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Articles Tagged with: business mentors

Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Rise of Canopii’s Autonomous Greenhouses

In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a technological revolution is taking root, promising to transform the way we cultivate and consume leafy greens and herbs.

Canopii, a pioneering agricultural technology company, has unveiled a fully automated greenhouse system that not only maximizes efficiency but also champions sustainability. This innovation stands as a beacon for the future of farming, merging cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship.

What is Canopii?

Established in 2021 and headquartered in Hubbard, Oregon, Canopii specializes in the development of autonomous greenhouse systems designed to streamline the cultivation process from seed to harvest.

Their mission is to make healthy, locally grown produce both affordable and accessible through environmentally conscious methods.

The Product and Its Significance

At the core of Canopii’s innovation is a 2,500-square-foot autonomous greenhouse capable of producing approximately 30,000 pounds of leafy greens annually. That’s equivalent to the yield of three to four acres of traditional farmland.

This system utilizes advanced robotics to automate tasks such as seeding, watering, transplanting, crop monitoring, harvesting, and sorting, thereby minimizing human intervention and labor costs.

The significance of this innovation lies in its potential to address several pressing challenges in modern agriculture, specifically:

Labor shortages. By automating labor-intensive tasks, Canopii’s system alleviates the impact of workforce shortages that many agricultural sectors face.
Resource efficiency. The closed-loop hydroponic system reduces water consumption by at least 95%, and the controlled environment diminishes the need for agricultural chemicals, promoting a more sustainable farming practice.
Food security. By enabling local, year-round production of fresh produce, Canopii’s technology enhances food security and reduces dependence on long supply chains.

Founders and Their Vision

Canopii was co-founded by David Ashton and Justin Gravett, both engineers with a shared passion for technological innovation in agriculture.

David, with a background in mechanical engineering, and Justin, an aerospace engineer, met in 2015 during their studies at Cal Poly. Their combined expertise led them to envision a solution that integrates automation into agriculture, aiming to make farming more efficient and sustainable.

Industry Impact

Canopii’s approach represents a paradigm shift in agricultural practices:

Scalability. Their modular system allows for flexible, incremental growth, enabling farmers to expand operations in response to market demand without significant increases in labor.
Vertical integration. By controlling the entire cultivation process, Canopii reduces overall costs and enhances affordability, making advanced agricultural technology accessible to producers of all sizes.
Sustainability. The reduction in water usage, elimination of single-use plastics, and minimized chemical inputs set new standards for environmentally friendly farming practices.

In recognition of their innovative contributions, Canopii received the “Innovative Product of the Year” award from the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) in 2024. This accolade highlights their development of a fully automated robotic nursery that is transforming the production of leafy greens and herbs.

What’s Ahead for Canopii?

Looking ahead, Canopii is actively developing post-harvest automation technology to enable live plant harvesting. This will allow plants to be harvested with their roots intact and then palletized for easy transport.

This advancement will expand their farm’s capabilities, enabling production of high-quality plant and tree starts for the nursery industry. They are also working towards obtaining organic certification to further enhance the marketability and sustainability of their produce.

Canopii’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that innovation and entrepreneurship can have on traditional industries. Their success story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and startups aiming to revolutionize sectors through technology.

Got a big idea for your business that you want to see come to life, except it needs tech and you’re not a tech person?

Launch Mid-Valley can link you to the resources and support you need. Get started by joining LaunchPad for Non-Techies, a virtual bootcamp happening April 11–12, and learn how to build apps, use AI tools, and launch your idea. No coding required. Register here.

Sacred Fire Creative empowers founders and small business owners to build meaningful connections with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Contact us today and let’s see how we can work together.

Doris Towery and Culinary Collective: Stirring Community Spirit through Shared Passion for Food

When Doris Towery stepped into the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, she brought more than a business idea. She brought a vision rooted in community, connection, and the power of food.

Out of 21 startups, her team, Culinary Collective LLC, rose to the top ten, winning over judges with its objective to blend a high-end kitchen retail experience with a welcoming teaching space.

