Co-op Developer Stories

CooperationWorks!
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Co-op Developer Stories is the podcast for the people building the Cooperative Economy! Hosted by CooperationWorks! each episode features honest conversations with Cooperative Developers, practitioners, educators, organizers and movement builders from across the nation. Whether you're an experienced co-op developer, a co-op founder, a community organizer, a community economic development professional, or simply curious about the Co-op model, you'll leave every episode with new ideas, practical strategies and connections to your work!

  1. 18h ago

    12 - Beyond Starting Co-ops: Building Trust and Community with Davey Madison

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What if cooperative development wasn't just about starting co-ops, but about helping communities take control of their economic futures? In this episode of Cooperative Developer Stories, host Tara Williams sits down with Davey Madison, co-owner of Trillium Cooperative, a worker-owned, women-led and Indigenous-led consulting cooperative based in Montana. Drawing on 15 years of experience in economic and community development, Davey shares how his work in rural and Indigenous communities shaped his belief that co-ops are one of the most underused tools for building strong, sustainable local economies. From a small Montana town that came together to save its only bar through cooperative ownership to the founding of Trillium Cooperative, Davey explores why relationships, trust, and community leadership matter more than having all the answers. We also discuss the challenges of funding cooperative development, the importance of bringing cooperative principles into non-cooperative businesses, and why developers need to remember that the projects they support belong to the communities building them. In this episode, we explore: Co-ops as economic development: Why cooperative development should be part of every community's economic development toolkit.Keeping rural communities thriving: How cooperative ownership can preserve local businesses, jobs, and opportunities.Relationships before solutions: Why listening, building trust, and meeting communities where they are matters.Knowing when to step back: Why cooperative developers need to support community ownership rather than take control of projects.Building Trillium Cooperative: How Davey and his co-owners turned funding uncertainty into an opportunity to build their own worker-owned consulting business.Cooperative values beyond co-ops: How strategic planning, community engagement, and consulting can introduce cooperative principles to new audiences.The future of cooperative development: Davey's hopes for greater professional recognition, sustainable funding, and more opportunities for developers to support communities.Resources Trillium Co-operative (https://www.trilliumcoop.com/) Ranching in "God's Country" The Waldron Grazing Co-op https://milkriver.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S40C1295892 About our guest Davey Madison is a co-owner of Trillium Cooperative, a worker-owned, women-led and Indigenous-led consulting cooperative in Montana. A member of the Fort Peck Sioux and Assiniboine Tribes and a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa, Davey grew up on his family's cattle ranch near Wolf Point, Montana. With approximately 15 years of experience in economic and community development, including cooperative development since 2020, Davey is passionate about helping rural and Indigenous communities build sustainable economic opportunities through local ownership and cooperation.

    12 - Beyond Starting Co-ops: Building Trust and Community with Davey Madison

  2. 6d ago

    Built for This Moment: Shaping the Future of the Cooperative Movement with Tom Webb

