After interviewing Jerry Smith, a social entrepreneur in Detroit, Michigan, I made a narrated PowerPoint displaying the information I gained through the interview.
3. Demographic questionnaire summary Male 63 years old Single No children Capuchin Soup Kitchen and On the Rise Bakery are social services On the Rise Bakery started in 2006 67 employees in the food kitchen, 4-5 full-time bakers, 6 trainees
5. Metaphor Smith says, “Being a social entrepreneur is like leaping into the deep end of the pool without knowing how to swim.” Friars had no idea how to start and manage business
6. Stories and narratives Entrepreneurial story Bakers sell food in retail store during week Sell food to parishes after weekend services Pastors allow bakers to tell their stories Audience Church groups, community groups, students
7. Stories and narratives Essential elements Smith says, “People must realize that this is a vehicle for men to change their lives.” Changing the story Past – soup kitchen is a charity Present – soup kitchen provides justice and change
11. Challenges Unique challenges faced by social entrepreneurs Funding – will never get conventional funding from a bank, most operate on donations and grants Biggest challenges Smith has faced Meeting the needs of the men in the program Challenging the men Finding a facility and renovating it Marketing
12. Uncertainties Uncertainties Money – Will we have enough money to keep going? Strategies Work with University of Michigan Become more efficient Screen men more thoroughly before they enter the program Open new markets
13. Risks Risks Challenges of funding – Afraid the bakery will be a burden on the soup kitchen Ruining the reputation of the soup kitchen if something tragic were to happen with the bakery
14. Risks Strategies to handle risks Talk to staff about how the bakery needs to protect the good name of Capuchin Soup Kitchen Be very careful about who speaks to the public about the program and who works in the store Open invitation for people to come and see what the bakery does
15. Work-life balance Challenges to balancing responsibilities Bakers sleeping on Jerry Smith’s living room floor Strategies to balance responsibilities Develop specific hours that the bakery is open Try not to take work home at night Not having a cell phone (most effective – unavailable after work hours)
17. Persuasion and compliance gaining Situations where persuasion skills are needed Smith says, “I do a lot of speaking in front of groups. Some of the groups don’t have a lot of experience with people from the city, and so they have some preconceived notions about people who live in the city and people who are facing the kinds of situations from which we draw our bakers.”
19. Advice Look for a niche market Something unique Something for which there is possibility for success Go for it Dream Think out of the box See what happens Don’t be afraid to fail
20. Additional comment Smith says, “This project [On the Rise Bakery] has captured the imagination of the people here. We’ve had tremendous support. The bakery is a breath of fresh air for the soup kitchen.”
21. Conclusion Funding is an ever-present need Social entrepreneurs must have the ability to dream but also implement strategies for success Apply knowledge gained from past experiences
