21. Philanthropy: Transforming Business & Life with Mark Gleason
How can giving back help grow your business? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Gleeson to talk about philanthropy in business, the power of giving, and how making a difference can also lead to success. Let's dive in. Hello, everyone. Welcome to the Business Boost Hour podcast.
Eric:My name is Eric Beals, and I am the vice president of BNI Escondido.
Crystal:And my name is Crystal Prevette, president of BNI Escondido, and thank you for joining us for the single CEU podcast.
Eric:And today, we have mister Mark Gleeson. Say hi, Mark.
Mark Gleason:Hello.
Eric:Awesome.
Mark Gleason:Nice nice to be here. Thank you.
Eric:And so, Mark, let's start off with so tell us a little bit about bit about who you are, what you do, hobbies, favorite color, whatever it might be.
Mark Gleason:Got it. Mark Gleeson, owner of g two business solutions. Hobbies, I used to have those, but then I had kids. And so I gave that up for four kids.
Eric:They became your new hobby.
Mark Gleason:Oh, they do. They do.
Crystal:You do travel.
Mark Gleason:Yeah. I I try to get around. Travel is probably my my biggest hobby at this point. Maybe a little bit of music here and there, but, other than that, just really a family man at home doing the doing the dad thing.
Crystal:And schoolio.
Mark Gleason:And schoolio. Yes. My school bus, slash camper. Schoolio Iglesias is his full name. It but, really, that that was for the kids, really.
Mark Gleason:So once again, it goes everything goes back to the kids. And,
Eric:that's awesome. So family man. And, so our topic today that we, we wanted to talk to to discuss is gonna butcher this. The the, the the the fill in philanthropic. What what was the
Mark Gleason:A philanthropic.
Eric:Fill in philanthropic, man. Are you feeling philanthropic? Are you feeling feeling are you feeling philanthropic? Man, it is a hard
Mark Gleason:word to say. Say it three times real quick and,
Eric:it will. So what does that mean, Mark?
Mark Gleason:Well, philanthropy in business is all about creating opportunities to not only create revenue for your business, but also to give back, to do a little bit more. And to what you're giving back to, that's open to a lot of different avenues. Mhmm. But about doing more than just making money and helping the world in in some way. Mhmm.
Eric:Yeah. I I think I think and that's I think that's a that's a super important part of of business on on really just kind of growing and and and establishing, I guess, I guess, establishing yourself as a, as a person that other people maybe wanna work with, that you're willing to kinda give back. You're not just kind of, like, greedy all the time or whatever it is. Right? And, so how do you apply that in in in your business?
Mark Gleason:With with my business, I mean, I went I've been in business now about eleven years. Went about eight years just being a business for profit. I'm still for profit. But, you know, I had a an epiphany at one point about three years ago that what am I doing feeling like, is this enough? I wanted to do more with my life than just be a businessman.
Mark Gleason:So I kinda went down the road of give giving back, philanthropy in business, you know, seeing, like, TOMS Shoes, for example, or some of the big companies out there that are doing some more than just making money and making their products or doing their services. Sure. Mhmm. So what I do at this point is, I work with specifically with one nonprofit. They're out of The Philippines.
Mark Gleason:They help both with food insecurity and education for people that don't have educational opportunities. But what I do is I donate, 10% of my base payroll processing fee to Project Pearls. So every time one of my clients processes a payroll, which is weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, depending on the business Mhmm. Some of that money is going to provide for me and my family, but, also, it's going to provide for someone that's truly in need. Mhmm.
Mark Gleason:So that's pretty much it in a nutshell.
Eric:Nice. So you're giving back, and and but you you're because I think you've you you you've talked about your your Philippines nonprofit that that that that you do out there. So I think, talk a little bit about, like, what that actually is and what that looks like.
Mark Gleason:As far as the the nonprofit, their their name is Project Pearls.
Eric:K.
Mark Gleason:And, I came across them a little bit over a year ago. Prior to that, I was donating to one of the larger US based, charities. Mhmm. I felt, though, however, it was a little bit more like a business transaction. There was a disconnect between me and the the end result, the people I'm helping.
Mark Gleason:Sure. You didn't
Crystal:see the impact. Yeah. Yeah.
Mark Gleason:So I started looking for nonprofits that a little bit more, you know, smaller, not quite as big, but a little more of what's the what's the word I'm looking for? Anyways Grassroots. Grassroots. That is exactly what I'm looking for. Mhmm.
Mark Gleason:So I started doing some research. I have a tie in to The Philippines, from my wife's Filipino. So we have family there. I go there to visit. Started looking and came across Project Pearls.
Mark Gleason:Project Pearls, first and foremost, they almost all the money is going to the the end result. For every dollar we donate, it feeds one kid for a day Mhmm. Or an elderly person. And these are people that are living in just the most extreme circumstances you could imagine. I've had the pleasure of actually going out there a couple times and helping with the their mission, doing hands on with their feeding program.
Mark Gleason:And these people are, you know, they live in an area called Tondo, which Tondo is, for the lack of a better term, it's a garbage dump. And I'm not saying that figuratively, literally. It's Metro Manila. It's where all the garbage goes, and these big trucks pull up, they dump the garbage off on the road, and people come out and and go through the garbage, and their whole life and their whole subsistence is based on what they find and what they can repurpose, down to even the food. Without the Feeding program that Project Pearls provides, they eat their typically, their typical food was something called pak pak.
Mark Gleason:And I may be pronouncing that incorrectly for any, people that speak Tagalog out there. But, pak pak is they take chicken bones and food they find in the garbage Oh. And they boil it and boil it and boil it and boil it down until it's not poisoned, basically.
Eric:God. It's like a concoction of whatever You're
Mark Gleason:a spoon. Soup. Yeah. It's it's really I mean, it's it's it's real. So, you know, helping these people that really have zero opportunity, you know, they're born into it.
Mark Gleason:There's no way out. You know? It's not like it is here in The States. There's no social service programs. There's no you know, they're just that's what that's their life.
Crystal:Product of your environment. Yeah.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. So it
Mark Gleason:it really when I found them and what they were doing and where they were serving and and then after going out there and and seeing it firsthand, it really just lit a fire in me to wanna do more. Mhmm. And, that's when project pearls became my my only one that I nonprofit I supported at this point. Mhmm. Yeah.
