Fred Hessel
CARONDELET COMMUNITY BETTERMENT FEDERATION
Website: CarondeletLiving.com Industry: neighborhood nonprofit
Education: Bachelor of Science in earth science, Northwest Missouri State; Master of Science in urban planning, Missouri State University
Family: wife, Amy Stringer Hessel, and two daughters.
What is your mission?
To identify and improve the basic social and economic needs of Carondelet through community outreach and collaboration.
What was your first job?
When I was 12 I spent an afternoon planting potatoes for an older neighbor who farmed a small field behind his house. A friend of mine told me that he had done it the year before and the man paid him $5. We figured if we worked together we could finish in half the time and split the money. When we finished early, he only paid us a dollar each. I learned a couple of good business lessons there.
What was your worst job?
See first job.
What led you to your industry?
My emphasis in planning school was on urban housing development. My thesis focused on two nonprofit housing corporations in north St. Louis and how things like the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the reduction of federal funding for urban housing affected nonprofit housing developers. After completing my course work I moved back to St. Louis and started working for a citywide nonprofit agency.
Who is your industry role model?
Not to be corny, but my staff and volunteers. They are as dedicated as they come and are totally responsible for the innovative and effective programming that we provide. I’ll put our outcomes up against any other organization our size. I told one of my volunteers (a retired city employee) that I want to be just like him when I retire.
How do you try to differentiate your business from others in your industry?
Many neighborhood nonprofits have one or two focus areas. I think the fact that we provide the neighborhood with an array of services such as food and nutritional outreach, utility assistance, housing development/renovation, neighborhood marketing, and an active public art program sets us apart.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Finding funding for our programs. In the past we were able to rely on an annual contract using block grant funding through the city of St. Louis, but in 2014 HUD made the city change the way funds were allocated, making it into a more competitive system. We lost all funding that year but were awarded a contract in 2015 and two contracts in 2016. The amount of those two contracts, however, is a fraction of what we were awarded in previous years.
What’s the best part?
Knowing that you are making some degree of difference in the life of a person or family in need.
What best advice would you share with new entrepreneurs?
Learn as much about your industry as you can and be prepared to seize an opportunity.
What’s your favorite place in St. Louis?
The Tick Tock Tavern on the corner of Magnolia and Arkansas in Tower Grove East. I’m part owner.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Cook, play guitar and play softball in Berra Park.
Submitted 7 years 338 days ago