P1t Entrepreneur Spotlight - Dan Gridley, Farm Boy Farms

Tell us who you are in three sentences?

I am a husband, father, educator, and farmer. I focus on providing meaningful and memorable experiences with everyone I interact with. I believe in listening to learn and celebrating with high fives!

 

How did you become a P1t entrepreneur?

NC State University reached out to me a few years ago and I am glad they did! We have participated with P1t at an event at HQ Raleigh (Crank Arm Brewing in Raleigh brewed a beer using our hops and the beer was showcased at this gathering), been interviewed by students by NC State, had local meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner attend the farm to plant rhizomes, and more. Our goal was to support P1t to connect with folks who would be interested in obtaining an experience they might never had known about when visiting a specific region.

When did you start your business and what inspired you?

We started Farm Boy Farms in 2009. I was an avid homebrewer and I was interested in growing my own ingredients for brewing beer. We collaborated with NC State and Appalachian State University from the start to focus on growing quality ingredients (American Malting Barley Association recommended barley and hops that have the largest yield) and are of business industry quality. We started with 20 hops plants and seven acres of barley. We have grown significantly over the years, but continue to focus on quality of ingredients over quantity. Finally, providing beer education has always been our focus. 

What do you think people can gain from your business?

An understanding of how North Carolina agriculture is working toward creating a quality ingredient supply chain to support the craft beer industry. 

What are your 5-year goals? How do you want to grow the business?

With Chatham Park coming to Pittsboro (only five miles east of our farm), it is our goal to continue to offer an agritourism opportunity for craft beer consumers from the dirt to the glass.

Our future goals include:

·        Continuing to collaborate with area universities and research facilities to focus on quality grains and hops to provide the craft beer industry.

·        Continuing to apply data and evidence-based plant management strategies to focus on quality ingredients.

·        Innovate with how visitors can experience Pittsboro (collaborating with area restaurants and sites of interest) by spending the night at our farm by camping;

·        Update our facility to include a playground for kids.

·        Open our farm brewery focusing on ingredients grown on our farm as well as our area growers.

What sets you apart from your competitors?

We are one of a handful of craft farmers in the region who focus on growing quality ingredients to support the craft beer industry. We have focused on our mission since 2009 when there were only 32 microbreweries across the state of North Carolina (currently around 300). Our quality control program ensures only the best ingredients are available, which at times means a decreased amount of product.

What’s your favorite part about working with People-First Tourism?

Connecting with other passionate "off the beaten path" agritourism providers who ensure a true sense of culture is obtained when visiting a geographic location. 

If you could describe the Hop Farm Tour in 3 words, what would they be?

Family. Friendly. Fun!

Picture credits:  Farm Boy Farms