Launching the Cause Shoppe was a more-than-they-bargained-for experience for partners in business (not life) Brooke Fessler and Romney Snyder. More spirited than experienced entrepreneurs, the Cause Shoppe co-founders compare their journey to a road trip, replete with a few potholes and unexpected detours, but one which has lead to wealth of new information (some outstanding, some useless) and a destination as exciting as they originally envisioned.
Like many new companies, the Cause Shoppe was launched from their laptops and Romney’s living room couch. Starting a company in off-hours while maintaining full-time plus jobs and volunteer work (for both) and family (for Romney) meant conference calls until 3am, frequent Starbucks runs and a level of exhaustion synonymous with start-ups. But for these two, no amount of sleep deprivation could damper the excitement that came with creating a company that would be supporting charitable efforts that spanned nearly every cause and every corner of the globe.
THE CO-FOUNDERS
Brooke Fessler
A true Southern Californian – you can tell she’s native because she sports flip-flops year-round – Brooke first began volunteering in high school with the National Charity League. Through NCL she lent her time and talents to an Adaptive Recreation program for kids with disabilities as well as Meals on Wheels. Later, a member of Alpha Chi Omega at Cal State University in Fullerton, Brooke became very involved with the sorority’s national altruistic project: victims of domestic violence, where she played key roles in raising funds and awareness. Graduating with a degree in Communications in ’02 and her teaching credential in ‘04, Brooke went on to teach fifth and sixth grade before switching to full-time nonprofit work. While teaching, her “no-nonsense, call it like she sees it” approach made her class a magnet for the school’s toughest kids. Her partner in business, Romney, credits this same approach to open and honest communication for the success in their partnership. Today, Brooke has returned to her alma mater as the Assistant Director of Development for Cal State Fullerton’s College of the Arts. She serves as the Marketing Co-Chair for Orange County’s National Philanthropy Day and continues to serve as Alpha Chi Omega’s Orange County alumnae chapter president. While Brooke is wonderful with Romney’s two kids, she’s happy to be “child-free” and reserves her official “mom” duties to Scarlet, her rescued Pit Bull.
Brooke’s favorite charities are Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, The Humane Society, and the Surfrider Foundation
Romney Snyder
A single mom to two special needs boys – one with Down syndrome and the other with neurological and behavioral issues – Romney’s adventure in motherhood began with her first son’s 2004 adoption and only got more exciting with the second adoption in 2007. An open advocate for adoption (of both the child and canine varieties) she also plays mom to two rescued Pit Bulls and a Malti-poo mix. Earning a reputation as a “volunteeraholic,” Romney has been following her heart and involved with a variety of nonprofits since her high school days. Originally raising Guide Dog puppies in high school, Romney continued her charitable involvement beyond her college years, serving as a volunteer wish granter with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and an emergency disaster responder with the American Red Cross, which she is still involved with today. While she’ll admit that nothing compares to the adventure of being a parent to her two boys, her professional endeavors have come close. Working since she was 14, highlights include recurring extra work with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (mentioned only at the insistence of Brooke) and nightclub management (where she started as a bouncer). A certified interpreter for the deaf with a strong background in Public Relations and communications, Romney believes these fields are the crux of where her talents lie and has achieved extensive local and national publicity for her clients, even taking one all the way to the White House where his accomplishments were recognized by the President. Today, Romney is the Program Director for ABILITY Awareness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world of inclusion for people with disabilities, running her boutique brand management company Dilliant!, and loving the process of launching a company that is supporting amazing causes and providing an outlet for her entrepreneurial interests.
Romney's favorite charities are: ABILITY Awareness, the ASPCA, The Heart Gallery of America, The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, and Neigh Savers
MORE OF THE TEAM
Brooke and Romney are solely responsible for all aspects of the launch and success of the Cause Shoppe, and if you believe that, we have ocean-front property in Arizona for sale! The Cause Shoppe is the byproduct of some amazing individuals who got behind the idea and rallied. We remain exceptionally grateful for the time, talents, guidance and wisdom they bring to our team.