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What does the future of the cooperative movement look like, and what role do cooperative developers have in shaping it? In the final episode of our Co-op Month series, Built for This Moment, Tara Williams and Alex Stone welcome Tom Webb, a longtime cooperative educator, thinker, and advocate, for a forward-looking conversation about the potential of cooperation to create a more democratic, equitable, and sustainable economy. Throughout October, we've explored the history of cooperation with Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard, the importance of advocacy and cooperative infrastructure with Doug O'Brien, and the power of organizing and democratic leadership with Esteban Kelly. Now we bring those perspectives together to consider where the movement goes next. As cooperative developers, how do we build on the knowledge, relationships, and institutions that already exist? How can we think beyond individual cooperatives to strengthen the broader cooperative economy? And what will it take to turn the possibilities of cooperation into lasting change? Join us as we close our Co-op Month series by looking toward the future of cooperation and the role we can all play in shaping it. About Our Guest Tom Webb is a longtime cooperative educator, researcher, and advocate whose work has contributed to conversations about cooperative management, education, and the role of cooperatives in building a more sustainable and democratic economy. Integral in creating the International Centre for Co-operative Management Masters, Certificate and Diploma programs, Tom's current project is starting a housing co-op community and trying to get his latest book published. Resources & Links International Centre for Co-operative Management Masters, Certificate and Diploma programs in Co-operative Management https://www.smu.ca/iccm/ Antigonish Movement https://coady.stfx.ca/collection/the-impact-of-the-antigonish-movement/ Moses Coady https://coady.stfx.ca/collection/the-people/leaders-of-the-antigonish-movement/rt-rev-dr-moses-m-coady-1882-1959/ Fairbairn, B., Fulton, M., & Pohler, D. (2015). Governance as a Determinant of Success and Failure. Saskatoon: University of Saskatchewan. Retrieved from https://usaskstudies.coop/documents/books,-booklets,-proceedings/co-op-atlantic-final.pdf Webb, T. (2016, March-April). The Failure of Co-op Atlantic: A Postmortem On One of North America’s Largest Co-op Federations. Cooperative Grocer. Retrieved from https://archives.grocer.coop/sites/default/files/article_files/183_-_failure_of_co-op_atlantic_0.pdf

    Built for This Moment: Shaping the Future of the Cooperative Movement with Tom Webb

  3. Oct 27

    Built for This Moment: Organizing for a Stronger Cooperative Movement with Esteban Kelly

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What does it take to build a cooperative movement that is ready for the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow? In the third episode of our special Co-op Month series, Built for This Moment, host Tara Williams and co-host Alex Stone, Executive Director of CooperationWorks!, are joined by Esteban Kelly a cooperative leader, organizer, and advocate for a more democratic economy. Building on conversations with Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard and Doug O’Brien, this episode turns our attention to the future of the cooperative movement. Jessica helped us explore the history of cooperation and the lessons we can learn from the communities that built the movement. Doug highlighted the importance of the organizations, partnerships, and resources that support cooperative development. Now, with Esteban, we explore the role of leadership, organizing, and collective action in building a stronger and more inclusive cooperative economy. Themes We're Exploring - The role of leadership and organizing in strengthening the cooperative movement. - How cooperative values can guide our work during times of change. - Why relationships and solidarity matter for cooperative development. - Building a more inclusive and democratic cooperative economy. - How cooperative developers can contribute to a stronger movement. - What it means to be Built for This Moment. About Our Guest Esteban Kelly is a cooperative leader and organizer whose work has focused on democratic ownership, economic justice, and strengthening the cooperative movement. Resources & Links U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives (https://www.usworker.coop/) — Learn about worker cooperative organizing, advocacy, and movement building.USFWC Service Provider Directory (https://www.usworker.coop/service-provider-directory/)USFWC Co-op Clinic (https://www.usworker.coop/clinic/)Berkley Student Co-ops (https://www.bsc.coop/housing/our-houses-apartments)International Cooperative Alliance — Cooperative Identity, Values & Principles](https://ica.coop/en/cooperatives/cooperative-identity) — Learn about the values and principles guiding the cooperative movement.AORTA coop (https://aorta.coop/)Co-op Month 2026: Built for This Moment (https://www.coopmonth.coop/about) — Explore this year's Co-op Month theme.

    Built for This Moment: Organizing for a Stronger Cooperative Movement with Esteban Kelly

  4. Oct 20

    9-Built for This Moment: Strengthening the Cooperative Development Movement with Doug O’Brien

