Lifecycle Building Center: Integrated not-for-profit growth
A holistic approach to growth yields long-lasting results. Look at the big picture. Plan well, partner well, and steward resources wisely. The rest will take care of itself.
Lifecycle Building Center takes holistic growth seriously. The Atlanta-based not-for-profit turns waste into wealth and opportunity while benefitting the community.
One man’s demolition rubble is another man’s—in this case, Adam Deck’s—treasure. Adam is the director of operations at LBC, and he manages the day-to-day grind of salvaging and redistributing reusable materials.
“We harvest materials from demolition and renovation projects,” Adam explained. “LBC reaps building components from demolition sites and gives these materials away free of charge to local nonprofits. The diversity of the materials we gather is informed by the broad range of projects we’re involved in.”
To date, more than 90 nonprofits, schools and houses of worship in Metro Atlanta have received building materials at no expense from Lifecycle, collectively saving these organizations more than $600,000.
Friends of Refugees, a Clarkston-based nonprofit, used these salvaged materials to build greenhouses, which are helping refugees cultivate sustainable gardening practices. “It had a big impact,” Adam said.
LBC also sells materials to the public at 50-to-85 percent less than market value, making it affordable for community members to make home repairs.
“We are nestled in the chronically underserved southwest Atlanta area,” Adam said. “We’re a part of the community. We understand the challenges. We felt strongly the need to give back and develop a relationship with these community members.”
When LBC works efficiently, the environment is better for it, people are helped and nonprofits prosper. Everyone wins with this comprehensive approach.
But LBC was not always as efficient as they are now. Operating without a fully-functional facility was a significant hurdle.
As executive director, Shannon Goodman’s job is to make sure LBC moves in the right direction. She recognized the need to gain control of and improve the organization’s facility, which is located in the heart of the community they serve.
“We’re extremely facility driven,” Shannon explained. “We needed a place where people could efficiently donate and buy materials. It’s our business’ cornerstone. LBC has always had a lot of moving parts. The challenge has always been scaling up.”
LBC finally found this opportunity in a massive, 100-year-old warehouse located in Southwest Atlanta’s 30310 ZIP Code. Shannon and Adam knew that the acquisition of the 70,000 square foot facility could take LBC’s operation to the next level.
But the next hurdle was financing. “We knew what we needed to do to improve the facility, but the difficulty was procuring the property,” Shannon said. “Finding a long-term partner to help us finance the facility was not easy.”
LBC’s small annual budget, short operating history and the amount of capital needed spelled difficulty for LBC. The company spoke with several banks to no avail. “It was borderline impossible for us to procure a $1 million loan on our own,” she said.
Things finally began to shift favorably, though. A local family foundation, The Kendeda Fund, partnered with LBC to assist with the process.
“Kendeda strongly recommended that we consider working with Atlantic Capital Bank,” Shannon said. “They told us that Atlantic Capital had a lot of experience working with reputable not-for-profits, and they encouraged us to reach out.”
LBC found the answer they were looking for in Ashley Carson at Atlantic Capital. Ashley worked with the LBC team to find the best possible finance solution while supporting business growth through strategic community partnerships.
“Atlantic Capital worked with us to get the most competitive financing, which was critical, but the most noteworthy aspect was working with Ashley,” Shannon explained. “She’s been amazing in finding ways for us to connect with other organizations to support LBC’s mission. It’s a much deeper, holistic relationship than with just any lender.”
Ashley and the Atlantic Capital team help Lifecycle flourish in all areas of their business. With a facility of their own and new, strategic community relationships, LBC operates more efficiently.
Discover how that approach can grow your business with Atlantic Capital. Bank in the right direction.