For Doris, this isn’t just about selling saucepans. It’s about creating a place where people come together, learn from one another, and give back to the communities they love.

A Vision Beyond Retail

Doris is a seasoned nonprofit executive and community advocate. She has always been driven by the desire to make a positive impact.

It’s a desire instilled in her early in life. After experiencing the loss of her mother at a young age, Doris witnessed how the community rallied around her family and supported her father in raising their family. It inspired her to form a deep commitment to service.

This commitment has been evident throughout her career, from raising over $60 million for community causes to leading organizations recognized among Oregon’s top nonprofits to work for.

With Culinary Collective, Doris aims to create more than just a retail space offering top-of-the-line kitchen products. The store will feature a teaching kitchen designed to foster a community gathering space for food enthusiasts. Here, individuals can come together to learn new cooking techniques, share recipes, and celebrate their love for food.

But the mission goes deeper. Culinary Collective is committed to giving back, with a strong focus on supporting important organizations and causes within the community.

Why Culinary Collective Matters

In an age where digital interactions often overshadow personal connections, Culinary Collective seeks to reignite the communal aspect of cooking and dining.

By providing a physical place for people to gather, the venture addresses a growing need for community engagement and personal interaction. Workshops and classes will not only teach culinary skills but also promote healthy eating habits and cultural appreciation through diverse cuisines.

The Launch Mid-Valley Experience

The Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend last February 2025 provided Doris and Culinary Collective with invaluable resources and mentorship. The event, which brought together 21 startup teams, offered participants hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and the chance to refine their business models.

Emerging as one of the top ten winners among such a competitive field is a testament to the strength of Doris’ vision and the potential impact of Culinary Collective.

An Invitation to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Doris’ journey with Culinary Collective underscores the importance of community-focused entrepreneurship and the impact of supportive systems like Launch Mid-Valley.

If you’re a non-tech founder looking to leverage technology for your venture, opportunities abound. One such opportunity is the upcoming LaunchPad for Non-Techies, a virtual bootcamp scheduled for April 11-12, 2025.

This bootcamp is designed to empower entrepreneurs without a tech background to build AI-powered apps and integrate technology into their businesses effectively.

Participating in programs like LaunchPad can provide the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to bring innovative ideas to fruition. Whether you’re looking to start a new venture or enhance an existing one, embracing technology can be a game-changer.

Don’t miss this chance to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Register here.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we help founders and entrepreneurs connect meaningfully with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Let’s talk and see how we can collaborate.

Rooted in Vision: How Josh LaPoint and Standard Nursery Cultivate a Sustainable Future

In Oregon’s fertile Willamette Valley, where agriculture is a way of life and innovation is taking root, one entrepreneur is transforming how the nursery industry thinks about growth – both literally and economically.

Josh LaPoint, founder of Standard Nursery LLC, is hard at work on streamlining the connection between nursery distributors and growers through smarter, more sustainable production planning.

His forward-thinking approach recently earned him a spot among the top ten winners at last February’s Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend. This highlights Josh’s potential to make a lasting impact on the industry, as well as on the local economy.

From Serendipity to Purpose

Josh’s journey into the nursery industry began unexpectedly in 2016. Driving past a wholesale production nursery, he noticed a sign seeking a sales representative. Despite lacking experience, he applied and was given an opportunity that would shape his future.

Over the next four years, Josh immersed himself in learning about plants, customer expectations, and logistics. He also spent those years building strong relationships across the US and Canada.

In the fall of 2020, Josh was recruited to help turn around the Oregon growing operations of a large nursery management company. This role presented challenges, particularly in production planning, where aligning supply with customer demand proved complex.

Recognizing an industry-wide issue where buyers often faced shortages and inefficiencies, Josh envisioned a solution that would benefit growers and distributors.

Cultivating Connections: Seeding Standard Nursery

In response to these challenges, Josh founded Standard Nursery LLC. His goal is to connect the needs of nursery distributors directly with the production capacity of growers.

