Michael Kanter and his wife, Elizabeth Stagl, opened a store when they were 24. More than four decades later it has evolved into Cambridge Naturals, a seller of natural wellness products that is now in its second generation of family ownership, and Michael has evolved into a community presence as a founder and organizer of Cambridge Local First, a network of more than 400 local and independent businesses in Cambridge, Mass.

He holds the title chief visionary officer of Cambridge Naturals, is a consultant to natural products businesses, and speaks at natural products trade events about the rewards and struggles of running a locally owned, community-oriented business.

Cambridge Naturals is certified as a Sustainable Business Leader by SBN Massachusetts and as a B Corporation, a business model committed to ethical growth, supporting all stakeholders: customers, employees, suppliers, local community, and the planet.