EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Dynamo Studios is a 501(c)3 with a focus on education and community development based in Chattanooga, TN. Within the engineering world a dynamo is a mechanical device used to generate electricity. Rather than generating electricity, Dynamo Studios acts as a resource for students and musicians to generate growth and success in the world of education, as well as in the music industry. Our goal is for Dynamo Studios to be the catalyst in a student's or musician's life that allows them to realize their full potential through innovative, collaborative production-based learning programs.
Our team uses a holistic approach to fully impact our students. It’s not about one program or one opportunity. We are methodical about a long term investment in students that leads to real observable impact in our students’ lives through consistent and calculated programming. While other programs focus on one specific point of impact (which is fine), we use multiple tiers of programming and work to impact our students. We focus heavily on skills development, mentorship/mental health development, and professional opportunities to achieve real growth.. Not just one or the other – All of which is implemented through the lens of the music industry. The music industry is our choice of catalyst because it allows for such robust and wide reaching impact with our students. It’s not just musicianship. It’s digital literacy, technical excellence, business development, strategy, marketing, media production, web design, innovation, development team development, etc. etc. Not only that, the music industry is outrageously engaging. One of the few commonalities shared by the overwhelming majority of people on the planet is the love and appreciation of music. We use that shared love and interest as our foundation of engaging and inspiring students.
At present our organization has opened a school, expanded partnerships that specifically impact and support minority students and communities that have historically been marginalized in Chattanooga, built a large teaching and production studio in a marginalized neighborhood, facilitated hundreds of professional opportunities for students, trained 20+ public school teachers, and supported a huge number of creators in Chattanooga.
ELEVATOR PITCH
Dynamo Studios creates an environment where education, the arts and technology come together as one cohesive unit with the community and innovative thinkers, resulting in exponential cultural, entrepreneurial and community growth.
The origin of the word Dynamo is a combination of the Greek words dynamis (to power) and dynasthai (to be able). This perfectly summarizes what we aim to achieve with our students -- We want to “empower them to be able.”
What makes our programs so special is that we take learning well beyond the typical classroom experience. Participating students are paired with professional creatives in the community where they are able to apply what they have learned in a real world professional setting.
Not only that, we also bring in creatives to partner with teachers and students in their classrooms. This allows us to bridge the gap between the professional world and the academic world.
By putting industry leading equipment in the hands of students and creating high level opportunities for students to apply what they’ve learned in the real world, we are aiming to change the trajectory of their lives.
MISSION STATEMENT
As an organization, our mission is to provide an environment and resources for students to harness their creative potential using the arts (studio production and music), education, and technology as a catalyst to promote cultural growth, community growth and real-world opportunities for participants at a free or reduced rate.
SWOT ANALySiS
Strengths
We are composed of diverse, high level, and dedicated talent
Our programs are top tier and second to none in the greater Chattanooga Area
We have great working relationships with the local school district
We have the ability to offer accredited in school programs
Our network is quite extensive
We are in good standing with the local community
Weaknesses
We are operating on a shoestring budget year to year
Kessler has to make the decision to leave or stay every spring because that's when edu jobs are posted. This is a major problem because funding doesn't usually come in until late spring or early summer.
Opportunities
It has become glaringly obvious how important the creative economy is to everyone across the board – no matter their age, background, or profession.
Schools are enthusiastically pursuing partnership opportunities with Dynamo.
Threats
Major economic swings in recent years have led to inconsistent funding opportunities.
Locally, there are too many nonprofits all competing for the same pools of funding
GOALS
Secure multi year funding
Elevate minority staff to high level leadership positions across different sectors in Chattanooga
Directly Impact 1,000 students every year
Fully integrate Dynamo Studios programming into 5 middle/high schools around Chattanooga
Expand programs to Atlanta
Release a full marketable teaching curriculum
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Dynamo Studios Performance Indicators (DSPI)
At present, our organization is growing rapidly. This rapid growth is something we've anticipated and intend to capitalize on. We have officially entered into a phase where we are having to turn schools down due to high demand and limited resources already committed to pre existing partnerships.
We are committed to maintaining and growing a diverse staff. We are committed to providing opportunities for diverse professional development that allows for our staff and diverse partners to elevate to leadership positions on our board and other sectors across Chattanooga.
