People won't be talking at you all day. This is intentionally and specifically a retreat. There will be some carefully curated talks, but the majority of the time will be for you to think, reflect, write, and share. There will also be some hands-on exercises and activities to help you reflect on what you stand for and what impact you hope to make.
“Knowledge was obtained rather by the use of the ear than of the tongue.” - Ben Franklin
Jeff Goldstein is an expert in ecological and sustainable design practices and construction methodologies, and a Principal of DIGSAU architecture firm. He has both taught and lectured on sustainability, technology, and design, and is on the Community Design Collaborative board.
Marc Vetri is the chef/founder of Philadelphia’s Vetri Family of Restaurants. Marc is also the driving force behind the Vetri Foundation for Children, a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to help kids experience the connection between healthy eating and healthy living.
Judy Wicks is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and mentor working to build a more compassionate, environmentally sustainable, and locally based economy.
Jim Green is Librarian of the Library Company of Philadelphia, where he has worked for over thirty years. He contributed three long essays to the first two volumes of the collaborative History of the Book in America, and is co-author of Benjamin Franklin, Writer and Printer.
From his modest South Philadelphia recording space, emcee/producer/multi-instrumentalist Lushlife has been quietly crafting some of the most inventive and well-regarded hip-hop records of the last several years.
Sam Calagione is the founder and President of Dogfish Head, and has been the brainchild behind all wacky things that happen at the brewpub for nearly 20 years. He's often on the road promoting Dogfish Head through beer, song, dance, and words!
Geoff started P'unk Ave after teaching for years at UArts. A founder of Indy Hall and curator of Ignite Philly, his optimism is infectious and effective.
Susan is a minister, a blogger on spirituality/faith and workplace ideas, a teacher of World Religions, a mom whose default line is still "Did you wash your hands" (he's 17), a yoga practitioner, and is acquiring a taste for Dr. Who.
Ed co-founded ad agency Red Tettemer and currently acts as a writer, brand therapist, and provocateur.
The Junto was originally formed by Ben Franklin and his friends in 1727 "to exchange knowledge of business affairs" with the goal of mutual improvement. This diverse group of business leaders met on a regular basis to share knowledge that would improve themselves, their businesses, and their community.
We have chosen to revive the spirit of the Junto in the form of this retreat, because we believe that running a business in a "not just for profit" way is rewarding both financially and emotionally. By coming together, as Franklin and his friends did, we hope to share valuable knowledge and reflections that can improve ourselves, our businesses, and our communities. In the grandest sense, we hope such an exchange will indeed help us create a more thoughtful world.
