Interview with Stuart Rudick of Mindfull Investors
Investment manager and founding Partner at Mindfull Investors Venture Fund, Stuart Rudick was investing in disruptive companies before it was trendy.
Rudick said, “Back in the 70s, I started my own practice of kundalini yoga and meditation. It was a mindfulness practice. I began to think that being in the investment world, to me, wasn’t just about making money. It was about making money in a way that is healthy and positive and more mindful. So, why not take mindfulness practice off the mat or the meditation cushion and bring it into our daily wakeful moments?”
And that is what Rudick and his companies have been practicing for the last three decades. Back in the early 1980s, Stuart and his companies funded endeavors such as the first paper recycling plant in North America, the first environmental magazine out of Boulder, energy efficiency lighting, and the first environmental venture fund.
Although investing in projects that change the world isn’t new for Stuart, what is new is that it is now economical. “Early on there was a cost and there weren’t the economies of scale,” Rudick said. “And now today, the margin is there and it’s what consumers want. They want products that are healthy for the body. They want products that take into consideration the impact to the environment.”
Whether it’s large companies like Proctor and Gamble and Nestle or early phase startups, creating products that have a positive impact on the world are the way forward because it’s what consumers are demanding. There are some other very distinct advantages to the current investment environment. More than ever before, the most brilliant minds have access to innovative low cost technologies that simply weren’t available in the past.
The Double-Whammy Effect
“I’m focused on creating businesses that are going to leave a lasting legacy,” said Rudick. He talks about investors being proud to 1) earn returns and 2) be able to brag about what the companies are doing to improve people’s daily lives. “There’s the double-whammy effect. For people to be able to say, ‘Yeah, I just invested in this water purification company or health care company that enables you to track your vital signs.’” Mindfull Investors is investing in the new breed of entrepreneurs creating disruptive health companies and technologies shaping our future in a way that can be seen and experienced by our own community.
I asked Stuart how he defined his legacy. He said a great legacy comes from within. You must first ask yourself the question, “Why am I doing what I am doing?” “So, the legacy for me or what I’m creating,” he said, “is businesses that enhance our lives and working with entrepreneurs that have this vision and passion for
building businesses that are going to positively shape our future.”
Related:
Healing the Family Ecosystem
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Stuart’s daily practice includes yoga, biking,Qigong and mindful living. If you are interested in learning more about Stuart Rudick or his company, visit www.mindfullinvestors.com
