When building a sustainable organization, it’s crucial to integrate practices that encompass environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. This involves setting clear sustainability goals, minimizing environmental impact, fostering a culture of ethical conduct, embracing diversity and inclusivity, and prioritizing long-term success over short-term gains.

In this captivating episode of Supply Chain Now, sponsored by Microsoft, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Cora Spearman-Chang. As the resilient CEO and Founder of Coradorables & Cora Spearman Hawaii, she embodies a fusion of mid-century modern style with the vibrant spirit of Hawaii, all crafted sustainably. Overcoming personal challenges, from a battle with cancer to earning the prestigious title of Emerging Designer of the Year at the 2013 Hawaii Governor’s Fashion Award, Cora’s story is truly inspiring.

Her brand’s designs grace 5-star resorts, esteemed hotels, and upscale specialty shops globally, not just showcasing fashion but also a steadfast commitment to sustainability. A participant in the 2022 United Nations Climate Ambition Accelerator, Cora spearheads conversations about sustainable fashion practices, contributing invaluable insights at esteemed events like the 2022 NRF Retail Show’s “Future of Sustainability” panel.

Join us on this episode to explore Cora’s remarkable journey, the unique challenges of cultivating a sustainable brand in Hawaii, and the profound global impact of her creations.

Intro/Outro (00:03):

Welcome to Supply Chain Now, the voice of global supply chain. Supply Chain Now focuses on the best in the business for our worldwide audience, the people, the technologies, the best practices, and today’s critical issues, the challenges and opportunities. Stay tuned to hear from those making global business happen right here on Supply Chain Now.

Scott Luton (00:32):

Hey, hey. Good morning, good afternoon, good evening. Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson with you here on Supply Chain Now. Welcome to today’s show. Kevin, how you doing?

Kevin L. Jackson (00:40):

Yes, sir. I am really happy today, but for some reason I just got this urge that I need a vacation. I need a tropical vacation, maybe an island somewhere. I don’t know if you have any suggestions or recommendations, but somebody hit me today.

Scott Luton (01:00):

I like the vibe, and you know we do. We’ve got a wonderful show that’s not only going to inspire folks to visit to these beautiful places that you’re talking about, but we’re going to inspire folks with a wonderful and inspiring story of an entrepreneur and business leader who’s building an incredible brand and company. And I’ll tell you, Kevin, that’s just changing the world. You know, I know we give Enrique Alvarez, our dear friend, a hard time when we talk about that because that’s his mission. He’s changing the world. Cora, our guest is changing the world. And Kevin, I can’t wait to jump into this story here today.

Kevin L. Jackson (01:30):

Oh, this is going to be —

Scott Luton (01:30):

Huh?

Kevin L. Jackson (01:31):

It’s going to be fun, enjoyable, and inspiring. It’s inspiring me for quite a few years.

Scott Luton (01:41):

You’re not kidding. All right. So, folks, today’s episode is presented in partnership once again with our friends at Microsoft who’s doing some pretty cool things in industry as well, helping us all move forward together, so more on that later.

Scott Luton (01:54):

So, Kevin, I have the distinguished honor to introduce our guests here today. I can’t wait. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, our guest has been described as a designer, dreamer and survivor. Now, our guest has racked up the awards left and right, including being recognized, just a few here because the list is long, Emerging Designer of the Year Recipient, Women Who Mean Business Honoree, and a Wells Fargo Rising Star Award. How about that?

Scott Luton (02:21):

Her apparel all designed, sourced and manufactured in Hawaii. Well, they’ve been worn by the stars, rock and roll stars, Hollywood stars, you name it, television shows. And she’s been featured in the pages of Vogue, UK, L Magazine, Essence, Inc. Magazine, and many other popular publications. But beyond the design, our guest is building a company with purpose. She’s been invited to be a part of critical industry leadership conversations by the likes of, you may have heard these groups, Kevin, United Nations in the National Retail Federation.

Scott Luton (02:55):

So, please join me in welcoming the CEO and founder of Coradorables and Cora Spearman Hawaii, all part of the Coradorables Sustainable Corporation, Cora Spearman Chang. Cora, aloha, and welcome.

Cora Spearman (03:10):

Aloha. How are you, Scott and Kevin.

Kevin L. Jackson (03:13):

Hey, I’m doing great.

Scott Luton (03:14):

Wonderful.

Kevin L. Jackson (03:15):

I mean — but Scott neglected, he’s going to talk about it, but you are also a great mother and wife and leader, all of this. I mean, how do you do all of these things?

Cora Spearman (03:28):

By the grace of God. This is all — I give God all the glory. He’s my CEO.

Kevin L. Jackson (03:35):

Oh, yes.

Cora Spearman (03:35):

He’s really the CEO.

Scott Luton (03:36):

Well, that certainly helps make for successful decision making there, Cora and Kevin, and that’s a big part of the equation. Well, Cora, welcome, welcome, welcome. We got so much to get into here today. And we want to start, Kevin, with getting to know Cora a little bit better, at what end — Kevin opened it up perfect because he’s thinking of these beautiful places that you get to call home. So, I want to talk about Hawaii for a moment. What’s one or two — and I’m sure the list is long, but what are one or two of your favorite aspects of living and working in Hawaii?

Cora Spearman (04:06):

Well, one or two, there’s so many, but Hawaii is steeped, of course, in culture and all different cultures from all over the world that call it home. And so, the word for family is ohana, and your ohana can look like, it’s — it can be chosen, you know, family and not just your blood family. And so, that whole philosophy and theory of what curly truly creates community is what runs deep through the veins of the whole ethos of Hawaii. So, that’s first and foremost one of my favorite things besides the environment of having the mountains and, as we call it, the ina or mauka to makai, the ocean and the sea as well as the mountains.

Cora Spearman (04:52):

So, we have so many of the — you get to see the — God’s glory, just all of the different things and all in the nature and creation. It lets you know how small we are in the scheme of things. When you look up at the big mountains, when you look into the vast ocean, and how we play a small part, but our small part still has a big impact. And the whole thing too of imua. And imua in Hawaiian means when you are gathered with a common purpose and you come together and perseverance, and in purpose as well as dignity, and you push forward. So, we always use that fight chant of imua in Hawaiian. And the word aloha.

Scott Luton (05:35):

Please tell — and for the handful of folks out there who may not know, or a lot of folks may not know, tell us about aloha.

Cora Spearman (05:40):

Aloha is not just hello and goodbye. It is the breath of God. It is the breath of the divine be with you. So, you’re telling someone peace be with you and to carry that breath, to carry that life with you. So, you’re giving them that blessing. So, when we say aloha, we’re giving someone a blessing. And so, it’s not just hello and goodbye, but it’s truly a blessing.

