March 2025
As we continue to build community, we’re excited to share stories from Co-opportunity Market Owners. This month, we’re thrilled to feature Michael and Wendy Goode, who have been Co-op Owners for over 20 years.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Michael: Unblocking the creative channel for artists and musicians is what I do. Setting people free from their blocks as a stage fright consultant for actors in Hollywood is part of what I have been doing since moving here in 2007. In my spare time, I act, lead an orchestra, and am a voiceover artist. After creating a new field of science to study stage fright at the University of Chicago and writing a book on it, I have given lectures and workshops on stage fright all across the U.S., Canada, and on the BBC in England. I have also been a teacher at SAG-AFTRA since 2004 and have given talks at many forums, including educational institutions such as American Film Institute (AFI), University of Southern California (USC), and UCLA. The National Academy Orchestra of Canada named me their Artist-in-Residence in 2007. Some of my hobbies are cooking and preparing vegan organic food, meditating, walking, and working out.
Wendy: I am an attorney who works with wills, trusts and estates. I love eating organic vegan food, meditating, taking walks, reading and seeing notable sights around town when not working.
When did you first start shopping at Co-opportunity Market? How did you hear about it?
We heard about it from a friend who lived in Los Angeles and first visited in April 2004 when we were visiting on a work trip from Chicago.
How long have you been an Owner at the Co-op?
We joined immediately after that first visit in April 2004. We then renewed our Ownership when the Co-op moved to a new system. So, April 2025 will mark 21 years of being Co-opportunity Market Owners for us!
What is your primary motivation for shopping at Co-opportunity Market? What motivated you to become Owners?
We have been organic vegans for many, many years, so the Co-op has always been a natural fit for us. The quality of the 100% organic produce, the custom organic juices from the juice bar, and the many, many high-quality 100% organic products in the refrigerated dairy (vegan section) are the things that keep bringing us back to the Co-op—it’s why we are Owners, and it is why we shop there. And this is really important, the wonderful attitude and dedication of the wonderful Co-op staff members and the CEO, Cindy Chikahisa, who really care about us. You’re not just a number at the Co-op!
What keeps you coming back?
The organic produce, the organic products, the organic vegan products, the great staff, and the amazing CEO you have now, Cindy. It’s a place where people really care.
Any specific Co-op memories you would like to share with us? Or any staff member interaction that stood out to you? Funny anecdotes?
It was awesome when the (then) new store opened on Broadway! Also, an amazing organic vegan chef who was with the Co-op before Covid, who made all the food at the hot bar. There are so many staff members who have been so nice to us over the years, we cannot thank them all ever enough.
A funny story… one night while we were shopping, a celebrity came into the store trying not to be noticed. He had sunglasses on, a hat, and was putting on a fake voice. He gets to the checkout counter, and the staff member behind the counter is fooled by the disguise and doesn’t recognize him. But at the very end when he is done checking out, one of the baggers two lanes down yells “Hi Mr. (name of celebrity), I LOVE your work!” At this point the celebrity gives up on the disguise, sighs, and thanks the bagger in his real voice. That was such a funny moment!
Anything else you would like to share with fellow Co-op Owners.
Being a Co-opportunity Market Owner is one of the best things we’ve ever done; it has been such a fantastic place for us. It makes you feel like you are part of a larger family, not a number.