Why Innovation, Grit, and Chestnuts Go Hand-in-Hand
In my day job, I’m known as an innovator and disruptor for a Berkshire Hathaway company. I challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and look for better ways to do business—because growth requires disruption.
This week, a colleague and friend, Shannon, sent me a message her family keeps posted in their home:
“Being a disruptor is hard.”
That message hit home. It’s true in business, and it’s absolutely true in agriculture.
What Is a Disruptor?
Thanks to a comment on our United Chestnuts Facebook page, I want to offer this definition:
A disruptor is someone who questions how things are done and tests strategies, products, or services against the current market. They’re not afraid to find a new way of working to drive growth. And without them? Many businesses—and movements—stall out.
We need more of them in the chestnut world.
The Chestnut Industry Is Ready for Disruption
The chestnut industry is at a pivotal moment. We have a chance to raise awareness, bring chestnuts into the modern food system, and build something resilient—together.
But it won’t happen with business as usual.
This picture was on my LinkedIn profile for a long time. It illustrates my own commitment to activism. In this case it was about pushing the concept of an on-demand furniture subscription for a Berkshire Hathaway and CORT. You’re welcome to connect with me there if this message resonates. Because what we’re doing takes a village—and then some.
Why Disruption Matters
1. Awareness Is Everything
Chestnuts are delicious, versatile, and nutritious. But outside of holiday traditions, many Americans simply don’t know them.
By disrupting the norm—with education, content, and culinary creativity—we can change that. We can reintroduce chestnuts to a new generation of consumers, chefs, and families.
🎧 That’s why we share stories weekly on the Branching Out podcast.
2. The Environment Demands It
Climate change, pests, and disease are real threats. If we want this industry to last, we must invest in:
- Sustainable agroforestry
- Diverse genetics
- Research into blight resistance and orchard viability
Disruption means embracing innovation and science while holding onto what matters—healthy land, healthy food, and long-term thinking.
3. The Market Is Changing
Consumers want transparency, nutrition, and meaning. Disruptors can lead the way through:
- E-commerce
- Social storytelling
- Local food access
- Creative collaborations
📦 At EBB Farms, we ship chestnut trees nationwide. But our mission is bigger than trees—it’s about building a system that supports growers and eaters alike.
This Is Where You Come In
You might be a…
- 🌱 Grower planting your first trees
- 🛒 Consumer looking for local, seasonal food
- 🥗 Health-conscious cook adding fiber and flavor
- 🍽️ Chef sourcing specialty ingredients
- 🦌 Landowner planting for wildlife or family legacy
- 🧪 Researcher pushing the science forward
- 💚 Advocate working toward climate and food resilience
If you care about land, food, or farming—you’re a disruptor in your own way.
Let’s Grow the Movement Together
At United Chestnuts, we’re proud to support disruptors of all kinds by offering:
- 🧠 Information
- 🌰 Seedlings & chestnuts
- 🎙️ A podcast platform for real stories
- 👥 A growing community on Facebook
- 💡 Consulting and grower support
You’ll hear from pioneers like Buzz Ferver and Bob Stehli in upcoming episodes of Branching Out: Growing Together.
📩 Reach out any time: [email protected]
Final Thoughts
Being a disruptor is hard.
But so is farming. So is launching something new. So is saying, “I believe this can work.”
Together, we can revive chestnuts in the U.S.—through courage, creativity, collaboration, and a good bit of disruption.
Let’s grow.