Welcome to the HempAware Radio Podcast, where we explore the exciting world of hemp and its impact on sustainability, health, and innovation.
In today's episode, host Tyler Hemp welcomes Greg Wilson, founder of HempWood, to discuss the company's mission and groundbreaking products.
Greg shares insights on the importance of sustainable forestry, the unique properties of hemp wood, and the company's approach to eco-friendly manufacturing.
Discover the benefits of hemp wood as an alternative to traditional lumber, its versatile applications, and the positive environmental impact of this innovative material.
Join us as we delve into the world of hemp wood and its potential to revolutionize the construction and design industries.
Greg Wilson is a building material engineering professional who has made significant contributions to the bamboo industry.
After working in a vinyl siding mill and doing an internship in a wood flooring business, he eventually found his niche in the bamboo flooring industry, where he played a key role in pioneering and inventing strand woven bamboo.
For 14 years, Greg lived in China, dedicated to making advancements in the industry. In 2016, he filed patents after recognizing the potential of hemp, which had become legal in 2014.
His expertise and innovation have made a lasting impact in the world of building materials.
00:00 Toxic buildings pose health risks worldwide.
05:09 Bamboo flooring caused illness, company developed solution.
09:42 Forestry can be beneficial if managed properly.
10:57 Profit-driven logging harms biodiversity and ecosystems.
15:45 People contact us for sustainable, clean materials.
19:09 Types of cuts, grades, and production outcomes.
23:09 Hemp processing for various products using waste.
26:21 Gardening hemp, farming it for flowers.
30:25 Publicly sharing your entrepreneurial journey is vital.
33:23 Channels for hemp-based business marketing discussed briefly.
37:51 Life's about relationships, offering value brings reciprocity.
39:14 Explore hemp wood products for your projects.
Introduction to HempWood and Greg Wilson
- Introduction to HempWood and its founder, Greg Wilson
- Transition from the bamboo industry to hemp due to health issues
- Experience in forestry and focus on sustainable forest harvesting
- HempWood as a sustainable alternative to bamboo and conventional lumber
HempWood Production and Materials
- Use of hemp and soy-based adhesive in HempWood products
- Application of the Fibonacci sequence and biomimicry principles for structural integrity
- Zero-waste process and energy production from waste through a bio burner
- Versatility of hemp wood products in applications
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
- Addressing toxic building materials and off-gassing chemicals
- Carbon-negative flooring option
- Sustainable forest harvesting and its impact on biodiversity and carbon sequestration
- Use of hemp wood as an alternative to deforestation and toxic materials
Marketing Strategies and Business Operations
- Importance of sharing the company's story in marketing
- Priority on paying others before self-payment
- Focus on social media platforms for advertising
- Experiences with Google Ads and challenges with other platforms
HempWood Products and Technical Details
- Range of products including flooring, furniture, and cabinetry
- Different cuts and grades of hemp wood products
- Applications beyond flooring in craft goods and accent walls
- Catering to commercial customers and ability to send job packs to site
Hemp Farming and Industry Challenges
- Focus on hemp farming for flower, grain, and fiber
- Differentiating between farming and gardening
- Regulatory and testing challenges for grain and fiber hemp
- Growing hemp in specific regions and processing methods
Philosophy of Business and Message to Humanity
- Importance of enjoyment and energy exertion in business
- Doing the right thing even when it's not the easiest or most profitable
- Tyler Hemp's comparison of money to energy and value exchange in the marketplace
- Message to humanity on doing the right thing
Future Vision for HempWood and Conclusion
- Scaling production and potential for growth
- Company's manufacturing capacity and equipment worth
- Invitation for those interested in hemp wood to reach out
- Promotion of HempWood products and building structures