A few weeks ago, we profiled the cool new app, Picture Healing (as well as their cool contest to reward a nonprofit with a free website or video), which allows users to take pictures and raise money for charity. And now, we're sharing a bit more about the company, their vision, and why they do what we do. We recently had a chance to interview Christopher Brereton, one of the Picture Healing founders and the company's "Lead Guru." Here's what he had to say about what's rewarding about his work, how technology is making a difference, and what his big dream for the world is.
CPC: Did you have an "Aha!" moment that led to the creation of Picture Healing? Brereton: I sure did! I've actually been telling this story a lot lately!
I'll never forget the day I was all suited up, waiting for my daily latte at Coffee Bean in Westlake Village, on my cell phone, stressed out beyond belief about everything at the firm. And as I got in to my luxury vehicle to speed off to the office I thought to myself "How did I get here?!"
A few years before this I was touring the country singing in a rock and roll band with not a care in the world, and now I've found myself stuck in the "American Dream" rat race. In less than a week I quit my job. There had to be something more than working for a paycheck. That almighty piece of paper at the end of the month that didn't fulfill anything but my bank account. What was the point?!
CPC: Why is it important to make giving easy? Brereton: I truly believe that people are inherently good. People want to do the right thing. We're empathetic creatures that care about the collective good. We need each other to survive, but in our current times - "The Age of the Instant" if you will - there is so much noise that it's really hard to pay attention to anything. If we make giving easy, people don't have to think to hard about doing it. They can do it, feel good about doing it, and move on to the next signal.
CPC: What has the response been from some users or partner charities? Brereton: We're very pleased with the response we're getting from both sides. We spent a long time working hands on with some amazing organizations to learn their pain points and that has helped us really learn the nonprofit space. We can relate to them; we're not just another fundraiser happening at the pizza shop next Tuesday night. We're embedding the mission and social in to the mix.
I think from users of the app, my favorite piece of feedback we keep getting is that they can tell how genuine the company is. They hear of us, follow us, use us, and realize that we're truly in the game to give back. Our core focus is to be a resource to the charities and people understand that.
CPC: Do you have hope that technology will continue to be leveraged to make a difference? Brereton: I'll go as far as saying that I know technology will continue to be leveraged for good. It's becoming easier, cheaper, and faster to build a company. Consumers are also demanding that companies have an altruistic focus; it's just a mater of time before a lot of our technology counterparts notice the demand. And we think that's amazing!
CPC: What's been the most rewarding aspect of your work? Brereton: We meet some of the most incredible people doing some of the most incredible work that inspire us to no end. We've also built an amazing team of wonderful and creative people that make every day such a pleasure to get out of bed for. The other thing - being that we're all-volunteer at this point - is the reality that we're being paid in knowledge. What we've all been learning here isn't something you can take away from us. It's ours forever, and that to me is worth more than any paycheck.
CPC: What is your big dream for the world? Brereton: My big dream (and I know this is going to read as super cliche) is that we as humans can come to grips with each other and ban together to make our world a safe, healthy, and happy place for everyone. I'm so over all the fighting and focus on money money money with no responsibility to who you're hurting to amass it.
Learn more about Picture Healing by visiting their website, trying out the app, or keeping up with them on Twitter or Facebook.