S4E41: Craig Hurlbert - Going Slow To Go Fast

Episode Summary

Join Harry Duran, host of Vertical Farming Podcast, as he welcomes to the show, co- founder & co-CEO at Local Bounti, Craig Hurlbert. Local Bounti is an organization that strives to deliver the freshest, locally grown produce in your neighborhood. Local Bounti sustainably grows fresh greens and herbs 365 days a year in their greenhouses, using 90% less water and 90% less land than conventional agriculture.

Today, Harry and Craig talk about Craig’s extensive background in energy, from his time at General Electric (GE) to the origins of Local Bounti. Craig discusses the recent extreme weather and climate and how it has impacted the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry. Craig shares his views on leadership and why he chooses to lead through a centralized vision and goal. Finally, Craig speaks to the work Local Bounti is doing to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and why he’s rooting for all of his competitors in the CEA industry.

Episode Sponsor

CULTIVATD

Freight Farms

Key Takeaways

01:14 – Harry welcomes to the show Craig Hurlbert, who joins the show to discuss his background in energy and the challenges we’re facing with the recent extreme weather and climate
10:12 – Mentors that shaped Craig’s career trajectory
14:45 – How Craig met his fellow co-founder, Travis Joyner and how their partnership has evolved
18:21 – Leading through foresight and vision
19:34 – Local Bounti’s origin story
25:10 – Key factors in scaling a business
28:53 – Working remotely vs. working in the office
32:12 – Lessons Craig learned throughout his journey at Local Bounti
35:52 – Supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
40:20 – Multiple winners in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry
46:12 – Never too high, never too low
47:33 – Something Craig has changed his mind about recently
50:42 – Harry thanks Craig for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Local Bounti and connect with Craig