In this episode, we interview Josh Dorfman, CEO of Simbly. We talk about his time as, in our words, a media mogul and the brain behind the brand “The Lazy Environmentalist”.
“The more we can sell, the more we are doing for the planet, because you’re taking customers away from the people who don’t care about sourcing and sustainable practices.”
Here’s What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
- How Josh become the director of Venture Asheville, the Angel program, and The Collider
- How Asheville and this area are the furniture capital of the country and what that means for revitalizing around craftsmanship, and economic opportunity
- What it means for you to be in business with LOHAS (Lifestyle Of Health And Sustainability)
- Why if you align with the values of the organization or business, there’s no reason to shy away from opportunities
- The process of deciding on a business name with the help of friends, peers, and professionals
- Why Josh’s 8-year old son was one of the biggest names in NASCAR recently
Enjoyed this interview? We think you might also dig this episode with our favorite local sustainability-focused business owner, Gillie Roberts.
Show Notes
About Josh Dorfman
Josh Dorfman is an environmental entrepreneur, author, and media personality dedicated to building and leading mission-driven ventures. He is co-founder and CEO of Simbly, a modern design, sustainable furniture company. Josh is also the founder and chief curator of Lazy Environmentalist, a sustainable lifestyle media brand. He has produced and hosted a primetime reality TV show on Sundance Channel and a national radio show on Sirius and written two books on sustainable living.
Josh was also CEO of The Collider, a nonprofit innovation and entrepreneurship center for climate change solutions. Josh currently resides in Asheville, NC, where he led Asheville’s high-growth startup community as Director of Venture Asheville and co-founded and was Managing Director of Asheville Angels, an early-stage angel investment group investing in startups across the Southeast. He is currently a member of Governor Cooper’s North Carolina Entrepreneurial Council. Oh, and his son may be the best young NASCAR predictor.
To learn more about Simbly, The Lazy Environmentalist, and more, check out the links below:
For the Simbly website follow this link
For the Lazy Environmentalist website click here
Josh on LinkedIn
People
- Michael Crook CEO of Patagonia – At a sustainability convention, Josh was inspired by the words, “we’re still really good, but our consumers expect more of us”.
- Benton Crane- CEO of Harmon Brothers, a marketing/advertising company whose keynote Tony listened to. “If you’re in any business, the first objective is to see if there’s a viable economic system that you can approve of. If the answer is no, don’t continue. Don’t let passion lead you into the sandpit.”
- Professor Dara O’Rourke is an environmental scientist and professor who is making strides in the environmental sector that Josh mentions in this episode.
Places
Books & Media
Businesses Making a Difference
- The Kauffman Foundation looks at startups as well as supports them and found that you need city leadership to be a proponent figure of start-ups.
- Patagonia sells clothing and outdoor gear, and yes we love them and possibly have a puffer coat on as we type this.
- Whole Foods Market is a multinational supermarket chain that sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Seventh Generation is an American company that sells eco-friendly cleaning, paper, and personal care products.
- Allbirds make comfy shoes and use eco-friendly practices.
Music by Commonwealth Choir