Scott Luton (06:05):

Aloha, Cora. And that man, what a wonderful and beautiful serene way of opening our conversation here today. Kevin, I’m going to steal one of these words because it feels it’s like me and you have been on imua for a couple of years now, Kevin, huh?

Kevin L. Jackson (06:18):

You know, the thing about the Hawaiian culture is that it’s caring, it’s embracing. And the people are caring and embracing. And the language, sort of, reflects that culture. People know Hawaii as a, you know, wonderful vacation place. But to be so lucky to live in this environment of a family of ohana, you know, I’m jealous in a lot of ways, Cora.

Cora Spearman (06:50):

Don’t be jealous. Come and join me.

(CROSSTALK)

Scott Luton (06:52):

Oh, there you go. I love that.

Kevin L. Jackson (06:54):

I think I need to go to an island somewhere.

Cora Spearman (06:58):

Come. Come join me. Come join me.

Scott Luton (07:00):

Let’s make that happen. OK. So, moving right along., we understood doing our homework that you’re a fellow — big, big fellow food fan. So, we got like, my kindred spirits say here. So, if you had to pick one dish, Cora, and we also understand you’re quite the chef. So, if you had to pick one dish that’s one of your go-tos to prepare for ohana, what would that be?

Cora Spearman (07:22):

Oh, my goodness. Something that you all would have to try, its cooking, because the holidays are coming up. Thanksgiving. Cooking, one is my grandma’s oyster dressing, which is always a standout. But the other thing is cooking the Turkey in the Hawaiian imu. Imu turkey is like no other turkey you’ve ever had in your life. You want to talk about fall off the bone, moist, just tender, and it’s all only butter, Hawaiian salt, some garlic.

Cora Spearman (07:54):

And so, it’s funny, when I was doing the traditional imu with some elders in the community and they invite you over, because they do the whole thing with the banana leaves and they actually dig the underground oven and create this whole thing. And it’s a very cultural, beautiful thing, and it’s a big honor to be invited. Not everyone can just cook in the imu here in Hawaii, right.

Cora Spearman (08:14):

And so, when I went — you know, I would — I call myself a black Martha Stewart. I had — I was like, oh, over here in the garden, you guys got some rosemary, you got some of this, some of that. I was throwing rosemary, sage, throwing apples and oranges in there. They’re like, hold on now. This is not how we’re doing imu. And I was like — and so, I was like, oh, they’re never going to invite me back here again. But thank God they did because it was amazing. And they’re like, oh, Cora knows how to add the extra herbs and spices. So, it’s like I’m the new KFC Hawaii.

Kevin L. Jackson (08:45):

Wow, you have that tough —

(CROSSTALK)

Scott Luton (08:46):

No kidding. I am starving now.

Cora Spearman (08:47):

Yes, you got to try. Imu — if you have the opportunity to have imu turkey, I know a lot of people when they go to the luaus, you get to have the pool pork, right? And that’s cooked generally in the imu, right?

Kevin L. Jackson (08:59):

Yes, I had one of those when I was there. That was delicious.

Cora Spearman (09:01):

Like, when you had —

Kevin L. Jackson (09:03):

Yes.

Cora Spearman

What — imagine it being turkey, next level. We call it (INAUDIBLE), that’s when you go to sleep.

Scott Luton (09:09):

Well, Cora, I couldn’t get past the oyster dressing, which I love dressing. Oyster dressing sounds even better. So, we’re going to have to exchange recipes.

Cora Spearman (09:19):

I’ll send you Grandma’s recipe, for sure, I’ll send you.

Scott Luton (09:19):

All right. So, kind of kidding aside, and I appreciate the opportunity again to talk with you about a wide range of topics here today. Kevin and I both do. You’re also a brave cancer survivor. And I’ll tell you, as I’ve learned, and as Kevin and I and the whole team have learned more about your story, there’s so many different things to celebrate about your journey, what you’ve been able to overcome and build for so many. So, if there’s one piece of advice that you’d love to offer some of our listeners that may be out there fighting and battling their own things that come in life, those biggest and greatest of challenges, what would that one piece of advice be, Cora?

Cora Spearman (10:00):

Well, for me personally, it’s always getting centered with prayer in my faith. But everyone is different in a certain way, right? So — and not everyone has that same ethos or philosophy. So, what everyone could probably relate to is, again, that whole spirit of imua and that pushing forward. And in order to do that, I think you have to have something to look forward to.

Cora Spearman (10:27):

So, whatever you’re going through, focus on the future. Whatever you’re doing, whatever your business you’re starting. If you’re going through tough times, if you’re going through great times, still focus on the future. And when you’re looking towards the future of something, it causes your whole paradigm to shift to looking at something outside of yourself, but you’re also projecting that this — the future will happen. You’re manifesting something positive happening in the future instead of dwelling on the here and now. You’re thinking forward.

Cora Spearman (11:00):

So, I would say focus on that. And when you’re focused on the future, you’re seeing yourself, you’re projecting already seeing yourself in another time span that is ahead of just the now. Meaning that these tough times right now don’t stay forever. And so, for me, the cancer I knew was just my right now, and it was going to be a part of my testimony and my journey because I believe that God and I was going to get through it. And it was going to get through it with faith, not only in myself, but in something greater than me. And just knowing that something greater than you is out there and focusing on your future will help push you forward.

Scott Luton (11:41):

Cora, that’s a beautiful message. And I can really envision on those darkest of days, you know, controlling our mindset and controlling what we can control is so important. So, thank you for sharing that. Kevin, respond to that if you would, and then take us to where we’re going next.

Kevin L. Jackson (11:56):

Well, to be honest, I really like the positioning yourself to look towards the future because you can always get drowned out by the trials and tribulations of today. And you really need to believe that there is a better future. But that really, sort of, leads me to a personal question I had with respect to you and business. I mean, everything in life has a why. I mean, we’ve been talking a bit about what you do, but — I mean, could you share why you do it? Why the business? I mean, there’s so many things in your life that I’ve learned about and — but why this? Why Coradorable?

Cora Spearman (12:49):

Yes. Well, why — my why was I always, even as a little kid, I always wanted to be a mom, and I always wanted to be a fashion designer. So, when I played with my Barbies, my Barbie was a mom and she ran a business, and she wore amazing outfits that I would design. But I wasn’t necessarily encouraged by my parents to become a fashion designer or entrepreneur, even though my dad was a designer and entrepreneur. And my mom, they were like, don’t do it.

Kevin L. Jackson (13:19):

They’re trying to warn you to not — don’t do that.

Cora Spearman (13:21):

Yes, yes, they warned me. It was like, you need to be a doctor or a lawyer. And I was like, no. And so, I’ve found my way and I think that the universe always has a way of conspiring to work with you, for you to ultimately live your destiny and your dream. And we may push against it and try to go other directions, but ultimately we’re guided back home.

