359 | The Intersection of Technology and Co-Working: A Formula for Community Change with Dana Koller

Dana Koller is President and CEO of Kactus Brewery, a highly community active brewing company and the Executive Director of UN-17. UN-17 is on track to be the #1 resource within New Mexico to help guide businesses and governments to accomplishing the 17 goals of sustainable development set by the United Nations. With a proven track record of success and quality business management, Dana is turning his focus to encouraging the largest shift in making New Mexico's private sector the leader in the SDG's (sustainability development goals) within the United States. 

This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:


Awarepreneurs Interview Transcript with Dana Koller, Founder of UN-17

NOTE: While it’s not perfect, we offer this transcript and the below summaries by Castmagic for those who are hearing impaired or who don’t find listening to a podcast enjoyable or possible.

You can read the full transcript of this episode here

Key Topics in Interview with Dana Koller, Founder of UN-17

  1. Introduction of Guest: Dana Koller

    • Dana’s roles as President and CEO of Kactus Brewery and Executive Director of UN-17

    • Mention of meeting and collaboration between Paul and Dana

    • UN 17’s goal to lead businesses and governments in New Mexico towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  2. Dana’s Background and Journey

    • Dana’s entrepreneurial beginnings and progression towards impact-driven business practices

    • Challenges and lack of support in achieving sustainable development goals

    • Creation and growth of Kactus Brewing Company with a focus on sustainability (e.g., water recycling, organic food)

    • Desire to create a supportive environment for like-minded businesses

  3. The Concept and Creation of UN 17

    • Inspiration to establish a physical and interactive space for community engagement

    • UN seventeen’s role as a social club with a focus on the SDGs

    • Financial sustainability through a 501(c)(7) nonprofit model with a full liquor license and bar as a revenue source

  4. Community Engagement and Impact

    • Various events and activities hosted at UN 17 (e.g., NM Climate meetup)

    • Dedication to sustainable development and diverse group engagement

    • Sample story: Kactus Brewery’s crowdfunding campaign through Honeycomb to involve the community directly

  5. Intentional Community Building

    • Critique of traditional networking events and transactional business models

    • Emphasis on relational, meaningful interactions within the community

    • Building and nurturing an environment for shared leadership and distributed ownership

  6. Leveraging Technology for Scaling Impact

    • Exploring the intersection of technology and community engagement

    • Utilizing technology (e.g., AI, Slack) to continue conversations and encourage active participation

    • Upcoming events and strategies at UN-17 like "Behind the Bottle" to engage members pre- and post-event

  7. Vision for UN 17’s Future

    • Dana’s goal of evolving leadership and allowing members to drive change

    • Encouragement for community members to actively participate and take ownership

  8. Closing Remarks and Encouragement

    • Invitation to engage with UN 17 and Kctus Brewery

    • Encouragement to stay committed to impact-driven goals

    • Call to action for listeners to suggest future podcast topics and guests

Paul Zelizer