The Peace Corps. volunteer turned U.S. Naval intelligence officer is now leading a private equity firm dedicated to investing in essential service businesses and giving back to the community.
The first job Edward Crawford ever had was serving as a volunteer Peace Corps. officer in the Dominican Republic. At 23 years old, he worked alongside the locals to launch a coffee farm, helping them source coffee plants and score microloans to fuel the business.
Despite reaching a breaking point after losing 40 pounds due to tropical illnesses, what began as a three-farmer operation, 19 years later, is now a cooperative that boasts more than 400 coffee farmers. The initiative was Crawford’s first foray into a career marked by the balance of the mission and margin.