Cora Spearman (13:42):

And for me it was — my why was when I was faced with cancer, it was like, all right. This was my — literally my come to Jesus moment and it was like, all right, when given a second chance at life, what was it that you were always scared to do that you always wanted to do? And so, I always wanted to be a designer and I always wanted to be a mom. And when faced with potentially not becoming a mom, you know, because of the cancer, it was like, well, that’s when you really had to rely on faith, right?

Cora Spearman (14:15):

And so, in the hospital it was a nice distraction. Like I said, I focused on something other than my immediate situation. And that in the hospital I was writing a business plan, like, literally I was — I had tubes in my nose, and they wired my mouth shut in order for me to get the radiation to my brain and my head to stay in the same place. You — they had to make sure your mouth was wired shut. So, I learned to be, like, talk through my teeth just like this. You know, I learned to be a ventriloquist just to talk through —

Kevin L. Jackson (14:45):

Talk through your wires.

Cora Spearman (14:46):

— you know, my teeth or whatever. Yes, talk to the wire, right, like Kanye West except not as crazy. But what I ended up doing was just, like, figuring out a way. So, my original plan that I pitched to these doctors, because — you know, these are the best doctors in the world, right? So, I’m like, I’m going to pitch these guys, you know, maybe they’ll invest, you know. So, I entertained them. Every day, they were always so amused. You know, the — and the residents at the time would come to my room because they’re like, what is Cora going to say today? What is she going to pitch us today?

Cora Spearman (15:14):

So, I pitched a smooth food company because I was like, I’m so tired of drinking Ensure. I can’t take any more butter pecan. No more vanilla, no more strawberry. No thank you. I was like, no. I said, I want to come up with a smooth foods company that has, you know, the flavors of all of the world. Indian food, Thai food, Seoul food, barbecue through, like, Ensure. Smooth flavor.

(CROSSTALK)

Cora Spearman (15:41):

Right. Yes, going through the tubes, right? I was like, hit me in the vein, hit it up with the IV of, like, barbecue sauce, Sweet Baby Ray’s right through the vein.

Scott Luton (15:47):

Love it.

Cora Spearman (15:48):

And so, what ended up happening was I had to think about, I — at the time I owned retail stores here in Hawaii. And in owning the retail stores, people were always coming in asking for matching family aloha wear, and they couldn’t find it. They didn’t want swap meat material. They wanted something higher end quality. And the doctors and nurses loved coming to Hawaii on their vacations. But these were people that didn’t have a lot of time. And that’s one thing that a lot of busy people are always short on, or all people in general. We don’t have an abundance of time.

Cora Spearman (16:20):

And so, you could save people time by creating something that was their go-to that could be — they could wear this shirt to the office, but they can also wear it to a wedding, but they could also wear it on vacation. It could also double as their Christmas card. So, I was — when I had — I was like, these doctors are my target market. So, when I started focusing then on the business plan of creating Coradorables, which was the aloha wear for the whole family, and that was going to be their go-to and save these doctors’ time for when they go on vacation, they just throw this easy to pack, easy to have it, and then boom, that’s their Christmas card. You know, it was a win-win. And so, they became my test market, but they also became my clients that I have to this day. So, my why started off with me playing with Barbies and wanting to be a designer and wanting to be a mom.

Kevin L. Jackson (17:07):

Wow, wow. What a great story.

Scott Luton (17:10):

Really —

Kevin L. Jackson (17:10):

I mean, before Coradorables, the only fashion that came out of Honolulu was Hawaiian shirt. But after Cora, it’s like an entire line of aloha wear. I mean, this is amazing. So, you have clothing for the entire family, but what had been the most popular items? What has resonated most in the market with your doctors, I guess?

Cora Spearman (17:41):

Well, you just said it. With the doctors, my number one and all, honestly, my number one seller is my men’s aloha shirt. My men’s shirt is the gang banger. He’s like, boom, boom, boom. It’s like, he’s the star of the show. It’s funny, we were featured on “Magnum P.I.”, on “Lost”, on the different shows, but also our aloha shirt, we became the tween shirt as chosen by Bloomingdale’s for the “Barbie”, the movie that launched this year. And so, that really helped to ignite a lot of sales and a lot of attention because when I looked and I said, I knew that they were going to do this partnership with the movie, and I said, well, Ken, you know, his job is Beach.

Scott Luton (18:22):

Right.

Cora Spearman (18:22):

And I was, hello. What better shirt than be teen shirts, then you know, the Cora Spearman Hawaii Aloha Shirt. And Bloomingdale’s was like, OK, we’ll buy it.

(CROSSTALK)

Kevin L. Jackson (18:35):

You started with the Barbies, clothing of Barbies, and now, you created a Ken shirt, wow.

Scott Luton (18:42):

Right.

Cora Spearman (18:44):

Full circle.

Scott Luton (18:44):

Kevin —

Cora Spearman (18:43):

Like I said, God makes no mistakes, right.

Kevin L. Jackson (18:46):

Come full circle.

Cora Spearman (18:47):

Come full circle

Scott Luton (18:48):

That really — and I got to go back — before we move forward in the conversation, I want to go back to your answer to Kevin’s first question, because Kevin and Cora undoubtedly, we’ve got entrepreneurs out there listening to us right now. Some of them are still working on their plans. Some of them have already started and they’re fighting through the trenches, you know, all the things that come with it.

Scott Luton (19:06):

But Cora to hear how you were putting together your first business plan and what you are overcoming personally while you were doing that. So, folks, if you’re out there listening and you’re struggling with your business plan, hey, that’s a good — be grateful for what you have and you’re not having to tackle some of those personal challenges that Cora overcame bravely and ably. And look — just look at what they’re doing now.

Scott Luton (19:30):

All right. So, Cora and Kevin, you all know we got to talk about supply chain around here, right? So —

Kevin L. Jackson (19:36):

That because the name of the show “Supply Chain” doesn’t (INAUDIBLE).

Scott Luton (19:40):

Right, right, right. Oh, gosh. We’ll blame it on Congress or something, I don’t know. But hey, your products are really cool to have them made and designed in Hawaii. You know, they’re your — of course working with several local factories. So, let’s talk about a couple supply chain topics, logistics first.

Cora Spearman (19:58):

Right.

Scott Luton (19:59):

So, talk to us about the challenges of sending your products to raving fans across the globe, Cora. What — what have you overcome there?

Cora Spearman (20:08):

Well, I think the hardest thing is getting things made in America these days, because the cost of manufacturing in America is high. You know, for us, everything from our fabrics, our buttons, everything is sourced right here in Hawaii. So, our buttons are coconut husks that say Hawaii. So, every small detail, and that was very important to me, I also wanted to give back to my immediate community. And I thought it would be very simple, like, oh, we all work together, it’ll be easy. And then it was like, no, it’s not that easy. It was like — it was really, really hard. It’s still hard and expensive, but it’s worth it. And it’s part of my ethos, it’s our value, it’s our mission statement, and having things made here in America.