The company specializes in production planning, utilizing grow agreements to integrate customer needs into growers’ production plans. This model ensures minimum specifications for every plant, set pricing, and designated shipping windows, effectively making growers an extension of their customers’ facilities.

Standard Nursery’s approach provides proactive control over supply chains. This reduces guesswork and fosters long-term collaborative relationships based on mutual benefit and profitability.

Additionally, the company offers traditional brokering services to meet urgent customer needs by sourcing products and delivering them nationwide.

Community Impact: Nurturing Growth Beyond Plants

Standard Nursery’s innovative model extends its impact beyond the confines of the nursery industry. It reaches into the broader community in several meaningful ways:

Economic stability. By creating more predictable and efficient supply chains, the company contributes to the financial resilience of local growers and distributors. This ensures that businesses can thrive without the constant worry of supply shortages or overproduction.
Environmental stewardship. Through meticulous production planning, Standard Nursery minimizes waste, promoting sustainable practices that benefit the environment and set a standard for others in the industry.
Educational outreach. Josh’s commitment to sharing his knowledge and experiences fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the community. This inspires others to innovate and adapt sustainable practices.

Recognition and Future Horizons

Josh’s dedication and innovative approach were recognized at the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend in February 2025. Standard Nursery was named one of the top ten winners.

This win highlights the company’s potential to drive significant positive change within the industry and the community.

Looking ahead, Standard Nursery aims to expand its collaborative model. They will achieve this through forging new partnerships and exploring opportunities to further integrate sustainability into its operations.

By continuing to align the needs of distributors with the capabilities of growers, Standard Nursery envisions a future where the nursery industry operates with enhanced efficiency, profitability, and environmental responsibility.

If you’re inspired by this story and you have a scalable business idea that can impact your community, Launch Mid-Valley offers resources and support that you can use to transform your idea into reality.

You can start by joining the upcoming virtual LaunchPad for Non-Techies on April 11-12. This bootcamp is designed to equip founders without a background in technology with the tools and knowledge they need to produce an app and navigate the startup world successfully.

Click here to register for this online bootcamp.

Sacred Fire Creative specializes in helping founders and entrepreneurs build meaningful bonds with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Get in touch with us today and let’s see how we can collaborate.

Building Community One T-Shirt at a Time: Roanna Gingrich and CreativiTEE’s Story

In today’s fast-paced, technology-dependent world, taking the time to put down our phones, slow down, and bond with loved ones through creative activities sounds like a luxury.

But that’s exactly the kind of luxury that CreativiTEE in Downtown Salem, OR, offers.

Founded by Roanna Gingrich, CreativiTEE is a store where you can design your own T-shirts using professional materials. But it’s more than just a T-shirt store.

It’s where stories are shared, bonds are forged, and imagination takes center stage.

Step inside, and you’ll quickly see that CreativiTEE is a safe and inspiring space for building community.

Telling Stories through T-Shirts

The process of designing your own T-shirts at CreativiTEE is simple, fun, and unique.

First, you pick out your canvas – a T-shirt in your favorite color or style.

Then comes the exciting part: designing. With a wide array of materials at your fingertips, you can let your imagination run wild. Whether a bold statement, a delicate pattern, or a fun doodle, your design is your T-shirt’s centerpiece.

Once your design is ready, the friendly CreativiTEE staff brings it to life using professional screen printing.

Finally, you’ll don your custom creation, strike a pose, and capture the moment as a memory in ink and fabric.

Where Creativity Meets Community

CreativiTEE founder Roanna Gingrich has envisioned her store as a space that inspires connection.

Roanna’s dedication to community shines through in every aspect of her work. She’s a proud Latina with roots that span from Portland to Peru. Sharing her heritage is essential to her mission, reminding us of the importance of getting to know each other beyond surface impressions.

Above all, Roanna has made CreativiTEE a safe space for the community. Everyone is welcome here, no matter who they are, whether they’ve come to buy or design a shirt, attend an event, or simply stop by for a chat.

