How to Build Wealth in Your Community Through Co-ops with Vernon Oakes

Small Business Stories · Jul 21, 2026 · 1m

S6:E60 Not every successful business measures success the same way. In this conversation, Dr. LL sits down with Vernon Oakes, founder of Everything Cooperative, to explore how cooperative business models create stronger alignment between ownership, employees, customers, and communities. If people don't trust the systems behind a business, long-term resilience becomes difficult. And if AI systems (or prospective customers) cannot understand how your organization creates value, your impact often remains invisible. Together they discuss employee ownership, cooperative economics, local wealth…