History
Today's Group Intellect, LLC is the result of the 2003 merger of Group Intellect, LLC, founded in 1994 and Freedom Gear, Inc. Both companies were based in Seattle and enjoyed common ownership, but each maintained a separate focus. From the beginning, Group Intellect had been focused on professional development and consulting, while Freedom Gear had developed and deployed technology since 1995.
Group Intellect, originally located in Texas, quickly grew beyond the boundaries of the US Southwest to offer development programs for professionals and organizations in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. Finding that relationship-based Organizational Development is just as important as "hard skills", we continued to add to our range of programs, helping work groups and entire companies to be more effective. Today, we offer courses for teams, individuals and executive leadership.
The directors of both, Group Intellect and Freedom Gear, had been active in their respective communities throughout their careers and had worked in support of corporate giving programs. Although many deserving causes had been supported, a greater contribution to each program was desired.
The selection process of which worthy cause to support was always difficult. Our directors supported the forests, animals, the underwater world, homeless children, among other worthy causes. They fundamentally felt that anyone working hard on a charitable enterprise was deserving of their support.
During a 2002 annual Group Intellect Board meeting on a remote Caribbean island a decision was made. We were going to apply the very principals we taught in our organizational development programs to technology.
Instead of working in an animal shelter a few times a year, which is honorable and helpful, our Board of Directors decided to deploy their highest-level skills as often as, and whenever, possible. Instead of giving money, which often was nothing but a drop in the proverbial bucket, they resolved to provide an opportunity for nonprofits to generate funds in a renewable or recurring way.
Realizing that Shop to Support required consultants instead of a technology sales force, our Board decided to offer Shop to Support through the Group Intellect consulting teams, resulting in the merger of Group Intellect and Freedom Gear in 2003.
Incredible things happen when good people put their heads and hearts together for a good cause!
Group Intellect, originally located in Texas, quickly grew beyond the boundaries of the US Southwest to offer development programs for professionals and organizations in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. Finding that relationship-based Organizational Development is just as important as "hard skills", we continued to add to our range of programs, helping work groups and entire companies to be more effective. Today, we offer courses for teams, individuals and executive leadership.
The directors of both, Group Intellect and Freedom Gear, had been active in their respective communities throughout their careers and had worked in support of corporate giving programs. Although many deserving causes had been supported, a greater contribution to each program was desired.
The selection process of which worthy cause to support was always difficult. Our directors supported the forests, animals, the underwater world, homeless children, among other worthy causes. They fundamentally felt that anyone working hard on a charitable enterprise was deserving of their support.
During a 2002 annual Group Intellect Board meeting on a remote Caribbean island a decision was made. We were going to apply the very principals we taught in our organizational development programs to technology.
Instead of working in an animal shelter a few times a year, which is honorable and helpful, our Board of Directors decided to deploy their highest-level skills as often as, and whenever, possible. Instead of giving money, which often was nothing but a drop in the proverbial bucket, they resolved to provide an opportunity for nonprofits to generate funds in a renewable or recurring way.
Realizing that Shop to Support required consultants instead of a technology sales force, our Board decided to offer Shop to Support through the Group Intellect consulting teams, resulting in the merger of Group Intellect and Freedom Gear in 2003.
Incredible things happen when good people put their heads and hearts together for a good cause!