We recently connected with Larry Campbell and have shared our conversation below.
Larry, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Our idea was to change the trajectory of youth through academic assistance. It began with after school snacks and homework help for minority students. The students’ grades improved but because of poverty and immigration status, their home life lacked stability which overwhelmed the academic area.
So, we moved to two generation helping the student while helping the parents with better jobs and immigration through relationships.
Corners uses Asset Based Community Development- To honor an individual or a people group, you must listen.
You must meet them where they are and celebrate the gifts inherent to them. Yes, we all have things to improve, but seeing those too early in a relationship does not build trust, kindness, or connection.
Larry, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
i grew up in poverty with loving parents on a small farm. We had plenty of food. We always went to church. I am faith lead. No one had finished high school in our family. My mom said we can do anything we want. I went to college and went to work for the 6th largest company in the world. I was successful and made it to the corporate headquarters. I learned so much. I was able to lead change in manufacturing facilities to save jobs. I left to start a consulting company in Atlanta to be closer to home which was in the Nashville area. In my consulting company, we lead process change with implementation of new software. We taught to be observers 80% of the time and only draw conclusions after days of observation. Finding observation increase listening. Drawing conclusions, hinders listening.
I started the nonprofit while leading the consulting company. Our community needed help. I was taught if you have the opportunity and ability, you are responsible to contribute.
With my faith and consulting background we did a lot of listening and problem-solving giving power to everyone. Our focus is relationships.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When i was in 10th grade, I took Geometry. I made a really low score at the six-week test, and I was called into the vice principle and counselor’s office. They ask what I was doing in Geometry. I responded that I was going to college. they responded that I was not college material. I needed to drop that class and be a farmer. I did not share that with my dad because he would have agreed. I did not drop the class.
Two years later, I was called into the same office with the same two people. They wanted to congratulate me on having the highest math ACT score in the last ten years. No mention was made about the previous meeting.
I am thankful I stayed the course. Many of our families are facing greater issues and are staying the course as we walk out life with them.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I am a white guy born in the south leading a nonprofit whose staff and focused audience is 98% minority and 89% Latino. I love and play sports which is about skill not language or ethnicity. Because of my faith, i know we are all made in the image of God. i am thankful that through authentic relationships we have created a brand of belonging and family.
As our reputation grew, more schools, courts, etc. referred minorities to us and we welcomed them in. Many people are surprised I am not Latino.
Every parent wants a better life for their children. In many cases, we have resources to share but do not have the connections. Corners connects our worlds because we are better together. Our brand is a combination of social enterprise, relationships and social responsibility. we enable everyone to have a voice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cornersoutreach.org/