Cora Spearman (20:53):

And so, with our supply chain, the hardest thing was, well, I don’t want to reinvent the wheel. There was already older Japanese families that — and Chinese families here that have been in the garment creating industry for over four and five decades, 40, 50 years these companies. So, I said, well, why would I go and try and source something in Asia when these companies are already here making these fabrics and textiles? Let me see if they’ll partner with me. And they did. And I let them know, hey, if we can work together, because they already have the supply chain in regards to getting bolts of fabric on boats here, right?

Cora Spearman (21:32):

And so, then also me going through export — we had an Export University sponsored by the SBA here and the Export Council in Hawaii. And so, I said, well — in doing the Export University, I knew that people were all here at the foreign trade zone. So, in being in the foreign trade zone and finding out different ways that you can save money and having a potential export and getting your product here and getting it here and lowering your cost. Sourcing was kind of like my thing. You know, so being able to find each one of the different things to put it together, it just all of a sudden it all divinely came into play.

Cora Spearman (22:11):

So, it was working with other families that had been doing it that were suffering. These businesses were — had been around for four and five — like I said, generations, but they weren’t necessarily getting that deal anymore where people were buying a whole lot of their fabrics. So, I became that person who started giving back to them and pouring into them, but then it was like, oh, this is a whole thing, because they pay taxes here. They already had their supply chain down. I’m not breaking, you know, reinventing the wheel, but I’m partnering with people who already had created something and had created it for decades.

Cora Spearman (22:47):

So, I knew that it was a sound product, and then it made it that much easier and then bringing it together. So, yes, it was going to be a lot more expensive. So, that meant that my shirt couldn’t be sold at Walmart, even though I try, you know. It’s like —

Kevin L. Jackson (22:59):

Yes, you bet.

Cora Spearman (23:00):

I mean — and Kevin knows that. You know, I had 17 Walmart stores initially, but it was like the woman who was the vice president here of Saks Fifth Avenue, where we had a pop-up store. She said, well, if you would’ve did Walmart, you would’ve never been in Saks. And I said, oh, that’s a heck of a statement. But it was like — but it’s funny now, our Saks Fifth Avenue has now turned into a Target. So, that tells you about the economy and the market here in Hawaii, but it’s like, you know, it’s all things going to play.

(CROSSTALK)

Kevin L. Jackson (23:27):

It’s all about partnership, that’s what you’re highlighting, right?

Cora Spearman (23:31):

Strategic partnerships. I believe your network is your net worth.

Kevin L. Jackson (23:35):

Yes.

Scott Luton (23:36):

Yes

Cora Spearman (23:36):

And so, it’s about who — not just who and their power influence, but it’s about looking into your community about who’s already doing something and doing it well, and what can you learn from them.

Scott Luton (23:48):

So, let me ask — so, Cora, so you really leaned into the local established ecosystem there. And rather than reinventing wheels, you put it that coopetition, which is really a healthy thing, right? You found those partnerships and found ways of inbound, you’re importing, exporting, and solving the businesses, your businesses, and growing businesses’ needs. But the other thing I want to ask you about is, even though as any startup out there, for that matter, any business out there, costs can be very big constraint, right?

Cora Spearman (24:19):

Right.

Scott Luton (24:19):

But you were committed to not compromising on sourcing and sticking to ethical sourcing, that’s a really big priority for you. So, tell us about that.

Cora Spearman (24:29):

Well, I had to do — the funny thing was ethical sourcing because I had cancer, I filed for medical bankruptcy. So, I was starting a business with no credit, no money, and no banks would loan to me. So, it was trying to figure all of this out with literally nothing but a dream, an idea and passion, right. So, it was finding in dealing with local communities and dealing with people here. It was them knowing my story, them knowing my background, and us working together and saying, hey, I will work my butt off to get this account in order to get this. But can you give me net 30, net 60 terms?

Cora Spearman (25:12):

It’s that kind of negotiation and having those hard conversations and actually humbling myself and saying, hey, I don’t have the money. I don’t have the means, but I will find it. I am good for it. And we will make this work. And then having those people then literally invest with the product in a way so that I was able to source my materials, but also take care of some of my overhead and a lot of my cost, right, but then also pay attention to my margins. And knowing, OK, I need to make this amount of money and have it set at this price so that now I can go back and pay people what they deserve to be paid and they know that I’m good for it, you know.

Scott Luton (25:54):

Yes, and work with suppliers that do the same thing with their teams and no one’s being taken advantage of, right?

Cora Spearman (26:01):

Right

Scott Luton (26:02):

That’s — that is such a powerful approach. Kevin, your quick comments there.

Kevin L. Jackson (26:04):

Well, I mean, you started off with talking about ohana, and this is really another extension of ohana. If you’re doing business, your ecosystem, your business ecosystem is your business family. And you have to work with them as they need to work with you. And that’s why it’s critical to being open and honest when you’re doing business. That’s the only way that everyone can move forward together. Business isn’t a zero sum game. You create value. You create wealth for everyone. And wealth isn’t just money. It’s all about your lifestyle, your environment. What you can do with your life, and how you can enrich the lives of others. So, that’s one thing I’m seeing in your story, Cora.

Cora Spearman (27:02):

Aw, thank you.

Scott Luton (27:03):

Kevin, well said. Well said. And I wholeheartedly agree with you, Cora. I really — despite all those personal challenges and business challenges that you’ve already laid out, not compromising to take advantage of others just so you could grow your business, that is such a wonderful leadership quality of yours.

Scott Luton (27:23):

All right. Shifting gears a little bit, sustainability, as we all know, right, consumers, investors, business leaders, we all want more and more. And not just, we want to do something about the environment and climate change, and we’re looking for sustainability a number of different ways. When it comes to your business — businesses, I should say, what are some of your priorities when it comes to sustainability?

Cora Spearman (27:47):

My priorities, based on, I guess the four pillars — kind of, as outlined by the United Nations global Compact. So, you know, corporate responsibility starts with a company’s value system and principle-based approach to doing business. So, this means operating in ways that at a minimum meet fundamental responsibility in areas of — for me, human rights, labor, the environment, right, and anti-corruption, right? So, those are the four pillars as, you know, overall.

Cora Spearman (28:20):

But then we also have it based on the 17 SDGs as outlined. This is — SDGs is the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. So, it was kind of using that as our north star and always focusing on does this fall into a line with all of these missions, specifically the four pillars, and then the 17 SDGs. And if anything was like, nope, then we had to pivot and turn around and go right back to that.

Scott Luton (28:48):

And you get a lot of nopes in this journey, don’t we? We all get a lot of nopes, don’t we, Cora?

