Innovation

Fresh healthy produce is key to health and well-being. The UN lists Zero hunger and Health and Well Being as number 2 and 3 of their 17 Sustainable Development Goals. At CropKing they strive to increase access to and education around high-quality, fresh produce grown in a sustainable manner. They source and sell hydroponic systems. Hydroponics involves growing plants and crops without soil. Water infused with mineral nutrients and other mediums for feeding the plants are used instead.

At CropKing they source products they believe will provide a profit to their hydroponics customers. Their customers depend on their expertise and guidance in selecting supplies and providing education related to the products and industry.

Another innovation is prioritizing their workforce. At CropKing they seek to provide a work experience that promotes a good life. This has included providing a space for an employee to work while tending to her newborn child. Without this accommodation the employee would have had to quit.

The CropKing innovation is at the core valuing their partners -- their employees and customers. They are successful based on the lack of turnover in both. They value the resources that feed the business and have sustained this philosophy since they opened in 1981.

Inspiration

Dan and Marilyn were inspired by their passion for agriculture, a shared inquisitive nature, and a sense of social and personal responsibility.

First: They loved hydroponics, having as college students owned greenhouses. They knew the ropes. After their experience as greenhouse owners and managing a branch of a grow block manufacturer, they wanted to use their expertise to help others learn the business. They also wanted to offer quality products and teach people how be profitable, going so far as to provide tools in writing a business plan. Their goal was to set customers up for success and set reasonable expectations. As a result, CropKing Inc. is a trusted resource not only for buying products but also for business expertise.

Second: They witnessed a short sighted philosophy of raising prices for a quick return. They did not agree with that philosophy. Having had their own experience with being unable to pay their bills, they knew that a price hike in core products would create hardship on their customers. They made the choice to leave and start their own company, in their garage, supplying hydroponics growers with quality products at a fair price.

Overall impact

At CropKing they facilitate growing fresh healthy produce year round by taking the mystery out of hydroponic growing through grower support and training. The business started in 1981 and since that time has expanded while maintaining their base customers for decades. The company conducts research and donates fresh produce grown locally to local organizations including the Salvation Army, a local home for people recovering from substance abuse and homes for underserved populations. CropKing takes pride in noting that their efforts have been a motivator for potential future growers contributing hydroponic systems and education in the classroom in schools and universities.

They are fully engaged in bringing fresh healthy produce to all people, worldwide. It is a priority to provide education on more sustainable solutions to traditional farmers.

They have been instrumental in large scale projects with social components such as the Dayton FoodBank. Each employee demonstrates a commitment to the values of CropKing. Marilyn says "growth with integrity plus open and honest communications with our customers is a priority".

Business benefit

CropKing has continued with a solid customer base since 1981. During the early 2000's the company experimented with some new technologies that did not pan out financially. They had to pivot to maintain profitability. They used that experience to learn more about the growing industry and distribution. They pass this knowledge along to their customers. They make choices to discontinue products when they learn they are not profitable for growers. Some times customers are not happy about a decision to drop a product, but their decisions are always based on their knowledge of profit and return for their customers. Their decisions have led to long term success and a sense of trust between them and their customers.

Social and environmental benefit

Access to fresh healthy produce is necessary for every human being. Hydroponics is a form of horticulture that offers access to growing produce if there is space for a greenhouse, water, energy and the correct nutrients. There are resources that have subsidized hydroponics operations to feed the hungry. It is an option that requires the highest quality of inputs to result in the desired output of fresh healthy produce. CropKing Inc. is a high integrity supplier of hydroponics systems and education which is highly impactful in a world where other less reputable organizations would take advantage.

Also, hydroponics uses less water than traditional agriculture. This results in water remaining for drinking and washing that might otherwise have been needed for traditional agriculture.

Interview

Marilyn Brentlinger, Owner and Founder