We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Sean Dixon and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Sean, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Well, we can start at a high-level. Our business is structured as a Public Benefit LLC, which is a legal entity that is not forced by corporate law to drive shareholder primacy. Simply Tiny Development has adopted the focus on the triple-bottom line– disturbing dividends equally across shareholders, stakeholders, and the environment. The business is currently pending a B Corp certification, which is a third-party certification, that if earned, shows that the business meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance. Our structure coupled with the B Corp certification gives us a legal and enforceable method to use the business for good. Secondly, I would have to discuss Simply Tiny’s culture and workforce. We are an Early Stage startup with 3 total employees. The team consistently works towards becoming a values-driven unit- meaning the business is used as a vehicle to express unique strengths and individual core values. Easily put, our workforce is driven by passion and a well defined purpose. We have core values as a business, but the expression of personal values in daily operations keeps the company in a surplus of positive emotions and energy. The ability to use personal strengths on a continuous basis induces a state of flow in the business that is tough to replicate with common management principles. Employees are not expected to stay forever, in fact, we hope that people outgrow our company, and always strive for bigger and better opportunities. This is of course, is all in the hope that seeds of positive change will germinate in new places when employees choose to move on. The one true way to create material positive impact in the world is to change yourself through development, education, experiences, and meaningful connection. The business was designed using many techniques from successful sustainability companies like Patagonia and Seventh Generation. My research has shown that company culture is what allowed sustainability leaders to keep their company doors open during the first few years. Simply Tiny Development employs looped-business model practices to drive efficiency. Our team is looking to become leaders in sustainability.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Simply Tiny Development, we develop sustainable tiny homes with positive environmental impacts. What sets us apart from others is we have developed economies of scale through sustainability practices. In fact, we have a dedicated sustainability coordinator who actively looks for ways to reduce our consumption while improving the quality of our building materials. We are set to put novel materials into our first homes this year. We have carbon sequestering hemp wood for floors, permeable concrete to reduce flooding, and possibly the use of hemp concrete for insulation. What is good for the planet, is good for business; and our number 1 customer is planet earth. We are very proud of all of our business growth. However, there are two events that come to the front of my mind when thinking about proud moments and excitement. The first event was when we locked down our first contract for tiny homes. At the time that was a huge win for us when we were exploring the markets. Second, lies in the future. We are going into our first capital raise this month. The capital raise has been a difficult process because of all the upfront capital required to even start raising funds. Our faith has been tested numerous times, but our resolve remains firm. The universe has always provided exactly what we needed at the exact right time. So we move forward with confidence that the dots are there for us to connect. Simply Tiny Development has grown through persistence, faith, and a healthy dose of skepticism. As I stated before, we are a values-based organization. We are full of hope and optimism, but we hold regular “reality orientation” meetings. This is part of our risk philosophy. We always have to be looking ahead at what could threaten our survival as a company. This also casts vision forward where team members can foresee obstacles or challenges, then quickly react or help others do the same. It helps us to quickly overcome challenges, learn from our mistakes, and then apply those lessons. Nothing worth having is ever easy. I think our biggest lessons so far have come in times of conflict with communication and learning curves. Time and time again, we have underestimated the size of the learning curve in a new undertaking. Communication is always difficult, especially with the pandemic. We really have to optimize our face-to-face time together. Task and time management are keys to achieving this goal. The emphasis is on managing what goes into the work hours, not how many work hours we put in. I would like them to know that Simply Tiny is a small company with a big heart and an even bigger mission–changing the definition of an “affordable” house. Through our practices, we lower the net cost of owning a home through sustainable methods that help the earth. Our homes are designed with generations in mind. We would like to invite you to join us here: https://wefunder.com/simply.tiny.development
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Week long in the winter we are definitely going to Winter Park, Steamboat, or Crested Butte for a few days. In Denver I think Tamayo and Barcelona Wine Bar are some the best restaurants around. Drinks would be had at New Terrain in Golden, followed promptly with a visit to Woody’s Pizza or Bonfire Burrito for a snack. Golden Gate Canyon is my go-to place nearby. Tons of good hikes and a few camping spots for a weekend getaway
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I don’t think there is enough space on the page to thank everyone who has supported us so far. I would have to dedicate this shoutout to my team. I’d like to let them know how proud I am of them and their unwavering dedication to making Simply Tiny successful. Thanks, Team.
Website: www.simplytinydevelopment.com
Instagram: @simplytinydev
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sean-dixon-99300a106/