We are excited to announce that Robert Carlson, co-founder and chief visionary of Grow Space Vertical Farms, has taken on the role of Chief Executive Officer. At just 17, Robert brings a fresh perspective and an unwavering passion for sustainable agriculture that is guiding us toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Innovation
Robert's journey into the world of hydroponics and sustainable farming began as a freshmen at Badger High School in Lake Geneva, WI. During this time, he took a class that introduced him to aquaponics and hydroponics. Already an active aquarium hobbyist, Robert quickly saw parallels between the aquatic environments he managed and the principles of hydroponic farming. This experience led to his second startup, The Fish Keepers, LLC, which included a dropshipping aquarium supply business and a sustainable captive-bred fish venture.
His fascination with water and the environment deepened through his aquarium hobby, teaching him the intricacies of water conditions, parameters, and the micro and macronutrients necessary for thriving aquatic life. Living in a house with a well that produced very hard water with an elevated pH, he learned to manage and create optimal water conditions for various controlled environments. This knowledge set the foundation for a small water production operation in our basement, where we utilized reverse osmosis and other technologies. It wasn’t long before our understanding of water chemistry extended to hydroponic farming.
A Family Endeavor
What began as a father-son hobby quickly transformed into a full-scale endeavor. Together, we grew from managing 20 aquariums to developing a fully automated hydroponic system in our basement. We learned to manage and recycle moisture, heat, and air to create the perfect grow environment for leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables—all while using minimal water. This journey showed us the potential of indoor farming to address local and global food challenges.
Recognizing the broader opportunity, I took our findings to my brother, Danny. Having worked side by side with Danny for two decades in Platinum Systems—a business I started in 1997 at the age of 18—I knew his support would be crucial. With the encouragement and mentorship of our parents, Bob and Jane Carlson, who have been steadfast supporters in all our ventures, we transformed a former furniture store into a vertical farm. This time, they've taken their involvement to a new level, getting hands-on with the building and farming process. It's been a joy to see them dive into this project with such enthusiasm, contributing not just their support but also their time and effort, and having a lot of fun along the way. Our collective vision was to create something truly new and wonderful in the Kenosha community where we grew up.
The Backbone of Our Success: Angela Carlson
No journey is complete without the support and encouragement of family, and in our case, Angela Carlson, my wife of 20 years and Robert’s mom, has been a key part of our success. From the very beginning, Angela has been there, not only offering unwavering support as we navigated the transition from idea to reality but also actively participating in the farm's day-to-day operations. Her hands-on involvement in the week-to-week planting and harvesting of our lettuce crops has been instrumental in keeping our produce fresh, thriving, and ready for our community.
Angela’s belief in our mission and her dedication to sustainable agriculture have helped us maintain the momentum needed to make Grow Space Vertical Farms what it is today. Her support and hard work are the heart of our operation, ensuring that our farm remains a vibrant and productive space.
A Leader with a Vision
While it wasn’t Robert’s idea to step into the CEO role, it was clear that he is the right Carlson to head up this venture. As our chief visionary and the driving force behind all that we do, it makes perfect sense for him to be at the helm. His leadership is crucial not only to furthering the vision of sustainable agriculture but also to ensuring the success and direction of the vertical farm.
In Robert’s own words, “My current and future research will center around measuring our environmental impact, sharing all of our findings for complete transparency, and partnering with like-minded local organizations to be part of the emerging revolution around chemical-free, healthy, and sustainable agriculture.”
A Path Toward True Sustainability
Robert’s vision extends beyond our farm. He sees Grow Space Vertical Farms as a model that other communities can replicate, helping to solve local food challenges while making a positive impact on the planet. By limiting water usage, deploying zero pesticides, and roadmapping a pathway to true sustainability, we aim to lead by example in the movement toward a healthier, more sustainable world.
As Angela aptly put it, “Robert had great concerns about climate change and food sustainability. It was potentially causing anxiety and worry. Now that Robert has an outlet, a way to participate and work toward a solution, he has found both peace and purpose in his fourth startup, Grow Space Vertical Farms.”
Join Us in Celebrating the Future
As we step into this new chapter with Robert at the helm, we remain committed to our core values of sustainability, community, and health. Robert’s leadership is not just about growing produce; it’s about cultivating a movement. We invite you to join us on this journey as we work towards creating a future where fresh, nutritious food is accessible to everyone.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and grow under Robert's leadership. Together, we can build a more sustainable world.