She especially loves seeing families gathering at her store to create and bond together in ways that can’t be replicated with mobile devices or computer screens. In a world where technology often pulls us apart, CreativiTEE strives to bring us back together.

CreativiTEE is also becoming a hub for Downtown Salem’s artistic and entrepreneurial spirit. Roanna hosts an array of events that spark inspiration and foster community building. From yoga sessions followed by tank top designing to art classes and informal forums, there’s always happening at the store.

One standout event that Roanna hosts is Launch Mid Valley’s Women/BIPOC Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs, where diverse entrepreneurial voices come together to share ideas, build networks, and uplift one another.

Empowering Women One Design at a Time

Aside from building community, Roanna has also made it her mission to empower women through her space and designs.

Through events like CreativiTEE’s First Friday Art Walk, she provides a platform for women artists to showcase their work.

Through events like the aforementioned Women/BIPOC Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs, she gives women and BIPOC women business owners a place to connect with peers and share ideas and resources.

One such event inspired her to create a special line of T-shirts with uplifting messages, celebrating the strength and wisdom of women. These designs include feminine nouns in Spanish, such as “la femenina” or the feminine, “la diosa” or the goddess, and “la sabia” or the wise woman. Roanna comes up with a new design each month to add to her inspiring collection.

The Value of Presence

Despite the technological advances allowing us to communicate with anyone anywhere in the world in real time, technology has made interpersonal connections a bit of a challenge.

But Roanna hopes CreativiTEE can be a place where people slow down and truly connect. Whether it’s families creating T-shirts together, friends attending a yoga session, or entrepreneurs brainstorming over coffee, the store is a reminder of the value of presence.

For Roanna, it’s all about hanging out and creating together. And she’s right – there’s magic in the simple act of making something with your own hands with people who matter to you.

Ready to experience the inspiring community of CreativiTEE for yourself? Stop by the studio in Downtown Salem.

And if you’re a small business owner in Salem, check out the next schedule for the Women/BIPOC Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs. Join us for coffee and conversation, and walk away with the spark for your next big idea.

Championing Change: Bob Dalton Is on a Mission to Inspire Generosity and Local Action

Bob Dalton’s Journey: Turning Compassion into Action

In 2013, when Bob Dalton’s mother faced the challenge of homelessness, it sparked in him a determination to make a difference.

Bob started by making phone calls to local homeless shelters, asking them what they needed most.

The answer he got became a movement that now spans communities across the nation.

The answer was simple: blankets.

That’s how Sackcloth & Ashes was born – a company founded on a simple yet powerful idea.

For every blanket sold, another is donated to a local homeless shelter.

But Bob’s story doesn’t stop there.

Turning blankets into a bold statement

Bob did more than just build a company. He built a mission.

Sackcloth & Ashes’ blankets deliver both warmth and dignity to people living in homeless shelters, making them feel seen and valued as human beings.

The blankets are also a statement of sustainability.

Through its innovative production process, each Sackcloth & Ashes blanket is made using 100% recycled materials. They’re carded, woven, and finished without the use of water, chemicals, or even dye.

Through this process, Bob emphasizes that businesses can be purposeful, sustainable, and at the same time, profitable.

Championing change from the grassroots

Bob Dalton’s passion for local impact extends beyond Sackcloth & Ashes.

He founded Love Your City (LYC), a platform designed to elevate nonprofits doing meaningful work at the community level.

Through LYC, users can explore local organizations, volunteering opportunities, and multimedia stories of changemakers operating at grassroots levels.

Bob also hosts the Love Your City Podcast, where he sits down with leaders who are driving solutions to local issues.

These candid conversations reveal what it means to build a better world from the ground up.

They’re a powerful reminder that anyone, everywhere, can be a force for good.

Bob’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

In 2024, CNN named him one of its Champions for Change, recognizing his leadership in social innovation.

Bob also strongly believes that human beings are designed for communities.

He is working hard to transform the local digital landscape into a space where people can connect meaningfully and feel like they truly belong.

