Robert Workman, CEO for Tifie Humanitarian

Tifie Humanitarian is a non-profit organization formed on the idea that all individuals deserve the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. Early in 2007, Robert Workman collaborated with Phil Malula of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to form Tifie, which stands for their mission Teaching Individuals and Families Independence Through Enterprise. Robert is able to contribute his valuable business knowledge and apply it to help others in creating sustainable, long-term, profitable businesses for themselves. Tifie and its highly involved staff do not only limit themselves to enterprise training and development, but also participate in humanitarian work in the areas necessary to create a functioning and well-maintained business. These include education and school construction, distribution, agriculture, water projects, and orphanage and youth support. One of the most unique programs that Tifie supports is in direct connection with Robert Workman's love of arts and crafts.
In country, Tifie supports cultural heritage and the use of home business to preserve and maintain the rich history of the DRC. Although Tifie has only been in operation for a little over one year, we can already see the impact of their great work and specifically, Robert Workman's goals for the future of the organization and the the individuals who's lives he impacts.

Tifie believes that by supporting the youth and children of a nation we ensure its future growth and prosperity. For this reason they invest time, resources, and efforts in helping orphanages, schools, and youth programs that will help children in difficult conditions achieve more in their lives and communities in the future. In the time that Robert has spent with the youth in the DRC, he has seen a physical change in the countenances of the children that have been helped by Tifie programs. It is as if there is a new light of hope that shines through in their eyes.

Robert Workman, chief executive creative officer of Provo Craft and Novelty, Inc., was honored by the Craft & Hobby Association(CHA) during their winter conference for his work as CEO/Chairman of Tifie Humanitarian.

"I'm honored by the industry's recognition for the work Tifie has done," Workman said. "It reinforces my belief that everyone should have an opportunity to maximize their potential in life, no matter where they come from. For Tifie, this is just the beginning."From Business Wire written on February 5, 2008

Workman received the Special Recognition Award at the Craft & Hobby Association's CHA 2008 Winter Convention & Trade Show in Anaheim, Calif., on Tuesday, February 12. The CHA Special Recognition Award is presented to an individual for an extraordinary contribution in an activity that showcases the craft and hobby industry in a positive way. Provo Craft employees were also noted by CHA for contributing a significant amount of books, toys and clothing to the orphanage.

Robert was also recognized in 2007 as the Humanitarian of the Year by ASCEND, A Humanitarian Alliance. The honor was awarded at ASCEND's annual gala. Robert serves on the board of ASCEND and is the Vice Chairman of the ASCEND Socially Responsible Business Development Board.

Business Training and on-site mentoring create self-employment opportunities and make family businesses more profitable. ASCEND offers comprehensive training, including on-site mentoring for existing small businesses and hands-on training for first-time entrepreneurs. Successes include animal husbandry, granaries and agricultural facililities, bee-keeping and honey production, stores, restaurants, brick-making, welding, shoe manufacturing, handicrafts, and sewing- just to name a few. ASCEND also works with experienced partners to facilitate micro-credit and micro-franchising opportunities.

In their first year, ASCEND didn't imagine our efforts would become entrepreneurial. During their history, ASCEND organizers have enabled training for over 10,000 entrepreneurs, helping them, their families and employees ascend out of poverty.

ASCEND tracks business training and mentoring graduates' progress for two years, with averages as follows:

118% increase in income
111% increase in sales
203% increase in savings
35% decrease in debt

From January 2007 - June 2008:

-2,797 people trained in ASCEND business programs
-90 new businesses created; hundreds of others expanded
-Average progress after one year of completing training:

59% increase in income
64% increase in sales
58% increase in savings
33% decrease in debt
-15,384 people served by our enterprise programs

If Provo Craft is an orchestra, then Robert Workman is the conductor responsible for creating its unique brand of music. Robert, an energetic man with graying hair, is a riot of activity. His eyes twinkle with excitement when looking at a new product. His whole face lights up with a smile when he sees a new trend. "I love crafts. I love them," Robert says, a grin stretching from ear to ear. "I knew I Loved crafts the day I missed a college class because I got so involved in the business. It was a major turning point in my life." (taken from papercropper.com, a local Provo Craft vendor)

Robert Workman has been married for 30 years to his wife Angé, and they are the parents of 8 children and 7 grandchildren. Robert grew up in the agricultural community of Lovell, Wyoming. He grew up learning to be self-sufficient. He has experience in animal husbandry as well as with agricultural equipment. This knowledge he used directly uses every day in the operations of Tifie Humanitarian in the DRC. Robert's business background includes building a worldwide arts and crafts business that started with 6 employees.
His business now employs over 900 in the US, in addition to nearly 3000 indirect employees through partners, primarily in China. Robert has 20 years of experience setting up trade relationships with China and the USA, as well as Western Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Whether at home or abroad, Robert Workman is changing communities for the better around the world by introducing activities, programs and interests that bring people together into long lasting, sustainable relationships.