Key Topics to Highlight:

1. Origins of Flamingo Pools

• Dallin’s motivation for starting the business and his journey from idea to execution.

1. Customer-Centric Approach

• Emphasizing customer relationships and treating them as heroes in their pool ownership journey.

1. Innovative Services

• Unique offerings like mineral treatments and quick-turnaround estimators that set Flamingo Pools apart.

1. Leadership and Team Building

• Dallin’s approach to fostering a motivated, aligned, and high-performing team.

1. Navigating Challenges

• Lessons learned from setbacks and how he overcame obstacles during the business’s growth.

1. Future Vision

• Goals and exciting projects that showcase what’s next for Flamingo Pools.

Takeaways for the Audience:

• The importance of aligning business strategies with customer needs.
• How to innovate within a traditional industry to stand out.
• Leadership tips for building a cohesive team and scaling a service-based business.
• Practical advice for entrepreneurs on balancing growth with day-to-day operations.

Guest Highlights:

• Name: Nishchal (Nish) Banskota
• Title: Founder, Nepal Tea Collective
• Website: nepalteacollective.com
• Instagram: @nepalteacollective
• LinkedIn: Nishchal Banskota

Key Topics Covered:

1. Origins of Nepal Tea Collective: Nishchal’s background as a second-generation tea producer and how family inspired his mission.
2. Bridging the Gap: Tackling the disconnect between primary producers and global consumers.
3. Challenges: Overcoming barriers to creating a transparent, tech-enabled tea trade.
4. Sustainability Focus: Aligning Nepal Tea Collective’s practices with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
5. Entrepreneurial Lessons: The importance of persistence, passion, and surrounding yourself with the right team.
6. Global Impact: Reflections on being featured in The New York Times and Forbes.
7. Practical Advice: Key tips for starting a mission-driven business.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Tea is more than just a drink; it’s a way to connect people and cultures."
• "Transparency isn’t just a business value; it’s a necessity in today’s world."
• "If you want to make a global impact, start with your local roots."

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

• The importance of aligning your business with a meaningful mission.
• How sustainability can be a core differentiator in building a brand.
• The value of storytelling in connecting with consumers.
• Why resilience and adaptability are critical in entrepreneurship.

Call to Action:

• Visit Nepal Tea Collective’s website to learn more about their teas and mission.
• Follow their journey on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates and stories.
• Share this episode with someone who values sustainability and entrepreneurship.

This episode of What It Takes features Natalie Griffin and Amy Philpott, co-founders of Gerry’s Cafe, a nonprofit cafe that provides employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Natalie, a former special education teacher, and Amy, a seasoned business professional, joined forces to address the high unemployment rate within this community. Opened in 2023, Gerry’s Cafe combines a mission-driven purpose with excellent craft food and beverages.

The discussion focuses on their journey, from overcoming challenges like grassroots fundraising and pandemic delays to building a supportive community and creating an inclusive workspace. Natalie and Amy emphasize perseverance, collaboration, and the power of a mission-driven vision.

Key Themes:

1. Inspiration and Founding Story

• Natalie’s special education background highlighted the talents of individuals with disabilities and the stark lack of job opportunities available to them.
• Amy brought her business expertise, and together they built the nonprofit Brewing Opportunities, later rebranded Gerry’s Cafe in memory of Natalie’s aunt, Geralyn Weimer.

1. Challenges and Perseverance:

• Major hurdles included legal and nonprofit setup, fundraising, and building community support.
• The pandemic became a time for strategic planning, board development, and organizational strengthening.

1. Impact:

• Since opening in August 2023, the cafe has employed 37 adults with disabilities, providing skill development and fostering confidence and joy.
• Community testimonials reflect how transformative the cafe is for both employees and customers.

1. Balancing Mission and Business:

• The cafe maintains its nonprofit mission but also strives to run as a successful business.
• High payroll costs from hiring employees with disabilities are offset by community fundraising and commitment to quality products.

1. Advice for Entrepreneurs:

• Perseverance: Keep going despite roadblocks.
• Collaboration: Surround yourself with experts and supportive community members.
• Patience and Planning: Build your vision methodically, with a realistic timeline and strong foundation.
• Grit: Success demands resilience and hard work.

Memorable Quotes:

• “If every single person on the earth could walk into Gerry’s Cafe, the world would be a different place.”
• “That deposit of time [customers give us] will redeposit into their heart and into the community.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Building a mission-driven business requires persistence, strategic partnerships, and the support of your community.
• Combining a clear social mission with operational excellence can lead to a greater impact.