ThinkSmith

01/20/2026

If you're into workplace culture, you should start following this podcast:

What does it really take to build a workplace people don’t want to leave?In the first-ever episode of the Irresistible Workplace Initiative Podcast, hosts Ho...

12/12/2025

From the nonprofit side, corporate giving isn’t just about funding—it’s about partnership.

The strongest relationships aren’t built on one-time checks or annual photo ops. They’re built when:
• the mission is deeply understood inside the organization
• values are aligned with the right corporate partners
• and supporters are invited to experience the work, not just observe it

I wrote a companion piece to my Thanksgiving post that looks at corporate giving through a nonprofit lens—why clarity matters, how to choose partners wisely, and how engagement (not transactions) leads to more sustainable support.

If you’re in the nonprofit world, this one’s for you:
https://thinksmith.guide/from-the-other-side-of-the-table/

Purpose travels further when it’s shared.

How Nonprofits Can Build Corporate Partnerships That Actually Mean Something Nonprofits talk a lot about mission. Corporations talk a lot about impact. Somewhere between those words, a check gets written, a logo ends up on a banner, and both sides move on until next year’s budget cycle reminds eve...

11/26/2025

Thanksgiving reminds us that some things are better when shared—and that includes generosity.

I just published a new thinkSmith article about why companies should connect their giving to their values, not just the season. When a team understands why they support a cause, it becomes part of the culture, not just a holiday activity.

I included examples from Patagonia, Salesforce, and Rotary, plus some reflections from our own community right here in Middle Tennessee.

If you’ve ever wanted your organization’s giving to feel more meaningful—and more aligned with what your people care about—you’ll appreciate this one.

Read the post here and let me know what you think!
https://thinksmith.guide/thanksgiving-corporate-giving-and-the-power-of-a-shared-table/

Every year around Thanksgiving, organizations of every size start gearing up for “giving season.” The giant checks reappear. The ribbon-cutting scissors come out of storage. Someone brings in a camera to capture the team holding up donated boxes of canned goods. Nothing wrong with any of that. I...

08/22/2025

Coach ≠ Consultant. 🏈

A coach builds the player.
A consultant fixes the game.

One develops you.
The other solves it.

Mix them up, and you’ll have the wrong person calling the plays.

So which do you need right now—a coach, or a consultant?

08/15/2025

Nashville’s Big Glow-Up

Remember when was just “Music City” — honky-tonks, the Opry, and maybe the Preds if you were into hockey?

Take a look at this 👇
In 1970, our metro population was under 800,000. Today, it’s over 2.1 million. Tourism? Up from 2 million visitors a year to more than 21 million!

And it’s not slowing down — New Nissan Stadium, Nashville SC, big concerts, MLB talks, a high-speed tunnel from the airport… Nashville is officially playing in the big leagues (literally).

We’re still keeping the music and hot chicken — but the rest of the country is starting to see what we’ve known all along: this city is going places.

Check out the full story and the chart here: https://thinksmith.guide/growth-tech-and-entertainment-drive-nashvilles-new-brand/

08/06/2025

"Hunting season" is open.
September and October are when fundraising teams turn their sights on businesses, assuming your budget for next year is already set. And the asks? Emails, calls, drop-ins—they all have one thing in common: they want your money.

Here's the smart playbook:

Don’t confuse advertising sponsorship (logo placement, event naming rights) with philanthropy.

Most sponsorships don’t deliver measurable ROI.

True giving should reflect your values—and never expect a return.

Set simple rules upfront: what you’ll fund, where, and how much.

Then stick to those rules—even when the requests flood in.

Give because it feels right—not because you feel pressured.
Your brand, your community, and your budget will all thank you.

📖 Read the full guide here: https://thinksmith.guide/structure-your-non-profit-giving/

07/30/2025

I was fortunate to hang out with John Iaccheri and Murfreesboro.com at the new Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Student Performance Center ribbon cutting. Blue Raider Athletics doesn't get the credit it deserves. 95% student athlete graduation rate (I believe I heard, tied for 4th in the country). Quite a few names on that Alum list find themselves on Topps cards.

And this is not including the students behind the cameras, in the training rooms, on the phones, or a hundred other places getting real world experience that can't be taught in a classroom.

This facility is an investment not just for students athletes or anyone's ego. It is an investment in the continuing mission of MTSU to be the best four-year institution in the southeast US for all students.

But, it's also a thing of beauty that should boost any alum's ego just a little.

07/28/2025

What was, was great. What was to be, will be better.
Welcome to thinkSmith.

02/01/2025

Taylor has spent the last two years making B&C a better place, whether it’s keeping things running smoothly, bringing the best energy to the team, or always showing up when someone needs a hand.✨

We’re so lucky to have her, and today we’re celebrating two amazing years of Taylor at B&C! 🎉

Happy 2 Year Workiversary Taylor! We truly appreciate you!!

01/23/2025

Fun meets function in this one-of-a-kind bank office. ✨ A few months ago, we wrapped up this exciting project in collaboration with to bring their vision to life.

Can you spot our clever plays on banking terms and design elements? Let us know!

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the B&C Team!🎄

Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and time well spent with loved ones.