By: Maria Williams
The economic uncertainty and a shifting landscape of work and community made optimists Chad and Crystal Berg, founders of Acacia Groves, chart a new course for building resilient communities and robust small business ecosystems. Their innovative approach combines container homes with a strategic focus on acquiring and revitalizing small businesses, aiming to create sustainable environments where families can thrive and businesses can flourish.
Chad and Crystal Berg are not just pioneers in affordable housing; they are visionaries in creating integrated business ecosystems that support and sustain local communities. Their approach involves two key strategies: transitioning small businesses and fostering a supportive community environment through container homes. “Small businesses represent 43.5% of America’s GDP, a critical part of our economic ecosystem,” states Chad.
One of the primary goals of Acacia Groves is to acquire and transform existing small businesses. This strategy is driven by a desire to collapse traditional business timeframes and provide immediate economic opportunities within their community. By purchasing established businesses, Chad and Crystal aim to bypass the often tumultuous early years of entrepreneurship, allowing them to focus on enhancing and growing these existing enterprises.
“We believe that acquiring established businesses allows us to preserve their legacy while infusing them with new energy and ideas,” Chad explains. “This approach not only supports local economies but also provides a solid foundation for individuals transitioning into new roles and responsibilities.”
The Bergs are acutely aware of the vast transfer of wealth currently underway, with trillions of dollars moving from one generation to the next. This presents a unique opportunity to acquire stable businesses, rejuvenate them, and hand them over to capable new owners. This strategy ensures that businesses continue to thrive, preventing them from falling into disrepair or being lost to larger corporate entities.
The most significant benefit of this approach would be the ability to support retiring business owners. By taking over established businesses, Chad and Crystal offer retiring entrepreneurs a chance to see their ventures revitalized and continue to benefit from their hard work. “Many baby boomers have been facing the challenge of transitioning their businesses as they retire,” Chad notes. “Our model provides a way for them to pass on their legacy, enjoy the fruits of their labor, and ensure their businesses continue to contribute to the community.”
At the heart of Acacia Groves’ vision is a commitment to family and succession planning. Chad and Crystal are deeply involved in planning initiatives at Cal Baptist University, focusing on succession planning for family-owned businesses. They are also particularly invested in sustaining the agrarian sectors like ranching and farming. “We want to ensure that family businesses, especially in these sectors, don’t disappear as generations pass,” Chad says. “Our goal is to help families prepare their children to take over and continue the legacy of their businesses.”
This commitment extends to their own family, where Chad and Crystal are actively preparing their children to be involved in their business. Their children, although still young, have already shown enthusiasm, and participating in the family business is nurtured through homeschooling, which allows them to connect their education directly to their future roles within the company. Crystal further shares, “It’s nice as we can ‘afford’ the time and energy to support their interests.”
Acacia Groves’ approach to community building goes hand-in-hand with their business strategy. By focusing on container homes, they offer an affordable and innovative housing solution that aligns with their vision of creating cohesive and resilient communities.
Container homes provide a practical solution to the rising cost of living, making it possible for families to remain in their desired communities without facing financial strain. This approach supports the broader goal of keeping families together and maintaining strong community ties. “We want to create environments where people can thrive, contribute, and build meaningful relationships,” Chad explains.
Acacia Groves’ founder’s vision encompasses a multi-pronged approach to business and community building. They are committed to revitalizing businesses while supporting families and ensuring that succession planning is a key component of their strategy. “We’re creating a pattern where businesses and families can thrive together,” Chad says. As they move forward with their mission, the Bergs invite others to join them in their effort to build a brighter, more inclusive future.
Published by: Khy Talara
