How a Eugene Plant Shop Found the Ideal Growing Conditions in an Oregon Benefit Company

Stingray Botanical co-founders Adrian Mendoza and Lukas Robuck showing their certification as a certified triple bottom line business.

The founders of Stingray Botanicals tell you they don’t just sell high quality plants in Lane County. As a registered and certified Benefit Corporation for Good, they are also committed to advocating for social justice and taking hard stances on human and environmental rights. They aim to be a catalyst for change by engaging the community and other businesses on various socioeconomic issues.

They’ve also taken a sustainability pledge to source goods and services locally whenever possible and to choose products that are made regionally by local artisans. You see, being transparent is vital to being authentic, and that’s why Stingray believes in keeping their customers informed of their products source.

We recently interviewed Lukas about becoming a certified Oregon Benefit Company. Here’s what they had to say about it, the motivation for doing it and why it’s helping grow Stingray Botanicals.

 1.  What motivated you to become a Benefit Company?

As someone who has seen and experienced multiple perspectives of businesses, it is apparent that most companies do not care about their communities, employees, or the planet. Decisions are often solely based on what will build shareholder value, and unfortunately our capitalistic system encourages and, in some instances, mandates that this be the case. I knew I couldn’t end capitalism by myself, but I saw an opportunity in using the tools meant for financial gain to improve the lives of those around me, starting with my employees and local community. Being a certified benefit company means considering the needs of all stakeholders, not just shareholders. 

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

Not at all. In fact, it was never a question of if we should pursue this model. It was more a question of how we can make it happen. From the very beginning, my leadership team has facilitated, and often times led, the move towards a triple bottom line business model. We know that this is the model of the future, because it is the most sustainable model available. No business will see sustained growth and innovation over time if it does not begin to implement more sustainable systems, both in terms of material and human resources. 

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

Since we knew from before the inception of our business that we wanted to be a Benefit Company, it did not take much time at all. We filed our LLC in September of 2019 and were certified by December of the same year.

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

The culture of Stingray Botanicals was built on the promise of the triple bottom line and the Benefit Company vision. As a small team, we work closely together to take care of each other, our customers, our community, and our planet. Our company culture prioritizes the team above all else, because we know the team is what makes the business successful. That’s why all team members are paid at least $15 an hour, full-time employees are offered generous health care benefits, and we provide earned PTO to all. When the team is taken care of, they can be their best selves at work and at home. This leads to increased productivity, lower turnover rates, happier employees, and happy customers. Further, a happy and productive team is able to innovate and create more effectively and freely- bringing fresh ideas to the company about how we can further our promise to support the community through partnerships, fundraisers, and more. 

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

Absolutely. Many of our most loyal customers have become evangelists for our company and our brand because they know who we are and what we stand for. They know we are a company that values its people and community, and they are more than happy to support us over larger competitors who may have cheaper prices. We have also seen our employees take ownership over their roles because they know they will be supported by leadership. 

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

Yes, unequivocally. I would encourage small businesses and startups to seriously consider joining the Benefit Company movement. It places small businesses at an advantage over larger companies who lack a moral compass and provides a strategic advantage. With that said, the movement is not exclusive to small businesses. Any larger company that desires to see sustained, long-term growth should engage in thoughtful conversation about the triple bottom line model and how it may benefit their organization. However, I would note that the triple bottom line model and the benefit company movement are absolutely not tools to be wielded for the sole purpose of increasing profit. It is a mindset, a culture, a practice, and a vision of how we, the business community, can do better and how we can make a positive impact. It should be undertaken with the utmost seriousness and care. 

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

A willingness to listen and learn. I would recommend this trait to any business leader, but particularly to leaders of Benefit Companies. The entire model is based on the premise of community and teamwork. To be considered a leader at all, and not just a boss, requires a strong level of emotional intelligence and a true desire to understand others (alongside the patience to see this through). This is a skill that must be practiced. Many think listening is easy, and that may be the case. However, to listen with the intent to understand and not just the intent to respond is a key differentiating lesson that separates bosses from leaders.

8. What lessons have you learned in the process?

Ask questions. Really, ask questions and ask them all the time! And don’t just ask easy questions, ask difficult ones. Ask questions that make people uncomfortable and challenge their worldview. Ask questions that reveal peoples’ true colors and intentions. In relation to asking questions, vet all of your partners by asking them questions about their beliefs, value, and practices. There’s nothing worse than starting work with a partner, only to find out their values run counter to your own organization’s values. And last, practice honesty and transparency. Admit when you make a mistake or don’t get something right- and then do better. Don’t be a politician and try to slither your way out of a hole by talking around an issue. Just face things head-on with humility and honesty. 

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

Yes, all the time. Our brand does not exist separately from our status as a Benefit Company. The two are intertwined so tightly at Stingray Botanicals, that we often don’t even think about being a Benefit Company because it is just who we are and what we do. 

10. What is the single best reason you'd give for another company or peer to become a Benefit Company?

Do it for yourself, your people, your community and your planet. We’ve got enough companies doing business as usual. What is needed in this moment is to pivot away from the old models and fully embrace the models that will help us manifest the future we all want, for ourselves and the generations to come- a future where the planet is taken care, a future where workers don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck, and where businesses make decisions that better all stakeholders.

You can learn more about Stingray Botanicals here.

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

Learn the 6 simple steps to becoming a benefit company or benefit corporation here.

~benefitcorporationsforgood.com~