See Bob Dalton at the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend

Bob Dalton will bring his insights and energy to the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, happening from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

As the keynote speaker and a member of the judging panel, Bob will share his entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable lessons on building mission-driven businesses.

This three-day event is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, changemakers, and anyone eager to turn ideas into action.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, mentorship, or collaboration, the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend is the perfect place to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

Learn more and register here.

Building a Greener Future: The Visionary Work of Dr. Sean Muir

How do you inspire change across disciplines? For Dr. Sean Muir, it’s about turning bold ideas into transformative action.

An interdisciplinary scientist, educator, and artist, Dr. Muir doesn’t just imagine solutions. He creates them. From developing cutting-edge virtual reality tools for teaching chemistry to pioneering sustainable construction materials, he proves that bold ideas can reshape the future.

His work is as diverse as it is impactful, driven by a singular mission – to inspire change and leave the world better than he found it.

A scientist and academic

Dr. Muir’s academic career reflects his dedication to advancing science education through innovation.

Currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and the Director of Innovation and Technology at Linfield University, he is known for rethinking how students engage with science in meaningful and transformative ways.

Dr. Muir’s teaching approach helps students see the broader societal impact of scientific concepts. He also guides them in engaging with the application of these concepts in immersive ways so they can develop meaningful careers in STEM fields.

Before joining Linfield University, Dr. Muir did research with the Oregon State University. He also co-founded Amorphyx, a flexible electronics and display startup.

Building a sustainable legacy with Solid Carbon

Aside from his academic work, Dr. Sean Muir is the Director for Research and Development at Solid Carbon, a company that develops carbon-sequestering concrete products.

Concrete is the foundation of modern civilization. But its environmental impact is staggering. Traditional production releases one pound of carbon dioxide for every pound of concrete made.

For Dr. Muir and the Solid Carbon team, this method of producing concrete must change.

Solid Carbon flips the script on concrete production entirely. By incorporating biogenic carbon-based materials sourced from waste, the company’s products absorb and store carbon during production and use. This innovation transforms buildings into tools for fighting climate change, thus making sustainability integral to the built environment.

The work is as ambitious as it is impactful. Solid Carbon’s concrete has been used in groundbreaking projects, including homes for Habitat for Humanity, installations at Portland’s Burnside Skatepark, and the massive flooring of New Energy Works in McMinnville. These projects demonstrate that environmentally conscious materials can meet and even surpass industry standards for quality and durability.

Watch Dr. Sean Muir at the LMV Startup Bootcamp Weekend

Dr. Sean Muir’s passion for fostering innovation isn’t confined to his lab or classroom. He is an avid supporter of the McMinnville entrepreneurial ecosystem and has hosted Launch Mid Valley events at Linfield University.

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend will take place at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex. There, Dr. Muir will share his insights on leveraging publicly funded labs to accelerate entrepreneurial innovation.

This event is a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and launch the next wave of game-changing businesses.

Just as Dr. Muir has shown through his own journey, the intersection of innovation and sustainability can create solutions that leave the planet better than we found it.

Deep-Rooted Leadership: How Brad Kleiner Empowers Business Leaders to Thrive

One of the biggest mistakes that business leaders often make is believing they must do everything themselves. This “do-it-all” mindset can lead to feeling stuck, losing focus, and hitting a growth plateau – not to mention fostering a stagnant company culture where teams are unmotivated and underutilized.

The truth is, no leader thrives alone, and asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength.

That’s where Brad Kleiner comes in.

As the founder and principal consultant at Cedar Root Consulting, Brad helps business leaders break free from the barriers holding them back. He sees his mission as empowering these people to become more thoughtful, flexible, and mindful in their approach.

With a strong, deeply rooted leadership foundation, these individuals are then equipped to inspire happy, motivated, and productive teams while fostering sustainable company growth.

How does Brad help leaders get unstuck?

Brad’s approach is as versatile as it is effective. He offers workshops and retreats covering crucial topics like team building, hiring the right people, nurturing strong client relationships, networking, and creating a powerful digital presence.

