Cells for Cells

Recycle Cell Phones to Help Families Battling Cancer

Corporate Partners

Organic Climbing: Green = Long Lasting, High Quality Products

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I always enjoy running into companies that have a wider view of what it means to be green. In the case of Josh Helke’s Organic Climbing, green doesn’t just mean reusing scraps of fabric (which they do) or powering their shop by wind energy (which they do) or promoting cell phone recycling (which they also do); but it means loving what you do and creating a product that will outlast the competition.

Jason: Organic Climbing – how did you come up with the name?

Josh: My wife is a Geologist. We were doing research near Price UT and I decided on the trip I wanted a better bouldering pad. We talked about starting our own company and making all pads one-of-a-kind by reusing our cutting scraps. We decided that they would all be organic-one-of-a-kind-artistic pieces.

Jason: How did you get your start with your company? Are you an entrepreneur or were you driven by your artistic/creative upbringing?

Josh: Creativity is in our family. My mother and younger brother are ceramist. I have designed and shaped hundreds of [climbing] holds for companies around the industry. I’ve designed gear. I’ve route set for over a decade and established over 700 first ascents. So, I have always been looking for some creative outlet. Once I started organic, I knew I could stop looking. I love what I do every day 100 percent. And I get to chat with awesome people around the world!

Jason: Has it been easy since the beginning of the biz or have there been tough times?

Josh: It has never been easy. When I started, I had never really used industrial sewing machines so when they would break (always at the worst times late at night) I would freak out. Then, as we grew, there was the how-to-hire-employees, train those employees, and be a boss man. Every step of the way is a new challenge; but, like in climbing, it is what keeps it fun and fresh.

Jason: What makes you happy to go to work everyday?

Josh: Knowing that I am creating pieces of gear that will make someone smile when the open them on the other end of shipping and be psyched for years to come. There is also something so cool about going on a trip (like I did this last weekend to the South east) and meeting customers face to face, getting an idea for new gear and getting right back to the shop and sewing up some prototypes. I get to create the gear people want with my 2 hands. It is soooo coool!!!

Jason: You’ve been climbing since you were 10. What are your favorite climbing / outdoor memories as a kid?

Josh: The many years my little brother and I spent exploring all across Minnesota and Wisconsin, developing awesome new sport and boulder lines. Also, the first year I moved out to Laramie WY, before I started Organic, Andy Rather, my wife Liz and I, would climb every day, averaging 5 new problems each. It was so awesome to have a fresh canvas in front of us to explore and climb.

Jason: Tell me about how you are green.

Josh: All of of our pads use a new soy foam open-cell as well as a non-PVC-closed-cell foam. We also reuse all of the cutting scraps in our shop to form the one-of-a-kind stripes you see on all of our gear! We also focus on building all our gear to the highest quality possible to be sure it lasts for ages. Our shop is also powered by 100 percent Wyoming wind energy!

Jason: I love that fact that you build equipment that lasts. Tell me about the environmental impact of your products.

Josh: We do have to ship our products and many of the materials we use in them, however we do our best to minimize our footprint by buying our foam and fabrics from USA suppliers and not outsourcing any of our products.

Jason: For climbers and boulderers that want to upgrade to Organic, what should we do with our old crash pads?

Josh: I tell people that there are so many kids clubs that can use them if they are in ok condition. You can keep them under your own climbing wall. Or, you can donate them to a local animal shelter to use for dog beds.

Jason: How are you spreading the word about taking care and being a good steward of our precious climbing areas?

Josh: We sponsor many many crag clean ups and we are very aware of who are local steward of areas and do our best to return support to those individuals. I try to travel to many of the major areas each year and we work with many grass-roots, local organizations through raffles, comps, etc. to help raise money for their projects.

Jason: What other climbing / outdoor companies do you like that support the environment?

Josh: I think FiveTen’s recycled rubber is really cool and forward thinking.

Honestly, I feel like many outdoor gear companies ride the green wave but are doing fairly little. I can rant on this for ages, but it is simple: make a bomber product, not one that falls apart, That way, you are doing the best thing possible by minimizing consumption. Why make it if it is not going to last??!!!

