When I returned home to Minnesota after my first visit to the Philippines in 2012, a friend said to me:
"You're going to build a profitable business THERE?!"
I could see where he was coming from. I had just shown him photos of the village where we planned to build our headquarters, and well... we had A LOT of work ahead of us.
Looking back now, I can hardly believe how far we’ve come.
This month, we're celebrating Dignity Made's (formerly Dignity Coconuts) 13-year anniversary. In tandem with that benchmark, our team has been reflecting on the incredible transformations in our small village over the years.
Here are 3 "Before and After" success stories made possible by YOUR purchases! 👇
1. Transportation Infrastructure – REAL Roads!
When we say we're located deep in the Filipino countryside, we mean it. In the early days, so many Filipinos asked, "You're building way out in the villages of Bicol? Why?"
From a business perspective, the logistics were tough. We had to transport (both literally and figuratively) tons of equipment and product over small, unpaved roads.
After a few years, the government officials in the area took notice of what we were doing. They saw the hope and economic benefit to the community, and we're honored to have given them a good reason to improve the roads around our province.
Transformation: The roads in the village went from dirt to pavement.
2014: roads washed away
2025: paved roads
2. More Than 100+ Dignified Jobs Created
We named our processing plant the Community Transformation Plant (CTP) because we knew this would be more than just a place where coconut oil is extracted; it would be a place where transformation happens.
Building the CTP was a huge undertaking. Trying to run power and plumbing in a place that didn't even have roads? Scary.
Transformation: Here we are a decade later with a beautiful CTP that's a clean, safe space for more than 100 employees to have dignified work. I could cry just looking at it!
3. Over 150 Organic-Certified Farmers
We rigorously train each farmer who wants to sell us coconuts to ensure they get Organic Certification.
The training is a big undertaking, but it's worth the time because the farmers directly benefit. Their coconuts can be sold for a higher price (to all their buyers, not just us!) when they are Organic Certified. We're excited to offer this training, setting up local farmer families for long-term success.
Transformation: This certification helps farmers increase income and break the cycles of debt and poverty.
If you had come along on that first visit in 2012, you would have seen what my friend saw in those pictures: dirt roads, local farmers trapped in debt, systemic poverty... and a whole lot of coconut trees.
If you came with me today, you would find paved roads, 100+ smiling employees with safe, dignified jobs at the Community Transformation Plant, and coconut farmers earning a sustainable, livable wage for their families.
...and still, a whole lot of coconut trees.
Here's to many more years of impact!
With gratitude,
Erik Olson
CEO, Dignity Made
