Ep. 335 | From Ranger to Regeneration: How Blueprint Hemp is Redefining Florida Agriculture

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred takes us to the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches in Tampa to spotlight the entrepreneurial journey of Army veteran Nate Rowe, founder of Blueprint Hemp. Nate shares how his service in the 75th Ranger Regiment shaped his path to launching a mission-driven hemp business focused on quality and sustainability. With a background in agriculture, Nate discusses the unique challenges of breaking into the hemp market, including regulatory hurdles, consumer misconceptions, and the critical need for quality control in CBD products. He dives into Blueprint Hemp’s commitment to regenerative farming techniques that ensure clean, contaminant-free hemp—aiming to elevate industry standards while revitalizing Florida’s agricultural sector. The conversation also covers the vital support Nate received from organizations like Veterans Florida and Action Zone, which provided mentorship, training, and pitch event opportunities. This episode offers a powerful look at how veterans are leading innovation in emerging markets and building businesses with lasting impact. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Veterans Florida Expo and Battle of the Pitches hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.