Philanthropy Isn’t Just a Side Project—It’s Part of Who I Am

When people hear the word “philanthropy,” they often think of big checks and charity galas. But for me, giving back is about much more than that. It’s woven into how I live, lead, and do business. It’s not something I squeeze into my schedule when I have time, it’s something I prioritize, because I believe that real success means lifting others up along the way.

As a business owner and community leader, I’ve learned that impact and income don’t have to compete. In fact, they can work hand-in-hand. Building strong companies that give back isn’t just good karma, it’s good leadership. It creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the boardroom.

Why Giving Back Matters to Me Personally

I didn’t grow up thinking I’d become a business owner. My early experiences weren’t rooted in profit margins or market strategy, they were rooted in people. I saw firsthand how community support can change lives. I also saw what happens when it’s missing.

That stuck with me. So when I finally had the ability to build something from the ground up, I knew philanthropy had to be a core part of it. Not a “nice to have” but a must have.

Giving back gives me purpose. It reminds me why the long hours and tough decisions are worth it. It also keeps me grounded. When I volunteer, when I mentor, when I show up for causes that matter, it reconnects me to what’s really important. It fuels my passion and sharpens my leadership.

How Philanthropy Shows Up in My Business Life

At CDI, we don’t just talk about giving back, we design it into our business model. We ask ourselves regularly: How can this project help the broader community? What local nonprofits could benefit from this partnership? How can we create opportunities for others as we grow?

We intentionally collaborate with organizations that share our values and vision for positive change. We sponsor events, fundraise, donate resources, and, most importantly, we show up. Time, energy, and sweat equity matter just as much as money.

Beyond that, we create space for our team to engage in giving back, too. Whether it’s paid volunteer days, matching donations, or team service projects, we make it clear that we’re not just a business, we’re part of a larger ecosystem. And when we support that ecosystem, everyone thrives.

Volunteering as a Leadership Tool

Some leaders think their job is to stay at the top and delegate down. But I believe in leading from the front, and sometimes that means rolling up your sleeves and picking up a hammer or serving meals or showing up to clean up a park. Volunteering isn’t beneath me, it’s essential to who I am as a leader.

When I volunteer, I get to see the community through a different lens. I meet people I might never cross paths with otherwise. I listen more. I will learn more. That shapes the way I lead at work, it makes me more compassionate, more creative, and more connected.

It also sets the tone for my team. When they see me giving back, they know it’s not just lip service. They know we’re building something that values people as much as profit. And that attracts people who want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Giving Back Isn’t Always Glamorous—And That’s the Point

Let’s be honest: giving back isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it means hard, unrecognized work. It means committing to causes that don’t get headlines or quick wins. But that’s exactly why it matters.

I’ve spent time with nonprofits doing everything from mentoring young entrepreneurs to supporting food insecurity and sustainability projects. I’ve worked with organizations that help veterans, youth, and underserved communities. Some of these efforts don’t get the attention they deserve, but they make a real difference. And that’s what counts.

We don’t do this for the press. We do it because we should, because we can. That’s the real test of character in business and in life: what do you do when no one’s watching?

Making Giving Back a Habit, Not a Trend

We live in a time where “social impact” has become a buzzword. And while I’m glad philanthropy is getting more attention, I also believe it has to go deeper than a PR campaign. Giving back should be a habit, not a trend.

For me, that means building philanthropy into my calendar, my business strategy, and my personal goals. I treat it like any other responsibility, because it is. Whether it’s carving out time each month to volunteer, setting up long-term giving plans, or mentoring emerging leaders, I make space for it in my life.

And I encourage others, especially fellow business owners and entrepreneurs—to do the same. You don’t have to wait until you’ve “made it” to start giving back. You can start now, with what you have. Time, knowledge, resources, it all counts.

Leading with Heart

At the end of the day, I want to be known for more than the companies I’ve built or the deals I’ve made. I want to be known for how I showed up, for my community, for causes that matter, for people who needed support.

Philanthropy isn’t separate from my business life, it informs it. It reminds me what leadership really means. It challenges me to think bigger and lead with heart.

If we all approached business with the same energy we bring to serving others, imagine what we could build together. For me, that’s the ultimate goal: success that doesn’t just elevate me, but lifts up everyone around me.