Founder & CEO AJ Caruso: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Love Blue's January 2026

Every month as CEO of Love Blue Inc. looks different. Some months I’m heavily present at cleanups, events, and chapter visits. Other months, like January, my focus shifts almost entirely behind the scenes, building systems, strengthening infrastructure, and setting the organization up for long-term sustainability and growth.

So for anyone who’s ever wondered, “What does AJ do?”, here’s a transparent look at what this past month looked like.

Strengthening the Foundation (Operations, Compliance & Systems)

A major priority this past month was tightening our internal structure and making Love Blue more efficient, organized, and scalable.

• Revamped Zeffy donation links and clarified all ways supporters can contribute

• Built out new sponsorship programs for businesses and partners

• Developed clearer task delegation systems using Google Docs to assign and track responsibilities

• Restructured & Reorganized our business plan, bylaws, & policies

• Submitted all required compliance documents to our legal team

• Updated and verified all organizational statistics, bringing us to 47,357 lbs of trash removed

• Met with our CFO Jada for a budget meeting, financial strategy planning, and grant preparation

• Continued ongoing communication with the Board of Directors, with in-person meetings scheduled for March

  
  

This work isn’t flashy, but it’s essential. These systems allow Love Blue to grow responsibly and remain transparent, compliant, and financially healthy.

Leadership Development & Team Structure

Another big focus this month was leadership clarity, both at the executive level and across chapters.

• Created a full Executive Team position breakdown & role overview

• Reorganized workflow into three core departments to improve efficiency

• Held our first monthly executive meeting with a new structured outline

• Introduced weekly meetings with clearer focus and objectives each week

• Completed the full build-out of our training sessions with Nick, now ready to deploy

• Created weekly, monthly, and training session outlines (with Nick fine-tuning content)

• Scheduled upcoming chapter training sessions

  
  

The goal here is simple: reduce burnout, improve accountability, and give leaders the tools they need to succeed.

Social Media & Digital Growth

This month also marked a major step forward for Love Blue’s digital presence.

• Prepared onboarding documents for our new Social Media Team with Kirstin

• Held an interest meeting and onboarding calls

• Onboarded new team members

• Led social media onboarding training

• Hosted weekly digital marketing meetings

• Met with Kirstin to build out the January Newsletter

  
  

This team will play a huge role in telling our story consistently and reaching new audiences who may never see us in person, but still want to be part of the mission.

Website, Branding & Creative Work

Behind the scenes, Love Blue’s digital home went through a major transformation.

• Completed final Wix updates and handed the site off to a Fiverr web designer

• Oversaw the full website redesign, now live

• Personally launched and promoted the new site

• Continued updating content post-redesign for clarity and accuracy

• Worked with a Fiverr freelancer to create a new logo

• Added new merch designs to Bonfire

  
  

These updates ensure that when someone discovers Love Blue online, they immediately understand who we are, what we do, and how to get involved.

Program Development & Future Vision

A lot of this month was about looking ahead, building what’s next.

• Finished the Love Blue Handbook (final step: adding QR codes linking to training videos)

• Began outlining the Love Blue Tech

• Met with an eco-friendly AI alternative to explore future partnerships

• Developed the Wildwood Crest 2026 Plan of Action

• Created a month-to-month 2026 events outline

• Reconnected with Mellow Grove to discuss Cigs Inside Board 2.0

• Began early concepts for a children’s program, introducing Captain Blue

  
  

This is the work that shapes where Love Blue is headed, not just this year, but for years to come.

Chapter & Board Engagement

Even while focused on backend work, staying connected to our people remained a priority.

• Held individual meetings with each chapter president

• Held weekly meetings with Executive Team

• Followed up with Rowan University, FAU, and SJU chapter leads for potential new chapters

• Held two 1+ hour strategic meetings with Board Member Chris Fitzpatrick

  
  

Why This Matters

Love Blue isn’t just beach cleanups, it’s leadership development, infrastructure, education, partnerships, and long-term impact. Some months that work happens in public. Other months, like this one, it happens quietly behind the scenes.

Both are equally important.

I share this not for credit, but for clarity. Love Blue continues to grow because of intentional planning, strong leadership, and a community that believes in the mission, even when the work isn’t immediately visible.

If you support Love Blue, volunteer with us, donate, or simply share our message, know that there’s a dedicated team working every day to protect our oceans and build something that lasts.

Onward. 🌊💙

AJ Caruso

CEO & Founder,

Love Blue Inc.