Jason: What’s your take on pad stashing?

Josh: I am not a fan, the game is to climb and carry your gear!

Jason: Favorite place to climb?

Josh: South eastern sandstone followed by my Minnesota homeland

Jason: Most rewarding line?

Josh: First ascent of Analog V9 Vedauwoo WY and First Ascent of Tugging Softly 5.13 Vedauwoo WY

Jason: Favorite shoes?

Josh: Currently Five Ten 5X, best all around shoe I have ever worn!

Jason: What cell phone do you use?

Josh: LC Chocolate

Jason: Do you have a favorite personal electronic gadget?

Josh: I like my Macbook and iPod

Jason: What is your take on the highballs that climbers are sending today – like Jorgeson’s Ambrosia – 45 feet up and others (some language on the Mirando video)?

Josh: It is the future of the sport for sure, and I am psyched to see people taking it to the next level!

Jason: How many Organic pads does it take to be safe (I mean little risk of injury) at 45 feet?

Josh: Pads can only do so much, if you have a well skilled spotter you can do amazing things and live to tell about it!!

Jason: Any tips for staying safe while bouldering?

Josh: Spot each other, spotting is so important, also watch your pad placements!

Jason: You guys doing anything different for your biz in this 2009 economy?

Josh: I am focusing on getting out more and showing people the quality of our pads first hand and talking to my customers and climbing with them in person. Face to face interaction is what we are about!

Jason: I love your YouTube video. At 1:45 you show the differences of Organic’s foam to other foams. That is quite a visual. You say that it is a proprietary product. Can you elaborate?

Josh: I can tell you that is is expensive but well worth it, and it is also eco sensitive : )

Jason: How long does it take for me to get my custom pad?

Josh: Pads can range from 2 days – 3 weeks depending on how difficult the custom design is and if you need it for a trip etc. I am always happy to help out a fellow climber : )

Jason: Last words?

Josh: Thanks to Cells for Cells and I would encourage people to check out the great service they provide and contribute!

Barkley: Advertising, Battling Cancer, and Recycling with Cells for Cells

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Based in Kansas City, Barkley is a full-service advertising and marketing communications firm with some very well-known clients.

I am excited that I got the chance to talk to Kelly Francis, Technology Liaison Director for Barkley about advertising, battling cancer, and recycling.

Jason: Hi Kelly, let’s talk about advertising. What is your favorite TV commercial of all time and why?

Kelly: This is a tough one to answer. I loved the Bud Light “Wassup”series a few years ago. It coined a catch phrase that still gets used. The more recent Bud Light “Dude” series is equally good. Apparently I like beer commercials…which is interesting because I don’t like beer. : )

Jason: What is your favorite product that Barkley created the ad/marketing for?

Kelly: The Two Guys Sonic commercials, of course. People either love them or hate them…either way, they are being talked about. Which of course is still good publicity either way.

Jason: Here is one of my favorites:

Jason: What should small or medium sized companies be doing with their advertising / marketing in this economy?

Kelly: As the old adage says, “Advertising pays.” While budgets are being cut in just about every area of every company, it is still smart to keep your name/product out there. People are fickle and too easily forget if not reminded often of your product or services.

Jason: How easy is it to use a firm like Barkley?

Kelly: I’d be happy to put anyone in touch with our New Business department and let them take the lead there. Being in IT, we’re a little sheltered as to how it all comes together regarding obtaining new prospects and business.

Jason: What do you see for business in general for 2009?

Kelly: We, like most everyone else, are tightening our belts. Business is steady, but a down economy affects everyone. Not that it’s all doom and gloom though. This should be an opportunity for everyone to take stock of what is important and where changes can be made that would benefit everyone.

Jason: Fighting cancer seems to be a huge deal at Barkley. You are big supporters of Susan G. Komen. How did that start?

Kelly: Barkley was the first ad agency to brand a cause for Lee National Denim Days 12 years ago which benefited breast cancer awareness. The Susan G. Komen Foundation followed shortly thereafter because of being linked to LNDD.