Mark Gleason:Focusing strictly on them.
Eric:Well, I know that there's there's, you know, that it it I had learned something kinda recently. I and it's not not in Philippines, but in, in I think it was in Mexico where there, there was a a location in Mexico, and it, I forgot the the what their name for it was, but, like, the it basically translates to, like, the dump. Mhmm. It's litter and and and, basically, people like, this whole there's this area. It's so heartbreaking and so sad.
Eric:And and it it basically, it's like it's literally a a trash dump. Mhmm. And people have tents, like, living in this trash dump literally. And, so so you're literally living in in in trash, and this is kinda, like, piled up, basically. Mhmm.
Eric:Awful. And, and the the reason I kind of bring this up and, you know, finding a good non nonprofit like the one that that you work with is so important because the heart the that actually my opinion wasn't actually even the most heartbreaking thing. And let me tell you why. The the the reason that that I learned about this was, I guess, these people down there are extremely sensitive to people helping them. Right.
Eric:Okay? Now here's the reason why, though. Like, if you try to kinda offer stuff, they kind of, like, back away. They're, like, fearful of every of anyone that that doesn't live there. Mhmm.
Eric:You might think, well, why why are they why are they they they're living in a trash dump. They not realize that? Oh, no. They realize it. Here's the thing.
Eric:They there was a nonprofit that, went there and, like, took photos, took social media photos, and and and and all and and raised a bunch of money and stole the money.
Mark Gleason:Exploiting Mhmm. The idea of philanthropy. Yeah.
Crystal:The opposite of philanthropy.
Eric:Which is awful. Awful. Like, you know, it's one thing to, like, steal from, you know, big businesses or whatever it might be. It's a whole another deal to steal from people who are literally living in trash.
Mark Gleason:Yeah. Takes a pretty cold person.
Eric:Awful. Yeah. And and so these poor people, like, I they, and and I know that's because my my I actually I didn't go myself, but, like, my my my church went on to kind of help them. And and it was, like, we and and there's they had no photos. And and the reason they had no photos because you can't take your photo out your your phone out because there's extremely you take your phone out, they, like, lose
Crystal:your down. Yeah. Yeah. They Because when you're already living at the bottom of, like, the barrel, and then if someone comes in and, like, rips whatever lifeline or trust you have, I mean
Mark Gleason:The last of your dignity.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. What whatever, like, minimal, you know, that you've things that you you have, you know, they they those people were hopeful that they might finally get help and they got screwed over. And it's just, you know, I kind of bring I I I kind of bring that up because, you know, I'm I I I wanna, one, bring awareness that that there's terrible nonprofits that do exist like that. I don't know what who what they all are, but it's something that's important to be mindful of it to to to to to vet this sort of thing.
Eric:But then also is to kind of, like, you know, I I I your I know your nonprofit is not doing anything like that.
Mark Gleason:No. They're I definitely vetted them heavily before getting involved, but then also went as far as meeting with the board members, meeting with the the founder, going there and seeing what they're doing, and meeting their all their volunteers that are on the street there in The Philippines. And it is kind of a polar opposite, you know, from what you're talking about, you know, not so much about taking pictures, but the the people that they serve in Tondo, and in some of the other areas, impoverished areas and around Metro Manila, they they were so inspiring to me. They they so I mean, they were just knocked down day by day, yet they had such big smiles on their faces and were so happy and so respectful, and it just was, it was amazing to me that people that are, you know, living in such dire circumstances can be that happy.
Crystal:And the resilience.
Mark Gleason:The resili yeah. It's really it was, it was inspiring to me and made me realize that any problems that I have are so minuscule compared to what they deal with on a daily basis. Yeah. You know, first world problems, I guess you could say. But, you know, that we still have problems here in The States, in the first world as well.
Mark Gleason:But, you know, there's lots of lots of people in need here too. So you don't have to necessarily go to these other countries to find people to help.
Crystal:Yeah. But you should definitely follow your heart because you have a clear passion for what you do and that, you know, resonates with you. So, when you so do you have any advice or suggestions when someone's picking out their philanthropy?
Mark Gleason:Yeah. Go like you said, go with your heart. Go with what you wanna help. I wanted particularly to help with food insecurity, and it took an awful experience in my life dealing with a loved one who had issues with food insecurity here in The United States. For me to say, okay.
Mark Gleason:I don't want anybody to suffer and be hungry or starve to death for that matter. That's awful. So I started looking for nonprofits that were focusing on that as the mainstay of what they do. Then, you know, in my research, you know, I was looking all over the place at different places in The States, The Philippines, here, there, but then realizing, you know, with my connection to The Philippines and my family, but then secondarily, you know, I'm a small business. I'm not a giant corporation.
Mark Gleason:So my the amount of good I can do is exemplified there based on the the the dollar, American dollar going a long way there. I can do a lot more good and Exactly. You get a decent
Crystal:for a dollar here.
Mark Gleason:No. Exactly. So am I I'm able just to do more and help more in that arena, so to speak.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. Well, I think so, you know, what, we we we had Rosemarie on, and we we we talked a little bit of, a little bit kind of in this this arena a little bit on kind of, like like, giving back and and and and but kind of with this as well, though, is is building is the building that that relationship too. Mhmm. Right?
Eric:And and in in in this case too with the with the nonprofits, like, building a relationship with, like, the people in charge of these of these nonprofits to kind of which will help you vet them as well. Sure. And but I think, and one of the thing I mentioned, in the previous episode, though, is it it can actually be a beneficial business strategy to, like like, donate your your your time or money for, like, well, basically volunteer work, whatever that kind of looks like for I think that can look like in a bunch different ways. It could be in a monetary to help what whatever out because it reveal it I think it reveals what kind of character of a person you are. People wanna work with people who are, like like, who are just generally positive people.
Eric:If you're a negative person, people just don't really wanna be around you. You you need you want it it's good for you to be a positive person, obviously. And the thing with but what what's good about volunteer work and and and non and working with nonprofits, I think, is kind of one of the ultimate ways for for that, though. Mhmm. It and even in b and I too, volunteer work is it it it really reveals what kind of character of person that that person is because someone who's who's not, who who doesn't have a heart for that kind of stuff either is not gonna stick around for for very long in a volunteer position of any form, or they're just not gonna take you in the first place.
