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OTTERCARES FOUNDATION is the philanthropic arm of OtterBox. 
We’re familiar with OtterBox as the company which builds wonderful phone cases.
For those of us in Fort Collins, they’re also an inspiring example of an amazing employee culture and a rapidly-growing superstar.
I had the privilege of speaking with Tricia Lemmer and Gary Rogers last week, who are one half of OtterCares. They told me more about the history behind this amazing organization, and how they bring their mission to life.
STEFANIE AND PATRICK O’NEILL own a third generation family business called 
Vern’s Toffee House. It was started by Stefanie’s grandfather, Vern Hackbarth, in 1976, as his second “retirement project” at the age of 60. I met her father last year, as the company was in the process of transitioning to Patrick and Stefanie.
It’s a fascinating little business. They had survived quite nicely for 36 years with just family and some seasonal part-time employees, and just last year took on someone year-round.
How does this survive? Quite simply: An amazingly wonderful product, a simple business model, and flawless quality.
GREG MUSTO started RJM
Automotive Buyer’s Agency back in 2011 based on a strong desire to change the way relationships are treated in the automotive industry.
We’ve all had the experience, right? You walk into a dealership and are instantly encircled by sharks, looking to make sure you don’t leave the lot without filling their pockets. Today. Now.
This is the sad reality, but based on his experience and convictions, Greg wanted to create a different kind of company. But first I have to tell you about the company name.
MICHAEL BROWN
has been a passionate educator and pastor for 30 years, and joined Tutor Doctor in 2011 to help make this his full time business. Quite simply, he’s improving the lives of students and families through success in education.
And, by the way, he’s also helping to change the face of education in America.
Looking for the next step in his business career a couple of years ago, he teamed up with his wife Sandi and partner Blake, and evaluated a range of options. They were intrigued with franchises of various kinds, and then discovered the field of education and tutoring. Read the rest of this entry »
THOSE OF YOU here in Fort Collins know how crazy it would be to leave OtterBox and their amazing employee culture.
Kristin Golliher did exactly that, back in February last year. To start a new business called WildRock Public Relations & Marketing. She has great passion for what she does: providing professional services to companies large and small across the nation.
But she has an even deeper passion for the kind of company she’s trying to create.
BRIAN and PAM DAY are an amazing couple. They’re bringing an approach which is helping people on their spiritual journeys.
I’ve known Pam for a long time as a friend and experienced and gracious coach. I think I first met Brian at a Christmas party a decade ago, but it’s hard to remember exactly when.
I’ve been following their journey, which has taken them to the ends of the earth, literally and spiritually.
GREEN RIDE COLORADO is a well-known local award-winning leader in shuttle buses to and from Denver International Airport. For such a commodity service, people are constantly surprised at how they give a special experience of customer service and professionalism.
It all starts with the culture.
I had a chance to speak with Bob Flynn recently, who started Green Ride with Ray Schofield, and is a wonderful friend. He wanted to start this company because he was tired of working for bosses who treated employees like generic machines. 
And he really didn’t like being a manager in that environment.
So Ray and Bob went out and started their own company, to create the kind of employee culture that they would love.
TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES is a US-based company with a powerful mission to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries. Formed in 1946, they now buy from 37 countries, have 78 branded stores in North America, about 260 other retail partners, and sales of $42M for the year ending March 2012.
They are one of the largest and most successful fair-trade organizations on the planet.
I had a chance recently to speak with Wendy Poppen, who runs our local store. She brings a powerful passion in this role: “I’m going to leave this planet a little better than I found it.”
DEEP VALUES are surprisingly hard to nail down.
This is because you see wonderful statements masquerading all the time as deep values, the foundation of the company.
An interesting example came up recently: Walmart. I remember back in the 1970s when they had a strong statement about “Made in the USA.” Proud of this fact, they made it a central point of their advertising for several years. You would have been forgiven if you assumed that this was a core belief of a company home-grown in Bentonville, Arkansas.
LAST YEAR I ran across a gentleman who runs the local LearningRx franchise. I’d never heard about them before, but they do some amazing things with helping children learn. And adults too!
This person offered a very generous gift: a free copy of The Purpose Directed Business. This book was written by Dr Ken Gibson, the founder of the company, and really captures the philosophy behind what the company’s about.
In a word: Leadership.
The Values-Based Business 