MEET JOE ASTORINO
Joe Astorino is the passionate founder of The Genius Loci Collaboratory, a service-based business in Pullman, Washington, that focuses on community research. With a background in sociology, Joe recognized a significant gap in how academic research addresses community needs and shares findings. He set out to create a comprehensive service to bridge this gap.
STARTING THE BUSINESS WITH CIE
Joe’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t straightforward. He had a solid business plan by last year but needed guidance on refining his ideas and turning them into a viable business. “I had a lot of ideas but wasn’t sure how to distill them into services and packages,” Joe recalls. This is where the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) came into play.
Joe met Juan, his business advisor, through various community events. Juan became instrumental in helping Joe navigate the complexities of starting a business. “CIE has helped me with everything from redoing the business plan, rethinking the services, to the logistics of forming an LLC,” Joe explains. Weekly meetings with Juan have provided Joe with the support and direction needed to transform his ideas into actionable steps.
EMBRACING INCLUSIVITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
As a member of the LGBTQ community, Joe values inclusivity and acceptance in his professional journey. “Knowing that I’m working with someone [like Juan] who’s inclusive and accepting is super important,” Joe shares. His personal experiences and commitment to inclusivity drive his efforts to create services that resonate with diverse community members.
Joe has been particularly focused on developing community-based services, like the Genius Loci Walking Tours, which include a tour highlighting LGBTQ history in Pullman. “I’ve been doing a lot of research uncovering hidden figures who have been gay in history but have been written out of our regional history,” Joe says. These tours aim to build community and bring in clients by sharing these important, yet often overlooked, stories.
CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
When asked about his favorite part of being an entrepreneur, Joe reflects on the dual nature of the challenge and reward. “Whatever you put into it is what you’re gonna get out of it,” he says. Joe appreciates the control he has over his business direction and the ability to follow his instincts, a freedom he didn’t always have in larger organizations.
THE FUTURE OF THE GENIUS LOCI COLLABORATORY
Joe’s business is already making significant strides. He’s working on various projects, including a local history tour and a national research initiative for the National Cancer Institute. The diversity of these projects showcases the broad impact of his work, from local community engagement to national research contributions.
JUAN’S PERSPECTIVE ON JOE’S GROWTH
Juan, Joe’s business advisor, has witnessed Joe’s growth firsthand. “When I first met Joe, he had the same passion, which hasn’t changed,” Juan says. He highlights Joe’s ability to adapt as a crucial trait for success in entrepreneurship. “His resilience and his ability to pivot will be a huge part of his success,” Juan adds.
BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Joe’s work extends beyond business; it’s about fostering connections within the community. Although he’s still developing partnerships, Joe sees immense potential in engaging with community organizations. “Eventually, I’d like to do a lot for the LGBTQ community in terms of outreach and services,” Joe envisions. His business aims to ensure that community voices are heard early in the process, leading to more effective and meaningful outcomes.
Joe Astorino’s journey with The Genius Loci Collaboratory is a testament to the power of passion, inclusivity, and community engagement in entrepreneurship. With the support of CIE and Juan’s mentorship, Joe is not only building a successful business but also creating a lasting impact on his community. Follow Joe’s progress and stay tuned for more exciting developments from The Genius Loci Collaboratory!
