Have you ever heard of Modo? Founded in 1997, the British Columbia-based, Modo, is a member-owned car share operator – the oldest car-sharing organization in the area AND the first car-share co-op in North America. A true pioneer in the car-sharing space!
“We define success through the lens of our Purpose, which is to transform communities by connecting people and places in a way that is affordable, convenient, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Well, that’s a purpose statement if I’ve ever heard one. Modo’s motivation isn’t profit; in fact, they actually encourage their customers to walk, cycle, and take public transit whenever they can, and urge their customers to only consider Modo’s round-trip service as a complement to transit – one that should be used only when a car is necessary.
While the ridesharing environment has drastically changed over the years, Modo has remained committed to putting people before profit. Their mission is to earn just enough to cover their operations costs so that they can continue to invest in being the best and most PURPOSEFUL car-share operator in the province.
Given the rising fuel prices and factors such as maintenance, parking, insurance, and not to mention the environmental impact – Modo makes a lot of sense! For those living in larger cities where car ownership isn’t essential or those who do not want to cover the expenses of car ownership, this organization offers an attractive solution.
With their main office located on the shared ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Modo acknowledges that “we and our members live and work on these lands and our cars move across them. We recognize the harm that is caused to the environment – land, air, and water – through the use of vehicles, and commit to reducing that harm as a core part of our Purpose.”
Like Modo, when organizations are committed to their purpose, great strides are made within the community, the business becomes more competitive, they have a riveting story to tell, their team is invigorated, they attract committed customers and employees, and their leaders are kept on track, motivated, and fulfilled.
How can your business become more purpose-driven? We can help!