He also hosts Basecamps, where leaders gather on his stunning 20-acre, cedar-covered woodland property to connect, share experiences, and solve common challenges. These intimate and collaborative sessions help them find actionable solutions while building a supportive peer network.

By combining strategic tools with real-world insights, Brad creates transformative experiences for leaders looking to reignite their passion and purpose.

Leveraging 25 years of leadership expertise

Brad’s approach is grounded in his own extensive experience. Starting as the co-founder of a small startup, he eventually climbed into executive roles in a billion-dollar media company. Along the way, he discovered his true passion: helping people unlock their potential.

Brad understands that a leader’s personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined. His coaching reflects this as he guides leaders to step out of their comfort zones and navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.

See Brad in action at Launch Mid Valley’s Startup Bootcamp Weekend.

If you’re a leader or entrepreneur looking to take your business to the next level, don’t miss Brad’s upcoming talk at the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp, happening January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

This event is a prime opportunity to gain insights from Brad and other top names in Mid-Willamette Valley’s business community that will help you overcome the hurdles that may be holding you back from attaining your true potential as a leader.

Learn more and register: https://startupbootcampweekend.com.

Insects, Innovation, and Impact: Pat Crowley Redefines Sustainable Agriculture through Chapul Farms

What if the key to solving some of the world’s biggest problems – food waste, water scarcity, and soil degradation – was right under our feet?

For Pat Crowley, it was. His company, Chapul Farms, began with cricket-powered energy bars.

After a few years, Chapul Farms grew into a global innovator, proving that insects are part of the future of sustainable agriculture.

Pat’s journey started with crickets.

The spark for Pat Crowley’s mission to revolutionize agriculture began with a paddle.

As a whitewater rafting guide, Pat became aware of the benefits of eating insects. Insects are packed with protein. Eating them can also help address issues surrounding the world’s water supply.

Pat’s curiosity around edible insects became a business idea in 2011. From a small kitchen, he started making energy bars using cricket powder. Thus, Chapul was born – “chapul” means crickets in the Aztec language.

Chapul’s energy bars became available in three flavors: Aztec-themed with dark chocolate, cayenne, and coffee; Thai-themed with ginger, coconut, and lime; and regular peanut butter and chocolate.

Baiting Sharks with cricket bars

Pat Crowley’s mission was ambitious: normalize eating insects to harness their incredible efficiency as a protein source and reduce the staggering environmental toll of traditional livestock farming. He saw his energy bars as a way to help boost interest in insect farming and consumption.

But for his mission to succeed, Chapul needed more funding. Pat tried to raise money through Kickstarter in 2012. The campaign was a resounding success – from a target of $10,000, Chapul was able to raise $16,000, well over the goal.

But why stop at Kickstarter when there are more funding sources available?

Enter Shark Tank. In Episode 5.23 of this popular reality TV show, aired in 2014, Pat pitched his cricket-powered energy bars to the skeptical Sharks.

The idea struck a chord with billionaire investor Mark Cuban, who offered $50,000 for a 15% stake. With this infusion of capital, Chapul’s energy bars soon graced the shelves of thousands of retail markets across the US, embraced by eco-conscious eaters and fitness enthusiasts.

From energy bars to insect farming

In 2019, Pat Crowley shifted focus. He stepped away from energy bars to concentrate on the foundational power of insect farming.

From this, Chapul Farms emerged with a bold vision: to use insects, specifically black soldier fly larvae, to transform food and agricultural waste into valuable products like protein, oil, and frass (black soldier fly larvae’s nutrient-rich excrement).

Located on the McPhillips Farm in McMinnville, OR, Chapul Farms became a hub of innovation, tackling food waste and improving soil health while supplying black soldier fly larvae for applications ranging from pet food to aquaculture.

Redefining agricultural biodiversity with insects

Pat’s vision is more than just about feeding the world. It’s about redefining how we think about waste.

Imagine mountains of beet skins destined for landfills finding their way to trays of voracious black soldier fly larvae instead. These larvae devour the waste, leaving behind materials for livestock feed (the larva itself) and natural fertilizer (the larva’s frass).