Eric:Right? And you you can kind of use that as a as a as a, I think, as a vetting process. Like, hey, what kind of volunteer stuff do does does somebody do? Either if you're especially if you're forming, like, maybe a partnership with somebody or if, if it's somebody you're maybe working with to to some extent. Not necessarily clients necessarily, but I think in in partnerships.
Eric:And I think it really yeah. It just reveals that who that person is. I can tell you have a total heart of gold for, for people of The Philippines in particular. You're you're also close in your case. It doesn't have to be whenever you volunteer, it doesn't have it doesn't have to be Philippines necessarily,
Crystal:but, like, anywhere. Should funnel your passion somewhere that is authentic to you.
Eric:Right. Right. And, I think so I guess tying that into to BNI is like our volunteer positions. Right? I've kind of I'm gonna kind of bounce back a little bit on some of the other on our previous episode, actually.
Eric:But we kind of talked a little bit about, how volunteering in BNI kind of reveals kind of who somebody who somebody is by by taking that position. That's not to say that there aren't, like, frustrating moments in volunteer in any kind of volunteer position, honestly. But you have it has to come from from a place of just wanting to give back, which is, you know, you know, is givers gain.
Mark Gleason:Givers gain. I was thinking that as you're talking here as it's everything's going back to that that mantra. Yeah. Right.
Eric:And and one thing that we had had talked about, I mean, we I'd like maybe we can kinda get a little bit more into this, and I'd like to kinda get your thoughts on this, is that the, the positions in like, the higher positions in b and I used to have like, used to kinda get, like, a, like, a discount or what or or or or whatever.
Crystal:An incentive.
Eric:And in as kind of an incentive. And and one of the things we kind of talked about was, you know, would b and I look different if those positions were not volunteer? Like, if they were all paid positions, even if it was, like, a a really small amount, would it look different? Would that draw the wrong people into those into the the those positions? Or and and would that overall kind of maybe hurt the chapter potentially where because you versus finding the people that are, gonna be a better fit for those those those positions.
Eric:What are do you have any kind of it was an interesting topic, and I'm and I'm thinking you might have some interesting Yeah.
Mark Gleason:I've had
Eric:and this top kind
Mark Gleason:of off the just off the cuff. I mean, I think it'll be bad, paying people for those positions. I think what you're saying is correct, especially with the whole, you know, the whole ideology of of BNI is, you know, giving. You know, the more you give, the more you do, the more you're gonna gain. And, you know, the by paying somebody to do that, you're not giving anymore.
Mark Gleason:They're just gaining. Gainers gain then, I guess it would be. Gainers gain. Yeah. Right.
Mark Gleason:Which has like a not such a good ring to it. It's not as good as givers gain. Right. So, no, I think I agree with you guys. I think think is that what you said?
Mark Gleason:You you were or you you
Eric:were disposing it the other way, but I Yeah. Because it was is it because, like, the idea was if you put if you made the the the positions paid even if some some amount, it would, maybe attract the wrong people or it would whereas if you and it or or it kind of potentially rules out maybe not it doesn't completely rule out somebody who does have the right heart behind it. But at least it's more to kind of maybe filter through, or you might accidentally take on the maybe the wrong person that really doesn't have the the the the the idea to maybe take ownership over the chapter. Mhmm. And whereas if you're doing a vol any kind of volunteer, you you should be taking ownership over that position, whatever it is.
Eric:If it's visitor host or membership committee, whatever it might be. Right. And and it was just a kind of an it's an interesting thought that I hadn't thought about before, on what that would look like. It might be I mean, that might actually play. It came up because sometimes it can be like, man, we do there's a lot of volunteer work that we do in in in behind learning that as as there's a lot that kinda goes into I've had my I've I've Thank
Mark Gleason:you guys for what you do.
Eric:I've had and everyone should do it for at least once just to kinda really appreciate what kinda goes into b and I. So as members, you kind of understand, like and and and you you understand, like, really what kinda goes goes into it even if just for that alone because there's a lot of value
Mark Gleason:That perspective.
Eric:In that. But, also, it's, I think you tend to take more ownership over because because there's a certain level of I gotta get value out of this. You know, this I wanna get because it's like you, you know, you do come to BNI because you you you you come to BNI to to gain business. Right? That that is your that's why you initially come.
Eric:I think a lot of people will stay for the people around. And, the people that that really think that they they they can make a big difference in the chapter are the ones that are gonna really step up to those volunteer positions.
Crystal:It almost seems a little counterintuitive. I'm glad we're talking about this because it seems like as an entrepreneur, you're like sometimes we can be maxed out. We can be using all of the capacity that we have within ourselves, and we're saying, yes, as entrepreneurs, you should be doing your going playing full out, but also interjecting this philanthropy, finding some way to give back. So it's like, but wait, we're maxed out and we wanna give back, but sometimes that giving back is what fills the cup. Like you said, you came back remotivated seeing what they were living through, and it was like fuel for your fire.
Crystal:So that that philanthropy can seem like, oh, wait. I'm too maxed out. I don't have enough time to even do what I have on my plate for my business, and then I have BNI, and then I have all this stuff. It could be easy for someone to say, oh, I don't want to to invest that much time. But Bill Walsh, one of my mentors, tells me that everybody should have that has a business should have some sort of philanthropic, company that they're working, some sort of nonprofit.
Crystal:Mhmm. Because not only is it showing that you're willing to give back, but there are ways where we can use that to prove that we aren't just transactional. Sure. And I think that the transactional aspect of humanity is a little overkill.
Mark Gleason:Yeah. Exactly. Yeah. But it it also spills over, you know, into not only showing that you as a business are have a hard and caring or or good person or whatever it is, But also, I found that a a byproduct is I'm working with my my clients are better clients. They're people that share similar, you know, ideologies, similar values.
Eric:Like minded people will attract other like minded people. Right?
Mark Gleason:Which is which is a beautiful thing. And then I never really thought of that as being something. You know, it's just I'm
Crystal:loving it.