Jason: How do you encourage other industries to get behind the fight against cancer?

Kelly: Our PR Department is instrumental in our Cause Branding efforts. A lot of companies want to be known for more than just the product they product or service they offer. They want to leave a legacy of giving as well, and we help them find their niche.

Jason: Kelly, I know that there are tons of cell phone recycling programs – why is Barkley promoting Cells for Cells?

Kelly: Two reasons: I like to use local companies whenever possible …whether I am purchasing items or donating to a worthy cause; and this truly is a worthy cause that I don’t think gets as much attention as some of the more well known and advertised organizations.

Jason: What recycling do you do at Barkley?

Kelly: We currently recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum cans, cell phones, electronic equipment (like computer monitors, printers, small electronics, TVs, etc.), and we are in the process of starting a program to recycle ink jet cartridges and alkaline/lithium batteries.

Jason: How long has recycling been a part of Barkley’s culture?

Kelly: It’s really grown in the last couple of years since we moved into our current building. We have implemented a lot of “green” processes besides just recycling. We also promote double-sided printing to save paper and use recycled paper products and utensils in our break rooms.

Jason: What do your hear your employees saying about recycling in the workplace?

Kelly: We offer an equipment recycle program twice a year to our employees allowing them to bring in whatever electronic items they have stored in their ba
sements or garage to be recycled or properly disposed. It’s been a very popular program.

Jason: How do you think you are positioned to best spread the word about recycling?

Kelly: My role as Technology Liaison Director is about communication. I am known as “The Link” between IT and the users, so I have the opportunity to spread the word effectively via posters in common areas, training sessions, department meetings, and of course via email.

Jason: On a bigger scale, what is Barkley doing to promote smarter recycling?

Kelly: We actually have a “Green” committee here called “Planet Fresh” that sends out tips for being greener and reducing our carbon footprint. Articles are published in our weekly newsletter that goes out to all employees with things everyone can do to live greener.

Jason: Have you or are you working on any major ad/marketing specific to recycling?

Kelly: Only internally with information that goes out to our employees with new processes we are putting into place, like the new ink jet and battery recycle programs that will be starting soon.

Jason: Do you see the other ad/marketing firms following your lead and participating in recycling programs?

Kelly: I’d certainly like to think so!

Jason: How do you encourage other industries to get behind recycling?

Kelly: I think just by being responsible citizens in general sets a good example. When we are in meetings with people from outside our agency, we encourage folks to put cans/paper/plastic/etc. in our recycle bins. We print 2-sided presentations or in Handout form which puts several slides on one page to reduce paper usage, or even better, we present via the web (no need to print at all!). Every little bit helps.

Jason: What is an easy recycling tip that you want to share?

Kelly: Junk mail is recyclable. You don’t even need to open it…just put it in the bin.

Jason: What is your favorite cell phone advertisement?

Kelly: Hmmm…I’d have to say the one with Ozzy Ozbourne talking and you can’t understand him, so he sends a text message…it’s just overall funny.

Jason: What cell phone do you currently use?

Kelly: I have an AT&T Blackberry Pearl 8100. It’s a couple of years old, fits nicely in my pocket and still works great. If it ain’t broke…well, you know the rest.

Jason: Last words?

Kelly: I like to look at everything as possibly either being recyclable or reusable. When you have something in your hand ready to toss in the trash, stop and think: do I really want this to be in a landfill.

Ferrellgas Propane: Showing Kansas City how to give in tough economy

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A couple of weeks ago, I get the following email from Jim, Corporate Communications Manager for Ferrellgas Propane:

“…we’re going to have a cookout tomorrow to benefit Harvesters. It’s from 11:30 to 1 if you want to drop by. Bring a donation of non-perishable food or a small monetary gift and we’ll feed you. I’d love to have you come if you can.”

Jim and Ferrellgas have been huge supporters of Cells for Cells, so it is a very simple decision for me to attend and bring some money to help out. And I like the invitation – just a simple request to help out. That speaks volumes to me.

