INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of mission-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities, industries, and around the world.
David Dragoo is the President of Mayfly Outdoors. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram and learn more at mayflyoutdoors.com.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Mayfly is an outdoor products company. Our mission is to provide outdoor enthusiasts with the best, most dependable products in the world while engaging in efforts to protect our natural environment.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
Mayfly is more than just a business; we are a partner with our local community. In conjunction with our passion to make the best, most compelling products, our vision is to be a leader in the outdoor community through efforts to help protect our local wildlife habitats. Through this process, we empower our employees to think and act like owners, developing them into leaders who will positively impact the places and communities where they live, work, and play.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
In our local community, Mayfly is not only expanding our business, we undertaking a 164-acre re-development of the Uncompahgre River. This project is called Colorado Outdoors and we are working closely with both local and state public entities to revitalize a key section within the City of Montrose, Colorado. The project aims to conserve nearly 40 acres of wetlands and fishing habitat, in addition to adding nearly 2.5 miles of bike trails. We are also designing new river enhancements to improve the fly fishing water recreation. The project is currently underway and more information can be found at ColoradoOutdoors.CO
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
Several years ago, we were introduced to the leadership at B-Lab, the non-profit that administers B Corp certifications. We were were inspired by their mission that businesses can be used as a force for good. Seeing early adopters in B-Lab like clothing company Patagonia, Inc. further reinforced the values we wanted. We began to look at our business differently and found that our biggest impact could be from aligning our mission with our local community. We are a hyper- local company, and we set out to do just that.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Our biggest impact is the being a leader in our city, and now our our home state of Colorado. In conjunction with our business expansion locally, our principal goal is to realize the vision of the Colorado Outdoors project. This goal is set on preserving vital river corridor areas and making the project a compelling destination for the local and regional communities on the Western Slope.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
We are very fortunate to have a local city that is currently investing nearly $10 million to improve the site. But there is room for more and the key is to align our mission on a greater scale with more private partnerships throughout the United States. Simply stated, we need more private investment to go along with our public investments. In partnership with Greater Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the project was awarded another $2 million in grant funding for the design and construction of the trail, matched locally by our awesome Montrose Recreation Center at nearly another $2 million.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Our biggest challenge is getting stakeholder buy-in. Our business expansion and revitalization project is combination of several meaningful partnerships, particularly ones that need constant attention and nurturing to align the various organizations. There were a total of nine local taxing bodies, and dozens of smaller groups involved, not to mention the county and state of Colorado. As the project expands, it will be critical in keeping the mission alignment with our stakeholders.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
First, find out what the other person or organization you are working with wants/needs. Then see if there are ways to help them. Only after you’ve made a meaningful effort to help them, and ideally achieved results for them, should you ask for what you want.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
Get in touch with us. Call, email, even text. The best thing is find out more information directly with us, and then we see if we can help.
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations is an award-winning communications agency that generates awareness, engagement, and, ultimately, support for mission-driven organizations. We amplify their voice and reach so they can increase their impact. If you would like to be featured on INSPIRED IMPACT, reach out to hello@orapinmarketing.com.