It all started with packing a school lunch. For mompreneurs Lynn Julian and Chance Claxton, the growth of their respective families made them realize just how much they wasted plastic bags, drink cartons, and single-use containers on a daily basis. These items would eventually make it to a landfill and the cycle of waste would continue — unless they took action to make an environmentally conscious change. The two decided to start B Corporation U-Konserve in 2008 and used those school lunches as inspiration for creating a waste-free lunch kit. Then and now, their goal is to provide reusable solutions that will help change consumer behavior and benefit the planet. Read on to find out more about Lynn and Chance and their Scottsdale, AZ-based B Corp.
The mission behind U-Konserve: “In the beginning, our mission was to reduce as much lunch time trash in school systems around the world as possible by creating waste free reusable lunch kits. This mission has expanded far beyond the lunch table and to all other types of waste reduction. ”
How our first retreat made us feel embraced by the B Corp community: “Becoming a B Corporation was a very proud accomplishment for us! It reminded us of our global responsibility and why we started this business. We especially became aware of the impact of B Corps when we attended our first retreat. We love being a part of such an important and well executed mission and are honored to be a part of a group which includes such amazing individuals and corporations.”
On triumphing over trash: “Our biggest success story has been reducing trash for sure. Knowing how many thousands of containers, bottles, straws and food kozies we have sold is a clear indicator that more and more people are listening and aware of the fact that ”
How U-Konserve walks the walk to “B The Change” in the world: “We send the message out each day whether it is from statistics and information on our website or our Instagram educating people about the importance of reuse but also, we all participate and ‘walk the walk’ and remind each other regularly about ways to make a difference even beyond using our products. A lot of this is instigated through our many partnerships with other organizations and other brands.”
If you want to become a B Corp… “At least go through the process! It is a huge lesson and exercise in how important it is to think globally while owning/running/working for a business! It is like getting your MBA in sustainability going through the audit process.”
B Corps are one hot, hot, hot entity! “The future is BRIGHT! What an amazing vision to think that the movement will only continue to grow and inspire businesses and people around the globe to do the right thing…. for people and of course ultimately for the planet.”
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About Lynn Julian and Chance Claxton, Co-Founders, U-Konserve
Lynn Julian began her career with an institutional financial advisor, later became a manager for a large mutual fund company, then accepted another challenge when a new company emerged. In her role as Senior Vice President, she grew the financial services organization to over 100 branches nationwide, and recruited and managed over 500 brokers and advisors. While raising her children, Lynn became increasingly aware of the tons of lunch trash that was being added to landfills every year. In 2008 she partnered with her co-founder to address this pressing issue, and their new venture was born.
Chance Claxton was an original team member for the launch and positioning of the contemporary retail furniture company Design Within Reach. Prior to that she co-launched Pentimento, an architectural series of ceramics, and has been a merchandising and marketing consultant for start-up companies. After the birth of her daughter in 2003, she became increasingly concerned about the environment, so she partnered with her good friend to create a product line that would educate families about the importance of reuse, and reduce the staggering amount of trash that was headed to our landfills.
Deborah Sweeney Deborah Sweeney is an advocate for protecting personal and business assets for business owners and entrepreneurs. With extensive experience in the field of corporate and intellectual property law, Deborah provides insightful commentary on the benefits of incorporation and trademark registration.
Education: Deborah received her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Pepperdine University, and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of West Los Angeles and San Fernando School of Law in corporate and intellectual property law.
Experience: After becoming a partner at LA-based law firm, Michel & Robinson, she became an in-house attorney for MyCorporation, formerly a division in Intuit. She took the company private in 2009 and after 10 years of entrepreneurship sold the company to Deluxe Corporation. Deborah is also well-recognized for her written work online as a contributing writer with some of the top business and entrepreneurial blogging sites including Forbes, Business Insider, SCORE, and Fox Business, among others.
Fun facts/Other pursuits: Originally from Southern California, Deborah enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, Benjamin and Christopher, and practicing Pilates. Deborah believes in the importance of family and credits the entrepreneurial business model for giving her the flexibility to enjoy both a career and motherhood. Deborah, and MyCorporation, have previously been honored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s List of the Valley’s Largest Women-Owned Businesses in 2012. MyCorporation received the Stevie Award for Best Women-Owned Business in 2011.