Mark Gleason:The customer's a customer. But now, you know, the customer is the ones that are drawn to the the philanthropic side of of my business plan are are people that I wanna be around and people that are inspiring in in their own ways. So
Eric:Yeah. So, so what how has okay. So let let's get into how has you have have you so when you've taken this this philanthropic approach Mhmm. How is that how how in what ways can you think of how is that helps you help helps you raise? I know a little bit you talked about, like, certain people that you understand, that you you meet.
Eric:How has that helped either, like, you maybe you gain more business, whatever it might be. Like, how has that helped you?
Mark Gleason:I mean, first off, it's filled some holes in my heart Mhmm. Doing these things. And, you know, at first, it was it it was taking a pay cut. You know? It's Sure.
Mark Gleason:And it's grown beyond that at this point. It has helped me to inspire me to work harder. Those days that I wanna cut out a little early or I'm good for today. Maybe I'll make another call. Maybe I'll make another couple emails.
Mark Gleason:Maybe I'll try a little harder because every new client I bring on is feeding a lot of people. Mhmm. So it just kinda brings a different set of motivations to the table outside of
Crystal:the purpose bigger than you.
Mark Gleason:Yeah. 100%.
Eric:Yeah. So in your in your case, each new client is is is, directly feeding people. Right? Because you do that that that that 10%. I see.
Eric:That makes sense. And and that versus because that's the you do both. You do 10% and you volunteer. Is that right?
Mark Gleason:Yeah.
Eric:Yeah. So in your case, you do both. And so, and so that that that plays into your motivation with, you know, sending the email, especially if, if you have dry days where you're just kind of, like, burnt out or whatever too. I I get that. That make that makes total sense.
Eric:It gives you that extra extra boost. And, actually, it so I I have you have have you guys seen the, have you seen the micro video from, I don't know, it's five like, ten, twelve years ago at at this point where he, talks about he is a phenomenal he I think the video is titled, don't follow your passion.
Mark Gleason:Mhmm. But bring
Eric:and and and the video, it's a it's a it's an interesting line. It's like, what are you talking about? Don't follow your follow your your passion. But to to summarize the video, he talks about, don't necessarily follow your passion, but bring your passion with you, whatever that looks like, into your your business and and finding, like, whatever that passion is to bring it with you. And so and I think, you know, vol volunteering can actually be a way where you can, like, find that passion.
Mark Gleason:Mhmm. Right?
Eric:And kind of and kinda seek that. That's a aspect of seeking that. You may have to kind of search a little bit to kind of
Crystal:of And sometimes that helps you grow
Mark Gleason:too. Helps you grow. Mhmm. Both both of those things. And for me, it, you know, I I can see in my mind.
Mark Gleason:I can close my eyes right now, and I can see the faces. I can think back to standing there and having a little kid walk up on the right, a little kid walk up on the left, and both grab your hands and just hold on and just wanting to be around you because you're there helping them. Mhmm. And that's that's some motivation like no one other. I mean, it definitely, money is great, and I am a for profit once again, but it, that has really made me feel like I have purpose in my business now, whereas, you know, in my earlier parts of my career with my with my business, you know, I was I'm happy.
Mark Gleason:I'm I'm self employed. I'm doing the entrepreneurial thing, which is my spirit, but is there more I could be doing? You know, if I were to die tomorrow, am I gonna be feel like I made a difference? You know? And frankly, the answer was no.
Mark Gleason:But now I can honestly say that I'm making a difference, for many little kids, many older people, and everything in between. It's helping the whole families out there, both, like I said, in the feeding, but also with, you know, Project Pearls. They do the educational side of it, giving these kids opportunity, taking them through college and giving them you know, they have kids that have gone through their program that are doctors and lawyers, and you're just breaking the cycle. Yeah. And in that sense out there, that's breaking the cycle for the entire family because when the kid elevates and and becomes something bigger, they're bringing the whole family along, and it's impacting even aunts and uncles and cousins.
Mark Gleason:Everybody's profiting and benefiting from their elevation, so to speak.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. So have you always been this philanthropic?
Mark Gleason:No. Not at all. It's a I've been a jerk. So
Eric:so what what kind of change change? How how did how how did what's what's your kind of growth process?
Crystal:What was the catalyst?
Mark Gleason:Yeah.
Eric:What was the cap yeah. That's good. What's the count?
Mark Gleason:Age should be one. I'm gonna be 50 soon. So, I mean, that's part of it. Just becoming more mature in life, I guess. Most recently is the passing of my brother, who was dealing with some unfortunate mental issues and, lost his job and stopped eating.
Mark Gleason:Mhmm. And he's no longer with us. Mhmm. So it's, that really brought a and bringing a tear to my eye. I apologize.
Mark Gleason:But, that really brought the motivation to me to be wanting to do more. And then, obviously, then, as I'm mentioning, you know, gave me a direction in regards to well, what type of charity do I wanna support and what do I what's my cause? What do my cause wanna be? Because that really is, is a big issue. You know, prior to his passing, when I was when I was, donating to, the big box US charity, it was hard for me to figure out what I wanted to do and who I wanted to give money to.
Mark Gleason:And I just I picked one just because, oh, okay. That seems like that's a problem. Mhmm. But really, it, my heart my heart was there to help, but it wasn't fully there, I guess you could say. Mhmm.
Mark Gleason:And it takes sometimes bad things in life to open up some pathways in your brain, I guess, to, to see more clearly of where your purpose should be.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. Well, you know, there's a lot of like, some of the, most some of the most influential people that oftentimes have, you know, either traumatizing or
Crystal:Breaking points.
Eric:Yeah. Breaking points, whatever it might be.
Crystal:Breaking breaking out open so you can find really what that purpose is. And I think that's a beautiful tribute
Mark Gleason:to your brother
Crystal:to be able to help other people in his honor and his name and to know that that transition that he made didn't go for nothing, that there's thousands of people that will be affected by the time you're done, maybe even millions.
Mark Gleason:Yep. Hopefully, knock on wood. If I move around here long enough, keep on moving as I am, that's that's the plan. Yeah.
Crystal:Because it does create that ripple effect, though. Like you said, like, one person that breaks free, it might not even be an aunt or an uncle. It could be just someone that they've they've encountered, and they're like, wow. You went from poverty to you have an apartment. Like Yeah.
