Harrisonburg, Virginia
(540) 421-6976
Leadership Development, Startup Co-ops, Capitalization
Profile Overview
Articles from CDS Consulting publications
Articles in Cooperative Grocer
Other works by Ben Sandel
Profile Overview
He thinks gathering places that offer a “third place” away from home and work can be central to democracy and neighborhood vitality. “That third place concept really resonates with me,” Ben said.
That’s why he has been an active member of consumer co-ops wherever he has lived, and was instrumental in organizing the Harrisonburg community to open the Friendly City Food Co-op in 2011. Ben led the board of directors from the co-op’s inception to its opening, through incorporation, raising $1.5 million in financing, gaining over 1,200 members and hiring a general manager. Ben is currently working with startups and established co-ops on governance as well as capitalization and financing for their projects.
Ben understands first-hand what groups need to help them realize their goals, and how planning is crucial. “The needs of startups especially are so varied,” Ben said. “The most important thing is to stay focused.” Ben assists co-ops with building community support, growing organizational capacity, and pre-opening preparation to ensure success after a project’s completion. “I learned what works through all the stages. I’m looking forward to useing my skillset and experience to help other co-ops have the best chance possible,” he said.
Ben’s services include:
• Board leadership training and support
• Capitalization and financing support
• Support for Startup Food Co-ops
• Retreat planning and facilitation
• Governance workshops and training
• Board resource development
Is An Owner Capital Campaign Right For Your Co-op?
Solutions: Grab and Go - January 2018
Gaining Grocery Fluency
Solutions: Grab and Go - July 2017
The Cooperative Difference is Your Competitive Advantage
Solutions: Grab and Go - June 2017
Officer Elections and Board Leadership
Solutions: Grab and Go - May 2017
Outlook for Growth and Establishing New Co-ops
Solutions: July-August 2016
Planning a Member/Owner Capital Campaign
Solutions: Grab and Go - February 2016
Components of a Successful System of Accountable Empowerment
Solutions: Grab and Go - December 2015
Amplify Cooperative Impact through Participation
Solutions: September-October 2015
Expansion Projects Require Great Internal Communication: Before, During and After
Solutions: Grab and Go - April 2015
Grab and Go Governance
February 2015
See You at CCMA!
Solutions: May-June 2014
Deliver the Benefits of Co-op Capitalization to Owners
Solutions: March-April 2014
Supporting the Diverse Needs of Startups
Solutions: November-December 2013
Meet Ben Sandel
Solutions: January-February 2013
Reinvigorate Your Co-op Culture
Solutions: January-February 2013
Startups Seize the Moment with Leadership Development
Solutions: September-October 2012
Introducing Ben Sandel to Our Team
CBLD Connections: October 2012
Great Idea: Startup Policy Templates Easily Set Up New Boards
CBLD Connections: August 2012
Autonomy and Independence: What’s Up with Principle Four?
November-December 2017
Membership Growth Strategies for Startups: Common Features of Success
January-February 2016
Grow Your Co-op: Know your sources of cooperative capital
March-April 2013
Harrisonburg’s Friendly New Neighbor
September-October 2011
Capital Campaign Workbook
Bill Gessner with Beret Griffith and Ron Griffith
Revised 2016 by Ben Sandel and Leslie Watson
Published by Food Co-op Initiative and available from foodcoopinitiative.coop
Preparing for Your Capital Campaign
Food Co-op Initiative Webinar - May, 2014
Shifting Gears to Governance
Food Co-op Initiative Webinar - May, 2013
Building a Strong Base: Group Process and Leadership
Food Co-op Initiative Webinar - May, 2013
Legal Issues in Stage 2
Food Co-op Initiative Webinar - May, 2013
Legal Issues in Stage 1
Food Co-op Initiative Webinar - April, 2013
Organizing your Team
Food Co-op Initiative Webinar - March, 2013
Effective Boards and Teams II: Teamwork, Process, and Decision-Making
Food Co-op Initiative Webinar - February, 2012
Effective Boards and Teams: Structure and Accountability
Food Co-op Initiative Webinar - February, 2012
Steve Cooke, General Manager, Friendly City Food Co-op, Harrisonburg, Va.