Students Performance Indicators (SPI)
Academics:
Are students showing improved academic success across core content areas? YES
Behavior:
Are student behavior problems decreasing? YES
Career Development:
Are students capitalizing on on field experiences? YES
Are students developing strong professional portfolios? YES
Guardian Feedback:
Are guardians providing feedback showing positive improvements in their child’s behavior and demeanor at home? YES
Teacher Feedback: Are teachers that work with the student sharing positive feedback regarding the student’s academic performance and their behavior in class? YES
TARGET CUSTOMERS
Students:
We aim to impact any and all students that wish to capitalize on the programs we have to offer, but our primary investment is in communities/schools that are composed of a majority of high needs, impoverished, and historically marginalized students.
Institutions/Community Partnerships:
6-12 Schools
Art/Music Teachers that wish to amplify or refresh what they are offering students
Art/Music Organizations that are dedicated to supporting and impacting students, particularly students from marginalized communities.
Artists:
We regularly engage with artists that are 1) trying to grow and elevate their careers and 2) have a genuine desire to work with and support students in the schools/programs we run.
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
There are very few organizations offering anything that operates at the level of Dynamo Studios. Most orgs offer either enrichment, academic, and mentorship programs. Dynamo has developed a holistic model that directly impacts students at every level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS & ADVANTAGE
We have an absolutely stacked team of industry leading professionals. The team is top tier across the educational industry, music industry, and creative industries.
Aside from high level expertise, we can get into schools while other organizations can't. This is a MASSIVE competitive advantage because we can directly engage with students on a consistent basis as a part of their FREE and PUBLIC education. This is significant in terms of creating observable measurable impact for the students we serve.
MARKETING PLAN
Currently under development with Whiteboard and RVRB…
The pending marketing plan will be rolled out and executed by Kessler Cuffman, Tessa Voccola, and Brooks Hungate.
TEAM
Kessler Cuffman - Lead educator, executive director, and fundraiser for Dynamo Studios
Kessler is a highly accredited and professionally licensed teacher of 6 years, EF Educational Leader and Ambassador, recipient of the PEF Teacherpreneur People’s Choice Award, project lead for Howard Connect Academy production space, designer and developer of the Chattanooga Library studio. Additionally, Kessler was able to leverage well over $200,000 from local foundations and corporate sponsors to support various projects that Dynamo Studios was a part of. Beyond Dynamo, Kessler has years of professional experience as a producer and guitarist working with artists and labels of every capacity.
Domonique Whitaker - Partnership and Programming Director
Domonique is a Chattanooga transplant hailing from Memphis, TN. Prior to graduating from UTC, Domonique interned with Dynamo Studios when we were still located at the Chattanooga Library. During this internship, his incredible work ethic and excellence in the studio placed him at the top of the list for candidates when we announced the newly created ‘Programs Director’ position. He is using his experience growing up in the inner city and his experience as a professional media producer to lead and grow students at Howard High School.
Anthony Wiley - Mentorship Program Director
Anthony is recognized as a dedicated leader with unmatched drive and unwavering commitment to excellence, maximizing efficiency, and successful execution of responsibilities producing flawless results. He is a team builder, inspires cooperation and progress as well as actively facilitating information exchange, idea sharing, and diversity of opinions.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rick Wood: Board Chair (Volunteer Member)
Background in city planning, project execution, and project management. Led the Trust for Public Land as well as serving on the board for the Chattanooga Urban Design Center.
rick.wood@accelparks.com
Kessler Cuffman - Executive Director/Interim President (Staff)
kcuffman@dynamostudios.org
Mickey Hungate - Secretary (Volunteer Member) (Officer)
Educational curriculum development, sales, and school support for Dave Ramsey
Mckenziehungate@gmail.com
Tyler Orr - Board Member (Volunteer Member) (Officer)
Formerly a career music producer and audio engineer, Tyler has worked with countless artists ranging from major label acts all the way to local and regional artists. More recently, Tyler has moved out of the music industry and has started a successful and flourishing counseling practice in Chattanooga.
Tyler@tylerorr.com
Brooks Hungate - Board Member (Volunteer Member) (Officer)
Brooks is a nationally recognized graphic designer and brand developer who has led projects for clients such as Chick-Fil-A, Glock, LanCo, Evertrain, North Point Ministries, and Lee University - Just to name a few.
