Jeff Sheinbein and Kevin McCracken, co-founders of Social Imprints, were named one of America's Most Promising Social Entrepreneurs, and then they were voted by Businessweek.com readers as the top choice. Based in San Francisco, Social Imprints is a printing company that offers higher-paying employment to at-risk adults.
SocialBusiness.org got the opportunity to talk with Kevin McCracken, and hopefully, by the end of it, you'll see what Bloomberg Businessweek readers see in this American social business.
Four Questions with Kevin McCracken
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
Social Imprints was incorporated in 2008, but the seeds of the company were planted in 1999. At the time, Jeff Sheinbein, now Social Imprints CEO, was executive director of a San Francisco non-profit printing company called AI, that hired recovering drug addicts and formerly homeless individuals. Jeff advertised for an admin assistant, and I came in days later, as a shy young man, to apply.
I'd been referred by a counselor at Walden House, a Bay Area drug rehab and treatment center. Jeff liked me I was hired. Soon, I was answering phones, filing paperwork, and performing other duties. My energy and enthusiasm were immediately apparent, and I was soon promoted to sales manager. In 2004, I became executive director, when Jeff was invited to help start a similar non-profit social-based printing company in London.
When Jeff returned from London, we met again with the intention of starting a new social enterprise. After throwing around a bunch of ideas, a sales driving printing company was agreed on. With the shared experience in printing & social enterprise the idea seemed perfect.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
Both Jeff & I have decided it is in our DNA to work in social enterprise. We have both tried to do other work and it is just not satisfying.
3. How do you get your inspiration?
We are inspired by the need we see in the community around us and our personal experiences. The work itself is an inspiration. For me, it is part of my life to give back the opportunities I was given. Although it is not always easy, we have had each other to lean on as well.
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
I have been playing drums for 20 years, so when I get tired and worn out, frustrated I try to head into the studio to just play. I also meditate twice a day, and spend time with my wife and daughter. Having a child has changed my motivation on many levels. I want to leave her something more than just a business, I want to give her something that she can see makes a difference.
Kevin McCracken, COO/Co-Founder of Social Imprints (INTERVIEW)
Printer with a Social Mission
Trend Themes
1. Social Enterprises - Social Imprints' success highlights the growing trend of businesses that prioritize social impact alongside profit, creating space for more companies that meet this criteria.
2. Employment for At-risk Communities - Social Imprints' hiring practices demonstrate the potential for businesses to empower at-risk communities by providing stable employment and fair wages, an opportunity for more organizations to follow suit.
3. Socially-oriented Printing Services - Social Imprints' unique model offers printing services with a social mission, creating opportunities for other printing companies to integrate social impact into their business models.
Industry Implications
1. Printing Industry - The printing industry can benefit from following Social Imprints' example by using their business to make positive social change and cultural impact in their communities.
2. Social Enterprises Industry - Social Imprints' innovative business model exemplifies the potential for social enterprises to make a significant difference, creating space for more socially oriented businesses to emerge.
3. At-risk Employment Industry - As businesses like Social Imprints prove it is possible to empower at-risk communities through sustainable employment opportunities, other organizations can learn from their success and apply similar practices across a variety of industries.