Join Whiteboard founder Eric Brown in conversation with Brett Hagler, CEO and co-founder of New Story, for an inspiring deep dive into visionary leadership, social entrepreneurship, and pioneering solutions to the global housing crisis. In this episode, Brett shares his remarkable journey from a 23-year-old college graduate on his first mission trip to Haiti, to building one of the world's most innovative housing nonprofits that's revolutionizing how we think about affordable housing through technology, land ownership, and market-based solutions.Meet BrettBrett Hagler is the CEO and co-founder of New Story, a nonprofit dedicated to pioneering solutions to the global housing crisis. Under his leadership, New Story has built thousands of homes across Haiti, El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala, and created the world's first 3D printed neighborhood. A Y Combinator alum and recognized thought leader in social innovation, Brett is passionate about creating market-based solutions that serve underserved families while building sustainable, scalable models for lasting impact.Key HighlightsThe Origin Story (00:00-05:11)How a life-changing trip to Haiti sparked the vision for New StoryThe intersection of faith, entrepreneurship, and social impactEarly lessons from a failed e-commerce startup that led to breakthrough insightsY Combinator & Early Growth (05:11-10:28)Becoming one of the first nonprofits accepted into Y Combinator (Summer 2015)The "100 houses in 100 days" campaign that outpaced the Red CrossBuilding transparency and trust in international charitable givingInnovation in Action (10:28-16:54)Creating the world's first 3D printed neighborhood in partnership with IconTaking calculated risks with R&D funding for breakthrough technologyLessons learned about the true complexity of the housing puzzleThe Evolution to Market-Based Solutions (16:54-22:09)Shifting from charitable beneficiaries to customersThe importance of land ownership and building credit profilesCreating sustainable, scalable solutions that attract other market playersAdvice for Emerging Entrepreneurs (22:09-26:53)"Dream big, but start small" - beginning with just one $6,000 houseWhy courage is in shorter supply than geniusThe power of being different and attracting the right resourcesKey TakeawaysStart Small, Dream Big: Every massive vision begins with a single, achievable stepChallenge the Status Quo: Innovation happens when you question why things aren't workingCustomers vs. Beneficiaries: Market-based solutions create more sustainable impact than charity aloneCourage Over Genius: Taking calculated risks attracts opportunities that wouldn't otherwise existSystems Thinking: True impact requires understanding all pieces of complex problemsResources MentionedNew Story - Learn more about their housing innovation workIcon - 3D printing construction technology partnerY Combinator - Startup accelerator programCharity: Water - Clean water nonprofitMission of Hope Haiti - International development organizationConnect with Brett HaglerLinkedInTwitter

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