Suit: Double-breasted Urbane + Gallant Suit (Prototype version), Pocket Square: Urbane + Gallant – The Wilberforce, Tie: Krochet Kids
What do you like to wear?
I love wearing Italian and vintage loafers, suspenders, and double-breasted suits. I also enjoy wearing Krochet Kids ties. I especially appreciate Krochet Kids because we know where the money is going when you purchase a product from them, you know who made it, and where it is made.
What do you do?
I am a serial entrepreneur and currently the founder of AoSA Image and AoSA Coffee located in Huntington Beach, CA. I am also on the advisory board for Stone + Cloth.
We know you make an intentional effort to do good through your businesses. Can you talk a bit about the impact AoSA Image and AoSA Coffee makes?
AoSA stands for: Art Of Sustainable Action.
AoSA Image is a print and fabrication company dedicated to decreasing waste in the sign and display industry. AoSA Image also finances The Ecology Center which is located in San Juan Capistrano, CA. The Ecology Center essentially is a regional hub for eco-education that engages and empowers individuals and families in the community. Some classes they teach include: farming, health, and nutrition. As part of our partnership with The Ecology Center, we provide them with free signage work.
AoSA Coffee is a local coffee shop in Huntington Beach, CA. AoSA Coffee’s mission is to bring the local community together with our unique coffee house and eco friendly environment. The goal here is to provide a family-like atmosphere for anyone who walks through the doors and also enjoy a cup of coffee. AoSA Coffee is involved in many community events. We are also very engaged with the local Huntington Beach community. Some events AoSA Coffee was involved in include: Revlon Run/Walk for Women, Collaborative World, and Style Your Toms. AoSA Coffee also sells ethical and eco-friendly products from other socially minded companies. You can find these products, ready to be purchased, throughout the shop.
Where does this passion to do good through business come from?
The initial drive to do good is the idea of just doing what is right, and this comes from grounding yourself on simple truths and holding onto them. Once I had my foundation set on doing what was right, the next step is about asking yourself questions like “Can you make a business out of the idea? Does it make sense from a business standpoint?” I don’t focus on the profit and the money but rather about making impact in the community. There are always ways that we can do business sustainably. What truly compels me is the idea of doing what is right—and this is not about the money.
There is definitely always a way to do business sustainably. Can you share your thought process in doing business in a sustainable way?
I always feel like there is a need for sustainability. And if there is a need, let’s stop talking about it and let’s take action and be pioneers. If it passes the “is it right to do it this way?”question then I’m going to do it. It also has to make sense as a business. It’s very important to have integrity in the product as well. But most importantly, if there is a need, then let’s figure out a way to make it happen. It’s always feasible. It may be hard to accomplish but it’s always feasible. The hardest part is getting over the mental hurdle asking yourself if it is something you truly believe in and then doing it.
Where did this sense of responsibility to do good come from?
I draw my sense of responsibility from three main categories. Faith, family, and love. Influence is always fed through someone whether it is your parents and family or your faith. If you love someone, they’re going to influence you.
Family is definitely important. How much impact has your father made in the work that you do?
I know that my Dad is always going to be there to help me. He is a source of stability for me. I know I have approval from him and because of that I can take risks and still get the support from my father. I also trust my father’s advice. It definitely helps knowing that my father is available and giving me encouragement without judgment. He gives me the confidence to make big decisions.
Any words of advice for future business leaders looking to make positive impact in the world?
Consult and get wisdom from family, friends, and loved ones before you do anything that is going to be huge for the rest of your life. You can’t “Rambo” business. Get advice and get your village’s support before you do it. Don’t be rash and always be informed in what you do.
A word from the Urbane + Gallant team:
It was a pleasure to get to interview and get to know Michael Hill. His joyful personality and contagious smile made it obvious that he truly cared about people. His heart to serve the community, dedication to make positive impact in people through his businesses, and desire to encourage men and women to aspire towards a higher standard are all characteristics of an Urbane + Gallant man. It was also encouraging to hear him use business as a vehicle to ultimately help and reach people. We are thankful to see men on mission like Michael and are excited to see what Michael will do next with his socially entrepreneurial mind.
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