S4E41: Craig Hurlbert - Going Slow To Go Fast

Episode SummaryJoin 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 SponsorCULTIVATDFreight FarmsKey Takeaways01:14 – 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 climate10:12 – Mentors that shaped Craig’s career trajectory14:45 – How Craig met his fellow co-founder, Travis Joyner and how their partnership has evolved18:21 – Leading through foresight and vision19:34 – Local Bounti’s origin story25:10 – Key factors in scaling a business28:53 – Working remotely vs. working in the office32:12 – Lessons Craig learned throughout his journey at Local Bounti35:52 – Supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)40:20 – Multiple winners in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry46:12 – Never too high, never too low47:33 – Something Craig has changed his mind about recently50:42 – Harry thanks Craig for joining the show and let’s listeners know where they can learn more about Local Bounti and connect with CraigTweetable Quotes“Our desire to move more rapidly into renewable energy has cut out a bunch of what I would call ‘reliable 24/7/365 power supplies’ that are less renewable but more reliable. And that has created some challenges for the different grid systems across the United States.” (05:40) (Craig)“I think when you approach every room you walk into in this manner – park your ego at the door, walk in, roll up your sleeves, we’re all peers, let’s move things forward – I think things work better.” (18:03) (Craig)“Without unit economics, you don’t have a business.” (21:56) (Craig)“I don’t like people who dabble. I don’t like dabbling. I think dabbling is the enemy of progress.” (24:45) (Craig)“It’s important for the listeners to hear, as well, that there will be multiple winners in the CEA space. It’s not Local Bounti or nothing. We’re rooting for all of our competitors and really rooting for the while industry.” (40:20) (Craig)Links MentionedCraig’s LinkedInLocal Bounti WebsiteLocal Bounti LinkedInLocal Bounti YouTube ChannelLocal Bounti FacebookLocal Bounti PinterestSponsor Info:Cultivatd WebsiteCultivatd InstagramCultivatd’s TwitterCultivatd’s Facebook🎙️🎙️🎙️Podcast Production and Marketing by FullCast: https://bit.ly/3sxZ34ySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Mentioned in this episode:2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews2025 Precision Ag Report