Be true to yourself and your destiny will find you*
The Idea:
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The
Grainery has evolved through a series of "fortunate" events and generous friends who've made it better than I could imagine. I've craved simplicity for some time, a return to basics. This is the wellspring for The Grainery.
simple. local. pure. |
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To change the model ... the big corporate, centralized model where
earnings are placed above all else ... by removing the curtain hiding the
manufacturing process. We want you to see exactly where your food is
coming from and what is being done
(or not done!) to it.
transparency. honesty. |
My Foundation:
My Grandpa was a farmer. A pliers in his pocket, always moving with a
purpose, character driven farmer. I remember following him endlessly, playing slap jack and
war on the living room floor and the occasional "boot to the butt."
This idea...this effort, is reconnecting me to that foundation, that core of my personality that he helped establish. It feels right.
My Background:
I spent several years in the military and learned that everything is
about perspective. I was generously given perspective on many
occasions...if you've served, you know what I mean.
I moved from the military into the world of Consumer Packaged Goods
(mostly food). The experience and relationships
established during 10 years in the industry (mostly Kraft &
Kellogg's) helped prepare me for this adventure.
Why Fresh Milled Oats?
I had lost my job for being true to my core and decided I needed to find something better aligned with who I am. So here I was, an out of work, overpaid marketer, disillusioned with Corp. America and the food industry, now playing Mr. Mom, a role I'm not very good at (ask my kids). It seemed like every grocery trip involved me trying to scoop out the last remnants of rolled oats from the bulk bin at Meijer (the bins were empty at least 50% of the time). I have a hard time when things don't make sense, and this ritual ate at me. I knew there had to be a better (and more sanitary) way. It became my mission to create it. Luckily I have an extraordinarily understanding wife who has tried her best to ignore the endless messes I made (ok make!). In addition to my messes, she's gone along as we've changed our lifestyle, our zip code and our future. It's been fun "rediscovering" my passion, which is why I love the quote, "be true to yourself and your destiny will find you" ... The Grainery couldn't have been born without me first being fired.
*Thanks Brant at Machine Star for sharing this quote...not sure where it originated, but I love it.