Founder: Siva “Shiv” Rajendran Company Description: Creating portable affordable power from recycled electric car batteries Company Site: http://totuspower.com/; @TotusPower Date of Interview: June 2015 Shiv Rajendran is a car enthusiast, an engineering enthusiast, and a possibilities enthusiast. After achieving his short-term corporate goals, he realized that none of his passions had any place in his…
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Founders: Jason Kunesh, Dan Ratner Company Description: Software company that helps organizations connect with civic supporters to raise money, inspire involvement and build community Company Site: https://publicgood.com/; Twitter Date of Interview: June 2015 Jason Kunesh is the co-founder and CEO of Public Good, a software company that helps organizations connect with civic supporters to raise…
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Founders: Brian Hill and Andy Brimhall Company Description: Educational content platform delivered via tablets to jail and prison inmates. Company Site: http://jaileducationsolutions.com/ ; Twitter Date of Interview: May 2015 Brian Hill is the co-founder of Jail Education Solutions, a social enterprise delivering educational content to jail and prisons via their technology platform, Edovo. He believes…
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On focus: “One of the things I learned how to do was focus. I tried to do everything when I started and that’s the wrong thing to do. You have to choose a few things that are really important and then let the rest slide. That would’ve saved me so much time. There are 1000…
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Founder: Chris Mantz Company Description: 100% locally made optical frames that are created from familiar materials telling a thoughtful story, and presenting a unique aesthetic via innovative manufacturing. Company Site:http://www.drifteyewear.com/ Date of Interview: May 2015 Chris Mantz is the owner, founder, visionary and manufacturing guru behind Drift Eyewear, a Chicago-based optical frame manufacturer and wholesaler…
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Founder: Kathryn Pisco Company Description: Responsible, transparent, ethical travel volunteer exchanges Company Site: http://www.unearththeworld.com/; Twitter Date of Interview: April 2015 Kathryn Pisco is the founder of Unearth the World, a social enterprise partnering internationally with community-driven non-profits to provide transparent and ethical volunteer exchanges. She believes in servant leadership and approaching cultural exchanges with an…
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Founder: Hillary Sawchuk Company Description: An online publication that sits down with the most interesting and influential celebrities, artists, athletes and industry leaders one drink at a time. Company Site: http://adrinkwith.com/, Twitter; Instagram Date of Interview: March 2015 Hillary Sawchuk is the founder and CEO of A Drink With, an online publication that sits down with…
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On contributing to the community: “Here you have an opportunity to be part of the community in a bigger way. When you have all these people coming to do something they believe in – it creates community. You’re providing people a way to do fitness that is fun, exciting and addictive in a good way.”…
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Founders: Mike Preuss, Brad Wisler, Kristian Andersen, Mike Fitzgerald, Mike Trotzke Company Description: Technology platform that simplifies the sharing, management and reporting of data between startups and investors. Company Site: https://visible.vc/; Twitter Date of Interview: March 2015 Mike Preuss is the CEO and co-founder of Visible, a technology platform that simplifies the sharing, management and…
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Founder: Katlin Smith Company Description: All natural, grain-free, gluten-free baking mixes Company Site: http://www.simplemills.com/; Twitter; Facebook; Instagram Date of Interview: March 2015 Katlin Smith is the founder of Simple Mills, a food company that produces all natural, grain-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, paleo-friendly, almond flour-based baking mixes. She hails from North Carolina and has transplanted to Chicago…
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