Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in agriculture but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adrian Ferrero, Co-Founder & CEO of Biome Makers, located in Davis, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is Biome Makers, a company that specializes in AgTech and is focused on optimizing soil health using our proprietary BeCrop® technology. We use data and science to connect soil biology to agricultural decision-making to improve farming practices and reverse the degradation of arable soils. We have labs across the globe and have empowered over 8,000 farmers to become more regenerative with soil biology data. Our customers are farmers, crop advisors, ag input manufacturers, retailers, and other four continents' agricultural stakeholders looking to improve soil management systems and optimize agricultural inputs.

Tell us about yourself

I am Adrián Ferrero, Co-Founder and CEO of Biome Makers. Growing up in an agricultural region in Spain inspired me to co-found Biome Makers. This company specializes in AgTech and is focused on optimizing soil health using our proprietary BeCrop® technology. I hold a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Salamanca and a Master of Environmental Management from the Turku School of Economics and Business Administration.

I am an entrepreneur on a mission to improve the world. I have also worked as an innovation consultant for more than nine years. My passion for entrepreneurship and positively impacting the world motivates me daily to do what I do. I believe in making the world better, one step at a time. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and fishing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment would be the success and growth of Biome Makers. This company specializes in AgTech and is focused on optimizing soil health using our proprietary BeCrop® technology. We have grown to become one of the foremost global AgTech leaders, setting the standard in soil health. We have connected soil biology to agricultural decision-making to optimize farming practices and reverse the degradation of arable soils, impacting over 1 million acres of land worldwide. Additionally, we have received many awards worldwide and attracted over $24M from investors.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is retaining excellent talent. As a business owner, it is essential to have a solid team to support the company's growth and success. However, attracting and retaining top talent can be a challenging task. It requires a constant effort to identify and hire the best candidates and create a positive work environment that encourages employees to stay with the company for the long term. It is crucial to offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for growth and development and to foster a culture of open communication, collaboration, and recognition to retain good talent.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be Brave: Starting and running a business requires a lot of courage and determination. As a business owner, you will face many challenges and obstacles, and it is vital to have the courage to take risks and pursue your vision. Don't be afraid to make bold decisions even if they seem risky, and they will pay off in the long run.
  2. Hard-working: Successful business owners are hard-working and dedicated to their businesses. They are willing to invest time and effort to make their business successful. Be prepared to work long hours and be persistent in the face of setbacks.
  3. Focus on win-win situations: In business, it's important to create mutually beneficial relationships with customers, partners, and employees. By focusing on win-win situations, you can build long-term relationships that benefit everyone involved. This includes being transparent and fair and always looking for ways to collaborate to achieve a common goal.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://biomemakers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiomeMakers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biomemakers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/biomemakers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ferrero-97a0153/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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