Crystal:Little things like that could be the inspiration and hope. And when you've ran 13 miles, when you get to that fourteenth mile, you start to lose the hope and the capacity and the bandwidths that keep going, but you're reinspiring people. And I think that's beautiful. I thank you for what you're doing, Mark.
Mark Gleason:Thank you. It's not doing it for the thanks. I mean, honestly, it's it's saved me. It helped me. I could the, you know, life either breaks you or you, break into break free, I guess.
Mark Gleason:And it's led me to the direction I am, which is, you know, it's it's about it's about what's right. You know? And it's something I, you know, I think about quite often is now I really want I advocate for businesses to really implement something, you know, whether it's a penny, a nickel, a dollar. Just figure out a way that you can give back. And if every small and large business out there was doing that, what a better world we'd have.
Mark Gleason:You know? And it's, it would be much better. And so it it really I advocate for businesses to think about themselves, their business, and what they can do. And it doesn't have to be a lot
Eric:Mhmm.
Mark Gleason:Because if we work as a collective, then we're talking serious change.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. Have you seen is there a difference in for for businesses whether because sometimes businesses will do like, I I've seen sometimes where they'll have, like, the employees, like, actually volunteering and for stuff. Right? And, in some cases, they can they they'll even pay them.
Crystal:Carol gets a paid day to volunteer.
Eric:Right. Right. And so what my question for you is, do you have you seen is there any like, what are maybe some of the I don't know if it's, like, tangible differences. I don't know if it's really it can be hard to make to make these things tangible. But, have you seen is there differences in whether a business is giving, like, a certain amount of money versus actually physically volunteering?
Eric:Have you seen differences in that? Or
Mark Gleason:You know, that's such a tough question. No. I I I really probably haven't looked too deeply into it in that respect. I mean, for for me, the the tangible of the actually being, you know, feet on the street and they're working with them and donating time is, is more personal gain than anything to do with my business. And but I guess, you know, kinda tying back to what we're saying before, the the tie into the business is the it motivates me.
Mark Gleason:It motivates me to work harder. But now to answer your question, I really wouldn't have an answer for that.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. Okay. And, yeah. Okay.
Eric:I was just I was kinda just curious because, you know, sometimes you can give.
Crystal:Like, if there's a correlation between, like, actually giving the hands on effort versus the financial. But, also, think about sometimes you might not be able to give financially. If you can't, I mean, there's so many charities that could use someone that would benefit greatly. Like you said, if everyone pitched in and and found one charity. Do you have a nonprofit, Eric?
Crystal:I know you're doing vice president. I know you do this, but are is there a charity that you're working with?
Eric:So I donate heavily to my church. Mhmm. So I I follow what the Bible says. Do you have 1010%, to to my church? That was my first thought when you mentioned you mentioned 10 to the non the nonprofits.
Eric:And so, my church, they, like, they were the ones that went to Mexico. I've I've I've also volunteer physically. I and the way I volunteer is I do a livestream, at my church.
Crystal:Mhmm. Yeah.
Eric:And so I've I kinda help on the the technical side of things. And so that's just kinda where I felt called to help out.
Crystal:And your wife helps with the a youth group. Right?
Eric:Yeah. So my my wife, she's the coordinator for the youth group
Crystal:Mhmm. Church.
Eric:And so, and, you know, in in in her her case, she's, like, lightly paid, but, like, it's not up. It's not it's it's not enough to even be considered it a part time job. There's to more work that goes into it, but it helps. And it's, but it it really I think vol volunteering is I think you have you really should be volunteering in something in some way, because I don't know I don't know what I would do without my church. My church is, like, my my one of my favorite communities.
Eric:It's it's it's actually the reason I'm in BNI is actually my church Mhmm. Because that's where I met Philip Jordan.
Mark Gleason:Mhmm.
Eric:Shout out to Philip Jordan.
Crystal:We love you, Philip.
Mark Gleason:Yes, mister Jordan.
Eric:And, he's not in our our chapter right now, but, he was the one that initially brought me. So it's like, I kinda have my church to thank for for everything for my business as well too. And that, you know, it it so, you know, I think and I think those are good kind of starting points for people too. Volunteer at your church. If you're in a BNI chapter, you know, volunteer in a in a BNI position as well because I think it's gonna help it's gonna grow you as a person, and it's also going to grow, like, your your relationship with people.
Eric:It's gonna build trust with people.
Crystal:Mhmm.
Eric:Right? And, so and I think that that goes
Mark Gleason:a
Eric:really long it's definitely the long game. Right? It's very much the long game. You you the the benefits you gain from volunteering, like, I guess, to kind of summarize is you're just gonna build trust with people around you, even if people you're not necessarily, like, directly talking with, but they just see you. Yeah.
Eric:Right? They they they see what you're doing, and you maybe have never talked to them. You don't even know you don't even know they exist. But but they're noticing you, though, by by by you volunteering. They they know, okay.
Eric:I know I can trust that person because look how much, you know, they're they're doing for their their community, the community that are part of you in The Philippines or what or me and the church or whatever it might be. Right? So
Crystal:And, also, maybe encouraging people to shop around, kind of like Mark had one charity and it just wasn't quite feeling right. And and for you, it feels like like there was a natural, cohesive, like, opportunity that just kind of played into, like, who you are as a person. So that opened up that opportunity. But, by giving back in these certain ways, it also creates a little bit of visibility to where, obviously, that's not why you're doing it.
Mark Gleason:But it is part of it. But it
Crystal:does prove that you're not just there for selfish reasons.
Mark Gleason:Yeah. I mean, as as a business, one of the the benefits of, you know, partnering with Project Pearls is them opening up their followers to the people that support them financially. There are a lot of them are businesses. So, you know, getting that exposure helps you grow your business. So there is, you know, some financial rewards that can go along with it.
Mark Gleason:You know, whatever your motivation is, that's between you and yourself. But, you know, the end of the day, the all these small things add up to just being a a good thing, and, both for your business, both for your soul, and for the community at large, whether it be international or here or whatever or whoever you're helping.
Eric:Mhmm. Yep. Yep. And okay. So what what are what are so so so maybe somebody who doesn't do a lot of volunteer, what are some of the best?
Eric:I kinda mentioned church church or b and I, but do you have any suggestions on how somebody could could could start build because I think it's a muscle, honestly. I think it is a muscle to volunteer. It's like a spiritual muscle, maybe.
