Meet Nathanael: The Founder of Black Forest Mushrooms
Nathanael, the visionary behind Black Forest Mushrooms, has turned his passion for sustainable agriculture into a thriving business. His company, based in a hyper-localized, controlled environment farm, cultivates gourmet mushrooms with a mission to combat climate change and strengthen local food security.
From Garage to Grand Opening
Nathanael’s journey began modestly in his two-car garage, which he converted into a controlled environment mushroom farm. His first sale was on June 30, 2022. The business quickly outgrew its humble beginnings, leading Nathanael to acquire a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in downtown Everett. The grand opening of this new facility on December 9, 2023, marked a significant milestone, with an impressive turnout that even surprised Mayor Cassie Franklin who spoke at the grand opening.
Navigating the Business Landscape with CIE
Nathanael credits much of his success to the support he received from the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE). Working closely with Devin Gonzalez from CIE, Nathanael was able to navigate the plethora of resources available to new businesses. “Devin has been absolutely fantastic,” Nathanael shares. “He helps us filter opportunities that are best for us, saving us time and bandwidth, which is crucial for our growing business.”
Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from a 460-square-foot garage to a 10,000-square-foot warehouse came with its fair share of challenges. Coordinating vendors, dealing with equipment issues, and managing contractors were just a few of the hurdles Nathanael faced. “It was a huge challenge,” he recalls. “But we managed to overcome it and continue production without falling behind on supporting our existing clientele.”
A Passion for Healthy Communities
Nathanael’s favorite part of being a business owner is the opportunity to cultivate healthy communities. This passion is evident in Black Forest Mushrooms’ annual “Mush Love” initiative, where they donate one pound of mushrooms for every pound sold to local food banks in February. “It’s a no-brainer for us to help cultivate healthy communities and provide highly nutritious gourmet mushrooms to vulnerable communities,” Nathanael explains.
A Personal Journey with PTSD
Nathanael’s path to becoming a business owner is deeply intertwined with his personal journey of coping with PTSD. A former US Air Force service member, Nathanael was diagnosed with PTSD after his deployment. The diagnosis led him to reevaluate his life and seek ways to make a positive impact. “Mushroom cultivation has been therapeutic,” he says. “It has helped me heal and gain a unique perspective on life.”
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Nathanael’s experience with PTSD has made him particularly attentive to mental health within his company. He ensures that his employees, whom he calls Rangers, have a supportive work environment. “We spend so much time at work; it’s crucial to have a positive and conducive environment,” he emphasizes.
Looking to the Future
As Black Forest Mushrooms continues to grow, Nathanael remains grateful for the support from the community. “It’s been a true blessing to serve the community and develop products that people genuinely enjoy,” he says. With the opening of their Series A round of funding, Nathanael is looking for mission-driven investors to join them in their “mushrooming” growth.
Nathanael’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community support, and the healing potential of nature. From battling PTSD to building a successful business, his journey inspires others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world.
