Some simple answers from someone at Sweetwater “Organics” would have been nice

Earlier this year I asked a series of questions about SWO’s job creation numbers and profitability (or lack thereof, thus far) and I noted that despite its claim to be organic – the word “Organic” is right there in the company’s name, after all – Sweet Water “Organic” really isn’t certified as organic.

This Friday, three bands will be holding fundraiser at Club Garibaldi to support SWO, but upon reading about the fundraiser I was left with a few questions. Notably, I was left wondering whether the funds raised on Friday would be used to support the for-profit Sweet Water “Organics” entity or the not-for-profit Sweet Water Foundation. After all, I could certainly rationalize the funds being used to support the Sweet Water Foundation, but I’m having a hard time understanding why a for-profit company that recently received a forgivable $250,000 loan from the City of Milwaukee would need to hold a fundraiser.

I attempted to reach Sweetwater “Organics” VP/Sales Manager Todd Leech for clarification on whether the funds raised would support the for-profit arm of Sweet Water Organics or the non-profit Sweet Water Foundation, but Leech refused to comment on the record to clarify the situation. While I understand Todd Leech’s reticence to respond to my inquiries given how critical I’ve been of Sweet Water Organics, I find his refusal to respond directly to my questions to be curious, given he once attacked me for not contacting him prior to a previous story. However, while I was unsuccessful in my attempts to get some comment from Todd Leech, I did have contact with Kevin Brown from RedBelt, one of the bands holding the fundraiser, and Brown explained to me, “First and foremost, this was my idea from the beginning and I approached Sweet Water about wanting to donate some money (a portion of the proceeds) for their efforts with this gig coming up on Friday.” Brown’s answer to my inquiry was reasonable, and I appreciate the fact that unlike Todd Leech, Brown was willing to provide me with an explanation for the reasons behind the fundraiser.

So despite my best efforts to get someone from Sweet Water “Organics” to answer my questions, I’m still left wondering two things.

  • Is the fundraiser for the non-profit or the for-profit part of SWO?
  • If the fundraiser is for the for-profit part of SWO, why does the for-profit need to hold a fundraiser, especially on the heels of having received a significant loan from the City of Milwaukee?

EDIT: According to an email I received from Kevin Brown shortly after this was posted, the fundraiser will be in support of the non-profit Sweet Water Foundation, but Todd Leech has refused to respond to my inquiry regarding the situation.

Share:

Related Articles

10 thoughts on “Some simple answers from someone at Sweetwater “Organics” would have been nice

  1. If Todd Leach is supposed to act as Sweet Water’s spokesperson, maybe they need a new spokesperson, because that is not very effective PR behavior, especially when he should know you are probably going to report on result of the request for clarification.

  2. I’m still trying to figure out if it was a mistake or an ‘oh sh!t’ reaction when they so quickly changed the event from saying “raising money for Sweet Water Organics” to “…for Sweet Water Foundation”.
    Besides the fact that the Foundation was many times used as a funnel to bring money that would not otherwise be obtainable to the for-profit SWOrganics side, the current SWFoundation members have actually done really good work. Too bad that the powers that be on the Organics side have lied, cheated, and attempted so many shady things that it’s difficult to know when they’re being honest.
    As far as needing a new spokesperson Annie, Josh Fraundorf excels at using his people as human shields. SWO’s managers and spokespeople too easily become cannon fodder for the truth.

  3. Zach (and all),

    This is Kevin Brown. Zach, as I already told you in multiple emails I’m the one who had the idea to include a local organization for our show at Club Garibaldi this Friday night (29th). I approached Sweet Water with the idea to include them. I was the one who incorrectly labeled the online invite and I’m the one who corrected it when it was brought to my attention that there was confusion that needed clarification.

    I assure you there was nothing underhanded or “oh sh!t” about any of this. Actually, I take that back. There was an “oh sh!t” moment…but it was entirely on my part when I realized I’ve probably caused more harm than good for an organization whose efforts I appreciate by not labeling it as “foundation”.

    In addition to the online invite correction, I also told you I will post a note at the club door Friday that again identifies any portion of proceeds we donate from the night (part of the door as well as money from a rain barrel raffle and a couple other items) to the Sweet Water Foundation.

    Bottom line is, we just want to play music and do something positive with whatever little bit extra over our costs that we can make, and it was always intended to be for the non-profit of any organization. Sweet Water is just one group on our list, and I hope to do more for others in the future.

    I think it’s a shame I had to be made to feel like an a$$ for making an honest mistake while only trying to do something positive. But my invitation to you Friday night still stands so you can see firsthand what’s going on. I’ll even pay your cover at the door.

    Thanks,
    Kevin

    1. Kevin, how were you made to feel like an ass? I’m curious because I very clearly noted that you chose to put on the fundraiser for SWO and I made a point to note that your response to me was reasonable.

      The issue here isn’t your decision to hold a fundraiser for SWO; the issue is why Todd Leech won’t directly answer some very simple questions, instead choosing to involve you in what I suspect was an attempt to get me to drop the issue.

      What you may not know is that Todd has involved third parties previously in attempts to coerce me into not writing about SWO, leaving me to wonder what he’s so desperate to hide. If nothing shady is going on, it would seem logical Todd would simply answer my questions.

      At any rate, good luck on Friday. I hope the gig goes well, and I applaud you for trying to do something good for your community.

  4. Hahahaha Having a blog is FUN! You get to carry out your personal grudges against people under the guise of “reporting!” GOOD JOB, dude.

    1. David, I’ve got no personal grudges here; I’m simply concerned about how SWO does business and why they won’t respond directly to simple questions asked of them.

        1. “John,” you have no idea about what personal grudges I do or don’t have, but you sure do love to make a lot of assumptions!

          I’m actually kind of disappointed that you didn’t accuse me of being a sexist for criticizing Todd Leech. After all, that’s your default position any time I dare say a critical word about a woman.

          You’re a joke.

Comments are closed.