanut butter banana. I am deathly allergic to bananas,” he says. “So creating that recipe for the peanut butter banana bar was a bit of a task. It was a lot of whipping up some ingredients, putting them together, having people taste them, getting their honest feedback, and then just, like, doing it again.” Laura shares how she came up with the idea: Having worked in the service industry for most of my adult life, you never get a break. Protein bars became a staple of my diet. I always had one on my server apron if I was serving or on top of the register if I was bartending. Back in 2018 summer, I was bartending a lunch shift, took a bite of another competitor's bar and thought, man, I wish this thing was packed with spinach. I would love for it to not contain any artificial flavors and no refined or added sugar. I thought about it for a few minutes and did some searching on Google and Amazon, and there was nothing like it. So, six months later, I enlisted the help of Zach. Zach is passionate about making great products. “Creating these recipes was a lot of fun, just with the ideology of super minimal ingredients. Everything is clean, everything all-natural, you know, not using any chemicals or preservatives, or added sugars because I always like to say that real foods taste the best.” Investing in the company is an opportunity to have impact in several ways. The company founder is an LGBTQ woman, ticking two impact boxes for investors with goals to support diverse founders. The products are vegan, which could have climate and animal welfare benefits. The bars are healthy, potentially helping people to live longer, healthier lives. That’s a lot of impact! The company is raising via CrowdSprout.co under state crowdfunding laws, limiting investors to that state. AI Episode Summary 1. Devin Thorpe hosts Laura Harris and Zach Meier on the Superpowers for Good show to discuss their company, Greens Gone Wild. 2. Laura started Greens Gone Wild to create snack bars packed with spinach and no added sugars or unnatural flavors. 3. The company offers three products: Almond Butter with Blueberry and Coconut, Salted Chocolate Cherry, and Peanut Butter Banana bars. 4. They are crowdfunding on Crowdsprout.co, a Colorado-exclusive platform where locals can invest and receive equity and bars and contribute to a charity. 5. Laura's future plan involves living a van life to promote the product across Colorado; Zach will handle backend operations. 6. Laura's superpower is her ability to genuinely connect with people and her passion for real food ingredients. 7. Zach's...

I’m not a financial advisor; nothing I write in Superpowers for Good should be considered investment advice. You should seek appropriate counsel before making investment decisions. Remember, you can watch the Superpowers for Good show on e360tv. To watch the episode, download the #e360tv channel app to your streaming device–Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV–or your mobile device. You can even watch it on the web or YouTube. When you purchase an item, launch a crowdfunding campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. It’s an easy way to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? Vicky: I believe my relentlessness or tenacity, determination, whatever you want to say that is, has been a real driver in my life–always. “The Humane League works to end the abuse of animals raised for food,” says the nonprofit’s president, Vicky Bond. “We're working to end cages for laying hens worldwide through our work with the Open Wing Alliance.” Always an animal lover, Vicky trained as a veterinarian. She shares her experience: While training to be a vet, I witnessed factory farms for the first time. I got to see how these animals suffered day in and day out in these systems. As a veterinarian, you would go on a farm and treat the individual animal. You may give bulk antibiotics for the animals, but you weren't treating the fundamental issue: these systems are wrong. Animals should not be in them, and being in them causes them a lot of suffering. So, while doing my veterinary degree, I went and did a master's of environment, development and policy and learned about the impact of policy work of that institutional change that you can make and how much you can scale up impact. So, when I left that school–I did work as a vet for a while–but I also got involved in more activist-led things, in policy change and ended up being able to work what I do now, which is to create change for farm animals on a large scale, impacting hundreds of millions of animals versus what I could have done as a veterinarian, which would have probably been much smaller on the individual level of animals. The work is staggering. In the US alone, producers are raising about 1.5 billion chickens, including broiler and laying hens. About 9 billion are raised annually in this country alone–broiler chickens are slaughtered after just six weeks. Vicky describes what she’s seen firsthand: I've been on these on these farms. You walk into a very large shed, and all you can hear is the clanging noises of the birds' beaks and feet on the metal because that's their entire life. They spend their life in this metal cage, four or five of them–not even enough space to spread their wings. They will be fed, given water, and that's all they get. They never get to see sunlight. They never get to spread their wings. They often end up pecking at each other through sheer boredom. They end up with broken bones. All in the name of cheap eggs. “When we talk about the world, we're talking about over 70 billion land animals raised and slaughtered every year for food,” Vicky says. It's not sustainable. The cruelty is not sustainable. The food system itself–we need to move to more plant-based options to remove some of the eggs, dairy, and meats from our diets so that we can have a sustainable food system.” She is emphatic that animal suffering needn’t be a part of our food supply. “It is perfectly plausible for us to have farming systems that are higher welfare and that move away from these intensive practices that see animals stacked on top of each other, beak to beak,” she says. “We want a day when animals aren't abused for food,” Vicky continues. “We want to see that through incremental change, like ending cages, like ending farrowing crates, which is where mama pigs are put while they're pregnant–and they can't even turn around.” The Humane League is making progress. “We started this work over a decade ago now,” she says. “At the time in the...

