“And investors.”
I nod.
“Okay. Then we’ll get them on board today,” she says decisively as Paul slows the car in front of the tall building where Albright Investments has its offices.
I believe her.
An hour later, I’m sitting back in my chair at the conference table filled with a mix of excitement, pride, and pure delight.
Harriet Ginger Riley isreallygood at her job.
“Nebraska uses nearly ninety percent of its land for farms and ranches,” Ginny tells the Albright brothers. “It’s a national leader in producing corn, soybeans, beef, and pork. Yet its rate of food insecurity is twelve point two percent, which puts itabovethe national average.”
Gage frowns. “That’s puzzling.”
She nods. “There are many rural towns that have no grocery store or only very small ones. Many people aremilesfrom thenearest large store with a variety of fresh food. That means that people need transportation and time to go procure fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats even though they live in the heart of farm country.”
Connor nods. “And IES can help solve that problem?”
“IES, along with IAS—Innovative Agriculture Solutions—the company they are partnering with to build and power indoor farms. An indoor farm can grow a variety of fresh food year-round, regardless of climate and weather, wherever people need it. They can grow food that isn’t even native to the area.”
She goes on to describe the advantages, how we can completely change farming as it’s now known in many small towns across the Midwest, and how we can help supply not just local grocery stores but also schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and more.
I’m mesmerized. As are the other men.
She’s animated, warm, and passionate, but in a way that invites you in to learn and become just as excited about the topic as she is.
“Indoor farming also allows more food to be produced in the same space,” she says. “It helps conserve land and makes the entire enterprise more efficient.”
“Well, I’m sold,” Gage says, looking at his brother. “Not only is this right up our alley, but this is fascinating work.”
“I agree,” Connor says. “I’d love to come to Nebraska and see a farm in action.”
Ginny smiles widely. “You’ll be able to do that in a few months. Our first one is in process now.”
Gage looks at me. “Does Graham know that Ginny here is going to take his job pitching projects to investors?”
I nod. “He does, and he’s thrilled.”
They haven’t met Graham, but I’ve mentioned him, of course, and they’ve done their research.
“Well, Ginny, you’ve done a great job educating us,” Gage says. “Everett, let’s talk numbers.”
I feel the buzz of excitement. Not only is this going even better than expected, but I’m thrilled to be doing this with Ginny.
She’s gorgeous in work mode. I know what she said to Eduardo in New Mexico. Now I’ve seen her in action. She can figure out exactly what the current audience needs to hear, get to the heart of what they need from us, and assure them we can deliver it.
Eduardo wants to be an innovator and a leader in his community. He wants to help take care of his neighbors. She showed him how he can do that with IES and IAS.
The Albrights want to do good in the world. They want to use their money to make a broader difference and have their company and family name associated with humanitarian work. Ginny gave it to them in the perfect presentation.
I pull out the numbers and facts they need to move forward. This is the dry stuff. It’s hard to be passionate about numbers. But I find Ginny leaning in and listening intently, taking it all in.
“Well, this is all wonderful,” Gage says. “Better than we expected in fact.”
Connor nods his agreement. “We’re so happy you were able to come in today. Thanks for giving up your holiday.”
They’rehappy we could come in? They just committed the amount we need to move our ten farms forward and then some. We can fast-track at least five of them now.
