If you're in nonprofit leadership and wondering how to build real connection with your community, this episode will change how you think about growth.

Kelly Krenzel turned recycled jars, donated flowers, and a spark of inspiration into Hope Blooms. A Fargo nonprofit that has delivered over 115,000 bouquets to people facing isolation and hardship. Her approach? Leading with vulnerability and showing up with intention every single time.

Kelly sits down with Max Kringen to unpack what intentional kindness looks like inside a growing organization. She shares the story of building a 100% community-funded nonprofit, attracting thousands of volunteers and creating a culture where generosity is the operating system. If you care about donor engagement or doing meaningful work without burning out, this one is for you.

✅ Checklist

• A framework for leading with vulnerability instead of polish
• How to build trust through authentic, non-transactional relationships
• The mindset shift that turns small acts into a sustainable mission
• Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than having all the answers
• Practical ways to sustain your own energy while giving your heart to the work

By the end, you'll know how to:

• Lead with intentional vulnerability to attract high-hearted supporters
• Move past transactional fundraising into relational donor engagement
• Use a simple, repeatable act of kindness as the engine for growth
• Build a volunteer culture rooted in authenticity and genuine connection
• Identify when to invite others into the conversation instead of going it alone
• Protect your energy while leading mission-driven work that demands full presence
• Turn everyday moments of connection into long-term community investment

🌸 About Kelly Krenzel

Kelly Krenzel is Founder, Executive Director and Chief Joy Maker at Hope Blooms in Fargo, North Dakota. Over nine years she built a 100% community-funded nonprofit that repurposes donated flowers into bedside bouquets for people experiencing isolation, grief and hardship. Hope Blooms has delivered more than 115,000 bouquets, built nearly 100 community partnerships and mobilized thousands of annual volunteers. Learn more at https://hopeblooms.org

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Meet Kelly Krenzel and the Hope Blooms mission 

03:00 – What ”more than flowers” really means after nine years 

11:00 – Leading a mission built entirely on generosity 

14:30 – How nonprofit leaders sustain joy without burning out 

20:00 – Balancing heart-led work with organizational structure

 27:45 – The Mavis story: what one visit taught Kelly about showing up 

33:00 – What Hope Blooms wants to teach this community

📌 Resources Mentioned

• Hope Blooms: https://hopeblooms.org
• Hope Blooms on Facebook: https://facebook.com/hopebloomsnd
• Kelly's first podcast appearance: Episode 15, Season 1
• Blog post: https://wetellwell.com/2025/03/welltold-kelly/
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott

🔔 Stay Connected

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📣 About Tellwell the Podcast

Hosted by Max Kringen, founder of Tell

A one-day gathering for nonprofit leaders ready to tell stories that move people to action. Join us at The Magic Factory at Brewhalla for hands-on sessions with master storytellers, practical frameworks you can use immediately, and a community that gets the work you do. Early bird tickets start at $127 in-person or $47 virtual. Register at welltoldconference.com