Chapul Farms doesn’t stop at production – they’re scaling their impact. Partnering with companies across the country, they help design and build insect farming facilities to meet the growing demand for sustainable agriculture. Their Innovation and Research Center drives advancements in insect agriculture, with every project aimed at accelerating climate and soil health benefits.

Small insects, big impact

Pat Crowley’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

In 2023, he earned the Kelly McDonald Business Leader of the Year Award from the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership. In that same year, he helped Chapul Farms secure the OEN Growth Stage Award.

Beyond accolades, Pat’s work continues to inspire at the TEDx and university speaker circuits, where he shares the promise of insects as a key to regenerative agriculture.

Pat’s journey from crickets to climate solutions reminds us that innovation often begins with a leap of faith – and a love for our planet.

See Pat in action as he joins the judging panel at the upcoming Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex. Get the details and sign up here.

Turning Carbon Footprints into Climate Solutions: John Mead’s Innovative Approach to Concrete Construction

Concrete is a cornerstone of modern construction, from towering skyscrapers to humble homes. However, its environmental cost is staggering.

Cement, a key ingredient of concrete, accounts for approximately 7% of global carbon emissions – a significant contributor to climate change. Beyond cement production, the environmental toll of concrete includes mining and quarrying resources like limestone, heating limestone with fossil fuels, and transporting materials.

Recognizing the urgent need for change, John Mead has made it his mission to transform concrete from a climate culprit into a solution. He achieves this through Solid Carbon, a company he co-founded in 2022.

Solid Carbon is pioneering carbon-negative construction, reducing emissions by producing sustainable, durable concrete that sequesters carbon rather than releasing it.

Concrete that Reverses Climate Impact

According to John, a pound of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere for every pound of concrete produced. Solid Carbon’s innovations are designed to flip this equation.

By incorporating biogenic carbon-based materials, their concrete absorbs and stores carbon during production and use, creating a built environment that actively contributes to climate change.

Their products also emphasize that sustainability doesn’t come at the expense of quality or profitability. Solid Carbon’s products are durable and versatile, suitable for structural and decorative applications in both commercial and residential projects. From factory floors to winery conversions, their concrete proves that sustainability and performance go hand in hand.

From Innovation to Impact

Solid Carbon’s success is fueled by collaboration with key partners such as the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR), and Business Oregon.

With a $241K High Impact Opportunity Grant, the company partnered with Oregon State University for solution testing and community projects. These community projects included pilot pours for the Miller Woods welcome pavilion and the Alpine Crossing patio. These initiatives have expanded their capacity to revolutionize the construction industry.

Since then, the company has worked on significant projects such as:

Homes for Habitat for Humanity in Gig Harbor, WA
An installation of vertical walls and a tunnel for Burnside Skatepark in Portland, OR.
The 5,000 square-foot floor of Remy Wines’ winery production space
The 440 cubic-yard factory flooring of New Energy Works in McMinnville, their biggest pour to date

Impressive achievements and recognition have marked Solid Carbon’s journey.

In 2022, it received the SEDCOR Innovative Product Award, which honors its groundbreaking work in sustainable concrete.

In 2023, MEDP celebrated its contributions to local sustainability efforts with the McMinnville Innovator Award.

In 2024, Building Green Magazine included Solid Carbon’s concrete among its Top 10 Products list, acknowledging their industry-transforming innovations.

For Solid Carbon, profitability and sustainability are not at odds – they are essential to creating a better future. John believes in leaving the planet better than we have found it. Through innovative materials and visionary leadership, John and Solid Carbon prove that even the most entrenched industries can become agents of climate action.

Hear John Mead’s Story at the LMV Startup Bootcamp

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, John will share his vision and story at the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp. He will show how businesses can grow and profit while positively impacting society and the environment.

The Startup Bootcamp is an excellent opportunity to learn how to take your business to the next level. Save these dates and stay tuned for details.

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