Why an Outdoor Adventure Planning App Trekked To Becoming a Triple Bottom Line Business

Photo by Jamie Street 

When Tribe Pilot decided to become an Oregon Benefit Company, it was not a deviation from their business map. The founders of the Bend, Oregon company had always focused their mission on becoming a force for good being inspired by the purpose-driven work of outdoors brands like Patagonia.

Recently they felt the time was right to certify their beliefs and practices of serving People, Planet and Profit through Benefit Corporations for Good.

We interviewed Tribe Pilot founder Matt Smith about becoming a certified Oregon Benefit Company. Here’s what he had to say about it, the motivation for doing it and why it was right for his business.

1.  What motivated you to become a Benefit Company?

Brands like Patagonia have always been leaders in this field of the triple bottom line and as a company with a conscience there was never an alternative for us.  The vision for Tribe Pilot was always to be a benefit corporation as we aim to be a leader among our peers on how business can be a force for good.  

2.  Was it difficult getting internal support for moving toward this model?

Absolutely not.  The Board of Directors was all in on this decision from first mention all the way through registration.

3. How long did it take you to officially become a Benefit Company?

Total process was less than 3 weeks to become certified, then it took another 60 days to file our paperwork with the state.

4. Have you seen any change in culture since you became a Benefit Company?

We have not, as we were already largely operating under these values.

5. Have you experienced any positive outcomes since becoming a Benefit Company?

Yes, we have been able to recruit some great talent based on our dedication to the triple bottom line.  It is a badge that everyone wears proudly.

6. Would you recommend this business model to others? Why or why not?

Absolutely! Getting into the movement early paves the way to a brighter future. Soon a day will exist where the values in this movement are the rule rather than the exception. 

7. What is the most important trait to have as a conscientious leader of a Benefit Company?

Dedication to fiercely defending your company values. Being a benefit corporation lets you demonstrate the commitment to those values.

8. What lessons have you learned in the process?

Unfortunately, a lot of work needs to be done. The people who know what benefit corporations stand for already value them. The bigger work is in educating the rest of our business community that this is an important movement to join. 

9. Is being a Benefit Corporation part of your current brand message?

Yes. As a mobile app with national marketing campaigns, we integrate our benefit corporation messaging in most everything we do.  It is a badge we wear proudly and loudly.

10. What is the single best reason you'd give for another company or peer to become a Benefit Company?
It’s the right thing to do. It will not affect your profits except for the better. 

You can learn more about Tribe Pilot and their fundraising campaign here.

If you want to know more about why your business should become a benefit corporation, watch this.

Learn more about the 6 simple steps to becoming a certified Oregon Benefit Company or benefit corporation.

~benefitcorporationsforgood.com~