Brian Fischer: Just One Ever-Working Mind Behind ‘100 Minds’

Name: Brian Fischer
Age: 34
Occupation: Dir. Business Development, SacramentoMidtown.com;
Founder, 100 Minds
Chief Accomplishment: Becoming a Father
Favorite Quote or philosophy: "There is no such thing as civil
rights without economic opportunity."

When I was a wee tyke, I was thinking outside the box alright - wondering about such things as if it were possible to have a favorite color like 'bubble bath bubbles'... wondering whether or not my mom would let me change my last name to 'Valentine'...wondering how long I could survive in my backyard tree house with a bag of Oreos and a juice box. And then there are people like Brian Fischer. People whom, at age four, conjure visions that go a little deeper than mine. And then continue to shape them to life in adulthood.

Brian Fischer is the founder of 100 Minds. He is an adult now. But boy, has his vision grown into a startlingly refreshing plan for a future that we can all share. It is bold but simple, progressive but old-fashioned, and much of the world (including our own more intimate section of it) is indeed longing for just such a thing.

"The integration of businesses, residents and communities means knowing each other, not just sharing space separated by walls. Creating opportunities for us to invest in ourselves on many levels." "Don't we all have a spark of vision for something more?!," Brian asks. And why can't we also benefit from them? Brian sees the benefits from our passions as a more "ethical" kind of capitalism, a more productive and group-centered free flow of resources.

"Great cities around America are all about independent visions." Meaning businesses that start small. These give our town flavor. And yet Brian recognizes the hardships also associated with entrepreneurial ventures. For how many small businesses can't get the assistance they need? Well, it's just this lacking, Brian feels, that is the main reason many businesses fail. How about helping one another out again so that individualism isn't so greatly overemphasized over the benevolence of community? Finding a happier, more useful balance.

For once the individual discovers his passions/goals, he's usually going to need more than just himself to see his vision through. Realizing again that we need to help one another to help ourselves. Creating more abundance that we can all partake in. Seeing 'artistic collaboration' as something that even non-artists can do; Creative collaboration preceded by open, curious cooperation.

Really utilizing the intimacy inherent within. "Sac is a town or a city of one degree. But it's under utilized, under invested in. Nurturing that one degree - learning from others who are successful, sharing information and resources, sharing visions so we can help one another facilitate them - that's making it a meaningful and positive one degree. "Let's create a better city, participate in its evolution, create a great information resource for anyone who works, lives or plays here."

Brian believes we have to put "more emphasis on how small business development can fuel economic development. We have to be open to the discussion and contribute to a dialogue." "I see everything as a work in progress. I always try to imagine how to do things a little bit better, and then translate the discussion into action."

It's about integrating the communities: "Where people aren't just living next door but are truly neighbors." It's about working with what is, recognizing limitations and feeling out the potentials. It's about creating more resources for start-ups so entrepreneurs don't feel so alone. "I really feel that Sac's in a good position to lead in a variety of ways."