Sustainable Business: 3 Client Highlights
If you are kind enough to have been following along for some time, there are two things about us that you know: 1. Values are a big deal to our business and to our clients’ businesses. 2. One of our core values, which we talk about all the time, is inclusion. So it came as the loveliest surprise when recently, a client said to me, “Hey Julie, I definitely want to keep talking about inclusion. And can we talk about climate change and being a sustainable business?”
This prompt highlighted that this value is front and center for a few of our clients (and rightfully so)! And so we thought it would be nice to recognize their sustainable businesses, on this Earth Day. And read on, because their types of business may surprise you…
1. Twelve Chairs Interiors
The conversation I referenced above, was in fact with the wonderful Miggy Mason and Roisin Giese, owners of Twelve Chairs Interiors in Boston & Philadelphia. If you peek at their stunning site, you can see right away that using what’s already around is at the heart of their work and passion:
Through thoughtful interior design, we prepare historic homes for their exciting next chapters.
If you keep clicking through past their stunning portfolio, you can guess what page made their mama bear strategist so proud : ) Did you catch it yet? They have a full page dedicated to values, explaining how Thoughtful Sourcing, Responsible Reuse, Giving Back, and being a Purpose-Driven Business make up their operating model.
2. Emerald Spectrum Advisory, Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson is a financial advisor and someone I’ve known personally for a long time. In fact, there’s a joke between us as to how his interests and passions have way more in common with Nancy than with me, given their love for the great outdoors and daydreams of being a digital nomad, traveling the world while working, in a souped up campervan. I, on the other hand, own a t-shirt that explicitly states, “indoorsy.”
In 2018 a client asked him if they could intentionally think about sustainable investing. After the request, he coudn’t stop thinking about the impact he could have on the world, through being a true steward of his clients’ investments. Sustainable investing is about the environment – and more.
He believes that it’s important to invest in companies that share our beliefs, care for the environment, provide equal opportunities for people of all races and sex, and give back to the communities they’re part of. Since that moment in 2018, his investing practice has shifted solely towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing with the hopes that interest continues gaining momentum until it’s the standard expectation.
3. Dinner Belle
Last, but definitely not least when it comes to sustainability, the graceful Laura Axelson, owner of Dinner Belle Nashville. As soon as you learn anything about Dinner Belle, you see that sustainability is in every element of their business model. This meal delivery service is local, organic, and convenient in zero-waste packaging.
In 2020 they continued to support local farmers with demand for farm-raised foods. And get this: they diverted approximately 50,200 pieces of packaging from going to landfills!!! And not for nothing, but they accomplish this with seriously delectable meals. I should know. Each week, Dave and I re-enact the same scene at the dinner table: “Can you believe how good this is?!”
I will never be able to express my admiration for the uniqueness, thoughtfulness, and talent of the stand-out clients in our Advisory Practice. Each week, Sarah, Nancy, or I are bragging on someone new in our team meetings.
Twelve Chairs, Brian, and Dinner Belle: we are so lucky that you’ve chosen us as your strategy advisor and partner. Thank you for always pushing us to up our game. And thank you for being businesses that contribute to the economy with so much intention.
Happy Earth Day, everyone!
