Brock Auerbach-Lynn

Owner #1088

Why did you join the Dill Pickle?

As a grad student who was exploring my passion for sustainability, my roommate at the time suggested the Co-op might be a place aligned to my values. I still remember tentatively wandering into the store on Fullerton for the first time, aware that this place was different than any other grocery store I had been at. As my beliefs around sustainability and the cooperative economy evolved in the eight years since that first visit, the Co-op has remained, for me, one of the best opportunities to make a difference locally and one of my most gratifying connections to the community.

How have you participated as an owner?

A number of ways that evolved over time. I've been a vocal advocate for the store among my friend group and colleagues from the beginning. As the Co-op looked to raise capital for the new store, I was lucky to be in a financial position where I could give multiple loans. Once the new store got up and running, I organized a series of sustainability workshops to engage membership in small but meaningful actions to reduce their environmental impact. Lately, I've been volunteering as part of the Finance Committee.

Why do you wish to serve on the Dill Pickle Food Co-op Board of Directors?

I believe that the Co-op has tremendous opportunity to continue to grow it's impact on our local/regional economy, the sustainable food systems, and more directly on its members and neighbors. I'm also aware of the significant challenges that this type of organization and the times we live in present. As someone committed to the ideals of the Co-op, but also realistic about the challenges and intricacies of the business, I believe I can provide the nimble, strategic guidance the Co-op continues to need.

What perspectives, skills, experiences, or affiliations do you hope to bring to board leadership?

Having been closely affiliated with the Co-op and its staff over the last eight years, I bring perspective on the journey, the changes, the struggles, and the successes. I also bring a human-centered design perspective to solving problems that is frequently lacking in business (i.e., working directly with current or potential users/customers to identify issues, understand context, explore solutions, gather feedback, and scale what works). Lastly, I work as a senior manager with a social impact consulting firm that helps organizations to articulate their social and environmental outcomes and gather data to make more informed decisions. I believe this balance of experiences will be an asset to the Co-op.

How might the co-op open its doors wider to prospective new owners and community members?

Touching on my answer above, this is a great opportunity to utilize design thinking to help us get some data on this challenge, rather than guessing. For instance, I know that many Dill Pickle shoppers are not owners. Why? Let's ask some of them and see if we can build a compelling suite of communications and services that will lead to a higher conversion rate. Same for community members that have never shopped here. I certainly have my own perspectives on how to open our doors wider, but I think we are missing opportunities to take a data informed approach, rather than spending resources and hoping it will do something positive.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I'm deeply committed to seeing the Co-op continue to exist and hopefully thrive as a profitable institution!