Cora Spearman (28:53):

You get more noes than yeses, but rejection is just redirection.

Scott Luton (28:57):

Well — but I like how you put it. Because if we get lots of noes and then we get a lot of, nope, nope. You know what I mean?

(CROSSTALK)

Scott Luton (29:06):

Kevin.

Kevin L. Jackson (29:07):

Sustainability or that focus and commitment, sustainability is really what allowed you to not only be unique, but to grow and create a position in the marketplace that’s unassailable, right? Nobody can create what you’ve built.

Cora Spearman (29:26):

Well, the funny thing, oh — I think the funny thing is that sustainability, for me, was just who we were. It wasn’t a buzzword. It wasn’t greenwashing. It wasn’t like, oh, we need to jump on this bandwagon. It was — sustainability was a necessity for me because I didn’t have the resources that a lot of other businesses had. So, I had to depend on my community. I had to make sure that everybody was then paid a fair wage. I had to make sure of all of these different things because I was working with local organizations and people that I was accountable to because I see them at the grocery store, I see them at church, I see them everywhere. And so, this is my community. So I had to also be honorable in my interaction with my community.

Kevin L. Jackson (30:11):

What’s important about that is sustainability is your differentiator in the market.

Scott Luton (30:19):

As I’m learning, also your commitment to doing the right thing. And I don’t mean to be too simplistic with that, but as we’re learning more and more about your story and your priorities and how you do business, I’m seeing this common theme emerge and doing the right thing on so many different levels is so important. And it’s what this industry needs so much, this world needs so much more of.

Scott Luton (30:41):

So, that really — as we promise you all out there listening, we promised you an inspiring story. And Cora, Kevin, Cora is delivering here today. Let me ask you about this, Kevin, we’re going to celebrate something with Cora and her team because this was — I think this is pretty new news, if I’m not mistaken. As high honor to receive the B Corps certification and your company, your enterprise, just received that. So, tell us why — what that is first, and why that’s important, Cora.

Cora Spearman (31:10):

Oh. Well, thank you — first and foremost, thank you so much for that. We’re very, very grateful. B Corps are mission-driven companies that balance purpose and profit. So, you have to have the two, you know, And B Corps are for-profit companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance. Transparency, as we talked about before, and accountability. B Corps use the power of business to do more than just, like I said, seek profit. You know, we use our profits and growth to positively impact our stakeholders, our immediate communities, the world community, the planet.

Cora Spearman (31:49):

So, certified B Corps use business ultimately as a force for good. That’s our superpower. And so, to be a part of that and for — to go through their rigorous standards and tests, like, this wasn’t something that happened overnight. It literally took me about 18 months to become B Corps.

Kevin L. Jackson (32:07):

Yes, that’s hard work. That’s hard work.

Cora Spearman (32:09):

And that was considered quick for some people because other people seeking B Corp certification, them doing their impact assessment, going through the whole processes, it’s taking some people three to four years.

Kevin L. Jackson (32:21):

Very impressive.

Scott Luton (32:23):

18 months.

Cora Spearman (32:23):

But companies like Patagonia, Bigelow Teas, you have Ben & Jerry’s, you have all of these — what you call, Athleta, you know, they’re all B Corps. So, now we’re in this, like — the cool kids club that, like I said, keeping business as a force for good. So, now I’m trying to become the Nicki Minaj or Cardi B of B Corps where I jump — you know, where I jump on a track of a brand bigger than me to, like, spit my verses and I’m like —

Kevin L. Jackson (32:50):

Oh, I don’t know. I’m like —

Cora Spearman (32:52):

You know, and I’d lay down my tracks —

Kevin L. Jackson (32:53):

Cora and Cardi B —

Cora Spearman (32:54):

you know and see if they’ll have —

Kevin L. Jackson (32:55):

A duet.

Cora Spearman (33:00):

I don’t know how sustainable. I won’t — maybe she’s about sustainability. I would hope so.

Scott Luton (33:04):

But, you know, kidding aside — and I love that, by the way, Cora. But kidding aside, B Corp status really seems to fit how you do business and your values and your M.O.

Scott Luton (33:17):

Kevin, that’s — I’m going to have to look into this B Corp status and who knows? I mean, where purpose and profit meet, I mean, everyone can win there, huh, Kevin?

Kevin L. Jackson (33:24):

Oh, no. Yes. Absolutely. That’s like — you’re getting in a rare air of business, right? You look up to these companies that can be successful and save the planet. And this is especially important in today’s world as we’re looking at climate change. And I mean Hawaii — I mean, in Maui just recently because of the hot wind from —

Cora Spearman (33:52):

Fires.

Kevin L. Jackson (33:53):

— a hurricane that was enhanced by global warming. So, this really hits home in so many ways,

Cora Spearman (34:02):

Literally.

Scott Luton (34:03):

Yes, agreed. I want to ask you about Microsoft Office 365 and Outlook, the world. I am a big — I’ll tell you, I don’t know what I would do, frankly, and Kevin knows me well. Without Outlook and Outlook calendars and tasks, all that stuff.

Kevin L. Jackson (34:18):

The control model.

Scott Luton (34:19):

I’m not sure how to get anything done, right?

Cora Spearman (34:23):

Right, right. Well, I’m a grown Hotmail girl, so I spent on my Hotmail account.

Scott Luton (34:26):

OK. So, we have that in common. That was my first e-mail address as well. What — so, I know there’s a lot of different components to your business, but when it comes to Office 365 and Outlook, is it critical to how you all run and operate?

Cora Spearman (34:40):

Absolutely. It’s critical because we’re a mom-and-pop business with me and my husband. And so, to have our phones sync up and have all of that handy, and for our schedules to sync up, whether it be managing the kids, to managing the home. And of course, all one runs into — one runs into the other. It helps us in regards to organization, but it helps us in regards to our teams and being able to communicate with other people. It’s just really streamlined it in such an impactful way that I wouldn’t know where we would be, honestly, without it.

Scott Luton (35:11):

I’m with you. And lest we forget, it helps you manage the production process for imu turkey and that oyster stuffing, right?

Scott Luton (35:20):

So, Kevin, help us — you know, being the technologist here, or at least one of my go-to technologists, weigh in on Microsoft Azure, which kind of powers all that stuff, right?

Kevin L. Jackson (35:28):

Well, you know, I’m a Cloud guy, right? And what many people don’t realize is that, you know, these applications actually run on the Azure, Microsoft Cloud, right? For instance, just your identity is handled by Azure Active Directory that manages who you are, who want to connect to, and is secure, to make sure you’re talking to, who you should send e-mails to or communicate with. It makes it possible for you to synchronize your passwords across all of these different apps. I don’t know about you, but every day it seems like I need to download a new app.

