Richmond Businesses Celebrate B Corp Month at Red Orange Studio
B Corp Month is all about celebrating businesses that believe in doing well by doing good. Yesterday, Red Orange Studio hosted a special breakfast and panel discussion, bringing together Richmond-area business leaders who are committed to using business as a force for good. It was an inspiring morning filled with shared stories, deep insights, and powerful takeaways about what it truly means to be a B Corp.
Why B Corp Matters
This year’s B Corp Month is centered around the spirit of Gen B—a generation of changemakers who take action and believe in making business better for people and the planet. With 40 Certified B Corps in Virginia and nearly 9,000 worldwide, this movement is growing, proving that profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive.
As our CEO and B Corp champion Susie Fife put it, “We’ve always been a purpose-driven company. Becoming a Certified B Corporation gives us the accountability to measure our impact and the inspiration to keep pushing forward. We’re honored to be part of this global community.”
The Power of Purpose-Driven Business
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Stacy Thomas, CEO of Good Run Research & Recreation, with panelists:
- Roberta Keller, Founder & CEO of Alexis Advisors
- Justin Ayars, CEO of equalityMD
- Susie Fife, Founder & CEO of Red Orange Studio
Each panelist shared their unique journey to becoming a B Corp and how it has shaped their business.
On what it means to be a B Corp: “B Corp Certification isn’t just a label—it’s a commitment. It means choosing vendors and partners who align with your values, supporting your employees with transparency, and being held accountable for the impact you make,” said Roberta Keller.
On doing well by doing good: “The idea that purpose and profit can’t go hand in hand is outdated. We’ve built businesses that prove you can be financially successful while making a real difference,” said Justin Ayars. “The B Corp movement helps us stay true to our values and build a better future for everyone.”
Building Community Through Impact
Guests were encouraged to engage with the conversation through interactive activities, including a community guestbook where they wrote down something they learned about B Corps. One of the most common themes? People + Profit—reinforcing that businesses thrive when they prioritize both.
The discussion also highlighted how B Corp status fosters collaboration. Our PIP Nonprofit Award is a perfect example, having provided over $300,000 in pro bono creative services to Virginia nonprofits. Together with our PIP Partners, Red Orange aims to donate $1 million in pro bono services by 2030.
The Future of B Corps
With more businesses recognizing the power of values-driven growth, the panelists agreed that the B Corp movement will only continue to gain momentum. As Susie Fife shared: “We all have spheres of influence—why not use them to create positive change?”
For companies considering B Corp Certification, the panelists emphasized that it’s not about marketing—it’s about action. “If you’re already doing the work, B Corp gives you a framework to measure and improve,” said Roberta Keller.
Celebrating a Movement, Not Just a Moment
As the event wrapped up, there was a shared sense of energy and purpose in the room. Guests left with new connections, fresh ideas, and a deeper commitment to using business as a force for good.
Red Orange Studio is proud to be a Certified B Corporation™, and we invite others to join the movement. Let’s build a future where businesses thrive—not just for shareholders, but for employees, communities, and the world.
Want to learn more about B Corps and how your business can make an impact? Visit our Impact Page.
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