Essential Ingredients Podcast 012: Rethinking the Foundations: Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Building Products with Gregory Wilson
“People want to know where your food comes from. Why shouldn't people know where your building materials come from?” —Gregory Wilson
Many of the building materials we use in our homes and workplaces can pose serious health risks. From toxic chemicals like formaldehyde to hazardous plastics, these materials can negatively impact indoor air quality and overall well-being. Therefore, it's time to rethink the foundations of construction and seek out sustainable, plant-based alternatives that prioritize human health.
Gregory Wilson is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of HempWood®, a company revolutionizing the building industry with its eco-friendly, carbon-negative flooring solutions. With over 28 years of experience in the field, Wilson is on a mission to provide healthier, more sustainable materials for residential and commercial spaces.
In this episode, Wilson discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the environmental and health benefits of Hempwood, the challenges of competing with cheaper but less sustainable options, and his plans for global expansion.
Meet Gregory:
Gregory Wilson is the founder of HempWood®, a company that produces sustainable building materials made from hemp fiber and soy protein. He has a background in business strategy, financial modeling, and product development, with experience in setting up operations in the USA and China. Gregory is also involved in other ventures such as SmartOAK Pty Ltd and QPC Partners, focusing on innovative and eco-friendly solutions in the real estate and manufacturing industries. He holds an MBA from Frostburg State University and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School.
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Episode Highlights:
01:47 Loving the Outdoors
05:40 The Only Carbon-Negative Flooring Company
14:00 Overcoming Challenges in Sales
18:49 Do Not Be a Minority Owner in Your Own Company
23:59 Expanding Global Reach
27:43 What People Care About Most
31:06 It's Not Easy to Do What's Right