Giving Done Right

Giving Locally with Mike Bontrager and Stephanie Almanza

Dec 3, 2024

Mike Bontrager, founder of Chatham Financial and Square Roots Collective, and his daughter Stephanie Almanza, head of real estate at Square Roots, delve into community-focused philanthropy rooted in trust. They share how their family dynamic influences their approach to building resilient communities in Kennett Square, PA. Topics include integrating for-profit and non-profit initiatives, addressing local affordable housing challenges, and the critical role of collaboration with nonprofits and government for lasting change.

53:53

Episode guests

Stephanie Almanza

Mike Bontrager

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Mike Bontrager's shift from prioritizing profits to emphasizing trust transformed his approach in the financial industry and philanthropic ventures.

The collaboration between Mike and Stephanie promotes community growth by integrating for-profit and nonprofit efforts to address local needs and foster relationships.

Deep dives

The Foundational Impact of Trust in Business

Prioritizing trust over profits fundamentally transformed Mike Bontrager's approach in the financial industry. Starting as an entrepreneur focused on success, a significant life event shifted his perspective towards understanding the importance of trust in client relationships. Bontrager's experience at a real estate conference revealed the stark contrast between perceived trust and genuine trust, prompting him to redefine his business ethos. This emphasis on trust continued as he established Square Roots Collective, illustrating that maximizing trust can lead to enduring relationships and long-term success.

Intro

2min

Building Trust in Finance and Philanthropy

9min

Building Resilient Communities

15min

Navigating Local Challenges in Wealthy Communities

3min

Navigating Family Dynamics in Business and Philanthropy

3min

Philanthropy and Community: Unveiling Untold Histories

16min

Integrating For-Profit and Non-Profit for Greater Philanthropic Impact

2min

Reflections on Impactful Giving and Resources for Change

2min

Father-daughter duo Mike Bontrager and Stephanie Almanza join Phil and Grace to share their approach to building both for-profit and nonprofit ventures in their local community that are rooted in trust, partnership, and shared goals. Mike offers insight into how he found success in the financial industry by putting trust ahead of profit and how that principle has informed his philanthropic and entrepreneurial ventures in his hometown of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The two also discuss how they chose to invest locally and the way they work in partnership with other community nonprofits, city government, and their neighbors to help build a thriving community.