Cooperative°

We’re a Cooperative Corporation

We acknowledge structures of inequity and embrace the struggles to overcome them, one workplace at a time.

Obran is the first worker-owned cooperative conglomerate. Leveraging its portfolio of small businesses, the cooperative empowers its workers through ownership and education. Obran’s unique holding cooperative structure allows it to find, acquire, and hold profitable small- to medium-size businesses and real estate on behalf of its worker-owners. Founded in 2019 by a group of returning citizens in Baltimore City, Obran’s work is built to center those closest to the problem of economic and social oppression.

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Our Values

While our strategy evolves, we believe in a set of core values that guide the Obran Membership experience.

Democracy

We empower and educate members to participate fully in workplace decisions.

Solidarity

We act in ways that promote equity and inclusion; we are pro-black & pro-brown, pro-women, pro-LGBTQ+, and against hate and discrimination in all its forms.

Humanity

We believe that workers are people first; we foster dignity, respect, and joy in every interaction.

Innovation

We question the status quo and find new ways of working that are better for ourselves, our customers, our communities, and the environment.

Balance

We think critically about the complexity of our decisions, and seek balance in the short- and long-term outcomes for all our stakeholders — including our members, families, communities, investors, customers, suppliers, and environment.