We are constantly inspired by the amazing innovators across fields who seem to have found that oh-so-delicate balance between love and money. In an effort to recognize these amazing individuals and their organizations, we’re introducing a new segment on our blog: Changemakers to Watch.
Who is a changemaking entrepreneur?
These are individuals who are passionate, inspired, authentic and driven to make a positive impact through their work. Their companies often top the lists of “best places to work,” “businesses for better,” and “the industry’s most innovative.” These are people who are growing amazing businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven. Are you a changemaking entrepreneur? We’d love to get to know you!
Our very first changemaker: Epiphany Farms Hospitality Group
We’re excited to introduce our first-ever changemaker (and fellow B-Corp!), Epiphany Farms Hospitality Group. This one makes us really hungry for something delicious and nutritious.
Located in Bloomington, Illinois, Epiphany Farms is creating the true farm to table experience, or as they like to call it, “farm to fork.” Here, farmers are chefs and chefs are farmers. The company has two farms and two restaurants, Epiphany Farms Restaurant and Anju Above, and they’re all about creating a self-sustaining, beyond organic, resilient ecosystem to not only nourish the local community, but also to educate people about ethical, sustainable farming practices and spur discussion about where food comes from.
Meet owner, chefarmer and executive chef: Stu Hummel
We chatted with owner, chefarmer and executive chef Stu Hummel in order to gain more insight into Epiphany Farm’s unique business model.
Stu has always had a passion for culinary arts, but the amount of wasted food he noticed early in his career as a chef never sat well with him. Stu found himself disappointed with the restaurant business as it stood, so decided to set out to do something “real and honest” with his career. After meeting his two business partners Ken Myszka and Nanam Yoon, who shared his sentiments, the team decided to take the opportunity to make a change and incorporated in 2009.
Be the change you want to see in the world
Epiphany Farms raises pigs and chickens and produces all the eggs they need for their two restaurants. They have set up an ecosystem for beneficial bugs, they forage wild berries and mushrooms and harvest things others consider weeds that are actually delicious and nutrient packed. They even built a chicken coop out of an old RV, replacing the floors with wire. The coop is mobile, so it can double as a fertilizing system to nourish the fields.
Growing purpose and profit
Epiphany Farms now has 80 employees and four full-time farmers, so they’re supplying the restaurants and their community with local goodness year-round, and they’re also expanding their reach by sourcing some of Chicago’s top establishments with fresh, local ingredients.
In addition to the local appeal Epiphany Farms has generated over the last few years, the company has started to inspire audiences on a national scale. Their restaurants have even been recognized on Top Chef, Men’s Health, as part of Tedx Normal and in the Chicago Tribune, among other publications.
Stu credits his restaurant’s success to the amazing support system he’s found through his employees, as well as restaurant regulars who have helped make Epiphany Farms what it is today. According to Stu, “[Our employees] believe in what we believe in…the [Epiphany Farms] model just works.”
As a socially conscious company, Stu believes that Epiphany Farms could “write the book on the B-Corp” and seeks to lead by example in the food industry. Leadership, Stu says, is a principle entirely unique from management. He adds, becoming a groundbreaker in the industry is key for entrepreneurs who are just starting their careers.
From a marketing perspective, Stu has relied heavily on word of mouth, as well as a series of mouthwatering social media posts that feature some of their amazing farm to fork creations. By offering great service and “taking it one table it at a time,” Epiphany Farms has truly carved out a niche among the socially conscientious, as well as those looking for an amazing mission-driven meal.
Are you hungry? Visit Stu and Epiphany Farms to learn more about their eco friendly and resilient farming model.