There was a tent set up in the parking lot of their office complex, the Lighton Plaza; and I could see the bbq smoke from way across the complex. I ate a hamburger and chips and beans. I love grilled hamburgers. (This was the REAL reason why it was easy for me to say yes!)

When I arrived, my very first thought was, “How successful will this cookout be with the economy as it is?”

Well, the results are in and they are impressive:

Jim writes to me, “We ended up with about 350 attendees, $3500.00 raised and what we’ll call a mountain of food collected. Harvesters is going to try to get us a pound total for the food donation, but I think that ‘a mountain’ does it justices.”

Jim told me that Harvesters has 4:1 buying power, meaning that that $3500.00 raised actually will buy $14,000.00 worth of food for Kansas Citians in need.

All I can say is “Job Well Done, Ferrellgas!” Jim, you did an impressive job and many families are going to be helped by your efforts. I know that many other companies and the Lighton Plaza contributed to the success of the cookout – so to everyone else that helped organize and to everyone that gave, thank you for showing Kansas City how to give during these tough times.

Oh, and I did walk away with a new Tshirt from Lighton Plaza. I love Tshirts!



Cells for Cells: Part of Pepsi’s Eco Challenge

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Have you seen Pepsi’s Eco Challenge website?

It begins with “Welcome to the NEW Pepsi Challenge. Many Pepsi fans remember the days of the Pepsi Challenge – when we dared consumers to chose among competing cola brands and trumpeted the fact that our brand consistently came out on top. (My personal favorite is Pepsi Cherry Cola – mmmm.)

The website continues, “Today we heed to a different call and face a different challenge, one that cuts across brands, companies, industries and even continents – the challenge of environmental stewardship, protecting our planet’s resources for the generations to come…”

It is one of the most robust recycling websites I have seen. The Pepsi Eco Challenge website tells the entire story of what Pepsi is doing to reach their environmental goals – from their improving their trucks and buildings to helping college students recycle with the new URecycle program.

And, did you know that Cells for Cells is part of Pepsi’s Eco Challenge:

To navigate to the Cells for Cells section of Pepsi’s Eco Challenge, go to www.pepsiecochallenge.com.

Then, click on the bottom right hand on the PACKAGING link and then, after that page loads, click again on the bottom right hand on the PARTNERSHIP link.

Thank you, Pepsi, for your leadership. Thank you for using our resources efficiently. And, THANK YOU for allowing Cells for Cells to be a part of Pepsi’s Eco Challenge.

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By the way, do you remember this classic Pepsi commercial with the Godfather Girl?

Ferrellgas’ Phone Donation to Help Families Battling Cancer

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As part of an ongoing partnership with Cells for Cells, Ferrellgas hosted
a cell phone collection drive, donating nearly 1000 cell phones to the recycling program

Shawnee, KS (CellsforCells.com) September 17, 2008– Ferrellgas, one of the nation’s largest propane distributors, donated nearly 1000 cell phones to Cells for Cells, the Shawnee, Kansas-based cell phone recycling program that benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Stirring enthusiasm for the project with a company-wide competition, Ferrellgas was able to inspire its employees and local communities to get involved in the fight against cancer.

Jim Saladin, Manager of Corporate Communications for Ferrellgas, organized the company-wide East-versus-West competition. Vice President of the Ferrellgas’ East Division Micah Redman and West Division Vice President Randy Schott each enlisted the participation of Ferrellgas employees in their respective areas, who in turn involved their customers and communities. In one notable instance, the Iowa City Cubs baseball team even held a special “free ticket night” for those who brought a cell phone to drop off at the game.

“Ferrellgas united the community,” Jason Clements, co-founder of Cells for Cells says. “Many families that battle leukemia, lymphoma, myleloma are unable to pay all their medical bills, and the efforts like Ferrellgas’ can help to significantly ease that burden.”

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provides support, resources, and financial relief to families in need through their Patient Financial Aid Programs. The money that Cells for Cells raises by recycling cell phones is given to those Financial Aid Programs. It is through the generosity of corporate partners like Ferrellgas that community organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society owe their success.

