What attracted you to work at IHT Healthy Air and take on the role of CRO?
For many years my father, Blake, has been asking me to take part ownership of our family business. In 2023 I did some consulting for him. At this time, it became clear to me that his business could thrive due to the quality of the products and the evolution of the agricultural industry.
Blake is an electrical engineer and passionate about helping farmers. His heart is in seeing the use of less chemicals in post-harvest applications and the adoption of more sustainable practices. With the proper equipment and investment any farm can secure higher yields, healthier crops and longer storage seasons.
I am grateful to be working with farmers in the US, Canada and Europe.
What key tasks have you set for yourself in the first months at IHT Healthy Air?
My official start at IHT began in February of this year. My initial goals and achievements included; rebranding, customer relations, and partnerships. We assessed our portfolio and industry relationships to build a brand that would represent the company’s growth. My goal was to transition all company responsibility to myself and allow Blake to focus on R&D and improved operations.
Connecting with potential cross collaboration vendors has been impactful in understanding the overall mentality of key farming experts. I have had a focus on historical research and industry analysis for both the new generation farmer and their predecessors. Joining key industry conferences, expos, groups and networking quickly to build a community that has played a big role in early success for IHT.
How does your previous experience help you in your current role at the company?
My previous work expertise has been in administration, regional sales, marketing, account management, customer relations, and business ownership.
I have decades of experience in various industries; including technology, software as a service, and chemical distribution. This has driven growth, retention, and loyalty among our agricultural partners. I am passionate about being an expert in my industry and building long-term relationships.
How do you assess the company’s current success in the clean air industry, and which areas seem most promising to you?
Clean air industry is vague. The core product that started IHT has been proven to remove airborne mold spores and deliver ideal humidity. The Humigator is a two-stage filter-less air scrubber. This clean air is 100% humid with no overspray and delivers ideal humidity without wetting any surfaces. We have customers in 11 US states and Canada, over the last 4 years we have installed humigators in France, Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. There is a vast amount of customer opportunity and until this year our company has been limited on outreach and go to market strategies.
What strategies do you plan to use to expand the company’s presence in the mushroom and other agricultural industries?
For our first expansion we are enterning the mushroom industry. Early this year we became members of AMI (American Mushroom Institute). We have held meetings with Universities, presented to highly regarded mushroom experts and major mushroom growers. We have identified a key mushroom supply company that will likely become a distributor for the humigator. We are in process of minor design modifications to meet specifications ideal for mushroom grow room conditions.
What challenges do you see in combating airborne molds in the mushroom-growing industry?
We have learned that mushrooms may not need as much humidity as stored potatoes. Especially, for cultivated mushrooms. So, we are looking into ways to modulate or limit humidity.
How does the company plan to develop and improve its product, the “humigator,” to fight pests?
We are very confident that the humigator, as is, would catch and dispose of gnats and pests into the runoff water stream from our units. UV lighting attracts them and will be utilized with our units to increase capture rate. We have not yet tested this hypothesis and will be doing so come January, 2025.
What results do you hope to achieve in air quality control in agriculture over the next five years?
Over the course of the next 5 years our hope is to have a complete and dynamic potato storage solutions offering, that includes premier products at reachable prices. Establish a presence in the mushroom industry and begin eliminating major disease and pest control problems. Begin research and networking within poultry to assess the need for ammonia removal, as we have evidence that the humigator is highly effective at doing so.
How do you see the company’s role in supporting sustainable agriculture and ecology?
The humigator is chemical free! Naturally, decreasing the use of chemicals, using new technologies to help with longevity, and offering / designing products that produce healthier crops and food. Helping farmers and growers have higher yields and better resources.
What goals have you set for developing relationships with key partners and mushroom producers?
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