Kevin L. Jackson (36:13):

So now, you can set up a single sign one in the Cloud, and it gives you the ability to connect to all your applications and all your data. In today’s world, it’s all about being connected and being able to do business no matter where you are, you know. So, hybrid work or work at home is critical. And storage, I mean, I don’t know about you, but I got tens of thousands of e-mails, it seems. I don’t ever want to delete anything, but —

Cora Spearman (36:50):

Right, right, right, right.

Kevin L. Jackson (36:52):

And you know, a year from now, and I’ll be trying to do something and I’ll go into my e-mail box and find it some correspondence I had two years ago that’s going to, you know, make me close the deal today. All of that mailbox storage for Outlook is on the Azure infrastructure. But more than that, you’re in retail, OK. And this Cloud, the Azure Cloud really accelerates business growth by providing this connectivity and solutions that integrate with your own existing systems.

Kevin L. Jackson (37:31):

So, in retail, especially, intelligent stores and shopping and operations, supply chain, unified commerce. I’m sure, Cora, that you have to connect with your customers when they’re in Saks Fifth Avenue or Bloomingdale’s, or when they’re on their smartphone and they need — your doctors need that Hawaiian shirt for the event tonight. You know, why you want be able to reach to them, right?

Cora Spearman (38:01):

Right, right, right.

Kevin L. Jackson (38:05):

So —

Cora Spearman (38:05):

No, you — I said absolutely, you hit the nail on the head. And not just that, we just got selected by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy to be one of their curators of style. So, we now supplied to them for their cruise lines, their luxury cruise lines. And so, they now will have us going — we go at the end of this month, we start going on the cruise lines and the journeys as one of their curators of style. Having that access, like you were saying. And when I’m in the middle of the ocean, but still being able to conduct business is a game changer. So, you’re absolutely correct on that.

Kevin L. Jackson (38:39):

Right. And don’t forget —

Scott Luton (38:40):

Excellent point.

Kevin L. Jackson (38:40):

— that seamless customer service through automated customer service tools, like — I mean, some people like them, some people hate them, but chatbots really help.

Cora Spearman (38:53):

Yes, they did. Yes, they did.

Scott Luton (38:55):

Well, you know, and customer experience. Good old CX, that is what — who’s not talking about —

Kevin L. Jackson (39:01):

Oh, yes, yes.

Scott Luton (39:01):

— customer experience these days? That’s what you’re talking to. You and both — you and Cora, both are.

Kevin L. Jackson (39:07):

So — yes, yes, yes. So —

Scott Luton (39:08):

Kevin — go ahead and I think you’re reading my mind. Go ahead.

Kevin L. Jackson (39:11):

But you are still — you are already. You just described yourself as a mom-and-pop business. I mean, you say, but I’m going to be providing leisure wear or — no, aloha wear to people on trips everywhere. So, you are a family run, family focused, woman-owned, black-owned, and native Hawaiian-owned business. And your story is just huge. So, there are people looking at this show right now and they’re saying, I want to be Cora, right? So, what’s —

Scott Luton (39:50):

Right.

Kevin L. Jackson (39:50):

— what piece of advice would you — do you give them so that they can tackle their own dreams and become their own superstar?

Cora Spearman (40:03):

I think the main thing is you don’t want to — of course, you don’t want to be Cora. You want to be authentically and truly you. I think authenticity is key. I think you have to find — I talked to Little Cora, that little girl who liked to play with Barbie dolls. And when I was forced with being like, well, if this is my last act on this earth, what do I want to be remembered? How do I want to be remembered? What are the last things that I want to do? And it was going, you know, steadfast, chasing after that dream and goal of becoming that fashion designer, becoming that mom. I think you have to find something that you would do for free because initially in the big part of the — starting your business, you’re not going to get paid.

Kevin L. Jackson (40:44):

Right, right, right. Passion.

Cora Spearman (40:45):

You’re not going to be — even making negative profits. So, it’s like, what would you do if you weren’t getting paid for it but you love it so much that you would do it for free? And that you’re actually giving someone something that they would pay you for. And so, when you find that thing, whether it be making a piece of art or making a shirt or making a car or creating an app, when you find that one thing that you’re truly passionate about, do that. Because then it’s not work. It’s your passion.

Cora Spearman (41:18):

And then it’s not a chore to do it. You’re not doing something, oh, this is the hot thing, I’m going to sell this because it’s going to make me money right now. No, that’s a temporary fix. The long-term fix is finding what your true calling is. What your God-given talents are. What you have been blessed and put on this earth to share with other people. That it’s not necessarily that you’re going to share it and get paid for it, that’s going to be the bonus. That’s the extra. But that you are put here to do, to share with other people, and that eventually it’s going to come back. That’s your legacy. So, find your passion and do that.

Kevin L. Jackson (41:53):

Absolutely. Great words. Great words.

Scott Luton (41:56):

Agreed. And I love where you started. It’s interesting, as wonderful as social media is and all the different things from the memories it reminds me of or where we were 10 years ago or two years ago, or two months ago. To other great benefits, still in some cases social media has encouraged less than authentic representation. And I love that’s where you started the answer.

Scott Luton (42:19):

So, to our listeners and viewers out there, take it from Cora. Be who you are. That’s who folks want to do business with and buy from and collaborate with. That’s such a powerful piece of advice there.

Scott Luton (42:31):

So — all right. So, Kevin and I both are fathers, and I’ll tell you, I think about this all the time. This question I’m about to pose to you, you know, what do we want our kids to take away from these journeys that they’re watching us hour by hour, day by day, and how will that impact their lives? So, Cora, you have two lovely daughters. I’ve seen some of the videos and some of the pictures. And not only are they special individuals, but they seem to inspire the business, and better yet, they’re involved in the business. I love that.

Cora Spearman (42:59):

Yes, yes.

Scott Luton (43:00):

So, what’s one or two things that you hope they take away from your leadership and your overall style of doing business?

Cora Spearman (43:07):

Well, integrity. You know, your word is your bond. So, for me, it’s like I always tell them and they say it every day, tell the truth, shame the devil. And for them, it’s — that’s the hardest time. It’s the easiest, but also sometimes the hardest thing to do. And it’s to have those hard conversations and telling your truth whether it be to your vendor or to your supply — your supplier. In any way that, hey, this is what I’m up against. And having that transparency, that authenticity, those are all the key words that lead up to your truth. And you being — having integrity and telling your truth in that moment, even when it’s scary, even when it’s hard.

Cora Spearman (43:48):

And so, that as little kids is the hardest thing, you know, because sometimes they don’t want to lose their iPhone. They don’t want to lose this. They don’t want to get in trouble. So, they’re scared to tell the truth. And I’m like, no, this is a lesson that’s going to follow you, like, right now. My youngest daughter just lost her iPhone and iPad. Privileges because it’s like she had to learn to tell. She was in the kitchen making slime. And I was like, what are you in there doing? And I was like, why are you in the sugar? And she said, I just want to taste sugar. But then the floor was slippery. And then I went in the kitchen and there was green gob everywhere. I mean, it was like (INAUDIBLE) it was like, Ghostbusters came in, and it was like (INAUDIBLE) everywhere.

