#61 – From Wall Street to B Corp: The Transition from CPA to CEO of a Thriving Conscious Company

with David Kahl, Founder & CEO of Fully

Bonus Material: Download the Companion for this Episode

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David Kahl founded Ergo Depot in 2005, which was rebranded as Fully in 2016. Fully is an office furniture company committed to making workplaces healthier, happier, and more productive through its innovative, sustainable designs. Fully’s growth and commitment to running a better business has truly been profound and exceptional to learn about and watch. They were certified as a B Corp back in 2013 and are leaders in their local Portland chapter, helping develop a guide on how to create strong local B Corp associations around the world.

Fully, best known for the Jarvis chair, was recently acquired by a larger publicly traded furniture company back in Pennsylvania called Knoll. It was particularly fascinating to discuss with David this process and hear his reflections on it. He expresses both the positive and the negative sides of this acquisition process. It’s a great opportunity to learn about an exemplary model of a better business and a better businessperson.

Hearing about David’s transition from being a Wall Street CPA to a mindful CEO of a conscious business that is working to change the world one desk at a time is inspiring. Sometimes it takes a catastrophic event to give you some perspective, which is David’s situation, but it is awesome to witness how David has transformed as a human and as a businessperson since that event. David discusses that impetus for founding Fully, how David feels he has contributed to the success of Fully as a company, and the details of the acquisition process.

Want more episodes centered on entrepreneurs moving into the impact-driven space? Listen to:

Bonus Material: Download the Companion for this Episode

fully-team-productsFounder & CEO David Kahl at Fully’s Design Week Panel Discussion on ‘Designing for Better Health, Energy and Flow‘

“The most important message to founders and CEOs in purpose-driven companies is you have to lead by example. You have to do it yourself because people are smart. People can see through you. If you don’t embody those values that you’re espousing, it’s not going to work.” -David Kahl

Topics Discussed: 

  • The impetus for the founding of Ergo Depot, now Fully
  • How David feels to have contributed to the success of Fully in the purpose-driven moment
  • Details on their recent acquisition by Knoll

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