One of the great things about our work is that we’re always meeting new people. Every week we are getting to talk with entrepreneurs who are doing everything from creating new medical devices to craft brewers, and there is one undeniable link: they are incredibly passionate about what they are doing. I love this! It’s not often I throw exclamation marks around but there it is.
Seriously, I can’t remember when I’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many people who are passionately committed to making something great. It almost seems like a recommitment to the craftsman era of the 1900’s when small groups of people got together bonded by their passion for art, furniture making, architecture, whatever. This movement which was essentially anti-industrial stood for craftsmanship and simplicity, and while today’s movement may seem more anti-corporate, the passion for producing craft product is every bit as present.
When you consider the last thirty years during which most of these entrepreneurs grew up, it really shouldn’t be a surprise. For the most part, they saw their parents, my generation, doing the standard 9-to-5 with all of the good and bad that came with that.
The people with whom we are meeting want more. They want their families close, they want a quality of life, they want to perfect their skills and their products, they want to be known for the quality of their effort not the number of their toys. And, in this I truly believe lays the economic hope for the future.
The jobs being created by these entrepreneurs are important, they are local, they will not be outsourced or off-shored or whatever the current euphemism is, and they are bringing vibrancy and excitement back to local communities in cities big and small. The owners of these businesses are laser-focused on creating sustainable businesses, both economically and environmentally.
We are incredibly fortunate to have so many of these people in our community and while this is considered a local movement, I’ve seen it in almost every city I’ve visited and I can’t wait to see more.
So thank you for making us part of your conversations, thank you for your passion and thank you for what will be, because of your efforts.
Photo credit: Jeff Kubina
modified by Shout Out Studio
