“My commitment to the world is that no one, and nothing, is left out. That people get that they can design their lives and they can live the lives that they design. They get that they matter, and they get that I love them.”
Crystal Hutson (CEO, Company Works)
Where it all began
In today’s world, where businesses come and go, it’s rare to find a company that prioritizes people over profit. Company Works is redefining success in the modern marketplace to revolutionize how organizations approach leadership, diversity, and inclusion. As the first in a series of blog posts, we’ll explore the story behind its founding and how a vision born out of personal struggles became a movement toward better workplaces.
Crystal Hutson’s journey to founding Company Works in Virginia, USA, was rooted in her personal experiences working for Fortune 500 companies, where she observed a troubling disconnect between leadership and the workforce. She noticed how organizations prioritized treating everyone equally but overlooking individuals’ unique circumstances. Hutson found that workers frequently quit not because they disliked their jobs but because of ineffective leadership. Her firsthand experiences with racism, sexism, and unethical behavior, such as witnessing a case of sexual harassment that was ignored by management, pushed her to reflect on the failures of leadership in fostering inclusive and supportive environments. These moments of injustice and personal encounters of discrimination ignited Hutson’s passion for creating a company that genuinely centered on people’s needs.
Inspired by these challenges, Hutson, alongside her colleague Darrell Elliot, envisioned a company that could help organizations overcome their internal barriers related to racism, unworkable processes, and ineffective leadership. This vision was solidified through Hutson’s deep reflection on systemic inequalities, including insights from reading The Miseducation of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson, which highlighted the societal caste systems that continue to marginalize communities based on race and economic status. In 2018, Hutson founded Company Works to disrupt the business world by creating people-centered solutions. Her mission was clear: to elevate not only the black community but also all marginalized communities, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every organization prioritizes integrity, equity, and human dignity.
From coaching to consulting
In the early stages of Company Works, the primary goal was to leverage the founders’ expertise in coaching, ontology, and leadership training to help organizations thrive by focusing on people, processes, and culture. The first service offered by the company was coaching, with an emphasis on leadership development and personal growth. Through these efforts, Company Works partnered with organizations like Urban Triage. Crystal Hutson and her team were pivotal in supporting the CEO, Brandi Grayson, through challenging periods, guiding him to implement successful leadership strategies. This relationship exemplified the power of their coaching, as it helped Urban Triage secure major grants and achieve significant growth, proving the value of the company’s early efforts.
Company Works expanded its services from coaching to training and consulting, working with larger organizations such as Prairie States and Allied Telecom. The company helped these businesses redefine their markets and improve operations, driving financial success and operational efficiency. This evolution marked a significant milestone in Company Works’ growth, establishing its reputation as a hub for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking transformative leadership and business strategies. Over time, the company has impacted over a thousand individuals and organizations, empowering them with the tools and guidance necessary for success.
However, it was not all smooth sailing; in the early days of Company Works, the biggest setback came when COVID-19 hit. It was a tough time as businesses were closing down, and it felt like everything was uncertain. On top of that, being self-taught in business, without formal degrees, often led to being underestimated in meetings. But instead of focusing on what she didn’t have, Crystal Hutson leaned into her knowledge and experience, packaging her expertise to build a six-figure business. With grit and determination, she overcame financial hurdles and proved that the value she brought couldn’t be measured by credentials alone.
Company Culture
One of the key milestones for Company Works is the refinement of its services and identity. The company’s growth is shaped by its ability to adapt to the unique needs of its clients. A significant achievement was its ability to transition from simply offering services to understanding the specific challenges of each organization, as shown by its work with businesses like a food truck-turned-restaurant. The company’s flexibility and ability to leverage team members’ experiences have provided tailored solutions. Another major milestone was embracing outsourcing, which initially met with hesitation but later became a valuable asset. Through outsourcing, Crystal empowered communities abroad, such as Bonnie and Jello’s, by providing employment and helping them invest in their local economies.
Company Works’ culture revolves around integrity, community, and personal development. It values not only the skills of its workers but also their well-being, ensuring they are treated fairly and respected as contributors to the company’s success. This commitment extends beyond the team to the communities they serve, focusing on creating positive impact rather than just profits. The company is built on the belief that future generations’ success, including its employees’ children, is just as important as business achievements. By fostering a culture that supports personal growth and maintains high integrity, Company Works continues to stand as a people-centric organization, striving to make meaningful contributions to the business world and society.
The leadership principles that have guided Company Works are centered on prioritizing people over profit, integrity, and excellence. Crystal Hutson emphasizes that true leadership involves caring for the well-being of employees, ensuring they have the support they need both personally and professionally. Unlike companies that claim to treat everyone equally but fail to provide real support, Company Works focuses on nurturing its people and helping them achieve their goals. Integrity is at the core of the company’s culture—without it, nothing functions. Excellence is also key, as every team member is expected to be extraordinary in what they do. These values create an environment where everyone leads with purpose and dedication.
Community Works
Community Works started as a response to Crystal Hutson’s personal experience of witnessing her daughter being bullied in school. It has since grown into a platform that creates safe spaces for children to resolve conflicts, teaches empathy, and develops their emotional intelligence. Community Works has made a significant impact by addressing social issues like bullying and creating inclusive environments through community activities, such as summer events, coaching, and supporting students from troubled homes. Over the years, it has also extended support to vulnerable populations, including the homeless, veterans, and people transitioning out of incarceration, providing them with housing, training, and employment opportunities to reintegrate into society.
In conclusion, aspiring entrepreneurs should remember that they do not have to navigate the path to success alone. Crystal Hutson emphasizes that regardless of resources or background, the key to building a successful business lies in community support and self-belief. The seemingly impossible can become achievable by seeking guidance from experienced individuals, refining your vision, and having faith in your potential. Bet on yourself, take risks, and embrace the unknown with the confidence that you can create and live your dream. As Hutson beautifully stated,
“My commitment to the world is that no one, and nothing, is left out. That people get that they can design their lives and they can live the lives that they design. They get that they matter, and they get that I love them.”
At the heart of this message is the powerful idea that entrepreneurship is more than just building a business—it’s about building a community. Company Works exemplifies how investing in people and giving back to the community can create a cycle of success that uplifts everyone involved. By empowering others through education, mentorship, and support, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to grow their businesses and make a lasting impact on the lives of those around them. This commitment to inclusivity and empowerment reflects Hutson’s vision of a world where everyone matters and can thrive.