PHOTO: ASKINOSIE CHOCOLATE
directly support programs and activities
that will help return buffalo to the Great
Plains and bring renewed health and opportunity to Native American communities.
"We didn't create this business to get rich.
We're really trying to change our situation,
our economy," Hunter says. "We're rising to
where we began as a strong nation."
2013 LEADERSHIP AWARD:
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Shawn Askinosie, Founder and
Owner, Askinosie Chocolate
B
y building a renowned single-origin chocolate
company with a core focus on community outreach, Shawn Askinosie created a new corporate
model that has the potential to change the way
people do business.
Going Forward
Hunter believes in giving people opportunity. "They will grasp it and run with it.
Without our people, our company would be
nothing," she says. Native American Natural
Foods continues to grow and expand, with
the company launching three new buffalobased products this year. Hunter says the
award belongs to everyone who works at the
company. "They have really dug in and taken
ownership of this."
Inspiration
Working for 20 years as a defense attorney gave Shawn Askinosie decades to work on social
justice issues. But when the time came for a career change, he knew his next move would
involve two things: artisanal chocolate and serving the community. He launched his company
in 2007, and today he trades directly with cacao farmers across four continents and shares
the profits from the chocolate made with their beans. He also works with the farmers on
post-harvest techniques and pays above the rate of fair trade prices.
Considered partners in the business, the farmers and the 13 fulltime employees at the
factory in Springfield, Mo., take part in the company's Open Book Management, wherein
Askinosie shares the company's financial information. Askinosie also teaches his partners
Now, anyone can enjoy gluten free!
Scan now to get
a special discount.
Visit us at the Natural Products Expo at booth #5385!
sales@stickyfingersbakeries.com
•
www.stickyfingersbakeries.com
•
1.800.458.5826
MARCH 2013
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