David Leppert

Celebrated Cooperative Expert

"Underneath it all, there's a flavor of independence that's absolute," says David Leppert, CEO of Cooperative Solutions, an organization set up to support cooperatives. Leppert has helped start half a dozen small-business co-ops in businesses ranging from bike shops to drywall dealers. Leppert went so far as to draw up a "Declaration of Independents," a portion of which appears in the introduction to this story. If this is war, the battle plan is twofold: defend local ownership positions and attack the enemy with the fortifications of an army. The result is nothing short of revolutionary." 

Susan Greco

INC. Magazine

“David has built cooperatives in ten different industries. He has repeatedly pooled the power of independents to stake their claim amid change.  No one knows how to harness cooperative power like David.”

Michael D. Basch

Senior Founding Vice President

FedEx

"David is driven, appreciative, inclusive, an avid learner, great thinking on his own, but also a person who values excellence on his team. When David sees a new business opportunity, there's a very good chance that he's on to something that will redefine a market and add significant new value to partners and shareholders."

Carl Hammerdorfer,

Senior Director; Cooperatives & Innovation

National Cooperative Business Association

"David Leppert was instrumental in the formation and launch of Sphere 1, a cooperative in the tool and fastener trades.  The idea to start Sphere 1 came from David in 1999. We are celebrating 19 years of growth and success.  We thank David for his creativity and thoughtfulness.  We are very grateful for everything David has done over the years to help so many cooperatives get their start.  He is a true cooperative expert!"

Carol Shackelford

Chief Executive Officer

Sphere 1, Inc.