Q&A with Trenton Paul, CEO of Made for Good

 Made For Good is a new brand that focuses on creating products made using sustainable materials and processes – all designed by independent artists who have a passion for helping others. 30% of the profits from each sale go to organizations and programs that help provide HIV testing, counseling, medication, and insurance services to communities who need them most.

I myself am HIV-positive. For the past year, I have struggled with maintaining insurance and being able to see a doctor on a regular basis. This pushed me to do some research on how many other people like me were out there. As it turns out, 1-in-4 Americans with HIV do not have access to adequate healthcare. This can be due to financial restraints, a lack of programs in their area, or poor knowledge of their own status.

With a background in retail, I decided to help the best way I know how: starting a brand that gives back. While there are quite a few companies who give to HIV/AIDS research, there are not a lot of brands that are dedicated to helping those who are already diagnosed. I put together a business plan and recruited volunteers – all of which have been affected by HIV in some way – to help create products and launch marketing campaigns. We were also able to secure partnerships with amazing non-profit organizations with the same goal in mind. It all came together pretty quickly and Made For Good was born.

Helping others. Hands-down. I’ve had a few conversations with some of our customers who told me that Made For Good is what they’ve been waiting for. We’re a group of very caring individuals who just want to give back in our own special way. Who wouldn’t love that about their job?

I’m the type of person who constantly has ideas pouring out. This was once an issue for me, but after finding my group of people it became much easier to handle. If there’s an idea, we throw it out in the open for everyone to see. We compare notes, take a vote, and wait 24 hours. If the majority wants to move forward with it and we all still feel the same way at the end of that 24 hours, then we pursue it. If not, we move on. It’s kept us all very level-headed and dedicated to our tasks.

I worked in a chicken restaurant as a teen back home in Texas. I knew then that I didn’t want to work there forever (not that there is anything wrong with that) and whatever path I ultimately took would be one that offered help to those who need it. I’ve accomplished that with Made For Good, and now my goal is to do the most I possibly can to help. I’ve basically upped the ante a little, but it’s a much harder goal to achieve than many would think.

To trust people. Being in a position in which you oversee multiple people or departments can be scary. Sometimes you feel like you have all the passion in the world for what you’re trying to achieve, but no one else is on your level. That’s simply not true. There are people who care about your goal or message, they just have a different way of showing it.

Do it. I had this same idea, plus or minus a few details, five years ago and I talked myself out of it. That’s my only regret. If you feel strongly about something and you want to make a difference, do it. If you’re able to help one person, it was all worth it.

Outside of Made For Good I also like to relax and watch soccer, go to movies, be social, and just live life. I’ll sometimes get on the subway and just go. No destination in mind, just exploring. Not everyone gets that freedom and you’ll have regrets if you don’t take advantage of it. Take a moment to enjoy the world around you.