RM72: Millennial Entrepreneurs Creating Businesses for the Greater Social Good

On a snowy Thursday evening in November, five social entrepreneurs were brought together at Virgin Hotels Chicago to share candid stories and drop some serious wisdom about creating a business model that invests first in people, community and the planet.

RM72 is Virgin Hotels Chicago’s ongoing series of panel discussions for entrepreneurs dedicated to the tenacious startup spirit and serves as a resource and community for like-minded individuals.

The name of the RM72 series is a nod to our fearless leader and intrepid adventurer, Sir Richard Branson. In 1972, he founded his small record company, Virgin Records (perhaps you’ve heard of it?) This marked the beginning of what would be a long list of startup successes for the budding 22-year-old entrepreneur.

We teamed up with our friends at INDISTRY TV to host this year’s RM72 event: The Impact Generation: Millennial Entrepreneurs Changing The World For Good. The panel discussion and networking event, hosted by TV host and entertainment reporter Danielle Robay, included some of the most influential millennial entrepreneurs in business, technology, philanthropy, hospitality and education:

• Adam Force, Co-Founder, Change Creator
• Max La Manna, Celebrity Chef, Eating with Max
• Ryan Mundy, Former NFL Player, Founder of SWZLE
• Stephen Garten, Founder/CEO, Charity Charge
• Todd Belcore, Co-Founder, SOLVE + Social Change

The evening kicked off with a personal video message and PSA from Sir Richard himself welcoming panelists and attendees.

“I truly believe that every business has the opportunity to make a positive impact on society and I’m thrilled that our lovely hotel serves as the setting for such important conversations,” he said. “Thank you to the young entrepreneurs tonight who are leading these initiatives and using their business as forces for good.”

The panelists infused energy, humor and humility into their personal stories on all things business, innovation and social good. Conversations tackled topics ranging from fears, failures and their worst day ever to the eye-opening and hard-hitting lessons in finding the delicate balance between profit and purpose.

What did we learn? That social imprint + passion + profit = success.

“We were thrilled to partner with Virgin Hotel’s RM72 event,” said Mary Landaverde, CEO of Indistry TV. “We were especially proud to curate a panel of young entrepreneurs whose stories challenged us to think differently about business, where community, people and the planet are the forefront. Their story is our story, and it was a privilege to give them a platform to share it.”

For those who couldn’t make it to the event, stream the episode beginning on December 14 by visiting Indistry TV