How Our Business Operations Managers Are Planting Seeds for Success

Infarm is shaping the future of farming with our smart modular farming system that grows fresh produce right inside the grocery stores people shop in. Our business operations managers contribute directly to the success of our business model by leading on-the-ground operations, helping grow our teams, and helping drive new expansion projects.

To get a deeper look into what our business operations managers do, we sat down with Rachel D. and Mariah R. on our team in North America. They shared more about what led them to Infarm, what they value most about our culture, and their advice for people interested in joining the team.

What led you to Infarm?

Rachel: I’ve worked at tech startups throughout my career. I previously launched a dog walking service at a pet tech company in Canada, and then joined a cryptocurrency startup. When it was time to look for a new role, I knew I wanted to join a company that was operating on a global scale; I also wanted to be surrounded by brilliant people. Infarm delivered on both fronts! I feel lucky, because I wasn’t familiar at all with hydroponic farming. But I was drawn to our mission of increasing access to fresh food.

Mariah: I have a background in fruit and vegetable production studies from Iowa State University. I’ve worked in three sectors of agriculture, including organic greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture with microgreens, and an outdoor organic farm. I heard about Infarm through good friends, and was intrigued to learn more about urban farming.

You’re both helping scale our footprint in North America—can you tell us more about your day-to-day?

Rachel: I spend a lot of time syncing with our expansion, operations and commercial teams, as well as in what we call our plant hubs. These are facilities where plants start their growth process, before they’re harvested at our farms inside grocery stores and supermarkets. I try to get on the ground a lot to see what’s going on with the production flow of plants in both our hubs and at the stores. Operations are always top-of-mind, and making sure teams are as aligned and as efficient as possible.

Mariah: Because we’re so focused on expansion in North America right now, I spend a lot of time in expansion meetings. My background in plants has helped me have a strong voice in making important decisions, and I get to wear a lot of different hats. I’m also currently helping with our move to a new facility in Washington that will serve as our main hub, and ensuring our team feels comfortable with the new environment.

At Infarm, we’re building a culture of impact. What else do you value about Infarm’s culture?

Rachel: Infarm is the first company I’ve worked at where people are genuinely themselves when you meet them. People have a lot of passion and tend to join the company because it aligns with their values around sustainability.

Mariah: We have such a vibrant and energetic culture. People who work here are from a wide range of cultures, nationalities and age groups, which brings new perspectives and experiences to our decision-making process. And everyone is so caring — it’s the best company I’ve worked for, from the benefits offered, to the time people take to mentor their teammates.

What’s your favorite part of working at Infarm?

Rachel: I truly love our team — they motivate me to show up as my best self every day. We have a beautiful, future-focused mission that is helping our industry adapt as the world changes. And it’s amazing to work for a company that is expanding at such a rapid rate, especially during a global pandemic.

Mariah: Because North America is one of our newest markets, there’s a lot of potential for upward mobility, whether you’re just starting in your career or you’re managing city operations. For example, I started as a plant expert and am now a business operations manager. I appreciate working for a company that encourages personal growth.

As we grow in North America, we’re looking to add smart, talented people to our team. What advice would you give to people interested in a career with Infarm?

Mariah: Knowledge in agriculture or plant health is a bonus, but we look more for people who are passionate about what Infarm is doing. Also, while we operate as a team, it’s important to be independent and have a strong sense of personal accountability. Things change daily, and you need to be able to pivot.

Rachel: It’s important to know that you’re joining a startup. Even though we’re a global company, things move quickly. I always encourage people to not be afraid to make mistakes. If you were hired, you were hired for a reason.

Interested in becoming an Infarmer?