[Candidates appear in alphabetic order]
Brian Crum
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?
When I first moved to Austin, Black Star was one of the first local brewery’s I visited. Over the years, it remains one of my favorites – good food, great beer! Being a co-op makes it even more unique. When it became apparent that many Austin restaurants and bars were not going to survive COVID-19, I made a list of those that I would really miss and a commitment to support them. Black Star was on that list. Becoming a Director is part of that commitment to do everything I can to help ensure it not only survives
but thrives.
What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years? My 1-year goal would be to ensure BSCO navigates the rapidly changing business environment while staying true to its Co-op principles. This means we are nimble and flexible and able to adapt quickly as needed. Over a 5-year period, in addition to a thriving business, I would like to see every customer who visits BSCO want to become a Member-Owner. Be more than a customer. The Co-op has created an environment and such a unique selling proposition that anyone who loves the beer and food can’t help but want to be part of it.
What qualities and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?
In my professional life, I have attended board meetings as a member of management and company officer for the past 8 years. I am well versed in financial and operational disciplines as well as the fiduciary duties that would be required of a member of Black Star Co-op Board of Directors. I am also familiar with the Co-op principles as we were part of a co-op school when my children were younger. I did some homebrewing when I was in college. My beer was pretty bad so that only reinforced that I am
a better beer drinker than brewer. Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.
To quote a line from the TV show Cheers. “You wanna be where everybody knows your name”. Every brewpub has its own vibe. Based on location (i.e. not in an industrial park), I think Black Star can be the neighborhood pub that others cannot. It has the right location and right size (not too big, not too small) to be the place you stop by with friends after work for a beer and a delicious bite to eat.
What is your favorite Co-operative Principle and why?
The 7 th Principal: Concern for Community is my favorite principle. Sustainable development and sustainable resources are important principles in today’s world. The fact that the co-op embraced this concept years before it came to the forefront of popular conversation says something about our core beliefs. Creating and now operating a business that will contribute to the community for years to come by being mindful of our resources and the impact to future generations is inspiring.
Dacia Schoolfield
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?
The opportunity to serve on the Black Star BODs is a unique, interesting, and challenging experience. Over the past three years, I’ve learned a great deal about how the co-op runs, measures its performance, gauges success, and improves organizational output. I’ve also learned about policy
governance and democratic worker control. Most importantly though, I’ve forged relationships with the Workers’ Assembly and want to continue to foster an environment where communication, trust, and diligent efforts are rewarded. I am personally committed to the Black Star Co-Op, the Black Star team, and have a legitimate stake in seeing Black Star succeed.
What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?
I’d like to see Black Star in a financially stable position, while still supporting the basic tenets that make Black Star unique: paying livable wages, locally sourcing, commitment to the community at large, etc. I’d
like to see an expanded marketing presence, establishing Black Star as the cornerstone neighborhood brew pub.
What qualities and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?
With twenty years of manufacturing experience, fifteen of which spent in quality management and team building roles, I’ve developed both personally and professionally. This development includes: a strong but gentle voice, a passion for processes, enthusiasm for the worker, and a commitment to contribute my personal best. I’ve learned patience, communication, empathy and drive. I’ve been able to draw upon my professional experience during my time on the Black Star board (2017 – 2020), and I look forward to continuing my service.
Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.
To differentiate Black Star from other options, I’d focus on 1) crafting memorable, award-winning beer 2) creating a simple but innovative menu, with some portion rotating based on season, and 3) creating a family-friendly environment.
What is your favorite Co-operative Principle and why?
Out of the seven co-operative principles, the principle that speaks the most to me is that of Democratic Member Control. There is strength in autonomy, in independence and strength in numbers. Democratic Member Control captures the significance of each member’s voice – with not one individual’s voice, opinion, or desire being greater than his or her neighbor’s. I believe in the co-operative board working for and with the Workers Assembly, with ultimate responsibility to the co-op members.
John Warren
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?
I want to continue working with the Board especially during these unprecedented CV-19 times and support Black Star to whatever is next.
What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?
I’ve always believed in the unique business model of the Co-op and believe that Black Star will survive these unprecedented times. The Member-Owner model, together with its Community focus, has proven resilience. What comes next after the pandemic is the big unknown. My goal is the survival and future growth of Black Star as a business yet to be defined.
What qualities and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?
I have 20+ years of business management experience albeit not in the brewing or restaurant business, however, I believe that I have proven the value of my acumen as a board member.
Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.
The Black Star Co-op model survived and then thrived post CV-19!
What is your favorite Co-operative Principle and why?
As a second-term candidate, my favorite principal has changed to 5th Principle: Education, Training and Information. During these unprecedented times we are all learning and sharing for the benefit and
survival of Black Star.
