The Benefits of Co-ops: Building Wealth and Empowering Communities
About the Guest(s):
Vernon Oakes is the General Partner at Everything Co-op Communications, LLC, a media company that promotes cooperative business models. With over 40 years of experience in property and asset management, Vernon became familiar with cooperative business models as the owner of a residential property management company. He is also the host of the leading weekly national radio program for the US Cooperative community. Vernon holds an MBA from Stanford University and has significant national and international experience in various business activities, including marketing, sales, forecasting, distribution, and service and systems design.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss interviews Vernon Oakes, the General Partner at Everything Co-op Communications, LLC. Vernon shares his passion for cooperative business models and explains how they benefit individuals, families, and communities. He discusses the different types of co-ops, including worker co-ops, consumer co-ops, purchasing co-ops, and marketing co-ops. Vernon emphasizes the importance of cooperation among co-ops and the value of education, training, and information in the success of co-op businesses. He also highlights the resilience of co-ops during economic downturns and the positive impact they have on self-worth and dignity.
Key Takeaways:
Co-ops are businesses created by and for their members, providing benefits to the community and families in those communities.
There are four main types of co-ops: worker co-ops, consumer co-ops, purchasing co-ops, and marketing co-ops.
Co-ops operate based on values and principles such as cooperation among co-ops, education, training, and information sharing.
Co-ops are more resilient than non-co-ops during economic downturns and have a higher chance of long-term success.
The biggest benefits of co-ops are the financial wealth and self-worth and dignity they provide to individuals and communities.
Notable Quotes:
“Co-ops are always training each other on best principles, best ways of doing businesses, best practices.” – Vernon Oakes
“Co-ops are operated by values and principles. One of the principles is cooperation among co-ops.” – Vernon Oakes
“Co-ops end up helping each other. Credit unions help housing co-ops, housing co-ops help food co-ops.” – Vernon Oakes
“Co-ops are businesses that really help the community. If you want your family and community to be successful, look at starting a co-op.” – Vernon Oakes
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