Discovering My Why
When I look back, the turning point in my journey of blending business with philanthropy came from the sheer volume of charitable requests we received. Almost daily, multiple times a day, people would ask for donations or sponsorships for their causes. Instead of just writing checks, I started asking: How can we do more? That question led us to a different approach—helping nonprofits raise money by leveraging our business resources, marketing power, and event-planning expertise.
Take the March of Dimes, for example. Instead of just sponsoring their walk in Fort Myers, we hosted the event at our dealership, marketed it through our channels, and used our staff for manpower. Over time, we realized we were often better equipped to strategize and execute events than the nonprofits themselves. That shift—becoming an active partner instead of just a donor—transformed our relationship with the community and built a stronger connection between our business, our employees, and the causes we supported.
Looking back, I didn’t intentionally make philanthropy part of my growth strategy—it evolved naturally. But now, I see how crucial it is. If you’re operating in a community, you’re not just selling to it—you need to support the people who support you.
Aligning Business Goals with Community Impact
Building a business means creating a solid marketing and business plan, both monthly and annually. But what many don’t realize is that your community outreach should be a key part of that plan.
Think about it—when you weave philanthropy into your business strategy, it strengthens your brand. It’s not just about selling; it’s about serving. If you have competitors in the market, your brand will stand out when people see you as a business that genuinely cares. Over time, your company becomes known not just for what it sells, but for what it contributes. That’s what builds a lasting legacy.
A Moment That Defined My Purpose
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had was at a charity golf event in Kentucky. I had no idea what the event was about until I asked the organizer why there were so many celebrities in attendance. That’s when I learned about Blessings in a Backpack, a program that provides food to children from Title I schools on weekends when they don’t have access to school meals.
When I returned home, I dug into the numbers and was shocked to learn that nearly 90% of students in Lee County qualified for free and reduced lunch. That meant thousands of kids in my community were going hungry on weekends.
That realization sparked action. I called a group of business friends, and we each chipped in to launch Blessings in a Backpack of Lee County. Today, that program feeds 10,000 children every year. And the only thing holding us back from feeding more is fundraising. We are now the largest chapter in the U.S., and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
This experience reinforced something crucial—when you find a cause that aligns with your values, you don’t just donate; you build something that lasts.
Advice for Finding Your Own Why
If you’re trying to discover your purpose, start by looking at the resources you already have. Your people, your business, your skills—these can all be leveraged to make an impact.
Ask yourself:
✔️ What causes matter to me?
✔️ Where can I provide real value—beyond just financial support?
✔️ Do my employees or customers have specific interests in philanthropy?
The power of philanthropy is in engagement. It’s not just about cutting a check—it’s about getting involved in ways that align with your mission. And when you do, your employees, your customers, and your community will see your business as more than just a company—they’ll see it as a leader.
Keeping Purpose at the Forefront
Over time, my approach to philanthropy has shifted. Early on, I relied on the resources of my business—our people, facilities, and marketing. But as I transitioned out of dealerships, I had to become personally and financially involved in different ways.
Now, when I support a nonprofit, I want to do more than just contribute funds—I want to help grow the organization. That means challenging boards to create business plans, develop marketing strategies, and focus on long-term sustainability.
For example, when we provide funding now, we ask:
🔹 What will this money be used for?
🔹 How will it grow the organization?
🔹 What measurable impact will it have?
If a nonprofit can answer those questions, I know our investment is making a real difference. And when they show results, I’m more likely to continue supporting them.
Final Thoughts
Running a successful business isn’t just about profits—it’s about purpose. When you build community impact into your company’s DNA, you create something bigger than yourself.
So, I challenge you—take a step back and think about your why. What drives you? What legacy do you want to leave behind? Because when you find that answer, your business will thrive—not just in sales, but in significance.