Founded in 1939, Ferrellgas is the is one of the largest propane retailers in the United States, including the largest provider of propane by branded tank exchange.

Established in 2007, Cells for Cells raises money through cell phone recycling to provide financial relief to families battling cancer through their partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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For interviews or information concerning the work Cells for Cells is doing to better the lives of families battling cancers, please contact Jason Clements at jclements (at) cellsforcells (dot) com.

Cells for Cells partners with Innovative Solutions of Kansas City

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I recently had the pleasure to meet with Gordon Ho of Innovative Solutions Consulting Group – ISCG. I’ve known of Gordon in the wireless space in Kansas City for about 8 years; but I never sat down with him. I know that he is an innovator (see: his company name) and a forward-thinking entrepreneur. So I finally called him to discuss business, the wireless industry and a strategic relationship between ISCG and Cells for Cells.

ICSG is a Nextel Sprint partner that offers new service, upgrades, and repair services. The BIG DIFFERENTIATOR with ISCG is their knowledge of SERVING THE CUSTOMER. In Kansas City, they have one of the few mobile/on-site services, where they come out to your office to service your cell phones. I would call that innovative!

Gordon and I spoke further about about working together to get more exposure for Cells for Cells and ICSG.

Here’s the quick-hit Q & A from Gordon Ho of ISCG:

Jason: Why is ISCG part of Cells for Cells?

Gordon: It’s a great cause for one. Secondly it’s important to our environment to recycle old devices and parts safely.

Jason: Was it an easy decision or Why was it an easy decision to participate?

Gordon: Very easy! Both ISCG and Cells for Cells share the same goals. That’s what makes participating an easy decision.

Jason: Do you have a one sentence statement of why customers/businesses should do business with ISCG?

Gordon: ISCG-How business get’s done! It’s pretty simple, but that how our clients rely on us. We handle their wireless and we simply get business done.

Jason: Do you have any quick recycling tips/cell phone tips for customers?

Gordon: Batteries have born on dates on the battery. If nearing the expiration date we can swap out that battery for a fresh battery with a newer date and we can recycle the old battery.

Jason: Any upcoming events that we can promote for you?

Gordon: We are sponsoring a tent at Country in the Woods on Sunday, June 22 from 4pm to 10 pm. Lonestar headlines the event at Corporate Woods in Overland Park, Kansas.

Innovative does have a wireless “how-to” blog; but it looks like the last update was in 2007. I wish they would update that because it has some really great tips. I am going to copy one of their tips right here because it is so useful for many Cells for Cells partners.

From Innovative Solutions Blog “How To Erase all contact information on a Blackberry.”

>Options>Security>General Settings>Wipe Handheld Sets the phone back to factory defaults but some information may still remain. To completely wipe the handheld, here are a couple tips.

1) Assign a password to the device and then input the password wrong 10 times !
* To assign a password to a BB device: Go to home screen and select “Options” (this is an icon that looks like a wrench). Select “Security” from the Options list. Go to the line item that says Password. Use the trackwheel to enable the password. When you save the settings, the device will ask you to enter a new password. Assign a alphanumeric password to the device.
* Input the password wrong 10 times: Power cycle the device (power if off and then back on). The device will ask you for your password. Input a wrong password 10 times. The device will give you a few warning messages. After the 10th attempt, the device will erase all user data and do a power cycle.

1) Erase all data using the “desktop manager” software
* Launch the Blackberry “desktop manager” software utility on your PC and make sure that it is connected to the BB device in the cradle.
* Launch “Backup and Restore” utility from the desktop manager menu.
* Click on the button that says “Advanced..”.
* The application will read all the data from the device, organize them, and then display on the screen (on the right column). Select all the data (email, calendar, phone logs, browser bookmarks, etc.) that you want to erase. You can select multiple entries by holding on to the CTRL button while you select them. Click on the button labeled “Clear” to erase all the data from the device.

Thank you, Gordon for your time and partnership.

If you are interested in learning more about Innovative Solutions and their Innovative customer service, you can contact Gordon directly at gho (at) isconline (dot) com or call him directly at (913) – 208 – 1025.