Doug is an incredible farm entrepreneur, who not only served as a contributing author in the September issue of En Root (Read Venture by Way of Adventure here), but who also took the time to answer our rapid-fire Q+A. We've learned so much from Doug over the years, including how to build a venture, how to pivot when necessary, and how to stay committed to your "why."
Read on to learn what inspires Doug, and be sure to check out his killer advice for building a life full of meaning.
Give us your best pitch: Explain what you are building and why it matters.
New Brooklyn Farms is an urban agriculture social enterprise where entrepreneurship, co-working, and community building meet.
At OutGrowth, we are committed to giving access. Tell us what access means to you in, and how you achieve access in the business you are building.
Access is the ability to obtain something at ease. Through my business, I achieve access to a network of producers and consumers of high-quality, locally-grown food .
Explain a time when you were impacted by or had an impact within the food/farming industry. Seeing how small the freshness window lasted for conventional fruit purchased in bulk for my former juice and smoothie company .
How did this experience change the course of your life, your career or your outlook?
It sparked my interest in seeking access to higher quality produce.
What would you say are the top three most important steps that students and young professionals can take today in their journeys to build a life and a career full of meaning? Intern, seek advice from people doing what you think you are interested in. It's okay to try something and not stick with it if it doesn't work out.
Given your current passion for entrepreneurship, if you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Many relationships will be more valuable than money.
What are some words of wisdom that you would offer students exploring the possibility of an immersive experience as a component of building their own way forward?
Most things need to be experienced in order to form a truly accurate opinion of them.
What is your favorite quote?
"Growing your own food is like printing your own money!" - Ron Finley
What's next? What are your next steps toward growth in 2019?
Continue learning/engaging in education, while continuing to build new relationships and create new relationships. Take time for personal reflection while gaining as much outside perspective as possible.
Doug Adams is an urban agriculture and local food enthusiast, with professional backgrounds in music, marketing, and finance. In 2016, he purchased a 1/4 acre residential vacant lot in his hometown of Mt. Rainier, MD where he founded New Brooklyn Farms, Benefit LLC - an urban farm and green event space. Drawing on synergies with renaissances in local food, real estate investment, community preservation, and smart technology, Doug's vision for New Brooklyn Farms is to serve as a case study on the sustainability of an unorthodox approach to the business of agriculture.