Meet Melissa Chalmers | President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Chalmers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Four Blocks Consulting works with nonprofits to help provide part-time support so that they don’t have to hire full-time employees. Our consultants provide work that nonprofits need in order to help the community and change the world. Examples of our support include helping to create and post social media content, reaching out to donors for support, creating and hosting fundraising events, and researching and applying for grants. Nonprofits get quality, consistent, affordable help that enables them to continue to run their critical programs and help local, national, and international communities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Four Blocks Consulting with an idea: “nonprofits need quality, reliable, AFFORDABLE help.” I wasn’t sure how many clients (if any) I would get, or whether my company would be successful, all I knew was that I had spoken to many Executive Directors, and, after running a nonprofit myself, noticed how difficult it was to find people who not only knew how to do the job, but would stick around and be willing to work part-time due to budget issues. I knew there were other “consulting” companies out there, but I also knew they came with a hefty price tag. So I launched the company with the hope that maybe organizations would need this type of service and maybe, just maybe, I’d be successful,

In the first year I hit the pavement and sent many, many cold emails, until finally a few organizations were willing to talk to me to learn more about what I offered. The concept seemed odd to them but they were willing to give it a try as they had not had luck with part-time employees. After six months, because the clients were so happy with the work, they started to refer other organizations that were either partners or personal connections, and my business grew. At the year-and-a-half mark, I brought on my first employee as I no longer had the capacity to do all of the work myself. Within another two years, I hired two more employees, and today I’m recruiting for a fourth consultant and fall intern to join our team.

Because a large percentage of our business comes from referrals, I feel it speaks to the quality of work and the affordability of the services that we provide. We know that nonprofits (especially small ones whom we tend to work with) have tight budgets and need to keep costs lean, but we also know that they need support from individuals who can plug in where they don’t have staff, expertise, or time. In addition, my team (and myself) truly care about helping these incredible organizations that are doing the good work, and are thrilled to be a part of helping to make the world a better place.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are SO MANY amazing places to visit and see in San Diego, both on and off the beat! For some of the big “tourist” things, we love visiting the Hotel del Coronado, Torrey Pines State Beach, Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, Old Town, Mission Beach, and Carlsbad Village. Baci restaurant across from Mission Bay is a fun and unique experience with amazing food and an old Italy vibe, and Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on Harbor Island has some of the most incredible views of the water. For off-the-beat things to do, visit many of the wineries Southeast of Escondido, Lake Hodges, and Rancho Santa Fe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people and experiences in my life that have shaped who I am and helped me to get to where I am today. My husband Michael, who I have been married to for almost 13 years, has been my biggest cheerleader. No matter what the crazy idea I have, he’s there by my side, supporting me all the way. I also have to give a shoutout to some of my best girlfriends who have been and continue to inspire me with their own successful careers and businesses, Merry, Stephanie, and Sarah. They are truly incredibly strong and brilliant women and I am blessed to have them as friends.

Website: https://fourblocksconsulting.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/fourblocksconsulting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/four-blocks-consulting

Twitter: https://twitter.com/4blocksconsult

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fourblocksconsulting