Purpose & Profit: How Mission-Driven Businesses Make it Work

In this episode of INcorporate, Susan and Jordan sit down with two mission-driven entrepreneurs who are proving that business can be both profitable and purposeful. Del Reid, co-founder of Bills Mafia and founder of 26 Shirts, and Curtis Knight, founder of Cater Tots, share how they built financially sustainable businesses that give back to their communities in powerful ways.

Through personal stories and practical advice, Del and Curtis reveal how their core values shaped their business models—and how staying focused on their missions fuels both impact and income.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The origin stories behind 26 Shirts and Cater Tots

• How to build a mission-driven business without sacrificing sustainability

• Balancing heart and margins in day-to-day operations

• Mistakes learned the hard way (and how they rebounded)

• Hiring people aligned with your mission and building a values-based culture

• How to measure success beyond just revenue

• Avoiding burnout and staying passionate over the long haul

• The role CEL (UB's Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership) played in their growth

• Advice for founders who want to make a difference while making a living

Tune in now and learn how to build a business that does good while doing well. Learn more about 26 Shirts and Cater Tots. Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Lemur Studios.