Paul Thompson
Website Development
Our favorite Irishman and Chief Creative Officer and President of Candeo, a full-service branding and communications company, Paul’s wealth of knowledge is drawn from his background in creating traditional, digital and alternative advertising and marketing solutions. The technical masterminds behind the Cause Shoppe, Paul and his Candeo team have brought our vision to life, going above and beyond to deliver an amazing site that exceeded our expectations and stayed within our budget. Candeo USA
Paul's favorite charities are Art and Creativity for Healing and Compassion International.
Leslie Mais
Publicist
If it is agreed that Romney’s skills do actually lie in PR and communications, then it is Leslie to whom she credits for everything she knows. Giving Romney her start in PR more than 10 years ago, Leslie is the founder of LMPR, a full-service public relations firm in Newport Beach, CA. Thanks to Leslie, the Cause Shoppe won’t be the web’s best kept secret for long!
Leslie’s favorite charities include Newport Elementary School and Girls Inc.
Rick Usher
Attorney
A principal in the firm of Furman Usher, Inc., Rick is an attorney and business advisor with over 25 years of varied experience. His legal practice is focused on business transactions and corporate practices, and he also coaches executives and entrepreneurs on issues related to starting and growing businesses. We’re not in jail so he must be doing something right!
The favorite charities supported by Furman Usher, Inc are American Cancer Society, Canyon Acres and Susan G. Komen for a Cure.
Linda Denton
Professional Coach
Linda’s life-long interest in people development and experience as a development coach and facilitator has formed her passionate and creative approach to professional coaching and group facilitation. A business background that includes 22 years as a senior executive, Linda has worked in a wide range of organizational settings and industries. Bringing her creative innovative practices that promote organizational learning, enhanced leadership and team development, Linda’s wisdom and guidance has been pivotal to the successful launch of the Cause Shoppe. Visit her online at LindaDenton.com
Linda’s favorite charities include Canyon Acres and Bis Kids.
Matthew Scott
The Go-to-Guy
Matt has played a key role in the launch of the Cause Shoppe as our lead investor. They say that money can’t buy happiness, but it does help build websites – and for that, we’re happy! A licensed sky-diver, Matt is a real “guys-guy” and where the Cause Shoppe gals go when they are in need of a male perspective.
Matt’s favorite charity is the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Marci Carey
PhilGood™ Guru
Showing up in the nick of time, Marci stepped to the plate to rescue the Cause Shoppe team who were burried deep in all-things-PhilGoods™. Marci brings more than 10 years experience in IT and extensive experience in database management, and we couldn't have asked for a better person! With thousands more PhilGoods™ in the queue and new ones becoming available daily, your favorite product may be on the Cause Shoppe because of her!
Marci's favorite charities include The Pegasus Foundation and Share Our Selves.
Jessica Pool
The Lifesaver
Drawing from her experiences from a career in the mortgage industry and a background in account management, Jessica’s professional demeanor and ability to think outside of the box has made her an indispensable member of the team. Whether she’s overseeing product research or managing our financial accounting, she is the go-to person to take care of business and keep our sanity in check.
Rozlyn Smith
Data Entry Diva
That Rozlyn likes both the co-founders and the vision of the Cause Shoppe, bode very well for us! Not willing to miss out on all the “fun” while her friends pulled all-nighters leading up to the launch of the Cause Shoppe, Rozlyn joined in the mix helping build out our product offerings into the wee hours of the morning. She continues to support our efforts, and for that we're most grateful!
And Special Thanks To...
Kaitlyn Johnson and Jonathan Chappell, the talented photographers behind The Rock Studio, who stepped in to take care of the Cause Shoppe's photography needs for the co-founders' headshots! As if their fabulous photography wasn't enough, The Rock Studio donates 10% of their proceeds to Invisible Children.