Over the years, I’ve encountered thousands of people who dream of changing the world. I love people like that…because I am a kindred spirit. That’s why I always say “yes” when asked to listen to a plan or evaluate a pitch.
MANY stand out, but (as you can imagine) the process of actually getting something off the ground is something else, which is why, when an idea takes shape, and actually opens its doors, it’s a day to be celebrated.
Last week was one of those celebrations.
I happened to be in Seattle (to help inaugurate the new HUB Seattle and then officiate a wedding) when one of my FAVORITE projects – StockBox Neighborhood Grocery – opened.
Stockbox is a social enterprise project designed to be an oasis in urban food deserts. The idea, germinated as a capstone project for a team of students at Bainbridge Graduate Institute (a pioneering businesses school that focuses on sustainablity), is to provide affordable food, in an easily opened store, made out of a 12 x 24 shipping container—hence the name Stockbox.
I spoke at the school two years ago when the idea was taking shape. Subsequently, I was asked (and honored) to be the commencement speaker, where I learned that the idea had won a business plan competition and was moving forward. Weeks later, I contributed to their Kickstarter campaign. So you can imagine my enthusiasm when I learned that I would be in town when they opened their doors.
Here’s a loving video to give you a peek at this great new business.
Finally…I want to also connect you with Dave’s Killer Bread. This is a GREAT business and yet another example of what can happen when you combine the power of food and the resilience of the humans spirit.
R
Robert is the Founder and President of L.A. Kitchen, which will open in 2013. The L.A. Kitchen will professionally recover fresh food, with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, which it will use to fuel a culinary arts job training program for men and women coming out of foster care, or older men and women returning from incarceration.
Robert pioneered this model during his 24 year tenure as the President of the DC Central Kitchen, the country’s first “community kitchen”, where food donated by hospitality businesses and farms is used to fuel a nationally recognized culinary arts job training program. Since opening in 1989, the Kitchen (which is a $10 million a year, self-sustaining, social enterprise) has produced over 26 million meals and helped 1,000 men and women gain full time employment. The Kitchen operates its own revenue generating business, Fresh Start Catering, as well as the Campus Kitchens Project, which coordinates similar recycling/meal programs in 33 colleges or high school based kitchens.
In addition, Robert is the Founder and President of CForward, an advocacy organization that rallies employees of nonprofits to educate candidates about the economic role that nonprofits play in every community, and to support candidates who have detailed plans to strengthen the economy that includes nonprofits.
In Washington, Robert was the founding Chair of both the Mayor’s Commission on Nutrition and Street Sense, Washington’s “homeless” newspaper. He was also the Co-Convener of the first Nonprofit Congress, held in Washington DC in 2006. Currently, Robert serves on the Board of the national addiction recovery program, Back On My Feet, the Philanthropic Collaborative, and Chef Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen.
Robert’s book on the non-profit sector, Begging for Change: The Dollars and Sense of Making Nonprofits Responsive, Efficient and Rewarding For All, was released in 2004 by HarperCollins. It received the 2005 McAdam Book Award for “Best Nonprofit Management Book” by the Alliance for Nonprofit Management.
Robert was included in the Non Profit Times list of the “50 Most Powerful and Influential” nonprofit leaders from 2006-2009. He was the recipient of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s 2007 “Lifetime Achievement” award and the 2004 James Beard Foundation “Humanitarian of the Year” award. He has been named an Oprah Angel, a Washingtonian of the Year, a Point of Light and one of the Ten Most Caring People in America, by the Caring Institute. He is also a 15-gallon blood donor to the American Red Cross.
Robert speaks throughout the country and internationally on the subjects of hunger, sustainability, nonprofit political engagement and social enterprise. He writes blogs and editorials to share his ideas about the nonprofit sector and the future of America. To check out Robert’s most recent speaking schedule, blogs, and editorials, please visit www.robertegger.org.
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You say ‘yes’ more often, with greater joy, and to significantly larger effect than just about anyone. And our world is a better place because you say yes.
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September 11th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
You say ‘yes’ more often, with greater joy, and to significantly larger effect than just about anyone. And our world is a better place because you say yes.