Cora Spearman (44:26):

And I said, wait, wait. I said, were you making slime? And she says —

Kevin L. Jackson (44:31):

Maybe?

Cora Spearman (44:32):

— maybe? And I was like, tell the truth. Shame the devil. Then she was like, yes, I was making slime. I was like, OK. But it was a lesson now all week. And she’s like, can I have my phone back? I’m like, no. Can I have my phone back? I’m like, no. And it’s like, why don’t you have your phone? She says, because I didn’t tell the truth. And I was like, well, what’s the lesson in this? And she was like, that even when it’s scary, even when I’m thinking I’m going to lose something, I have to tell the truth.

Cora Spearman (44:57):

So, it’s — that’s one principle of it. The other thing is when my daughters want something, I have them pitch me. They have to write, kind of, like, a mini business plan. Yes, they use — they’re on Canva. If they’re on here and doing all these different things, like my daughters love Roblox. So, I said, well, if you love Roblox, why don’t you create aloha shirts on Roblox? And so, they did. They helped me to create — and that’s me getting into that whole new gin-alpha for this whole other generation that uses, you know, digital —

Kevin L. Jackson (45:31):

Digital assets, yes.

Cora Spearman (45:32):

— mediums in whole other ways. And so, it was like, well, how do you bring me into your world? And how do we now speak the same language and have a common bond because mommy’s doing this. You love this. You want this. How do we come together where we can both have it be a win-win? And so, now they’re, like, thinking of stores and apps and different things like that. And it takes me to this whole other level because mommy still, like I said, has a Hotmail account and trying to figure things out. It’s why you got to help me figure out how to do all of this, you know, “Minority Report” type things, acting like Tom Cruise. And I’m trying to, you know, figure it all out.

Cora Spearman (46:10):

But, you know, it’s having those conversations. But I pray that my daughters one day take over the brand. And so, in doing that, I have them be along with me in every step of the brand. They’re with me at the suppliers. They’re with me at the trade shows. They’re with me in business meetings. They’ll be with me on the cruise line and the things with Louis Vuitton. And they know how to present themselves as women, and these young women in these situations. They know how to pass out a business card and introduce themselves. They know how to present a new product. And they know how to pitch to me. Hey mom, what if we do this and this, you know? Or what about this? And how to present it to me as a business person so as not to waste my time, which is, as we stated before, the most precious commodity we all have very little of.

Scott Luton (46:57):

Well said. Kevin, your response to Cora’s beautiful approach with her daughters. And —

Kevin L. Jackson (47:03):

Yes, I think it’s —

Scott Luton (47:05):

— training them up into being successful versions of Cora and taking over the business and going out and doing big things across the globe?

Kevin L. Jackson (47:12):

I really love the lesson, right? No, you don’t have — it’s not because you are making slime that you don’t have your phone. It’s because you lied about making slime. You know, I would’ve jumped in and made slime with you if you would’ve just been honest with me.

Cora Spearman (47:30):

Exactly.

Kevin L. Jackson (47:31):

OK.

Cora Spearman (47:32):

Right, right.

Kevin L. Jackson (47:34):

I think that’s really the approach needed to take, especially when you’re trying to teach ethics. And the importance of ethics in business. I mean, you don’t have the — you’re doing it every day by focusing on sustainability. And you’re bringing life’s lessons and linking them to work lessons, OK. How to present yourself? How to present your idea? These are critical in every endeavor, not just work, but when you’re dealing with others, dealing with groups, dealing with people that may have different viewpoints or different worldviews than yourself. So, good on you. That’s exactly how you need. And these are lessons that — I’m sorry, a lot of parents need to understand, OK. It’s —

Scott Luton (48:33):

Yes.

Kevin L. Jackson (48:34):

You are setting someone else’s life up for either success or failure as a parent. You need to take that —

Scott Luton (48:46):

Well said.

Kevin L. Jackson (48:47):

— job as your number one job.

Cora Spearman (48:49):

Right.

Scott Luton (48:50):

Kevin, well said. And I completely agree with you. A couple of quick comments here. First off, tell the truth, shame the devil. Let’s just make sure folks get that phrase.

Kevin L. Jackson (48:59):

Tell the truth, shame the devil.

Scott Luton (49:01):

Secondly —

Kevin L. Jackson (49:01):

You’re missing all of these. You made all these notes again, didn’t you?

Scott Luton (49:05):

You know it. I sure do. You know me too well, Kevin. Secondly, Catherine, our producer also back with Cora was talking about how her daughters, she asked her daughters a picture on ideas. Catherine’s parents made her do the same thing. And hey, great minds think alike. And then thirdly, going back to slime. I guess slime is a thing these days because my beloved middle daughter, Gracie, she can work slime — if we let her do it, she would do it 12 hours a day. I’m convinced. So, maybe we get our daughter together, Cora, and they just — they’ll build a slime —

Cora Spearman (49:40):

They’ll have a slime barbecue.

Scott Luton (49:42):

Yes. Sold. And we’ll do it in Hawaii with Kevin.

(CROSSTALK)

Kevin L. Jackson (49:48):

Our corporate retreat.

Scott Luton (49:49):

Well, this has been such —

Kevin L. Jackson (49:50):

Let’s see on our corporate retreat.

Cora Spearman (49:52):

Yes.

Kevin L. Jackson (49:52):

On our loony [phonetic].

Scott Luton (49:54):

That’s right.

Cora Spearman (49:53):

Hey, you have Ohana here.

Scott Luton (49:55):

Oh, let’s do it. Well, this has been as wonderful of a conversation. There’s so much more to your story. I know we’re just scratching the surface for our audience out there across the globe.

Cora Spearman (50:05):

They don’t call me the Black Female Forret Gump for no reason. It’s like a box of macadamia nut chocolates.

Scott Luton (50:12):

Oh, love it. We got to — we’ll have to broach that subject next — your next appearance with us. So, I got a couple of quick questions before as we, you know, kind of come down the home stretch here. I want to start make sure, Cora, I want to make sure folks know how to connect with you, and the enterprise you’re building. Maybe they have you come in. Maybe they want you to speak to their team and inspire or talk business or purchase your products, how about that? How can folks connect with you and learn more?

Cora Spearman (50:38):

People can always connect with me at coraspearman@coradorables.com, on LinkedIn @coradorables or Cora Spearman, and then on all platforms at Coradorables, Instagram, TikTok, Cora Spearman Hawaii. I’m not a big TikToker, you know.

Kevin L. Jackson (50:58):

With your daughter?

