Owner
james@harvust.com
Growing up in a tight-knit farming community in Oregon laid the foundation for my deep-rooted connection to agriculture. It was during my college years at the University of Washington in Seattle that my journey took an unexpected turn. Two transformative summers spent interning at Nelson Irrigation in Walla Walla, WA, provided me with invaluable firsthand experience in the field, where I witnessed the challenges faced by growers in managing their irrigation systems. It was a pivotal moment when I realized the pressing need for modernization in farming practices, particularly in labor management.
The following two summers took me to the bustling city of Boston, where I immersed myself in the dynamic world of finance at a startup quantitative hedge fund called Quantopian. It was here that I discovered the immense potential of markets to drive economic efficiency and the transformative power of startups to revolutionize traditional industries. The experience ignited a fire within me, driving me to seek out opportunities to effect change in my own way.
Returning home to the farming community that had shaped me, I founded Harvust with a clear vision: to modernize and revolutionize labor management in agriculture. Inspired by the experiences and lessons learned at Quantopian, I was determined to leverage technology to address the pressing needs of farmers and farmworkers alike. It was a journey fueled by passion, resilience, and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of innovation.
My path to entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. I vividly recall the humbling experience of facing my insecurities during my early days at Quantopian, where I stumbled in front of colleagues from prestigious institutions. However, I refused to let setbacks define me. Instead, I dedicated myself to self-improvement, immersing myself in the world of finance and emerging stronger and more determined than ever.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am deeply committed to personal growth and fulfillment. Whether it's mastering the piano or restoring my beloved antique Chevy truck, I relish the opportunity to challenge myself and expand my horizons. Along the way, I've earned accolades such as the Hubspot Inbound Certificate and the prestigious title of the 2021 American Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year.
As a tech CEO, I firmly believe in the importance of staying connected to the field and our customers. Each year, I make it a priority to work alongside farmers, gaining first hand insight into their needs and challenges. It's a hands-on approach that keeps me grounded and ensures that Harvust remains at the forefront of innovation in agriculture.