Featured by Scoutmob

    Our founder Blake Canterbury was featured by Scoutmob as their "Local Mug" today. We thought this interview was a great way for you to get to know him a little better as well.  We are fans of the The Mob and send a big "Thank You" to them.  Feel free to check them out. 

Meet Blake Canterbury, Founder Of beremedy

See the need, be the remedy. Meet Blake, founder of beremedy.org, the simplest way to help other people. He created beremedy with one major goal that drives everything we do: to be the simplest way for you to help other people. Their mission is to connect people in need with the fastest vehicle—social media. We like your tweets about that hefty sandwich and your favorite Youtube videos, but you can tweet for the benefit of others faster than a speeding bullet. 

SCOUT: Hi Blake. Tell me how people might know you? 
BLAKE: Well, often I’m introduced as, “this is Blake, you need to know what he does.” They almost always respond, “are you Matchstic Blake?” I have to say “no, but I hear he does great things, I need to meet this guy too.” But hopefully, I’ll be known for beremedy soon.

SCOUT: Well, good, I’m definitely referring to the beremedy Blake. Tell me why you started beremedy?
BLAKE: Throughout my life, I found that every person I’ve ever met has had one thing in common, an inner desire to help others. The problem is, most people just don’t know where to start. In our own neighborhoods, there is an overwhelming need that could easily be met if those who could help knew how. How to help? Where to start? Our goal at beremedy is to answer those questions. We use social media to connect those in need with those who can help. 

SCOUT: That takes some bold cajones. Got anyone special who inspired you to carry on with your mission? A guru of sorts?
BLAKE: My dad, the ultimate guru- He taught me to see the positive side of every situation and an amazing work ethic. Travis Pastrana - Guy’s not afraid of anything! Tim Bach - Never stops giving. He’s now in Bend, OR working with homeless teens. Seth Godin will convince you the status quo is the worst thing on earth! Encourages everyone to lead. 

SCOUT: And who are some local people, projects or groups that inspire you?
BLAKE: Everyone working on something to make Atlanta better that hasn’t been done. I keep running into people starting these killer grassroots movements. If you’re doing this, keep it up! 

SCOUT: Where in ATL do you go to get new ideas or find inspiration?
BLAKE: Depends what I’m doing. I like to study people so I change environments often. Usually East Atlanta somewhere. When I am trying to solve the “big problem” I sit at the Starbucks outside Lenox Mall. It poses the problem perfectly. There are always homeless people outside, yet people walk past them to go inside and buy things they don’t need. If we could leverage a percentage of what is spent there for those outside, we could accomplish something. 

SCOUT: Where do you go to unwind with a good drink and good company?
BLAKE: Republic Social House rooftop

SCOUT: Oooh baby and the weather is just right. (And there is currently a deal!) What is your favorite “curious find” in Atlanta? 
BLAKE: James David Carter, Chris Cauley, & Nathan Angelo. A couple of killer local Atlanta music artists that are great guys. 

SCOUT: Interesting, curious, approved. Another local Atlantan that inspires you or your work?
BLAKE: Jeff Shinabarger who created Plywood People. Plywood People are those creating solutions, not just talking about them. I’m drawn to those people. 

SCOUT: For sure—Jeff is such an outstanding guy. Back to Blake -- what are you currently working on?
BLAKE: I want to network the city of Atlanta to BE the greatest city for social good. I can’t give away the secret sauce... lets just say we’re creating a “new technology” that’s going to change the way people help those in need. In our first year we’ve helped just over 113,000 people and we are just getting started. 

SCOUT: Finally, throw out a shameless plug of where people can get the goods.
BLAKE: Shamelessly, we seriously need everybody in Atlanta! Tell everybody you know to go to BeRemedy.org and we’ll help people in this city in way not done before. Also, if you know anyone running any Atlanta non-profits there is a form for them to fill out, we’d love to help them!