Scott Luton (51:00):

We’re learning, right?

Cora Spearman (51:02):

I’m learning. That’s my robot malfunctioning.

Scott Luton (51:06):

Well, Cora, such a breath of fresh air. Thank you so much for your time here today. And listeners, hey, special little treat. I think we uncovered in a preshow, Cora and the team, they’re offering a special discount code Supply Chain Now, it’s that simple. What you’re listening to is Supply Chain Now, put that in at the website. It’ll all be in the show notes and as well as the sites to Coradorables and all the businesses will be there. I see you all check that out. But Cora, don’t go anywhere. We’re going to wrap. I’ve got a couple, just a question or two for Kevin.

Scott Luton (51:37):

Kevin, we’ve touched on this earlier. We’ve touched on how Microsoft and its products playing a role in Cora and her team’s journey. But they’re doing some pretty cool things, as you mentioned out there in retail and for retail supply chains, huh?

Kevin L. Jackson (51:50):

Yes, they just recently, just last month, they have improved the way data in stores could be processed and displayed in accordance to customized to a specific store. And this drives or enhances the smart store capability. And it gives those facade insights and personalized recommendation to the customers as they walk in. So, when you walk into that Saks Fifth Avenue, they’ll point you right to the Coradorables shirt that fits you perfectly because they’d use the sensors that measure you, not big belly.

Kevin L. Jackson (52:38):

But they also have supported — improved supportive of operations. The ability to get — take the pulse of your customer via surveys and ad hoc customer experience interaction. And you can actually organize the task that you need to do in order to improve the customer experience based upon what your customers like and their needs and their history. I mean, leveraging this data to really deliver much more value. And all of that is in the Cloud, so accessible from anywhere. And your customers — you can reach your customers through any device. So, I think Microsoft Azure really has the retail need in hand, and they’re focused on making it easier for you to connect to your customer.

Scott Luton (53:47):

Well said. And you mentioned value, they continue to add more value to their offerings. Just in the last week or two, Microsoft added new demand planning capabilities to its Dynamics 365 supply chain management platform. So, that is pretty cool.

Kevin L. Jackson (54:00):

Oh yes, they have —

Scott Luton (54:01):

All right.

Kevin L. Jackson (54:01):

— they’ve added A.I. to Dynamics 365 co-pilot. So, now we can bring artificial intelligence as your partner, as you are improving your CRM.

Scott Luton (54:17):

OK. Very cool. All right. Really quick, how can folks connect with you Kevin L. Jackson, your popular “Digital Transformers” series?

Kevin L. Jackson (54:24):

Oh, wow. Let me tell you, we just did a session, a show with At&T’s chief information security officer, and actually there to support a conference on security. We had great response on that and foreshadowings was coming up in 2024. We’re going to have — I’m going to have a show in December where I’m going to be interviewing executive from SES Satellite. SES Satellite is — they are — they have been providing high bandwidth internet access via satellite systems all over the world. And they just launched a brand-new service that provides pa [phonetic] bandwidth satellite service to all of the islands across the Pacific. Aha. And also, across the continent of Africa. And they’re going to be launching entire constellation of five satellites across 2024.

Kevin L. Jackson (55:36):

So, our first show that’s highlighting that capability is going to be released in December. So, we’re at Supply Chain Now and “Digital Transformers”. And you can always reach me at — on LinkedIn, Kevin L. Jackson.

Scott Luton (55:53):

That’s right. Everywhere. The one only, you can track down Kevin L. Jackson. And you can go through his agent too. But hey, really quick. I love that last story you mentioned because bridging the digital divide is certainly something that’s one of the challenges of our time. So, I really appreciate and looking forward to that show.

Scott Luton (56:07):

All right. Cora Spearman Chang, what — I love your story. We — Kevin and I are both big fans. I’ll tell you, Kevin will be the chair of the Cora Spearman chain —

Kevin L. Jackson (56:18):

Yes, absolutely.

Scott Luton (56:19):

— Virginia fan club. And I’ll be the Atlanta co-chair of your Atlanta fan club. How’s that sound, Cora?

Cora Spearman (56:26):

Oh, I’m here for all of it. I cannot wait, and I’m very grateful. Thank you. Next time you all need to be wearing the Cora Spearman Hawaii Aloha shirt.

Kevin L. Jackson (56:33):

We need to do that. Absolutely.

Scott Luton (56:35):

We’ll mark it down.

Kevin L. Jackson (56:37):

Yes, thank you very much.

Scott Luton (56:38):

We’ll make it happen.

Kevin L. Jackson (56:39):

You’re in — I mean, you are always inspired —

Cora Spearman (56:41):

Thank you for having me.

Kevin L. Jackson (56:42):

— me there, Cora. Thank you for accepting our invitation to share you and your story to our audience.

Scott Luton (56:48):

That’s right.

Cora Spearman (56:49):

No, the feeling is mutual, Kevin. And the honor is all mine. I’m very, very grateful. So, thank you so much.

Scott Luton (56:55):

Well, we look forward to putting our finger back on the pulse and checking in with you. Maybe the first part next year, we’ll see. But keep moving those mountains and inspiring so many people and making so many raving customers with your brilliant designs and successful business. So, we’ve been talking with Cora Spearman Chang, CEO and founder of Coradorables and Core Spearman Hawaii, all part of the Coradorables Sustainable Corporation. Cora, thanks for joining us.

Cora Spearman (57:22):

Mahalo. Aloha.

Kevin L. Jackson (57:24):

Aloha.

Scott Luton (57:24):

Aloha and Mahalo. So, big thanks also to our collaborative partners over at Microsoft as well. Helping us to bring these wonderful, inspiring stories like this one to our global audience. Kevin —

Kevin L. Jackson (57:36):

Nice to hear. Thank you.

Scott Luton (57:36):

— always a pleasure to knock out these episodes with you.

Kevin L. Jackson (57:38):

This is great. I love these stories.

Scott Luton (57:40):

This is what makes you jump out of bed and do what we do. So big thanks, Kevin. And to our listeners out there, hope you enjoyed this episode as much as we have. Hey, be sure to find Supply Chain Now and Digital Transformers wherever you get your podcasts. And on that note, take something that Cora and Kevin, but especially Cora shared here today, put it into action because it’s all about deeds, not words. And on that note, Scott Luton and the whole Supply Chain Now and Digital Transformers team challenging you to do good, to give forward and to be the change. And with that, we’ll see you next time right back here on Supply Chain Now. Thanks everybody.

Kevin L. Jackson (58:12):

Aloha.

Cora Spearman (58:14):

Aloha.

Intro/Outro (58:17):

Thanks for being a part of our Supply Chain Now community. Check out all of our programming at supplychainnow.com and make sure you subscribe to Supply Chain Now anywhere you listen to podcasts. And follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. See you next time on Supply Chain Now.