On episode 268 of ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast, Craig Hulbert, Co-Founder and CEO of Local Bounti, and Mike Nemer our host discusses their extensive experience in the energy industry, engaged in a conversation about their shared background, experiences, and the growing movement within the indoor farming market.
This is a good summary of the conversation between Mike Nemer and Craig Hulbert. Here are some of the key takeaways:
- Shared Background and Connections: Both individuals have extensive experience in the energy industry, with a strong network of contacts in Houston.
- Personal Connection: The humorous anecdote about Mike’s wife purchasing a Local Bounti salad adds a personal touch to the conversation and highlights the connection between the two individuals.
- Craig’s Journey into Indoor Farming: Craig’s background in investment banking and the energy industry, coupled with his upbringing on a farm, provides a unique perspective on the challenges facing traditional agriculture. His decision to invest in and co-found Local Bounti reflects his belief in the potential of indoor farming to address these challenges.
- The Rise of Indoor Farming: The conversation highlights the growing need for indoor farming due to factors such as land depletion, transportation challenges, and food waste.
- Benefits of Local Food Production: Both Mike and Craig agree on the importance of local food production and the environmental advantages of indoor farming, such as reduced transportation distances and lower carbon emissions.
- Local Bounti’s Innovation: Craig emphasizes the innovative technology used by Local Bounti to grow produce closer to consumers, leading to faster delivery times and reduced food waste.
This conversation provides valuable insights into the potential of indoor farming to revolutionize the food industry and address some of the pressing challenges facing our planet.
Bio – Craig Hurlbert
Craig Hurlbert has served as our Chief Executive Officer since December 2023 and as a member of our Board since November 2021. He previously served as our Senior Vice President of Strategy from June 2023 to December 2023 and our Co-Chief Executive Officer from November 2021 to June 2023. Mr. Hurlbert co-founded Local Bounti in August 2018.
Mr. Hurlbert also co-founded BrightMark Partners, LLC, a growth equity and management firm providing capital and resources to venture, growth phase and middle-market businesses, and served as a Managing Partner from January 2014 to March 2021. Previously, Mr. Hurlbert served in various leadership roles at TAS Energy, a leading provider of high efficiency and modular cooling and energy systems for the data center, commercial, industrial, and power generation markets, including President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hurlbert also held leadership roles at General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) and North American Energy Services.
Mr. Hurlbert is currently the Chairman of the Board at Clearas Water Recovery, a company utilizing patented, sustainable, and proprietary technology to solve high nutrient wastewater challenges in the municipal and industrial water markets. Mr. Hurlbert earned his B.S. in Finance from San Diego State University and his M.B.A. from California State University-Long Beach.
More about Local Bounti
At Local Bounti, we strive to deliver the freshest, locally grown produce to your neighborhood. We sustainably grow fresh, non-GMO greens 365 days a year in our greenhouses, using 90% less water and 90% less land than conventional agriculture. Perfect environmental greenhouse conditions ensure the highest possible nutritional value and taste. Our sustainable, root-on, living products result in less environmental impacts, carbon footprint, and less waste. It’s our goal to bring our farm to your kitchen.
