Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Crutchfield.
Caleb, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have an eclectic work history and I deeply respect entrepreneurship. I also come from a faith-based nonprofit background which cultivated my love for people and building better communities. These two experiences converged as I learned of coworking locations. Coworking locations are innovative flexible office environments that are highly collaborative and relational. So, after a season of successfully beta-testing our program we launched a new nonprofit organization called Collaborate Good in May 2019.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Any start-up effort has its challenges. For me, I know I’m good at certain things, but I had to become proficient at several things that were not in my wheel house. Frankly, those are the things that drain my energy the most, so I am very grateful for the incredible support I received from people who are excellent in areas where I am weak. There are unique challenges within a nonprofit effort as well. With our efforts, we are only successful when people participate voluntarily. To do this you have to build trust, which takes times. Our work is relational work, so there isn’t a microwave to speed up the process. As an organization, we are building trust with the coworking brands through staff relationships, and our Core Teams are building trust with the coworking members at each location.
Please tell us about the organization.
Collaborate Good is a nonprofit that connects people and values to everyday decisions. We do this through a program of monthly discussion forums on meaningful topics at coworking locations like WeWork and Common Desk. We call our discussion forums Conversation Matters because we believe certain matters deserve a conversation, but simply having the conversation matters. We set the tone for respectful discussion by using humor while inviting diverse members into thoughtful topics with humble curiosity. We are trying to normalize meaningful conversations about the issues that matter to us, especially on the issues where we disagree. For societies to improve we have to collaborate on what we believe is good, what is a good society, what is a good person, what is a good business, what is a good government and so on. When we ask “what is good” in any topic, we deepen our relationships through sharing our deepest beliefs and values with one another. Our goal is not necessarily agreement on topics, but creating space for candid discussions, which allow us to listen to others, evaluate our own perspectives, and disagree respectfully. In our culture of distant online rants that take place behind our screens, it is incredibly encouraging to see people with different perspectives thoughtfully interact through in-person discussions. We often joke, it is harder to be an ass to someone face to face, though not impossible. Each coworking location has a full menu of excellent business and social activities available for its members, but we believe our program offers something unique. Our Conversation Matters have deepened relationships in a short period because we cultivate meaningful discussions beyond the typical small talk. When relationships are deepened work satisfaction goes up and membership retention goes up.
Since we are a nonprofit, we are sustained by tax deductible contributions from individuals and businesses. The win-win we pursue the most is lunch sponsorships for our Conversation Matters at the coworking locations. We love to partner with local restaurants and businesses who can offer great products and services to our participants.
Another partnership we pursue is with coworking brands in the DFW metroplex. We would love to explore a partnership at coworking locations interested in the programming Collaborate Good offers.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have too many mentors and advocates to give due credit, but a handful of men have been uniquely impactful to me in this effort. Our Board of Directors is compiled with incredibly talented individuals: Mark McClanahan with RGT Wealth Advisors, Dan Paterson with Swearingen Realty, Gabe Macias with Slalom, Matthew Keepman with Wabtec, and Eric Moore. Without the support and encouragement of these men Collaborate Good would not exist. I am also indebted to Amy Beakley with Beakley Law, James Tacker and Holly Raforth with Tacker & Raforth PC, and Bob Gray for their gracious use of talent and resources for our endeavor. But none can overshadow the depth of love, support, and investment that my wife, Lindy Jo, has committed. Without her my life would fall apart.
Contact Info:
- Website: collaborategood.org
Image Credit:
Pictures from WeWork Thanksgiving Tower, WeWork 1920 McKinney, Common Desk Deep Ellum, and Communion Cooperative
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