Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My parents are my greatest inspiration. Watching them work tirelessly without the security of retirement sparked a "race against time" for me at 18. Their struggle shifted my mindset from building a side hustle to building a 10x legacy. I am driven to ensure they never worry about a bill again. In business, I’m inspired by models like Costco prioritizing accessibility and scale. I aim to merge that efficiency with a mission to educate and sustain my local community.

How do you stay motivated?

My motivation is fueled by a sense of urgency and legacy. Realizing my father was getting older without a clear path to retirement "flipped a switch" in me at 18. I’m not just working for a paycheck; I’m working against a clock to ensure my parents never have to worry about a bill again. This "10x" mission keeps me disciplined during the long hours. Whether I’m educating local farmers or expanding Grandma’s Pot Shop, knowing my family’s future de

What would you do with the $25,000?

I will split the $25,000 to scale both impact and accessibility. For Kurtz Kultivation, I’ll invest in automated nursery tech to increase seedling output for local farmers, doubling our educational reach. For Grandma’s Pot Shop, funds will go toward bulk inventory and streamlined logistics—adopting the "Costco model" to lower costs for patients who need affordable medicine. This capital isn't just for overhead; it’s the fuel to transition from a small-scale oper