Amidst a global issue that costs $8.9 trillion annually in lost productivity, there are still companies that inspire hope and action. One of those companies is Copper, a super cool start-up in Berkeley, California. The Copper team is reimagining the cooking experience, blending passion and purpose with innovation - introducing Charlie, the world's first battery-equipped induction range. The mission goes beyond cooking, however: Copper is making it easy for people to decarbonize their homes by designing and building appliances that deliver tons of power without requiring major electrical work.

As the 2024 holiday season kicked off, I had the privilege of experiencing their culture firsthand, thanks to an invitation from my dear friend, Lisa Pinckney Wong, their Culinary Events Manager, and an incredible chef with decades of experience.

Lisa and I connected when I first moved to San Francisco in 2014. Our friendship has since blossomed over many meals and shared values. Now, Lisa brings her culinary expertise and creativity to Copper, channeling her passion for food into a renewed purpose: to redefine how people bring recipes to life and connect through cooking. What I thought would be a simple lunch visit turned into a deep dive into a thriving culture of innovation, collaboration, and gratitude.

People and Culture in Action

Copper’s founders, Sam Calisch, Tucker Gilman, Eric Wilhelm, Joshua Land, and Weldon Kennedy are fostering a culture that mirrors everything we believe at Five to Flow®. During my visit, I witnessed an unscripted moment of camaraderie and appreciation. Employees openly expressed gratitude for each other—leaders, administrators, and peers alike. Faces lit up as they shared stories of teamwork and triumphs, underscoring how much people matter. This wasn’t a corporate exercise. It was authentic, and aligned with our Five Core Elements™.

Starting with People:

From the warm welcome I received to the genuine appreciation exchanged over lunch, Copper exemplifies employee engagement. Their work is more than making stoves; it’s igniting people’s passions for cooking, connection, and their valued customers. The thread through all they do today and into the future is helping people make environmentally conscious choices that enhance their lives.

A Collaborative Culture:

Leaders at Copper prioritize trust, transparency, and communication. Sales pipeline updates were shared openly, fostering excitement and collaboration rather than unrealistic pressure. This culture of trust drives creativity and retention—and we can see that driving their operational excellence.

Processes that Empower, Not Overwhelm:

Copper’s processes, like their culture, are designed to empower. Copper proves that even small actions can reflect big values, from encouraging employees to contribute to process documentation to reinforcing teamwork with simple acts like collectively cleaning up after lunch… “Everyone, go wash your plates,” says Tucker as lunch ends. Their collaborative approach eliminates inefficiencies and boosts productivity while maintaining a focus on quality.

Technology and Analytics Driving Innovation:

Copper employees don’t just embrace technology; they use it to unlock new possibilities. Their workspace features 3D printers creating custom tools—like the cookie cutter one colleague designed in the Copper logo—and dedicated areas for testing and design. They track sales performance and analyze stove efficiency, using data not just to measure success but to fuel continuous improvement.

A Vision for Holistic Success

My time at Copper wasn’t just inspiring—it was a reminder of what’s possible when people, culture, processes, technology, and analytics work in harmony. Tucker, Eric, Lisa, and the entire Copper team are a testament to the power of purpose-driven innovation. They’re creating more than products; they’re fostering a community that thrives on authenticity and shared goals.

At Five to Flow, we know leveraging the neuroscience of flow combined with the Five Core Elements™ drives operational wellness. Copper embodies these principles. Their work isn’t just about stoves—it’s about the human connection, shared values, and the joy of creation.

Here’s to Copper—a company proving that with the right people, purpose, and practices, even the smallest start-ups can have the biggest impact.