Stories from the Community

Why a Portland Technical Fabricator Built Its Company  on the Triple Bottom Line
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Why a Portland Technical Fabricator Built Its Company on the Triple Bottom Line

The motivation for Willamette Technical Fabricators (WTF) becoming an Oregon Benefit Company was simple. The business and its founder wanted to inspire other companies in the manufacturing sector. After all, it’s not too common when you talk about a metal fabricator creating environmental and social impact. But that is exactly the mission of WTF.

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How an Oregon Startup Is Putting Soul into the Tech World
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How an Oregon Startup Is Putting Soul into the Tech World

From the get-go, the leadership team of the Signalmash brand at Mash Technologies asked themselves a simple question: “What does it mean to be a responsible tech company today?”

They found their answer with 3 simple words: People, Planet, Profit and the pillars of a benefit corporation.

Taking a triple bottom line approach to business made it easy to answer the hard questions of building a tech organization. If the action the company was evaluating didn’t also positively impact people and planet, the answer was a simple “no.”

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9 Advantages of Benefit Corporations
Tom Hering Tom Hering

9 Advantages of Benefit Corporations

There are many advantages to becoming a Benefit Corporation, including doing good for people and the planet. While there is no requirement to be certified to do good for the planet, being a Benefit Corporation could provide perks that you may not have ever had access to on your own.


So what are some of these perks? Below, nine thought leaders give their insights about what they see as the advantages of being a Benefit Corporation.


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

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

When Tribe Pilot decided to become an Oregon Benefit Company, it was not a deviation from their business map. The founders 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.

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Most Perplexing Question about the Triple Bottom Line?
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Most Perplexing Question about the Triple Bottom Line?

Let’s set the record straight.

We absolutely love the Millennial and Gen Z generations.

In our minds, their passion, their belief in doing what's right and their commitment to a better planet and community is without question.

Yet something troubles us about the Triple Bottom Line…

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How a Tiny California Town Underscored the Power of the Triple Bottom Line for Me
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How a Tiny California Town Underscored the Power of the Triple Bottom Line for Me

After just returning from an unforgettable trip to Northern California, I must say I have renewed and unabashed enthusiasm for the Triple Bottom Line movement. And it all started with our journey and quest for oysters and a stop at Hog Island Oyster Company.

It's what opened my eyes as we walked into this little gem of an oyster shack. For sure my mouth watered at the sight of the Sweetwaters and French Hog oysters that I saw in front of me. But what really got my attention …

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Why a Company Should Certify: A Client's Review
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Why a Company Should Certify: A Client's Review

As an advocate of the B Corporation movement and designation, I speak often about business certifications. Should a company apply for a certification? What’s the value in becoming certified? Is it worth the cost? Are some certifications more important than others?

In this post, I’ll try to answer some basic questions, framed in our company’s experience, and help you identify the kinds of designations you may want to avoid.

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Confession from a Devoted Advocate for the Triple Bottom Line
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Confession from a Devoted Advocate for the Triple Bottom Line

As I begin my second year as an evangelist for the Triple Bottom Line movement, I need to clear my conscience. You see, I have not always been the greatest example of People, Planet and Profit. And I hate admitting that because I do believe you lead by example.

But my story needs to be told.

Seven years ago…

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2 Words To Ensure Long-Term Entrepreneur Success  (Hint: Cause-Driven)
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

2 Words To Ensure Long-Term Entrepreneur Success (Hint: Cause-Driven)

There is no magic formula for a startup. But in today’s world, it is not just about focusing on the bottom line of generating revenue and managing expenses.  In 2019, customers make choices not solely on the cost and quality of a product or service, but whether the company itself is doing good. That means for entrepreneurs who want to ensure long-term success …

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Why the Heck Should I Become a Benefit Corporation in 2019?
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Why the Heck Should I Become a Benefit Corporation in 2019?

It’s a new year and you have been hearing things about this new business model. It’s called a Benefit Corporation.

Are you are intrigued?

It’s based on the principles of the triple bottom line of People Planet and Profit.  Perhaps your business already practices some of the principles.

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Why a Portland Management Consulting Firm Followed Its Heart in Becoming a Certified Oregon Benefit Company
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Why a Portland Management Consulting Firm Followed Its Heart in Becoming a Certified Oregon Benefit Company

It’s difficult to listen in on a business conversation these days without hearing the word metrics. Measuring what you do is a critical component to a business’s success and longevity. And that accountability is a key reason why co-founders Trever Cartwright and Michelle Janke pursued certification as an Oregon Benefit Company.

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Does Your Business Have a Soul? Here's How To Tell...
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Does Your Business Have a Soul? Here's How To Tell...

I’ve been around.  And I have many chapters in my life to prove it.

An executive at several major healthcare organizations, an ED at a nonprofit agency, a lead strategist at a branding agency, a coach and a consultant for many local and national government agencies, and an entrepreneur launching two start-up companies.   

AIong the way, I’ve worked in a multitude of capacities, partnering with…

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Lights On: How Compelling Is Your Website's Home Page?
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Lights On: How Compelling Is Your Website's Home Page?

Let's be honest. People go to your website to get a “feel” for who you are. Yes, they want to know what services you provide, but more than that, they want to understand your personality, your brand and what you stand for. A well-branded home page positions you and gives you an edge in increasingly competitive markets. This is done with...

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How the Curse of Cats Improves Your Communications
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How the Curse of Cats Improves Your Communications

You have undoubtedly heard the expression before.

"Curiosity killed the cat."

Now curiosity might be a bad omen for felines.

However, it is anything but that if you're a business seeking to create high engagement in your communications...

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