Mark Gleason:It's more like a drug to me. It's addictive. Where? Kinda like crack. Once you get a hit, I guess, I've never had done crack.
Mark Gleason:But, from what I hear, it, you know, once you do it, you can't get off of it. So,
Eric:Right. And so if someone who's not maybe not used to Volley, what what are some, like, stepping stones for them in case I mean, I I don't know if I would see it as, like like, crack necessarily. I enjoy it.
Mark Gleason:I'm not I
Eric:don't know if I'm addicted to it necessarily.
Crystal:It's highly rewarding.
Eric:Is it rewarding? Very much so. Yes. Yes. I agree.
Eric:%. Very, very rewarding. And so what what are maybe some some stepping stones that you would suggest for people to kinda build that muscle on on on doing that?
Mark Gleason:I I would say forget the sepping sounds. Just jump in with both feet. Mhmm. Just go into the deep end of the pool and see what happens. You know?
Mark Gleason:And and it doesn't have to be a lifelong commitment. You can just go donate your time to some cause that makes your heart feel good Mhmm. And do it once.
Crystal:And you don't have to be perfect at it. Right? A lot of thing a lot of times people are like, oh, no. I don't wanna step into helping someone else. But a lot of these charities would love to have anyone take some of the burden off of them because charities are the first thing to kinda get cut their resources when, the economy kinda goes down.
Crystal:Sure. So, I think that it's very important to find, like, ways that you can interject your skills. And, like, for you, you're you had a real life experience that kinda drove you into a different direction that was more in alignment with your sole purpose.
Mark Gleason:And I
Crystal:think that if people find, like, the things that are holding them back, maybe it could even be a trigger or a trauma or something. I know Anne volunteers with the frosted faces and she walks the dogs. And I know Rosemarie likes children, so she helps at the, wild animal park. I work with the veterans because a lot of the veterans struggle with their mental health.
Mark Gleason:Mhmm.
Crystal:So, I think it I would encourage people, even if you're feeling nervous to find a a charity, like like Eric said, where do you start? Find something that's close to your heart. I mean, I do public speaking. There's tons of, women, domestic violence and, charities and stuff that are always looking for speaker. Like, push yourself to find a way that you could be useful in your community so that not just yourself benefits, but other people benefit.
Crystal:You create that impact, and you felt that impact. You can even visualize Sure. That impact. That is gonna stay with you for the rest of your life.
Mark Gleason:Most certainly. And I think kinda to that point too, don't feel like, you know, if you're trying to figure out where you can give and how you can donate your time or what how do you fit in, just first off, figure out where you wanna what charity seems like a good fit for you, and then reach out to them. Mhmm. And say, hey, I want to get involved. And they'll tell you, like you say, they're looking for help.
Mark Gleason:There is not a nonprofit out there that a good at least the real ones that aren't looking for more help because the more involved involvement there is, the more people there are, the bigger their reach and the more they can do good for whatever their cause is. So just start small and figure out what makes you feel good and then start reaching out to them, talking to them. It's really easy to have conversations with these nonprofits saying, hey, I want to get involved. They're they're bending over backwards to talk to you. They are excited about more involvement.
Mark Gleason:So, don't feel like you have to figure it out to jump into the pool.
Crystal:Or maybe even find a, charity that someone else is working with if you'd want a, like, a little stepping stone, is maybe reach out to Mark and be part of Project Pearl. Or I know mine is called Warrior Gamer Foundation where the isolated veterans, they they tend to not want to ask for help with mental health.
Mark Gleason:So we found That's so fun.
Crystal:We found gaming is a way to, kind of bridge that gap. The video gaming community, the veterans tend to disassociate and find a way for them to build community and get help and resources. So it's really, it's inspiring to see where people will go, but also maybe piggyback off of someone.
Mark Gleason:And it just grows from there. Like, it's ironic. Earlier today, I was actually had a a phone conversation with the founder of Project Pearls, heading back out to The Philippines. I'm here shortly. And, I just reached out to her to say, hey, Cam.
Mark Gleason:I'm gonna be there. When you know, what can I do to get involved? Let's let's do some more program feeding programs. And she was coming to me saying, what are your gifts? What are your talents?
Mark Gleason:Trying to figure out other ways that I can help and other things I can years. Live. Where where can you fit in? So she was, doing the heavy lifting of figuring out other things that can be done. So the end result of that conversation is we've been talking about, doing they do occupational programs, teaching skill sets outside of just their normal schooling education for the kids, but occupational programs for the adults, teaching them skills, things they can do to make money other than picking through garbage.
Mark Gleason:And we're now looking at a starting a different occupational program with my company helping with the funding, my employee, doing some training. She does leather crafting. So she's gonna teach these people how to leather craft Awesome. And make purses and things.
Crystal:Trains work.
Mark Gleason:Yeah. And that's part of their their mission is, you know, doing, like, say, the occupational. They already make clothes out of recycled rice sacks and flour sacks and sell them, you know, to to further promote and, profit for the give that profit.
Eric:Give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime. Right? So no. That that's a that's actually a I think that's a phenomenal way to, to donate time. It's teaching a skill set to people
Mark Gleason:as well.
Crystal:Right? And intertwining, like, I know, BNI, one of the times you went out there, we tried to support you, and we're able to kind of encourage you. So if you can find a way to interlace, like, your nonprofit and your business and your networking group, I feel like that's a beautiful trifecta Yeah. Because, as entrepreneurs, we do have resources. And if it's not, something we can do hands on, maybe we know someone or there's some like like you were being asked, like, what assets do you have?
Crystal:What what resources can we pull from you?
Mark Gleason:Which is a weird question when it was asked. I said, what are your talents? And I think my my knee jerk response was, I'm talentless? I don't know. Think about this.
Mark Gleason:I, so but, yeah, just don't be afraid as a as a business or or an individual even. It don't have to be a business, to to go out there and just try, see what happens, and do one thing and see where it takes you. You never know. It, it maybe sets you on a trajectory that you never saw coming. And, more important, you know, if you're donating time, money, or whatever to a nonprofit, to a charity that's doing actual good work out there, there is no way you're gonna walk away feeling bad about that.
