“There has never been a more difficult time to be an entrepreneur — inflation, civil unrest, divided political parties, labor laws, return to office, climate change, supply chain challenges, record-low unemployment, etc,” she said. “Do it anyway. You have the ability to change lives.”
Elements is a Denver placemaking/commercial interiors business founded in 2008. “As placemakers, we will help organizations create destination-worthy workplaces — workplaces worth the commute,” the company said. “Businesses thrive through building relationships, creating unique experiences for their employees and clients, and fostering collaboration and innovation. The experiential workplace is imperative to achieving these goals.”
Elements recently merged with two other companies, bringing on several new employees and “great leaders,” Lounsbury said. “Many are women, which furthers our diversity, equity and inclusion action plan. Our sole focus is on the employee and customer experience. If we get those two goals right, the rest takes care of itself.”
Lounsbury outlined her company’s corporate values, a series of short, direct mantras that apply to business and life. They are: Give more than you receive. Look in the mirror first. Leaders eat last. Give more, expect less. Push through your fears. Play to your strengths. Be curious. Stay grounded. Play like we’re behind.
“I have a vision of building a unique business, a business without bureaucracy, with transparency and one which supports each associate’s personal and professional goals,” Lounsbury said. “We will be a community of people who will exemplify the best skill, character, attitude and performance to deliver solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations. I believe by collectively striving to achieve these aspirations, we will create an unstoppable spirit, which will attract new community members.
“I believe everyone leads the way, walks the talk, and forms community ‘circles’ — inclusive and welcoming circles of teammates (who are) passionately engaged to build the business you want to see and the place you want to be.
“I have a vision that our spirit will become contagious — that our customers and the marketplace will feel our energy and will want to connect. I believe that through our passion of giving to our customers, our partners, and the community, that our ‘designed experience’ will enrich lives. I have a vision that elements will be a wonderful experience for each of you, and it will create sustainable relationships and lasting memories.”
