Topic: Private Membership Association

Jill Perez, a former public school teacher in New Jersey, founded a micro school after her pandemic pod became highly popular. Operating as a Private Membership Association (PMA), the school recruited burnt-out teachers from New York City by offering them professional creative freedom. The success of the model allowed Perez to purchase a permanent building and expand her enrollment to 45 students.

Guest Mike Collum joins the program to discuss how he and his wife, Vanessa, established Renegade Ranch Provisions in Penn Valley, California. The business was structured as a private membership association (PMA) to bypass COVID-19 mandates and government restrictions. Collum explains his transition from a winery partner to a PMA educator focused on providing solutions for business autonomy.

After nearly moving to South Dakota to escape California regulations, Mike and Vanessa Collum decided to stay and open a grocery store on their ranch. Vanessa introduced the concept of a Private Membership Association (PMA) as a way to operate without county or state authority. They launched the store in March 2021, gaining significant attention from influencers and individuals interested in alternative business structures.

Dr. Usher and Greg Carlwood discuss the use of Private Membership Associations (PMAs) to bypass government mandates in education and healthcare. They explore the legal distinction between 501C3 charitable organizations and 508C1A religious entities, noting that the latter may offer more protection from state regulation. This "guerrilla" approach to professional services is presented as a way for like-minded individuals to maintain autonomy during periods of high regulation.