Sustainability and Supplier Diversity: Three Small Business Origin Stories

On the heels of Earth Month, the Office of Sustainability is teaming up with the Office for Supplier Diversity to spotlight diverse businesses that emphasize sustainability or environmentally friendly products/services. Hear from three business owners- how they started, how it's going, and all the bumps along the road!

Zoom link: https://z.umn.edu/CoffeeChat3

Keith Deutsch, Ron's Cycle Shop (eBikes and more)
Ron's Cycle Shop is a certified disabled-owned business located north of New Prague, Minnesota. The shop was founded in 1979 to service motorcycles by Ron Deutsch, who moved back home to purchase his father Norbert Deutsch's farm. The third generation to steward to the farm, Ron never saw the age of 40 and his kids were still young when illness took him. Thirty years later, current owner Keith Deutsch (Ron's middle child) has put all his chips on the table and once again opened the doors. Ron's Cycle Shop now offers electric two wheel solutions to fleet level organizations and other customers.

Tammy Eberdt, One 2 One Marketing (eco-friendly promotional products)
One2One Marketing is a certified woman-owned and award-winning promotion and recognition agency. Among other things, owner Tammy Eberdt and her staff help create eye-catching and sustainable products and swag for companies and their events. Personal attention and customer service is a top priority to Tammy. 

Marit Woods, Arway (ethical and sustainable bags)
Arway is a certified BIPOC-owned company owned by Marit Woods, a Liberian-born and Minnesota-based designer. Marit is making waves by engaging Liberian youth with the art sector in order to create more economic opportunities and a beautiful product along the way. 

Made with West African Ankara and leather sourced from local hunters, each aspect of Woods’ durable bags is handpicked from locally produced or recycled materials in order to keep carbon emissions low.

Moderated by Wing Witthuhn, Business Development Manager, Office for Supplier Diversity