Better Capitalism Small(er) Business Awards
- Karen Kuykendall
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
We're ending the year as we have done since 2023 by featuring businesses that do capitalism well. We're also starting something new with this post: a quarterly recognition of great small(er) businesses. We have recognized larger corporations in the past; now it's time to do a shoutout for local companies that meet the criteria of pursuing long-term, mutually beneficial goals while also thriving financially.
We'll begin the series with businesses in our own areas (Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina), and we encourage our readers to send their own nominees to be featured in future posts. Is your small(er) business a good fit? Let us know. We want to acknowledge and encourage better capitalism wherever it is found!
Georgia Businesses
Opo Coffee (Decatur, GA)
Mission: To use specialty coffee to make a positive impact in people’s lives throughout the world
Motto: Coffee with Respect for All
Opo is Filipino for a respectful "yes." While many shops roast their own coffee, Opo also shares their knowledge by hosting a training lab for aspiring roastmasters and baristas where they can train for fun or certification. Opo lives out its mission by paying its employees a living wage, giving back by donating to 1% for the Planet, and making its bean sourcing personal. As the Daily Coffee News quoted Opo's Director of Operations, Chris Avirett: “Our approach with sourcing is to create long-term relationships with providers that are more than just transactional annual exchanges for goods. We strive to foster relationships that continually build on mutual dependability, from seed to sip.” The result is happy people from producers to servers to consumers.
Stanton Law Firm: (Atlanta, GA)
Mission: To build a profitable and sustainable firm so that each of us can pursue a fulfilling and satisfying life.
Motto: We find business solutions to simplify legal problems.
Two of the firm's partners (one of whom is Paul) have achieved the prestigious AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, which is the highest possible peer-review rating, indicating that a lawyer has reached the pinnacle of professional excellence for legal ability and ethical standards. More are sure to follow. While law firms are required to keep their client relationships confidential, voluntary Google reviews by their clients reflect the firm's commitment to mutually beneficial relationships.
Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market (Decatur, GA)
The winner of numerous awards, this Georgia landmark has been doing business well since 1977. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, Your Dekalb Farmer's Market has uniquely streamlined its operation to receive global shipments of fresh food directly, thus providing a large variety of quality items at lower cost. In line with the global variety of their products, their employees represent more than 40 countries and speak over 50 languages. Founder Robert Blazer has shared the secret to the company's success in his book, Our World Market, which is featured as a free downloadable on their website. The company mission is summed up in these words:
If we can imagine as real a world that works free of
scarcity and suffering, then it is possible.
Each of us has in us that which makes the difference.
Dare we be ourselves.
Smallbiz Ally (Buford, GA)
Motto: We don't just help you build your business. We help you build something meaningful.
Smallbiz Ally consulting firm is a standout in its field for all its many awards and multiple certifications. A woman-owned business that provides a full range of services, Smallbiz Ally focuses specifically on helping entrepreneurs, small businesses owners, nonprofits, community organizations, and subject matter experts. Their accolades range from the "You Make a Difference" Boys & Girls Club Award to its owner, Stephanie Sokenis, being made a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. Additionally, the website provides a unique Small Business Toolbox that features multiple low-cost resources available to aspiring businesses.
South & North Carolina Businesses
French Broad Chocolate Co. (Asheville, NC)
One noticeable feature of this downtown Asheville staple is the seemingly constant line out the door. Founders Dan Rattigan and Jael Skeffington's fascinating journey from Midwest graduate students to Costa Rican cacao plantation owners to WNC chocolate entrepreneurs is worth a read. Their ongoing business model includes sustainable sourcing from trusted farmers, sharing cacao shell mulch with local growers, and sourcing non-cacao ingredients from their area whenever possible. If you're lucky enough to visit their downtown location, make some extra time to see the production process at their factory. In supporting their business, you'll be supporting many other entrepreneurs who contribute to their fabulous product.
Creative Builders, Inc. (Greenville, SC)
Founded in 1971 by Billy McCauley II, this company take its commitment to both quality building and community seriously. Creative Builders exemplifies Better Capitalism's belief that a company that does good does well. In addition to being named one of the top 25 fastest growing companies in the state, it has also ranked in the top three of South Carolina workplaces by Integrated Media Publishing for the past nine years. The average coworker has been with the company for 15+ years, a testament to their work environment and employee care. They have also received the Community Foundation of Greenville and TOWN magazine's 2024 Philanthropic Spirit Award, Corporate Donor of the Year Award from Habitat for Humanity, and Carolina Credit Union's Partners in Philanthropy Award.
STG Solar (Brevard, NC)
Transitioning from electrical contractor to solar farm installer was not what founder Mike Kilpatrick planned to do. The first opportunity came in 2014 when a friend asked him to help with the electrical work for solar panels on his land. Once he started working with solar, Mike found that he and his team enjoyed not only the outdoor work but also being a part of the clean energy movement. According to Solar Power World, many of the employees who started with the company in 2011 are still there, a testament to their positive work environment. Recently, STG partnered with SPR (Solar Panels Recycling) and have streamlined its recycling program to recover 95% of renewable materials, which is almost twice that of the 50% industry average.
Endeavor (Greenville, SC)
We're big fans of win-win situations, and Endeavor Coworking and Meeting Spaces certainly seems to fit that bill! For independent agents, entrepreneurs, and business teams that may not be able to afford or don't have the need for their own storefronts but want an office, Endeavor provides multiple levels of workspace and meeting room choices. From a day pass to flex space to a dedicated desk, Endeavor's patrons can choose one or more days a month to work here or meet with their clients. In addition to other amenities, the 20,000 square foot space features a full range of office equipment, a community kitchen, and an on-site gym/shower room. Collaboration with fellow patrons and referrals also come more easily when people share the same space. With consistently high reviews, this model of business is obviously working for everyone involved.
Congratulations to all these great, local businesses that are doing business well! We look forward to the coming year when we can feature even more companies that have earned this well-deserved recognition.
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