077 - Planting a New Purpose: Farming Revelation The Business of Agritourism and Local Food

The interview with Jeff Bednar, the founder of Profound Foods, offers an insightful look into his pivot from a career in real estate and car washes to sustainable farming. His journey was sparked by a personal health scare and a desire to build a business that was "additive" to the community, rather than "extractive". Jeff discusses the substantial challenges of launching a local farm, including the high startup costs for land and equipment, and the constant threat of unpredictable weather and pests. He explains how diversifying crops was key to mitigating risks and how agritourism, such as hosting farm-to-table dinners and tours, became a more profitable revenue stream than farming alone. The conversation also highlights the critical role of a previously secured grant and business infrastructure, which allowed his company to make a successful pivot to a direct-to-consumer home delivery model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeff’s story underscores the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and adaptability in overcoming business challenges.For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcastProduced by www.andycostafilms.com