Our Story: The BGP Journey to Human Sustainability

Note from Mary, Nick, and Trisha:
We've been asked quite a bit about our backstory, and wanted to share a bit about our experience in starting BGP for anyone who wasn't part of the excitement.

The three of us worked together at a Chicago based real estate company prior to starting BGP. During our time working there, we had the privilege of working with some of the most talented, intelligent, and kind individuals you could imagine. A diverse cast of characters that made every day feel like a different adventure. A group of people worth fighting for when times got tough. A group of people worth constantly improving for. Our experience showed us something profound: the immense impact that a sense of community can have on a company. We witnessed firsthand how a workplace, when run with a people-focused mindset, can positively transform us as human beings.

Our passion was never real estate, it was people. We discovered that human sustainability – the idea of creating workplaces that nourish the human spirit – was at the core of what we wanted to be doing every day.

Our collective experiences taught us:

1. Anyone Can Pursue Their Purpose: You don't need to be an entrepreneur to align your career with a sense of purpose. The key is finding an environment where your personal values and direction resonate with the company's vision.
2. Fulfillment is a Personal Journey: We've learned that fulfillment at work is largely in your own hands. It's about actively incorporating elements that align with your values into your daily routine. Whether it's seeking out purpose-driven projects or fostering meaningful connections with colleagues, small actions can lead to significant changes in job satisfaction.
3. The Power of Community: The workplace can be more than just a place to earn a living. It can be a community where people support each other, celebrate victories together, and help each other grow through challenges. This sense of belonging and shared purpose can transform a job into a calling.
4. Living in the Present: While working towards long-term goals is important, we've learned the value of appreciating the present moment. Enjoying the journey, celebrating small wins, and finding joy in daily interactions are crucial for sustained happiness and motivation at work.

We believe that everyone has the power to contribute to a positive work environment, regardless of their position. Our message isn't just for entrepreneurs and business owners. Everyone can effectuate change. From any role. At any company.

We challenge you to be the change you want to see in your professional life. It's not (just) a cliché – it's a call to action. Whether you're a CEO or an entry-level employee, you have the power to influence your work environment positively. We use our core values as a constant reminder:

1. Be Intentional
2. Be Accountable
3. Keep Going
4. Be Good People

As we move forward, we're excited to share more about our journey and the practical steps we are taking to promote human sustainability in the workplace. We invite you to join the conversation. Share your experiences. Tell your story. Be part of our community - a community that believes in the power of purpose-driven work. We are going to commit to posting more content - please chime in and provide feedback if we ever post something you disagree with. Let's make it a discussion, yeah?