EXPERIENCE 223 | Building a Social Enterprise with Joe & Melissa Basta of Tellus Outdoor Gear

In this episode of the Loco Experience Podcast, I sit down with Joe and Melissa Basta, co-founders of Tellus, an outdoor apparel brand (and social enterprise) based in Fort Collins. They share their founding story, focusing on their commitment to sustainability using recycled or organic materials and donating 100% of their net profits to environmental initiatives. Melissa explains her role in overseeing marketing and the company's give-back programs, while Joe discusses his background in Outward Bound and Peace Corps, which influenced their company's mission and values. They discuss the challenges and successes of launching their flagship store in Fort Collins.

Tellus was seeded with funds from the sale of a previous business, Rodelle, which Joe developed into a vertically integrated vanilla extract business, connecting hundreds of farmers in Madagascar with millions of shoppers in Costco and Trader Joe’s.

The conversation also delves into their personal lives, including their mutual “early life crises” that led them to meet in the Peace Corps, their family dynamics and children, and how they balance their professional and personal lives. Joe and Melissa emphasize the importance of experiences, travel, and flexibility for young people figuring out their career and life journey, and the episode wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on the future of their business and their commitment to making a positive impact on the planet. They’ve got great gear, a wonderful mission, and strong conversation skills, and I know you’ll enjoy getting to know my latest guests, Joe & Melissa Basta.

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by: Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain