🎙️ In this inspiring episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we meet Jack Licata—former U.S. Air Force captain, entrepreneur, and founder of BagUps, an innovative trash bag company on a mission to make a difference for both people and the planet.
Jack’s journey began with a simple question: How could something as ordinary as changing a trash bag be made more efficient? That question sparked an idea that eventually became BagUps—a system that not only streamlines waste disposal but also employs only veterans and people with disabilities.
From Service to Social Enterprise
Jack’s path to entrepreneurship was shaped by two profound experiences: his military service and a decade-long journey caring for his fiancée after a life-changing accident. Through that time, he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by people with disabilities, as well as the critical need for meaningful employment opportunities. When he launched BagUps, he committed to making a difference for these communities—while also addressing environmental concerns.
A Triple Bottom Line Approach
BagUps embodies what Jack calls the “triple play” of business:
- People: Creating jobs for veterans and individuals with disabilities, often transforming lives by providing community, purpose, and independence.
- Planet: Using biodegradable materials, exploring new eco-friendly formulas, and shipping through methods that reduce carbon impact.
- Profit: Building a viable, efficient business model that delivers measurable savings for customers, including significant labor time reductions in commercial settings.
“We say you’re making a difference one bag at a time—for the environment and for the people who make them.”
Integrity as a Business Standard
Jack credits his participation in Landmark’s Breakthrough Seminar with giving him the push to fully commit to BagUps. He runs the company with a steadfast focus on integrity, honoring his word, and doing business in a way that works for everyone involved—customers, partners, and employees alike.
More Than Just Garbage Bags
For Jack, success is not just about profit margins; it’s about impact. Whether it’s refining packaging to be more environmentally friendly or creating a workplace where employees take pride in their contributions, BagUps is proof that even a product as “boring” as trash bags can be a powerful vehicle for change.
“The only perfection there is—the only thing we can do that has lasting value—is helping others. That’s why we’re here.”
✨ Hear the full conversation with Jack Licata and discover how business can be a force for good.
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