This is not a declaration. It's not a new policy or a mission statement. Or even a manifesto.

This is an invitation.

Hope, as it is, can come from the most unlikely places. In fact, it almost always does.

Our world today is more divided than ever. The typical places we look to inspire us toward a better future - politics, government, nonprofits, religious institutions, small grassroots efforts - are underfunded, under-appreciated, and in today’s climate, they often divide people more than they bring them together.

In spite of this, we are optimistic about the future. Bullish, in fact. We still believe in the generosity of humanity. We believe that when people look back at their lives, they want to see that they were a part of something great. Something that truly made a difference. That we gave the best of ourselves to create lasting, positive change in the world.

It is that fundamental belief - that we all want to be a part of making a positive difference in the world - that leads us to believe that the best chance for a bright future lies in the last place many people would look. Business.

A new breed of purpose-driven companies has evolved that honestly believes business can, and should, be a force for good in the world. Companies willing to evolve how they operate to make it happen, and who believe that doing business responsibly is a trade-up, not a trade-off.

We have the audacity at Dragon Army to believe that our business can make a true difference in the world. The impacts we make will inspire and empower other leaders and businesses to follow suit. And eventually, we will have built a movement that is as unstoppable as it is necessary.

At Dragon Army, our framework is quite simple. It starts with an unwavering commitment to our purpose to Inspire Happiness, through positive relationships, impactful work, and doing good. The bedrock of our business is healthy, long-term relationships built on honesty and trust. Our values guide our behavior on a daily basis. And to bring all of this to fruition, we work hard to run a smart, profitable, and growing business.

Many will say that businesses exist to increase shareholder value, and anything other than that will distract a business toward failure. But we have seen the opposite to be the case. The more we focus on our purpose, the more we focus on doing good, and the more we commit to this cause, the faster we have grown and the more profitable we have become. When you have a team of passionate, dedicated people working toward a common goal, you can accomplish anything.

Through the work we do and the ways we operate, Dragon Army is driven by our purpose. We believe that our small but dedicated company can be a beacon of hope in a world that so desperately needs it.

We invite you to join us on this journey.

Jeff Hilimire