How many people were employed by the company at the beginning ?
In the first 18 months , it was just me and some migrant workers I hired to help hand blend the fertilizers in my parents backyard until I could afford to rent a building in downtown L . A . They also helped me formulate , buy , sell , clean , and cook .
What did you first produce ?
Organic 7 all-purpose fertilizer . One product in one size .
How did you gain market share and recognition ?
I traveled all over America alone and gave product knowledge meetings to as many retail locations as I could . I stayed on the road , sometimes three weeks at a time , to teach everyone that living organics were the future . It was hard and a daily battle , but after about eight years , I gained validation and respect for my work because several knock-off companies copied my work , which gave me instant credibility .
What are some of your proudest moments ?
When I was named the man that revolutionized the organic industry by IGC Magazine and was featured on the front cover , and when I wrote and got to hold the first copy of my first book ( Healthy Garden Healthy You ). I was also randomly invited to a backyard party once and saw Dr . Earth fertilizer in their shed and introduced myself .
“ IT IS ONE OF THE most exciting
and fulfilling feelings anyone can ever have because the company becomes a living part of you .”
What significant things have you learned so far about the industry ?
It is the kindest industry , full of loving and caring people . People that love plants are generally very good people . I love our industry and am very proud to be a part of it .
What have you learned about starting and growing a company ?
It is one of the most exciting and fulfilling feelings anyone can ever have because the company becomes a living part of you . You nourish it every day , you care for it , you feed it , you love it , it is like your child and one of the most important things to you . It ’ s the greatest feeling ever .
What words of wisdom can you share about the business , the industry , or the future of the industry ?
Keep on the path of innovation with a sustainable stance .
Share your favorite story from a day on the job .
Being filled with organic fertilizer dust from head to toe because it ’ s all you have , with a few shovels and particle masks . Doing things the old-fashioned way .
What makes your employees great ? How does your team bond ?
They communicate regularly , they trust each other , they respect each other , they care about each other , and we are a family . groundbreakers 145