We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daniel Craig . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daniel below.
Daniel , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?
In 2016 we started the initiative, “School Supply Closet.” School Supply Closet helps stock several closets in the Nashville public school system with needed school supplies. This allows
teachers to access school supplies easily when they become depleted. Each year we
help a total of 13 schools, with aspirations to help more. The school supply closet assured teachers wouldn’t have to incur the unwanted expense for their student’s backpacks, paper, and pens. Thus the teachers and parents could afford groceries. Bridge Builder Program Inc recognizes that every little help can change a life. —
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Daniel Craig was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Middle Tennessee State University and additionally he matriculated and earned his Master’s in Public Administration from Tennessee State University. Daniel also earned a certification in Non-Profit Administration in addition to his other academic accolades. He was the special education teacher at Cora Howe Exceptional School in Nashville TN for 21 years. During his tenure with Cora Howe, Daniel Craig designed and executed a work-based learning program for its high school students. In this program, students with special needs were taught basic life skills to better equip them for job placement after graduation.
My name is Daniel Craig. For twenty years I was in Special Education in Nashville Metro Schools, working closely with students, their families and staff. Seven years ago, I founded Bridge Builders Inc., a non-profit that strives to serve any population that needs our help, but specifically focused on our city’s youth. Over the years, we have worked extensively with Nashville Metro Schools in a variety of ways, including Read Across America, providing students from low-income families with free haircuts and toiletries, and a mentoring program for Special Education students. In addition, one of our on-going projects is ensuring that Metro teachers have a well-stocked supply closet so that they are able to provide students with the tools they need to thrive in an educational environment.
Accomplishments & Awards
-Daily Point of Light Award Recipient
“The official 7,456th Point of Light”
Mary Catherine Strobel Award Winner
for Group Volunteer Service
Donated 144,000 bottles of water to the Nashville Rescue Mission
Grants Awarded
– State Farm Grant Recipient
Kroger, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco,
Publix Whole Foods
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
I met Quintin Robinson Co-Founder & VP When I worked at Cora Howe School. Quintin was born and raised in Nashville, TN. Quintin earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree at Tennessee State University in Agricultural Business and Agricultural Education. Currently finishing up his Doctoral Degree at Virginia Tech University in Agricultural Leadership and Community Education. Before going to work on my Ph.D. Quintin taught 9th-grade AgriScience at McGavock Highschool for 3 years as well as coached football varsity and freshman. Quintin also taught at Cora Howe where he became a Registered Behavior Technician(RBT)for 5 years. (RBT)assists a board-certified behavior analyst in helping individuals on the autism spectrum develop social skills, as well as helping others with behavioral challenges. He and I had the same feelings when it came to helping others. We wanted to see a change so we both agreed to find a way to get Bridge. Builders to become a full local non-profit
Any advice for managing a team?
Keep an open line of communication. Managing a team is about getting active and letting the team know that we move as one. There is no team without everyone participating and thriving. As a manager, the question isn’t how can I improve the team, but how can we improve together? Maintaining high morale for me shows that I am willing to do the smallest or largest task to see the team win. Each individual who is a part of my team seeks growth and as the manager, I push them to reach for leadership and high positions. My success comes from seeing my whole team win. Together we can accomplish anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebridgebuilder1911.com
- Instagram: BridgeBuilderTN
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgebuildertn?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: @BridgeBuilderTN
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bridgebuilderTN