Now, I didn’t immediately ask for an interview. I wanted to
see what else these guys were about. So I did a little more homework (the
usual, following on twitter, liking on facebook, and talking to a friend of
mine who knows them pretty well), and then sent a twitter message inquiring
about an interview. The response “Just give us a date, time, and place and we
say thank you and we’ll be there.”
So I did just that, and on a mild December evening the four
of us met at Cosi to discuss Common Ground Management (CGM), an urban lifestyle company that
unites Philadelphians through art, fashion, education and entertainment.
Phreedum: Tell me a little bit about how CGM went from
an idea to an entity?
CGM: We were
roommates at St. Joseph’s University. We
were just talking one day about life after college and the goals we had. As we
talked about our goals, we realized they were similar. As we talked even more
we saw that our goals centered around some commonalities, including a love for
Philly, serving others, art in all of its various mediums, and an appreciation
for diversity.
Phreedum: And how
about the name?
CGM: Initially we
didn’t have a name. It was recognizing the commonalities we had in our goals
and interests as well as wanting to create something in Philly that was based
on unity through commonality that we came up with the name Common Ground
Management.
Phreedum: Most
of the interviews I do are with individuals, although I’ve definitely talked
with a few dynamic duos. But it’s three of you guys. What are the team dynamics like?
CGM: We’re team
oriented and at the end of the day we just want what’s best for CGM as a whole.
It’s really important to us to communicate openly and honestly and we don’t do
the arguing thing. We also work well together because certain qualities are important
to us, such as integrity, having an open mind, humility, and trust.
Phreedum: What
about specific roles each of you fill?
CGM: We all do
everything. No one person represents the team; no one person is solely
responsible for one operational function.
Phreedum: What do
you consider your greatest resources?
CGM: We’re a
really strong team. We’re not just dedicated to the idea of a team but actually
doing what it takes to be a team. We also try to stay humble. At the end of the
day we never want to be too big that we can’t go to 16th and Diamond
and volunteer, host an event, or support another organization or business.
Phreedum: What
has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned thus far?
CGM: Everyday
there is a lesson. For as much time as
we spend planning and executing quality events, we also spend a lot of time
evaluating the event and really soliciting and listening to feedback. The
feedback helps us as we plan the next event. We also trust that we are doing
the right thing and we stay true to our vision and mission. People will offer
their thoughts and ideas which is cool, but at the end of the day we have to
trust and stay true to CGM.
Phreedum: What about a highlight?
Jimmy: This past
October we hosted an event called “Word of Mouth.” It was a combination of
musical artists, poets, and comedians. We had it on a Saturday that it decided
to snow. The weather was horrible and we still managed to have a full house. I felt like that was a huge step forward and
really said to people “We’re here.” Oh and receiving our LLC papers. We found
out no one else had our name which was such a relief and just made it real for
us that the sky’s the limit.
Dom: I think
setting goals every day, working towards them and seeing them culminate into
events that people attend and enjoy. Like Jimmy said about the “Word of Mouth”
event, the weather was really bad yet so many people came out and showed us a
lot of love. And, just knowing CGM is
ours. Any success or failures that occur are part of that, and it’s all charged
to the game.
Sherm: Just to
see how far we have come. We hosted our first event on Black Friday in 2010. It
was a bus trip to the shopping outlets. Now here we are in 2011 still going
strong. In January of this year (2011) we
hosted our first “Word of Mouth” event and after it was over the question was
“What’s next?,” so we did another one and like Jimmy and Dom said, we did a
second one and we had a full house. Plus, at the second one, I was able to
actually see a little bit more of it than when we did the first one earlier
this year. It was great just to see all of the hard work of the team and
artists come together and the support.
Phreedum: Who are
you in 5 words?
Laughter erupts then silence ensues.
Jimmy: Okay, I’ll
go. I would say I’m family oriented, driven, loyal, laidback, and respectful.
Sherm: I’m family
and goal oriented, humble, respectful, and a learner. I like to learn about
others and through experiences.
Dom: Humble,
inquisitive, independent, caring, and a question mark.
