Whole Foods

It took me almost a decade of "drinking the kool-aid" but I think I'm finally a believer in the theory that all good must originate from Austin! So many ideas, interesting people and interesting companies have sprung from the hills of Texas and I just can't get enough of the love for this town I call home!

Whole Foods Market is one example of an Austin idea and company. The philosophy of Whole Foods Market is to provide for the Whole Planet - giving health and well being to customers, to employees and partners, they are doing just that. Sustainable living has gone from the shadows to a way of life for the mainstream and Whole Foods is leading the charge.

Every aspect of what John Mackey has created exceeds the tenets of the Incspiration philosophy. The stores embody good design, the culture is beyond compare, with "gain sharing" that empowers the associates and a leader who believes in small business and believes that if you are true to your core as a human, you can contribute mightily to our world, whether it is through your own entrepreneurial endeavor or through working a career in a place that values your contribution.

To further spread his philosophy, John Mackey has co-founded the FLOW Project to inspire a new generation of entrepreneur and a new way of boldly seeking your mission in life. With the help of FLOW, I believe we will see more Incspirations come from the hills of Austin, changing the world of business for the better!

Sources: www.wholefoods.com, www.flowproject.org, Business 2.0 "Best Kept Secrets of the World's Best Companies" April 2006