We’re excited to feature Guided By Mushrooms, an innovative urban mushroom farm that has become a cornerstone of our community's health and sustainability, on our Field to Fork Series!
Guided by Mushrooms began as a hobby in the garage of owner David. Initially, David started growing mushrooms and creating tinctures to help alleviate his wife's chronic pain. The benefits they experienced led them to share their products with others. Guided by Mushrooms (GBM) quickly grew into a thriving business, renowned for their Lions Mane and King Blue Oyster mushrooms.
What sets GBM apart is their unique employee-owned model. The company is majority-owned by women and operates as a co-op, allowing employees the opportunity to buy into the business. This structure helps the team to function as a collective rather than a hierarchical organization. Amy Cox, an employee and part-owner, says the best part of working there is the sense of ownership and the flexibility it offers her and her colleagues.
Guided by Mushrooms sells their products year-round at the Second Street Market, where you can find their fresh mushrooms and other mushroom-based products. Their commitment to the community extends beyond sales; they donate growing blocks to community gardens and the House of Bread, a local organization that provides meals to those in need. GBM also generously donates retail products to support local initiatives.
The journey hasn't been without challenges. At one point, the GBM team struggled to produce enough mushrooms to sustain their business. Through persistent trial and error, they discovered that airflow was the key to optimizing growth. By addressing this issue, GBM was able to achieve consistent, high-quality yields.
David and his team pride themselves on their sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can grow on various substrates, helping address some of the challenges of conventional growing. In addition to its local market presence, Guided by Mushrooms collaborates with a scientist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, growing specific types of mushrooms for experimental purposes. They are also a second-chance employer, providing opportunities for individuals looking to rebuild their lives.
In addition to their local market presence, Guided by Mushrooms collaborates with a scientist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, growing specific types of mushrooms for experimental purposes. They are also a second-chance employer, providing opportunities for individuals looking to rebuild their lives.
Looking ahead, Amy envisions significant growth for their facility and plans to expand their operations to accommodate new types of mushrooms and larger quantities. Their dedication to innovation and sustainability ensures that Guided by Mushrooms will continue to thrive and contribute to the health and well-being of our community.
Supporting local businesses like Guided by Mushrooms not only provides us with exceptional produce but also strengthens our community and promotes sustainable practices.