Mark Gleason:It's gonna fill your heart in so many different ways, and, that is no. That's priceless to me. Yeah.
Crystal:That's your legacy.
Mark Gleason:That's that. Yeah.
Eric:Yeah. Yeah. And and, like, even if I you know? Yeah. And just to kind of, like I think going to Philippines might be extreme for a a lot of people.
Eric:I mean, they're like, I can't, like, take off work for four months or whatever. And and and and right? And but even, like, locally too. Right? And so Your
Crystal:food banks,
Eric:animal shelters. You know, in my case, my my my church has has, like, a has a dedicated nonprofit called Heart of Compassion, and that's it's the the focus is just in Escondido.
Mark Gleason:Mhmm.
Eric:Like, just the people in Escondido, like
Crystal:Backpacks. Thanksgiving.
Eric:Backpacks. Thanksgiving, we give turkeys to people and such. Right? And so, and and in those in those cases, we always need people for, like, just giving those things out and managing the the people that's in those in at those events. But then, of course, we need dollar value for providing those, those those things as well.
Eric:And but circling back to in in b and I, you know, the one, I guess, not a not a nonprofit, like, per se, but a volunteer position, a good starting point is just volunteering as in positions, b and I position. Yeah. Right? Visitor host is kind of a phenomenal starting point because it's literally
Crystal:Absolutely.
Eric:You know, it's it's just Lower level. It's it's it's more manageable. It's a starting point. It's a starting point. It's more manageable, I think, compared to some of the other positions because you're already at b and I meetings anyways.
Eric:You stay a little bit longer to talk with, visitors. Yeah. And, And so
Mark Gleason:it's a huge things for your exposure. I mean, that's what you're there for is to get more exposure. That's how you get new business. If they don't know you're there, nobody's ever gonna buy from you. So being in those positions just puts you at the the peak of exposure in regards to the BNI arena, which is makes sense.
Mark Gleason:I mean, it, wanna take the as much as you can get out of it. And I
Crystal:I know even Ed Wilson has said that he would his goal is to have a nonprofit in each chapter, and that would be a beautiful way for businesses to continue to expand. So if you're in BNI and you don't have a nonprofit, maybe consider, bringing a nonprofit into your chapter.
Eric:Yeah. There's a whole dedicated category, for that, to and I know, our our pastor was in our chapter for a while for a couple years.
Crystal:Yeah. Heart of compassion was there for a while. Yeah.
Eric:And it, it was, you know, in in in in, in our case, it was a phenomenal way to kind of, like, round up golfers, basically, because it was is you know, people in business like to oftentimes like to I'm not really much of a golfer myself, although I'd like to get into golfing. I haven't really, like, dabbled in it very, very much. I've helped out at, like, golfing events.
Mark Gleason:I mean, you're a golfer.
Eric:Well, I wasn't golfing myself, though. It was, like, you know, helping run the event, essentially. But, like, it is a good location to kind of find those, though, those people and then kind of, I guess, offer create the opportunity for businesses, members in chapters that, you know, maybe they're not thinking so much on volunteering or or or giving back. But, you know, if you're a nonprofit, it it kind of you you're kinda creating that opportunity for them to Yeah. To do that, to give back.
Mark Gleason:It's, for for those nonprofits, that's a good way to get businesses to support you and to find you and to trust you and to know about you. And, that that could be the inspiration to get people involved and, or the the stepping stone that they need, so to speak, as we were saying before.
Crystal:Or it takes all levels. It takes the person that's gonna be hands feet on the ground. It takes the person organizing it. It takes the person donating some of the items. I know I have an ebike in my garage thanks to Heart of Compassion.
Crystal:Yeah. Doing your part showing up at the event. If you can't volunteer, maybe you can be a golfer. Maybe you can buy something from the auction. Mhmm.
Crystal:There's so many levels where you can get involved, and it might not be your time where you can put in the time and energy, but maybe you can financially help. We're all in different stages of our business and in our career, but I feel like what Eric said is really applicable. It's, like, there's any level that you could start. Yeah. And the bottom is just an hour a week or an hour a month.
Crystal:Like, a micro step is still a step in the right direction.
Mark Gleason:Correct. Mhmm.
Eric:Yeah. And I think it can it can help motivate you more in your business as well too, like you mentioned Mhmm. With with kinda giving you, like, a a a a more of a level of purpose for your business that's beyond, monetary, you know, because kinda beyond that. Because I think once you kind of, like, start working I've kinda just noticed this more so I think, like, being in the the the VP position, but, like, volunteering in BNI kinda motivated me more to do other things more so. So it's like we we feel like podcast.
Eric:Like this podcast. Right? And and we we, you know, we we often feel like, oh, I don't have time. It's like we all can find time. We it's a matter of just seeking and finding the time.
Eric:You have the time.
Mark Gleason:I was holding that back earlier when you were saying, you know, maybe people don't have time. I guarantee That's an excuse. Yeah. You can find time.
Eric:I guarantee that you definitely have the time. It's just a matter of are
Crystal:you willing to kind of find it. Yeah.
Eric:Are you willing to just find the time and seek it out? Right?
Crystal:And And consistency like you talked about earlier.
Eric:Right. Like like I mean, that was kind of you know, BNI was long successful before it was online for, you know, online. It was on person only for thirty six years or however long, and it was only been on had an online option in the last several since since COVID. Yeah. And, you know, then then I kinda I'm hearing that, like, oh, if it was an only in person, I wouldn't have the time to do something.
Eric:Like, no. I think you would. You'd find a way. Yeah. That right?
Eric:That's the thing. You find a way to kind of do the these these things. But in a weird way, it opens up more stuff because now it's like, you you know, you volunteered at at this thing. Now, you you know, you're you're more energetic and motivated to kind of work on whatever whatever other thing it might be. It might not even be a nonprofit, but certain things in in your business that you need to do or get done or whatever it might be.
Eric:Mhmm. I've noticed that in myself. That's why, like, BNI keeps me accountable. Mhmm. BNI very much keeps me accountable because I'm not very good at keeping myself accountable.
Eric:I can tell you that.
Mark Gleason:Yeah.
Eric:And my wife and BNI both keep keep me accountable. Right?
