ON DUTY
Our
“We reflect the values of our community, and never want to let Raleigh down.” —Philip Freeman, founder, Murphy’s Naturals
F
ive years ago, Philip Freeman set out to solve a problem. He hoped to combat summer’s pesky mosquitoes, and founded Murphy’s Naturals to create a natural repellent, from candles and spray to incense sticks. The products are free of harmful chemicals, and utilize natural ingredients like eucalyptus oil. Murphy’s Naturals can now be purchased locally at spots like NOFO @ The Pig, or nationwide at Target and on Amazon.com. “For years and years, I wrote down business plans, one after another,” says Freeman. Murphy’s Naturals was the idea he finally executed. It started as a hobby in a garage and grew into a storage unit before upgrading to a 2,000-square-foot space. Freeman began working full-time over three years ago, and the company has since expanded to 12 employees. When the company outgrew its location, Freeman wanted to find enough space that would last Murphy’s Naturals several years. He says he wanted to surround his employees with other people who would inspire and challenge them to grow and excel. Freeman helped form Loading Dock Raleigh, a coworking space on Whitaker Mill Road. The space now holds
over 180 members, including individual entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits. He remembers the challenges of starting a business and says he’s excited for the opportunity to support new businesses while simultaneously strengthening his own. “A lot of collaboration and community goes on here,” says Freeman. “It’s just rewarding. When you can surround your company and your employees with that much excitement, it’s going to rub off.” In 2015, the company became a Certified B Corporation, a testament to its commitment to transparency in production and sustainability. Freeman says that Murphy’s Naturals strives to be the best it can be, both in the world and for the world. “You can’t fake being a B corporation. You have to earn it. The certification and recertification constantly challenges us to be a better company,” says Freeman. As part of that initiative, Freeman says Murphy’s Naturals gives two percent of its gross revenue to like-minded, local nonprofits, such as Bee Downtown and Triangle Land Conservancy. “The values of our community and the members of our community help shape our business.” —Samantha Gratton photograph by EAMON QUEENEY
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