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What does it take to build a stronger cooperative movement? And what role do cooperative developers play in making that possible? In this second episode of our four-part Co-op Month series, host Tara Williams and co-host Alex Stone, Executive Director of CooperationWorks!, sit down with Doug O’Brien, President and CEO of US Co-ops, formerly NCBA CLUSA. This year's Co-op Month theme is Built for This Moment, and Doug brings a national perspective on what that means for cooperative development. From the recent rebranding of US Co-ops to changes in federal funding, Doug reflects on the challenges facing cooperative development and the opportunities to build a more connected, resilient ecosystem. He also shares his excitement about cooperatives in the care economy, technology, and artificial intelligence—and why investing in cooperative development is essential to making those opportunities a reality. In This Episode Doug's journey from growing up around agricultural cooperatives to leading a national cooperative association.Why cooperative development requires specialized knowledge, experience, and relationships.Why Principle 6, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, matters for building a stronger movement.Opportunities for cooperatives in the care economy, technology, and AI.Doug's hopes for cooperative development over the next decade.About Our Guest Doug O’Brien is President and CEO of US Co-ops, formerly the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA). His work focuses on advancing cooperative businesses through advocacy, education, partnerships, and policies that help more people benefit from cooperative ownership. Resources US Co-ops (formerly NCBA CLUSA)Cooperative Development Foundation Cooperative Hall of Fame International Cooperative Alliance — Cooperative Identity, Values & PrinciplesCollective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice — Jessica Gordon NembhardHumanizing the Economy: Co-operatives in the Age of Capital — John RestakisVice President in Charge of Revolution — Murray D. LincolnDavid J. Thompson — Cooperative Housing and History Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance FundThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of CooperationWorks!

    9-Built for This Moment: Strengthening the Cooperative Development Movement with Doug O’Brien

  5. Oct 13

    8-Built for This Moment: Lessons from Cooperative History with Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What can the history of cooperation teach us about building a stronger cooperative movement today? October is Co-op Month, and this year's theme is Built for This Moment. To kick off our special four-part Co-op Month series, host Tara Williams is joined by CooperationWorks! Executive Director and guest co-host Alex Stone for a conversation with Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard — educator, political economist, organizer, author, and Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee. In This Episode The history of African American cooperatives and their role in building community economic powerThe importance of recognizing and building on existing cooperative practicesHow education, research, and storytelling can strengthen the cooperative movementWhat cooperative developers can learn from past successes and challengesDr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard is a political economist, educator, community organizer, and Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee. Her research and teaching focus on cooperative economics, community economic development, economic justice, and the ways communities build collective economic power. Through her scholarship and organizing, Jessica has helped make cooperative history more visible and accessible to a new generation of cooperative developers and movement builders. Resources mentioned Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice John Jay College Cooperative Hall of Fame Federation of Southern Cooperatives Ella Jo Baker Jose Maria Arizmendiarrieta Freedom Quilting Bee Frank Adams For All the People: Uncovering the Hidden History of Cooperation, Cooperative Movements, and Communalism in America, John Curl CooperationWorks! Art and Science Training Grassroots Economic Organizing (GEO) Co-op Month at coopmonth.coop. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of CooperationWorks!

    8-Built for This Moment: Lessons from Cooperative History with Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard

  6. Oct 6

    7-Lessons from a Career in Co-op Development With Kim Coontz

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What can more than two decades in cooperative development teach us about doing this work well? As Kim Coontz prepares for retirement, she joins host Tara Williams to reflect on her journey from studying cooperatives as an academic to helping people build them in communities across California. Kim shares the lessons that shaped her practice, the mistakes that taught her just as much as the successes, and why patience, listening, relationships, and knowing when to step back are so important for cooperative developers. In This Episode Kim’s journey from studying cooperatives to becoming a cooperative developerBuilding the California Center for Cooperative Development and growing a co-op development organizationMoving from academic knowledge to the realities of working directly with groupsThe value of peer learning and the CooperationWorks! communityHow the cooperative development field has changed during Kim’s careerWhat Kim hopes newer developers will carry forward A Career in Cooperative Development Kim has spent decades helping people understand, develop, and strengthen cooperatives. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on an important shift in her own practice: moving from feeling like the developer needed to have the answers to understanding that the work is often about asking questions, listening, sharing information, and creating space for members to make their own decisions. She also talks openly about projects that didn’t work out as planned and why those experiences are an important part of becoming a better developer. As Kim retires, this conversation gives us an opportunity to capture some of those lessons and recognize the role she has played within the CooperationWorks! community and the broader cooperative development field.