I give him the side eye but with a smile as I write “?”.
(I’m confused, I’ve never gotten that response before.)
Dom: I’m random,
no spontaneous. If I need a change of pace then I‘ll do something to change it
up. I’ll just get up and got to New York
for example. Not planned, just get up and go. But I want you to keep the
question mark.
Phreedum:
Done.
(So readers, in 5
words Dom is humble, inquisitive, independent, caring, and ?)
Phreedum: How
does CGM change the lives of others?
CGM: We try to
connect people and give people an opportunity to be exposed to and explore
something different. We have and will continue to host events that range from
the arts to sports and are appropriate for the 24 year old and the 84 year
old. We hope we change people’s lives by
providing real opportunities for connection and unity through common interest
despite what part of the city they are from, cultural background, or what
they’re used to. Also, if we’re really
honest people have changed our lives. We have gotten a lot of support. People
help before, during, and after events. Our families support us and help us
stay grounded.
Phreedum: Where
do you get your motivation and inspiration?
Jimmy: My mom,
sister, and grandmom have been there every step of the way. Going to college
was the only option I had and that’s where I met these two guys. My grandmom
brags about me. It’s really important to me to make them proud and just be a
positive example for my sister.
Sherm: My parents,
grandmother, and my brother have been a huge source of support. They are
excited to see CGM thrive and to see young Black men do something positive.
They are proud of me and I want to keep it that way.
Dom: My mom died
when I was a teenager, but I still carry her with me. I didn’t want to
disappoint her when she was here and I don’t want to disappoint her now. I’ve
also been fortunate to have other people like Jimmy and Sherm’s families look
out for me and support me. That motivates me to stay and do well.
Phreedum: What’s
the best thing about being an entrepreneur in Philadelphia?
Sherm: I feel that it further allows
me to represent my city in a good light. I can give back to my community/city
more than I could have ever imagined. Also Philly has a reputation of being
rough and rugged. So with that being said, if I can make it here and build a
reputation for CGM I feel like the sky is the limit for us.
Jimmy: Being entrepreneurs we have
the ability to organize and participate in any event that we like and wish to
see done. We don’t have to sit on the sideline and complain about Philly's
nightlife and/or diversity of events as we can say "we want to see this
happen" and work toward putting the event together.
Dom: Being a Black entrepreneur in Philly, or being a Black man in Philly, period, means we can set positive examples for the people younger than us. I think we are also able to show people that you can do what you’re interested in, and that it's only a piece of who you are.
Dom: Being a Black entrepreneur in Philly, or being a Black man in Philly, period, means we can set positive examples for the people younger than us. I think we are also able to show people that you can do what you’re interested in, and that it's only a piece of who you are.
Phreedum: Speaking of setting examples for
younger people, what would you tell the Jimmy, Sherm, and Dom of 10 years ago?
Jimmy: “You can’t dream too big.” I knew I
wanted to go to college, but to go to college and graduate, to work a 9-5 and
start CGM, I don’t think I thought I could do so much. But when you believe in
yourself and have good people in your life, you can. Oh and I’d tell myself to watch my temper.
Sherm: “Never be afraid to ask questions.”
Growing up I was taught to just learn for myself so I didn’t ask questions. I’d
just try to figure things out. I think I could have had a different experience
had I asked for help. Now I ask questions a lot and it’s expanded my network and
knowledge base.
Dom: “You’ll be ok.” Growing up you have
all kinds of influences. I’d tell the me of 10 years ago to trust your gut and
you’ll be fine. I was also extremely impatient then, so I would probably tell
myself to work on that. I’m a lot better now.
Phreedum: What can we expect to see from CGM in 2012?
CGM: Monthly diverse high quality events.
We’re excited about 2012 and we want people to expect more good stuff from us.
Phreedum: Okay, final question. If CGM had a
theme song, what would it be?
Jimmy: I Get Up by J. Cole
Sherm: Renegade by Jay- Z featuring Eminem.
Dom: You Don’t Know by Jay-Z.
For more information about CGM follow
them on twitter @CGMPhilly or like their CGMPhilly Facebook page.
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