In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Series of Beyond The Blog, a Podcast by The Patterson Foundation, host Read Corley talks with Rick Yocum, executive director of the Humane Society of Manatee County, about his experience with Margin & Mission Ignition. Rick shares how the program helped his team focus its veterinary clinic around community needs, build a stronger business plan, and keep every decision tied to the organization’s mission. He also discusses the role of board and staff buy-in, listening to the public, expanding dermatology services, and using clinic revenue to support the shelter and keep more pets with the families who love them.

Timestamps 

• 00:00 Introduction to Rick Yocum and Margin & Mission Ignition
• 01:29 The first Margin & Mission Ignition venture
• 03:14 Listening to staff, board members, volunteers, and the public
• 06:02 Investing in staff and capacity to grow clinic revenue
• 08:38 Tracking impact beyond dollars
• 10:02 Expanding into dermatology services
• 11:40 Nonprofit is a tax status, not a business plan
• 14:56 Why board involvement mattered from the beginning
• 18:20 The waves created by Margin & Mission Ignition
• 23:23 Rick’s advice: be open and transparent with stakeholders

Links to Learn More 

• Margin & Mission Ignition
• Humane Society of Manatee County
• Blog: How Margin & Mission Ignition Helped the Humane Society of Manatee County Grow With Purpose

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