I’m not a financial advisor; nothing I write in Superpowers for Good should be considered investment advice. You should seek appropriate counsel before making investment decisions. Remember, you can watch the Superpowers for Good show on e360tv. To watch the episode, download the #e360tv channel app to your streaming device–Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV–or your mobile device. You can even watch it on the web or YouTube. When you purchase an item, launch a crowdfunding campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. It’s an easy way to support our work. Devin: What do you see as your superpower? Karl: I sometimes say that I'm a puzzle solver. I have the ability to connect the dots. Karl Dakin, the capital coach, helps small businesses raise capital–or even figure out how to get where they’re going without it. A big fan of regulated investment crowdfunding, he led an effort to pass enabling legislation in Colorado. Then, he helped to launch a crowdfunding portal to take advantage of the rules. Investment crowdfunding has topped $2 billion cumulatively since it started but still represents a small part of the economy. When issuers and investors finish the courtship, the space could explode to multiples of this scale. Karl thinks he’s figured out how that could happen. Keep reading! Seeing the vital role small businesses play in the local economy, he works with a wide range of companies. I work with all kinds of companies and all kinds of industries. Some people think I'm confused because of the diversity of things I work with. Right now, I'm working on a dinosaur theme park. I'm working with an international lottery gaming company. I'm working with a company that's using topical CBD products to reduce pain and inflammation. I'm also helping with the local crowdfunding platform that is working to set up a farm-to-table group of supporters for any small business that's looking for microfinancing here within the state of Colorado. He’s also helping an LGBTQ woman-owned manufacturer of vegan protein bars raise capital. Greens Gone Wild, led by Laura Harris, is raising capital via Crowd Sprout, a crowdfunding portal operating under the Colorado State exemption. The campaign is open only to Colorado investors. I love this one. It hits so many notes for me. It’s a small business that is scalable. A woman leads it. A member of the LGBTQ community leads it. It is vegan. The layers of impact inspire me. This is a moment when I wish I lived in Colorado so I could invest. Karl uses that offering as an example of what he suggests all consumer products companies should do with their campaigns. He explains the example: With Greens Gone Wild, if you make a $100 investment, you're also going to get $50 of free product. They'll ship to your door product, just like if you had ordered it on their online website–$50 value. Then we also give a $100 discount on future purchases. So, you get 20% off the list price on buying these products. The company also agrees to donate $25 per investor to a local nonprofit. The investor gets $150 in rewards–plus the satisfaction of enabling $25 of charitable giving. The company presumably has a good margin on the products, so it doesn’t cost $50 to offer the $50 perk. The discounts are valuable to the consumer but still allow the company to make a narrow profit. The investors become long-term, repeat customers. Then, the investor gets equity, too. For small investors, the rewards essentially remove the risk. The company gets repeat customers with a permanent connection–ownership–to the business. Problem solved! That, Karl believes, is the key that will unlock crowdfunding success for small businesses. He reached this conclusion using his superpower, I’ll call problem-solving. AI Episode Summary 1. Devin introduces Karl Dakin, founder and CEO of Dakin Capital, who shares Devin's passion for investment crowdfunding. 2. Karl Dakin's company, Dakin Capital, is a consultancy...