    7-Lessons from a Career in Co-op Development With Kim Coontz

  7. Sep 29

    6 - Building the Co-op Development Movement: Lessons from Margaret Bau

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Some people build cooperatives. Others help build the movement that makes more cooperatives possible. For decades, Margaret Bau has done both. In this special episode of Cooperative Developer Stories, host Tara Williams sits down with Margaret to reflect on a career spent supporting cooperatives, teaching and mentoring co-op developers, connecting communities with resources, and helping strengthen the cooperative development field. And there’s another reason we’re celebrating Margaret: this October, she will be inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. In This Episode Margaret and Tara explore: Margaret’s journey into cooperatives and cooperative developmentWhat decades of working alongside cooperatives have taught herThe role of education in building stronger cooperativesHow the field of cooperative development has changed over Margaret’s careerWhat new cooperative developers can learn from those who came before themThe relationships, people, and experiences that have kept Margaret committed to this workCelebrating Margaret Margaret is being inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame, and we want the cooperative development community to show up for her. Join us on October 8 in Washington, DC, for the induction and help us celebrate the incredible contribution Margaret has made to cooperatives and cooperative development. Find out more https://cooperationworks.coop/margaret-bau-cooperative-hero/ Can’t make it in person? You can still show Margaret some cooperative love by purchasing one of our special Margaret Bau T-shirts https://shop.goodpress.coop/products/wxcdf-margaret-bau-outline-portrait-on-white-5051-wht About Margaret Bau Margaret Bau has spent decades supporting cooperative development and helping communities understand how cooperatives can meet their needs. She has also played an important role in educating generations of cooperative developers, including through CooperationWorks! training. Her commitment to cooperative education, development, and community has helped strengthen not only individual cooperatives, but the broader cooperative movement. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of CooperationWorks!

    6 - Building the Co-op Development Movement: Lessons from Margaret Bau

  8. Sep 22

    5-Co-op Development as Community Organizing: Solidarity, Care & Collective Power with Esther West

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode of Cooperative Developer Stories, host Tara Williams sits down with Esther West, loan officer, technical assistance provider, and outreach specialist at Shared Capital Cooperative, worker owner at the Ajani Group and Latinx Coop Power researcher to explore how relationships, solidarity, and practical support are at the heart of successful Cooperative Development. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in community organizing and Cooperative Development, Esther shares how her parents shaped her understanding of justice, care, and collective action. From her early days as a worker-owner at Equal Exchange to her current work supporting co-operatives through financing and technical assistance, Esther reflects on the experiences that have influenced her approach to cooperative development. Throughout the conversation, Esther reminds us that Cooperative Development isn't about having all the answers, it's about listening, learning alongside communities, and helping people build the futures they envision for themselves. Resources Mentioned Shared Capital CooperativeAjani GroupEqual ExchangeRead the Latinx Co-op Power research project research report published through the University of Wisconsin Center for CooperativesU.S. Federation of Worker CooperativesCooperative Development FoundationLatinx Co-op Power research projectDr. Jessica Gordon NembhardAbout Esther West Esther West works with Shared Capital Cooperative, where she combines lending, technical assistance, outreach, and racial justice initiatives to support co-operatives across the United States. She is currently also a worker owner at the Ajani Group and a previous worker owner at Equal Exchange and the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives. Esther brings experience in cooperative finance, research, organizing, and community development. Her work is grounded in the belief that co-operatives are powerful tools for building stronger, more equitable communities.

    5-Co-op Development as Community Organizing: Solidarity, Care & Collective Power with Esther West
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About

Co-op Developer Stories is the podcast for the people building the Cooperative Economy! Hosted by CooperationWorks! each episode features honest conversations with Cooperative Developers, practitioners, educators, organizers and movement builders from across the nation. Whether you're an experienced co-op developer, a co-op founder, a community organizer, a community economic development professional, or simply curious about the Co-op model, you'll leave every episode with new ideas, practical strategies and connections to your work!

Information

  • Creator
    CooperationWorks!
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © CooperationWorks!
  • Show Website
    Co-op Developer Stories