We're Inspired By: Seth Godin

This week we're inspired by entrepreneur, author and public speaker, Seth Godin.

Listen to what he has to say about 'the future of education & what we can do about it'.



What do you think? We'd love to hear from you.

Business Profile: San Diego Connection Realty

We are very pleased to introduce San Diego Connection Realty to our readers. This week we spoke with the Community Manger of SD Connection Realty, Shaun Rehmani. Shaun and his team provide expert “hyper-local” service to specific neighborhoods throughout San Diego County including Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch and Mira Mesa. Every real estate professional on the team specializes in a specific community.

Since Rehmani works with local neighborhoods and communities in San Diego every day, giving back to the community is extremely important to him and his team. With their primary goal focused on helping our youth, Rehmani is excited about the opportunity to give back through DonorNation. Should a client give SD Connection an exclusive listing on a property for sale, then Rehmani’s company will donate $1,000 to a school of the client’s choice. Similarly, SD Connection will also donate $1,000 should a client agree to buy through them a house valued at $500,000 or more. And should the purchase price of a house be less than $500,000, Rehmani’s company will donate $500 to a school the client designates. These generous donations offered by SD Connection would go a long way in helping a school meet its fundraising goal.

We asked Rehmani to tell us SD Connection’s commitment to the community and local schools.

DonorNation: Why did you join SD Connection? What excites you most about your role as a Community Manager?
Shaun: I was attracted to the SD Connection team because first and foremost, they are community-oriented. Their business model focuses on being a responsible member of the community. Instead of just conducting business we focus our efforts on creating positive relationships and helping those who are less fortunate. That is the point of a neighborhood; we believe in the concept of neighbor helping neighbor.

Also, developing relationships with my clients is what excites me a lot. Some of my relationships have lasted years and are continuing to grow. I care about my clients and I want to hear their stories and see where I can be of help to them and their families. Building these relationships has been very rewarding to me personally.

DonorNation: Your offer to donate significant dollars to a school of your client’s choice in exchange for an exclusive listing is very impressive. Why is it important to you and your team at SD Connection to support local schools?
Shaun: Local schools are the foundation of our communities. It is a privilege to be in a position where we can give back and help our youth. I know first-hand how education can play an important role in a child's life. I have been to schools where programs have been shut-down due to cutbacks which in turn resulted in kids dropping out of school and venturing on a rebellious path. On the flip side, I have also seen schools that developed successful programs where kids had the opportunity to cultivate their skills and talents.

I feel blessed and honored to have the opportunity to give back to our schools and help ensure our students’ future(s).

DonorNation: Where would you like to see your donated dollars make an impact?
Shaun: From my experience, I have seen how extracurricular programs have made a very positive impact in children’s development. Through programs such as art, sports, drama and music, individuals are able to get closer to finding their passion in life. I would like to see my company’s dollars go towards supporting these programs in our communities’ schools.  

DonorNation: How does DonorNation's mission to support local schools and businesses align with your values?
Shaun: The mission of DonorNation completely aligns with my values. The fact that we can give back to our community while conducting business is genius. I already have been active in my community—I have raised thousands of dollars for charities through numerous events I have hosted. Now, through DonorNation's platform, I will be able to increase my charitable giving dramatically.

DonorNation: How is DonorNation supporting you as a local real estate agent?
Shaun: Where do I start? DonorNation is introducing us to new prospective clients and not only clients who are looking to buy, or sell their home, but clients who care about their communities. We all are working together to give back to our neighborhoods and working with one another for one end-goal: making our schools better.

See how SD Connection is supporting locals schools by visiting their storefront on DonorNation.

Business Profile: Skin Rx

This week we’re excited to profile a skincare business called Skin Rx. The company’s President and CEO, Eva Patel explains how her skincare line is both a prescription and a philosophy—not just for treating your skin but also for looking inward to unlock your true radiance. With a philosophy based on looking inward, it’s no wonder that Patel wants to give back to her local community. By becoming a citizen of the DonorNation community, Patel has empowered the buyers of her skincare line within the DonorNation marketplace to direct 20% of their purchase price to their favorite school.

We asked Patel to share with us her business insights, philosophy and also why she decided to use DonorNation's philanthropic marketplace to market the Skin Rx line.

DonorNation: Why did you start Skin RX?

Eva: I started Skin Rx to fill a void in the skincare marketplace—my line specializes in treating common skin disorders such as aging, pigmentation issues and acne. I personally know how skin can affect us on many different levels and because of this, I wanted to help.

Beauty is the first thing nature gives a woman, it’s also the first thing it takes away if she doesn’t nurture what she already has. Taking care of your skin is no longer a luxury but a necessity and an act of self-love. I understand that the quality and health of our skin deeply affects our emotions. When we nurture ourselves and take care of ourselves we not only look better, but we also feel better.

I want to help people feel good. As a woman unable to have children, it has been therapeutic for me to refocus my energy and to touch as many lives as possible. I work from my heart and live it daily. Through Skin Rx, not only do I want to provide great skincare products but I want my company to also make a tangible difference in our communities as well.


DonorNation: Why is it important to you to support your community?

Eva: I’m a firm believer in universal consciousness and karma. I believe that giving back is a gift. In my position, I feel that it is important to actively make a positive difference in other people's lives. Moving forward, I believe that for companies, giving back to the community, schools and especially to our children will be an integral part of doing business. Children are our future. DonorNation allows me as a business owner to give back to the community by supporting our children’s education and thus ensure our future’s success.

DonorNation: Through your contribution to schools how would you like to see the quality of education improve?

Eva: Ideally, I would like to see core values instilled in our education system with an emphasis on communication and social interaction. I hope to see additional programs created and implemented where social development is nurtured. It seems to be a missing component in our children's curriculum as cutbacks continue to take effect.

DonorNation: How does our mission to support local schools and businesses align with your values?

Eva: DonorNation has made it simple for local businesses to market their products and services while at the same time, support the local communities where they do business. It is a perfect tool that effortlessly allows me to make a contribution from every sale and thus act on my mission of helping others. Everyone can appreciate a marketplace that supports local businesses and local schools. It’s a no-brainer.

See how Skin Rx is supporting locals schools by visiting their storefront on DonorNation.

donornation: Interview with Vice President of School Enrollment, Michelle Anderson