Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Custer.
Keith, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I found myself, for a lot of my life, making excuses on why I couldn’t help people. I couldn’t volunteer because the kid’s soccer games took up the weekend, or I couldn’t give blood because it made me nauseous or we couldn’t donate to a cause that seemed worthy because we had already tithed at church etc. This didn’t mean I didn’t care, it just meant that I was tapped out from the options to give back that were given to me. I couldn’t pour from an empty cup. I needed a new cup.
So, after seeing a gazillion online marketplace posts of stuff to buy like every day of my life, it finally dawned on me that we are not repurposing things as well as we could be. And if we could do this better, we could make a huge difference. Not only for people, and charities, and communities but for the environment and the future as well.
Insert theripple.net
This site was designed as an additional option for people that care to make a difference in the world but may not have the time or excess money to give, however do have a need and want to purge or purchase things that served a purpose but are still in great shape.
We have grown the site to 30 participating charities and to 5,000 visits a month but need to keep it going. Too many success stories to be written but too many people that The Ripple can help with.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been smooth at all. I left a 100k a year job to start this journey which tapped out a lot of our saving very quickly. But as promised the lord provided and 3 yrs. in multiple times money has seemingly come out of nowhere to keep me on track of developing this mission. The pandemic compromised a lot of relationships as some of our charities furloughed employees and/or employees, directors, partners took different career paths.
Many people have been slow to acclimate to this new and better way to give that is pandemic proof and covid compliant. However, the nonprofit methods are so traditional that introducing a new, technological way to make a difference has not always been welcomed by all demographics.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of my past professional experience in growing leaders. Every professional role has allowed me to teach, mentor, train and advance others professionally and personally which is a wonderful feeling. I believe most people would know me for being servant-minded and with a low ego, a pursuit of “better” and desire to share great experiences with each other. Unfortunately, I do feel that is what sets me apart from others. I believe the world has a tendency to look down and in, especially when things get tough rather than looking up and out to see who can or needs help. I am most proud of my conviction in Christ and pursuit to live out his word with others including my family and friends. This is not always a success story but it is something I am most proud of.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
When I was young, I was a party kid. I got into a lot of trouble. I always wanted to be around people no matter what they were doing. Likely because my mother worked 2 jobs and my father was not around. I was always outgoing, funny, smart but did not apply myself as much as I could have. Likely due to a lack of strong guidance. I loved sports as it gave me a positive outlet and allowed me a social circle that was more positive.
I always loved music and would always have the new CDs and loved introducing people to my new favorite songs.
My family would say I was a brat growing up and then turned into a concern but somehow, by the grace of god turned into a fine man.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: theripple.net
- Instagram: justrippleit
- Facebook: theripple
- Youtube: The Ripple