Crystal:I felt the the difference when we were off for a couple weeks. I was like, I couldn't tell what day of the week it was. I'm like, where's my Wednesday? Like Oh my gosh. But it it was really interesting to have that little break because not only did I miss everybody, but it I I was like, wow.
Crystal:I think my week is, like, kind of, like, like, set around b and I now to where where I, like, can literally, like, gauge time more. But I I do agree with what you said, even if it was in person. But there would be maybe a trade off. Maybe you'd had less one to ones, but maybe you would see each other more. But embracing whatever you do have to the fullest extent is yeah.
Crystal:I love seeing what you're doing, Mark.
Mark Gleason:Oh my god.
Eric:It it threw me off for for for sure. It was much needed a break that we had, but, like, it it it it threw me off in this you know, it always takes me usually, like, a week or two to to really fully get back. I'm still not fully back into the swing of things. I feel like I am. And then, like I mean, I start up a little bit too.
Eric:I know. I start doing stuff, and I'm just like, man, I'm still not, like, fully there. And so it's like once you when you're working more, you tend is it some kind of
Crystal:Like the momentum.
Eric:Yeah. There's some kind of snowball effect, I think. Some like, like, you know, pushing a boulder over. Once the boulder stops, it kinda hard hard to get it going again, essentially. And I I and I and and I think volunteering definitely plays into that.
Eric:I think you, you know, there's a level of, okay, how much are you willing to to commit into volunteer time? If you over commit, then it can be too too drained. So I think finding that right balance Sure. Right, finding that balance, I think, is is really, really, really important. But, yeah.
Eric:So, Mark, if somebody wanted to get a hold of you to either maybe they wanna hire you for your business. They're like, wait what what you're doing, or maybe they wanna get involved with your nonprofit, whatever it might be. How would, how would they do that, and what are some of the ways people could get could get involved with your nonprofit profit?
Mark Gleason:Well, I'm sorry. It's getting a hold of me. Phone, email, text, smoke signal, whatever. Just throw throw it out there, and I will, I'll be there to answer.
Eric:I work in I work in pigeons.
Mark Gleason:There we go. I'm I haven't had much experience in those. But if one showed up, I'm sure I'd answer it. But, you know, as far as getting involved with, you know, project pearls, for example, there's many things that can be done. I would highly recommend, and this is not for everybody obviously, but, you know, going out and seeing this, being a part of their feeding program, for $500 you can feed 500 people and be there and be a part of it and and see it all.
Mark Gleason:But then at the same time, when you're done with that, you can go have an incredible vacation. 7,641 islands is what The Philippines is comprised of, so there's just the most beautiful places there. So you could have a incredible trip. Bring your family. Bring your kids.
Mark Gleason:And I brought my son, my daughter, and my son's girlfriend to, one of the feeding programs, and, I mean, they did wonders for them. They really saw the world for what it is. So, there's, you know, from that, though, to just, you know, donate money if you can, or like I said, just reach out. If you don't know where you fit in, you don't have a huge amount of money, you don't have the the wherewithal to to fly 7,000 miles, so then, just reach out to them and or reach out to me, and I can connect you with the the founder, Melissa. Melissa, she's a wonderful woman, and she'll figure out a way how you can do something and, be a part of the the greater good.
Mark Gleason:So
Crystal:yeah. I have to say could I say something really quick? The legacy that you're creating by bringing your son to be part of that and having him see the heart and the transformation that you are making is generational healing. And so I just encourage people listening to follow that leadership and include their children in what they're doing because that expands the legacy of a generation further. So I I applaud you for that and I I encourage other people to to do the same because I can only imagine as a teenager seeing what you've seen and and some of those life experience, that would change the trajectory of someone's life the rest of their life.
Eric:And, also, you know, it builds appreciation for your kid as well too in that case. And, also, you know, it'll build your relationship with them because you're doing something with them, something very productive with them. And, but, you know, I think it'll help really help them build not, you know, be a brat and protect right? Or something too. Right?
Eric:Gives them that appreciation as well.
Mark Gleason:I may have gone too far, though, when I did take him out there. He we spent some time helping us with the feeding program, but at the same time, there was a group of dentists from The US that were doing a dental, clinic and going in basically just, for lack of better term, they're ripping out teeth, tooth after tooth after tooth. That's all they were doing. And they put him in there working with the dentist.
Eric:Oh, man.
Mark Gleason:Yeah. So you've seen things. And, it,
Crystal:So he brushes
Mark Gleason:twice a day. His teeth have never been more healthy. Yeah.
Crystal:Well, the lessons come to us in many ways.
Mark Gleason:They do. Right? Yeah. Some some are harder and easier than others. Therapy.
Mark Gleason:Yeah.
Eric:That's great.
Crystal:We wanna make sure Mark can give you his details, his phone number or his email.
Mark Gleason:Gotcha. G2businesssolutions.com. It's g2-businesssolutions.com is our website. We do payroll, for small to midsize business. You can reach out to me at mark@atg2-businesssolutions.com if you're an email person.
Mark Gleason:You can reach out to me at (760) 504-3414 if you're a phone person or text. But, you know, don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or want some direction or inspiration or if you are looking for a payroll service, and that could be your way of giving back. Knowing that you use us for payroll, that instead of all that money going to just profits and buying somebody a new yacht, it's the money is actually going to, to help the the greater good, help people in need. And that's just for the record. I do not have a yacht.
Mark Gleason:So,
Eric:But you have
Crystal:a school, Leo.
Mark Gleason:I have a school of us. Yes. But, but yes.
Eric:Oh, fantastic. So if you guys got value out of this episode, this could be a great episode to share with a friend, especially, somebody that is looking to volunteer potentially. Maybe they haven't really found what they're looking for to volunteer in. Maybe maybe, Mark's thing might be the right fit for them. But that is how we grow the show is by sharing the episode with, with people that that you guys know.
Eric:So, share it with share it with somebody, and, thank you so much for listening.
Mark Gleason:Thank you for having me.
Crystal:Absolutely. And don't forget to log your single CEU. We'll see you next time. Thank you for joining us for the Business Boost Hour. My name is Crystal Privette, and this is Eric Beals.
Crystal:Thank you for joining us, and don't forget to document your single CEU. See you next time.
Mark Gleason:See you in the
Eric:next episode.
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