Hello@brookshungate.com
Tessa Vacolla (Volunteer Member) (Director)
Photographer and designer skilled in real-time event coverage and the telling of a narrative through social media.Experienced in creating content under a time constraint, the pressure of live events, and team collaboration.
Tessa@rvrb.com
Brian Bush: (Legal) (Volunteer Member) (Officer)
Associate Attorney at Spears, Moore, Rebman & Williams, PC & Officer serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
brianbushc@gmail.com
Pablo Mazarigos: (Community Engagement) (Volunteer Member) (Officer)
Supporting communities through storytelling and counseling
Intervention Specialist for the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County Schools
mazariegospablo@gmail.com
Lauri Moyle - Board Member (Volunteer Member) (Officer)
Most recently Lauri has been a fundraiser and researcher. But as a policy shaper, he helped shape UK Government policy on remote gambling and child online safety. Negotiated with four consecutive Government Ministers, gave evidence to two Parliamentary select committees, wrote innumerable briefings, op-ed pieces, and speeches given verbatim in the House of Lords and House of Commons. He has worked for UK politicians in Westminster and the EU Parliament, a social policy non-profit and as a freelance public policy and affairs consultant. At present he is the Director of Development for Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga.
lauri.moyle@gmail.com
Board Advisors:
Domonique Whitaker: Programming
Domonique is a Chattanooga transplant hailing from Memphis, TN. Prior to graduating from UTC, Domonique interned with Dynamo Studios when we were still located at the Chattanooga Library. During this internship, his incredible work ethic and excellence in the studio placed him at the top of the list for candidates when we announced the newly created ‘Programs Director’ position. He is using his experience growing up in the inner city and his experience as a professional media producer to lead and grow students at Howard High School.
Dwhitaker@dynamostudios.org
Derek Daniel: Finances
Derek has served on the board of multiple non-profits where he was able to turn around and revive their financial structure. He now serves as a CPA at Elliott Davis and on the board for other local non-profits.
Mark Thomas: Community Partnership and Program Development
Director of Chattanooga Rec Center programming and Bridge Ministries
mdthomas@chattanooga.gov
Jered Martin: Community and Industry Partnership
Music industry professional and career music photographer
jered@jeredscottphoto.com
Desiree Colón: PR and Corporate Sponsorship
Desiree is a PR rep for UNUM and has served on non profit boards in addition to leading PR for Habitat for Humanity fulltime. Additionally she serves as an ambassador for the Lula Lake Land Trust.
dcolon@unum.com
Lauren Hungate: Music Industry Relations and Partnership
Lauren has a highly decorated career in the music industry managing artists for Red Light Management, studio management at Dark Horse Studios, management and label relations at Capitol Records, and now she is a full time songwriter out of Nashville, TN.
lauren@dynamostudios.org
Matt Reiter: Community and Industry Partnership
Music industry professional and career music photographer
mreiter@dynamostudios.org
OPERATIONS PLAN
Day to Day
Kessler Cuffman runs day to day executive operations with project and program support from full time staff.
Finances are managed by Arden Oglesby of Demoss Accounting with oversight from Kessler Cuffman. Finances are reported to the board.
Fulltime Program Operations
Howard Connect Academy
3-4 Media production programs /day
Managed by Kessler Cuffman
The Howard School
3-4 Media production programs /day
Managed by Domonique Whitaker
Mentorship & Mental Health
Ongoing throughout the school day with daily engagement blocks
Managed by Anthony Wiley
After School Programs
Chattanooga Middle/High Center for Creative Arts
Music Production Club once per week
Chattanooga Preparatory School
DrumLine 2 days per week
Music Production Club once per week
Brainerd High School
Music Production Club once per week
FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
Help the organization mature financially by moving from year to year funding to multiyear and on-going commitments. We’ve proven that our model works VERY well. Now it's time to secure larger donors, national donors, and moderate multi-year commitments from local foundations.
Budget 2022 $275,000+
Minimum Viable Operating Budget $175,000
Stretch Goal: $400,000
Budget 2023 $275,000+
Minimum Viable Operating Budget: $175,000
Stretch Goal: $450,000