Alternative Exit #25 | Turning Scraps into Soil and Shared Power: The Rust Belt Riders Story

Alternative Exit

Episode Summary:

Ever wondered what it really takes to turn a grassroots composting hustle into a thriving, worker-owned enterprise? This conversation with Michael Robinson, co-founder of Rust Belt Riders, takes us inside that transformative journey.

Michael and I talk about how Rust Belt Riders evolved from an idea rooted in community gardens and philosophical values into a formal worker cooperative. We unpack how financial transparency, shared decision-making, and open dialogue have powered their growth, and how the team continues to navigate complex conversations around pay equity, governance, and scaling workplace democracy. This episode is full of practical wisdom for any founder considering a co-op model or looking to deepen employee engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Rust Belt Riders started with a cooperative mindset from day one
• The long road from LLC to formal worker cooperative
• Lessons in financial transparency and open-book management
• Navigating pay structures and consensus-based decision-making
• The role of trust, compassion, and unlearning in cooperative success
• Using tech like Lumio to streamline collective decisions
• The cultural shift from "pretending to be a co-op" to truly being one

About Michael Robinson

Michael is the co-founder of Rust Belt Riders and serves as treasurer on the board of Cleveland Owns. With a background in philosophy and a passion for social and political equity, Michael brings a grounded, values-driven approach to cooperative leadership and community wealth building.

Connect with Michael Robinson

Website: www.rustbeltriders.com
Tilth Soil: www.tilthsoil.com
Cleveland Owns: www.clevelandowns.coop
LinkedIn: Michael Robinson

Connect with Andy Farquharson:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyfarq

Website - https://abettermonday.me/

Email - [email protected]